Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
General Nick Fury, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Samuel L. Jackson (and who admits would be his choice to play him if they ever wrote a movie about him) gathers up a team of super-humans on behalf of the government. The perceived need for "super soldiers" (yes, that word is used intentionally) is triggered by the initial appearance of the Hulk, who manages to destroy New York's Chelsea Pier.
Bruce Banner, restored to a human form a CALM human form, is failing in his attempt at replicating the Super Soldier formula used to create World War II's Captain America. Henry Pym, who has developed the powers of Giant Man, has his own size- and insect-based accomplishments but is no closer than Banner to recreating the Super Solder formula. Even the discovery of the original Captain America, frozen in suspended animation, brings them no closer.
Except ... everything is different in this version. Banner is a failure, belittled by even Betty Ross. His alter-ego isn't a minsunderstood beast but a self-absorbed monster. Henry Pym is not much better, nor is his relationship wth his wife, Janet. Each has their own dark side that do not involve super-powers, as well. Steve Rogers learns of the difficulty of actually having the appearance and stamina of someone 40 years younger than his contemporaries, entering the prime of his life while his former partner and girlfriend have entered their retirement years. Janet Pym has her own dark secrets; in this version, her powers were not provided to her by Henry Pym. Thor is a new-age guru advocating against the industrial-military complex, and Iron Man ... well Iron Man is pretty much who you would expect only more so.
All in all, I found this to be a most excellent read; one of the best graphic novels I've seen in the past few years.
RATING: 5 stars.
Bruce Banner, restored to a human form a CALM human form, is failing in his attempt at replicating the Super Soldier formula used to create World War II's Captain America. Henry Pym, who has developed the powers of Giant Man, has his own size- and insect-based accomplishments but is no closer than Banner to recreating the Super Solder formula. Even the discovery of the original Captain America, frozen in suspended animation, brings them no closer.
Except ... everything is different in this version. Banner is a failure, belittled by even Betty Ross. His alter-ego isn't a minsunderstood beast but a self-absorbed monster. Henry Pym is not much better, nor is his relationship wth his wife, Janet. Each has their own dark side that do not involve super-powers, as well. Steve Rogers learns of the difficulty of actually having the appearance and stamina of someone 40 years younger than his contemporaries, entering the prime of his life while his former partner and girlfriend have entered their retirement years. Janet Pym has her own dark secrets; in this version, her powers were not provided to her by Henry Pym. Thor is a new-age guru advocating against the industrial-military complex, and Iron Man ... well Iron Man is pretty much who you would expect only more so.
All in all, I found this to be a most excellent read; one of the best graphic novels I've seen in the past few years.
RATING: 5 stars.
