Publisher: Top Cow
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Kenneth Rocafort
Cover: Kenneth Rocafort
“CF/HK pt 4”: Things just DO NOT look good for these two teams as their continued downward spiral goes even further in this issue. After barely escaping Morningstar’s trap, Ballistic, Ellis, Ripclaw, and Samantha are all that’s left of the Cyber Force and Hunter Killer teams. As the reality of this starts to weigh in on the heroes, Ellis is forced to make a risky move and use his abilities in a way he never has. So he begins to copy the powers of two of his severely injured team mates which is something he’s never done before, but desperate times call for more desperate measures. The strain is pretty evident, but it gets worse when he actually uses the newly acquired powers and Samantha tells him that they can smell his skin cooking. Continuing on with the mission, Ripclaw decides to buy the others some time by attacking the two 30ft guards so they can make it to their friends. Funny thing is that while trying to free the two teams, Morningstar reveals that they have been wrong about his intentions the entire time, and the last two pages show us the ugly side of the Jett device…and I do mean ugly!
Now four issues deep and Mark Waid has not let up on the ass whoopin’ these teams are taking. The physical and psychological damage here is so great that even if the good guys do win it will be a Pyrrhic victory at best. And you know what? That’s okay, especially when all too often the heroes come out of these team up books all hugs and smiles planning softball games and BBQs. Waid promised in the beginning that this story wouldn’t be your usual team up book, and so far he is delivering. Speaking of delivering, Rocafort does a good enough job with this issue, though I feel the earlier ones were much better visually. He still brings an artistic punch to the title that keeps you interested, and that dynamic panel layout helps move the story. There is a brief but brutal fight scene with Ripclaw, followed by a shot of him after the fight with the two giants that is just awesome!
With just a couple of issues left and the good guys this far behind, I’m eager to see how they pull themselves out of it and save the day. I would actually be more impressed with the story if they only accomplished that goal halfway or not at all, but I’m sure Waid has a few more tricks up his sleeve to end this series with a bang!
And in case you’re wondering, I just had to throw in this awesome cover by Joe Benitez (Iris: Executive Assistant) who does excellent work!
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Mark Waid’s current “Strange” Limited Series is really good so I’m sure this book is no different. The artwork looks great to. Nice review Speech.
“That’s okay, especially when all too often the heroes come out of these team up books all hugs and smiles planning softball games and BBQs.”
Too true, too true.
I’m loving this series. Kenneth Rocafort is the man and he should be on an X-book!!
I’m liking this series a lot more than I thought and it’s in part because the tone of the book is a lot different from the norm. No comical quips between the teams, no one trying to one up the other. These guys are being put through the meat grinder, I just hope there’s someone left of either team to carry their seperate titles lol
I plan on picking up Strange in trade Billy and I’m not a Doc Strange fan however I’m willing to give it a try because it’s Waid.
@Speech-Just don’t go into the read with expectations of Eternity or Dormmamu popping up and you’ll like it.
I actually just assumed it would more of a humanizing tale with him dealing with the loss of his role and adjusting to it.
This review was quoted on the cover of Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #5!! Check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=777643&id=102202564954
AWESOME!!!
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