Author: Frank Barbiere Artist: Brent Schoonover Cover Artist: Brent Schoonover and Nick Filardi Release: October 28, 2015 Rating: 3.5/5 Long Boxes "Hidden deep beneath AREA 13 lies the clandestine headquarters of S.T.A.K.E. - a top secret division of S.H.I.E.L.D. housing aliens, mythical beasts, and all manner of extra-normal entities. Under the command of legendary soldier Dum Dum Dugan, these monsters step out of the shadows and defend the world against super human threats too dangerous for normal men as the All New, All Different Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D.!" |
Readers are introduced to an "All New, All Different" Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Frank Barbiere's Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1. Lead by advanced Life Model Decoy Dum Dum Dugan the commandos respond to the threats that S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't risk anyone else on. The first issue finds this merry band of misfits and monsters responding to a freighter distress call. Some sort of artifact is causing the ship's crew to be turned into plant-based zombie-like creatures. In addition to Dum Dum Dugan the cast of characters include: Captain Reyna (a Warwolf), Zombie Jasper Stilwell, Manphibian, Vampire by Night, Orrgo, Teen Abomination, Hit-Monkey, and my favorite, Man-Thing.
I have to admit this is my first experience with many of these characters. I have spent many a night ogling the Man-Thing Omnibus though. When I first saw the Howling Commandos cover, I knew I would be checking this book out based upon the team composition alone. Let me tell you now, Man-Thing, although only featured briefly, is pretty much a bad-ass in this issue. Definitely looking forward to how this team will utilize him throughout the series.
This book is good, on the verge of very good, and has tons of potential to be a very fun monthly book to add to your pull list. Barbiere does a great job of portraying the fact that with a team with a make up like the Howling Commandos, every mission will not go swimmingly. I like the concept that the Commandos are going to handle those situations that no one else in the Marvel universe will touch; the potential is there to explore some interesting corners of the Marvel world. I don't necessarily think a ship full of plant-based zombie creatures is quite in that realm. However, based off the cliff hanger at the end of the issue, the next issue should be a little more appropriate for the team. Barbiere clearly has a great hand for comedy. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the issue. Zombie Jasper Stillwell, Orggo, and Hit-Monkey were all especially hilarious.
The art and coloring are spot on here, especially the character designs, which shine throughout. This book is lighthearted and fun but has some darker tones present, this is a book amount monsters after all. I think it is important that Brent and Nick do a great job of reminding us that the Commandos are monsters. Although a comedic book, each character is still properly portrayed as terrifying, well maybe not so much for Zombie Jasper Stillwell. It seems each character in this opening has a moment where they all "go-off" in one scene in which the art captures the monster essence of each perfectly.
This is a very approachable All New, All Different title. I found myself really enjoying it, even with a limited past experience with many of the characters. Barbiere and team are off to a strong start, the potential for this series to be a great monthly read is definitely there. There are a lot of potential elements to explore based on this team composition and their assigned missions. I look forward to seeing how these misfits and develop into a team. My guess is there will be a lot of growing pains which will prove to be a lot of fun for us readers as the Commandos deliver less than satisfactory results to S.H.I.E.L.D.. I would really love it if the series began to look at the less touched upon paranormal, celestial, and otherworldly aspects of the Marvel universe.
I have to admit this is my first experience with many of these characters. I have spent many a night ogling the Man-Thing Omnibus though. When I first saw the Howling Commandos cover, I knew I would be checking this book out based upon the team composition alone. Let me tell you now, Man-Thing, although only featured briefly, is pretty much a bad-ass in this issue. Definitely looking forward to how this team will utilize him throughout the series.
This book is good, on the verge of very good, and has tons of potential to be a very fun monthly book to add to your pull list. Barbiere does a great job of portraying the fact that with a team with a make up like the Howling Commandos, every mission will not go swimmingly. I like the concept that the Commandos are going to handle those situations that no one else in the Marvel universe will touch; the potential is there to explore some interesting corners of the Marvel world. I don't necessarily think a ship full of plant-based zombie creatures is quite in that realm. However, based off the cliff hanger at the end of the issue, the next issue should be a little more appropriate for the team. Barbiere clearly has a great hand for comedy. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the issue. Zombie Jasper Stillwell, Orggo, and Hit-Monkey were all especially hilarious.
The art and coloring are spot on here, especially the character designs, which shine throughout. This book is lighthearted and fun but has some darker tones present, this is a book amount monsters after all. I think it is important that Brent and Nick do a great job of reminding us that the Commandos are monsters. Although a comedic book, each character is still properly portrayed as terrifying, well maybe not so much for Zombie Jasper Stillwell. It seems each character in this opening has a moment where they all "go-off" in one scene in which the art captures the monster essence of each perfectly.
This is a very approachable All New, All Different title. I found myself really enjoying it, even with a limited past experience with many of the characters. Barbiere and team are off to a strong start, the potential for this series to be a great monthly read is definitely there. There are a lot of potential elements to explore based on this team composition and their assigned missions. I look forward to seeing how these misfits and develop into a team. My guess is there will be a lot of growing pains which will prove to be a lot of fun for us readers as the Commandos deliver less than satisfactory results to S.H.I.E.L.D.. I would really love it if the series began to look at the less touched upon paranormal, celestial, and otherworldly aspects of the Marvel universe.