Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. #2 |
The paranormal elements I was hoping to see explored in Howling Commandos were ramped up in the second issue of the new series by Frank Barbiere. Dum Dum Dugan, Vampire by Night, and Manphibian, follow up on last month's teaser as they explore the appearance of ancient spirits, the girl summoning them, and a missing train in New York's subways. Personally, I would have enjoyed some of the other team members making an appearance (more Man-thing please) but I certainly enjoyed the scenes involving Dugan, Vampire by Night, and Manphibian. While the team is out on their mission, Barbiere introduces some mysterious plots taking place at the S.T.A.K.E. headquarters and concludes the issue with the appearance of a baddie that certainly caught me off guard. In addition, there is a possibility that a new character will be introduced as a member of the team or will at least have a larger role to play in the Commandos story line.
I have a lot of hope for this series and overall I found myself continuing to enjoy this comic through two issues. In terms of writing there were a few shortcomings, namely the aforementioned smaller team composition in this issue and some dialogue choices that I felt were unnecessary (yes Manphibian, we see the giant train on the page you are pointing out). Readers did get some additional character development for a number of the Commandos but I hope Barbiere provides some further development for the members that did not make an appearance this issue (again, Man-thing please). The humor that flowed through the first issue was certainly toned down this time around, which I appreciate. I think you can only have Zombie Jasper Stilwell fire a rocket launcher in the wrong direction so many times before the humor wears off. The overall story progressed well throughout this issue and Barbiere introduced some larger plot elements that I believe will develop into a very compelling monthly story. I again enjoyed Schoonover's art with this issue and I think he continues to portray the characters in a manner that gives them a monstrous feel but doesn't make them terrifying, which certainly fits the tone of the book . If Marvel and Barbiere were writing more of a horror themed comic book I would probably prefer someone else on art duties, but I think Schoonover fits well with this team and this book.
The Verdict: 3.0/5 long boxes. I wouldn't say this is the most compelling comic book out right now and it isn't the must read title of the All-New, All-Different line, but this book is fun and overall, is a good read. For now I'm making room in my long box especially following the different plot components introduced in this second issue that I am excited to see play out.
I have a lot of hope for this series and overall I found myself continuing to enjoy this comic through two issues. In terms of writing there were a few shortcomings, namely the aforementioned smaller team composition in this issue and some dialogue choices that I felt were unnecessary (yes Manphibian, we see the giant train on the page you are pointing out). Readers did get some additional character development for a number of the Commandos but I hope Barbiere provides some further development for the members that did not make an appearance this issue (again, Man-thing please). The humor that flowed through the first issue was certainly toned down this time around, which I appreciate. I think you can only have Zombie Jasper Stilwell fire a rocket launcher in the wrong direction so many times before the humor wears off. The overall story progressed well throughout this issue and Barbiere introduced some larger plot elements that I believe will develop into a very compelling monthly story. I again enjoyed Schoonover's art with this issue and I think he continues to portray the characters in a manner that gives them a monstrous feel but doesn't make them terrifying, which certainly fits the tone of the book . If Marvel and Barbiere were writing more of a horror themed comic book I would probably prefer someone else on art duties, but I think Schoonover fits well with this team and this book.
The Verdict: 3.0/5 long boxes. I wouldn't say this is the most compelling comic book out right now and it isn't the must read title of the All-New, All-Different line, but this book is fun and overall, is a good read. For now I'm making room in my long box especially following the different plot components introduced in this second issue that I am excited to see play out.