[Hey everyone! Please give our own Doug Peach a warm welcome back! He's helping to do the soft launch of something I think we'll be seeing more of soon. It's very appropriate that Doug and this column--Single Minded--return at the same time as part of Panel Patter's 2018! Enjoy! -Rob M.]
Weapon H #3
Marvel Comics
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Cory Smith
Colorists: Morry Hollowell & Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Marvel’s Weapon H comic, where an unfortunate ex-military soldier undergoes an experimental process against his will ending with him having the powers of The Incredible Hulk along with those of Wolverine, is something that every 10-14 year old boy I grew up with ever dreamed about. There’s a mystery as to who this character is, another mystery involving the Roxxon corporation and what they need him for, along with the mystery of what this new character will actually do, and what he wants. But foremost in all the issues so far has been the action, and Pak and Smith do not disappoint that teenager in all of us. I haven’t read a Marvel book in about 8 months. I know nothing of the current continuity. None of that matters. It’s just a fun ride and I’m on board for the foreseeable future but refuse to use the word Hulkverine.
A Walk Through Hell #1
Aftershock Comics
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Goran Sudzuka
Colorist: Ive Svorcina
Letterer: Rob Steen
I’ve read enough Garth Ennis books in my life to know I would like to read more Garth Ennis books in my life. So if I see a new #1 from him, odds are I’m picking it up. Not everything he writes is for me, but I’d put him on my list of favorites for sure. This first issue has some definite dread on display, an ambient fear that drives you to keep reading, turning those pages, and falling into the story. There’s some serious tragic killings, so far none of the acidic humor Ennis is known for, and at least one great page that I don’t believe anyone could see coming. And we still don’t truly know what awaits us like all good mysteries and horror stories. I think this is worth the read by a mile.
New Challengers #1
DC Comics
Writer: Aaron Gillespie, Scott Snyder
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inks: Klaus Janson
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Deron Bennett
Before reading this, I knew nothing of The Challengers of the Unknown. I know a little more now. Enough to be able to say The last thing I remember is dying… is such a great premise for the formation of a group of any adventurers. These characters, ripped from their impending deaths, have no choice to be anything but heroes. I mean The Mission or The Museum isn’t much of a choice at all. We don’t get very much backstory on anyone except Trina, who was an herbalist of some kind before “dying” fighting off an invasion. Everyone else on the team is interesting enough without a formal backstory being covered in this initial issue. I’m sure all the characters will get a chance to shine and tell their story, but this issue works without it. And then there’s “Prof” who seems as though he might be the one pulling all the strings. We don’t learn a lot about him in this issue either, but again, we learn enough to question his actions, methods, and purpose. Kubert’s art is fantastic, and seems really well suited to this book and the strangeness it seems to be after. I can’t wait for the next issue.