Review: Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #35

Wanted by the Russians for violating Russian airspace. Strapped to a dissecting table, getting ready to be filleted open by a very nasty looking scapal and an even nastier looking Skrull. Plus, the whole world’s quickly falling into chaos. Things are starting to look kinda bleak for ol’ James “Rhodey” Rhodes! Get ready for some all out Skrull blasting action in the conclusion to War Machine: Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D!

Awesome, awesome issue! Writer Christos Gage and artist Sean Chen have delivered a solid winner with this book! From the opening page, the story takes off and doesn’t let up until the last panel! Gage’s script features some absolutely fantastic dialog, especially with the character of Crimson Dynamo. There is one scene in particular with Dynamo receiving orders from his superiors and he’s trying to decide whether to follow the orders or go with what he believes is the right thing to do that I really thought was terrific. The whole moment just felt very real and believable. As far as I can remember, this is the first time I have ever read anything with Crimson Dynamo before, but I definitely want to see some more of him! As far as Rhodey goes, I loved his portrayal in this book. From giving a Skrull a laser labotomy to using himself as a human missle to take down Skrull battle cruisers, I was really digging his pull no punches, full throttle attitude!

The art from Chen, inker Sandu Florea, and colorist Jay David Ramos was absolutely top notch. There were some wonderful splash pages scattered throughout and all the battle sequences were wonderfully detailed. Plus, the cover from Adi Granov of War Machine diving into battle with guns blazing is just spectacular!

In all, this was just a really fantastic issue all around. From the writer to all the artists involved, everyone delivered a top notch read. This issue has really got me fired up to check out the upcoming War Machine series coming this December!

COVER BY: ADI GRANOV
WRITER: CHRISTOS GAGE
PENCILS: SEAN CHEN
INKS: SANDU FLOREA
COLORED BY: JAY DAVID RAMOS
LETTERED BY: VC – JOE CARAMAGNA
EDITOR: BILL ROSEMANN
Rated T+ …$2.99

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Preview: Thunderbolts: International Incident

An International Incident Shakes The Thunderbolts

In the wake of the Civil War and the nationwide adoption of the Superhero Registration act, heroes and villains alike are now working for the government. Enter the Thunderbolts – a fearful super-villain team forced to be the good guys. However, Radioactive Man, a citizen of China, and the Swordsman, who hails from Germany, are not American citizens. In a mind-blowing one shot, Thunderbolts: International Incident, the team is tasked with following the sadistic scientist Arnim Zola after an attack in Atlanta. The mission, however, involves going into a foreign country; something not in the Thunderbolts’ contract. Radioactive Man and Swordsman will be faced with strenuous decisions. What do you do when a mission goes against the best interests of your home country? To whom does your allegiance truly belong?

Wrapped in a stunning cover by Marko Djurdjevic, Thunderbolts: International Incident is penned by the amazing Christos Gage (mastermind behind Thunderbolts: Breaking Point and House of M: Avengers) and is combined with the sensational art of Ben Oliver (Ultimate X-Men).

Will Radioactive Man and Swordsman stand up for their team, their country, or will they go rogue? This fantastic one shot is perfect for readers new and old; this is the Thunderbolts special that can’t be missed!

THUNDERBOLTS: INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT (DEC072208)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Art by BEN OLIVER
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC – 2/7, On-Sale 2/27/2008

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