Siege #3
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Oliver Coipel
So here we are at the second to the last issue of this climactic siege and I for one am having a great time. Before I started writing this review I perused the net to see what others are saying about this epic battle and I was surprised to see some really bad if not very disappointing reviews. Everyone has an opinion or an expectation I guess, but I for one am in it for the entertainment value. I love the artwork and the fantasy. I feel no need to over think the ramifications or critique the realism of my beloved Marvel universe (at least not today). I’m really beginning to dig seeing all my favorite heroes and villains beating the hell out of each other. I may be a little shallow when it comes to comics but this is not meant to be artsy. Siege is a Marvel event, which really equates to an opportunity to watch any and every super human in Marvel-land beat on each other and put right what once went wrong (Quantum Leap reference).
I’ve decided to shorten this review a bit since the writer and artist part would just end up being the same as my review of issue #2 (you can read that review here: Siege #2 Review). Instead we will just take a gander at the plot and then go right into the verdict.
Let’s break it down.
The Plot
In the halls of Asgard and on the streets of small town America the entire Universe is gripped in a the greatest battle ever seen: SIEGE!! Lives have been lost! Lines have been drawn! And the battle for Asgard is in full force. The moment for revelations and life-changing moves is here, and for some, this will be the last choice they ever make in this world. What happens next is so epic, so historic, that it changes the entire dynamic of the Marvel Universe. You’re gonna want to be there for this one…trust us.
The Verdict
This is an action packed battle filled with gods and supermen (superwomen) and a bunch of great villains. I thought it was a blast. My only complaint with this issue is the length. Siege #3 feels very short. Otherwise I loved it. I was thrilled to see the Juggernaut arrive and the Sentry is all kinds of cool. Issue number 4 will wrap this mini up. I for one am hoping to be satisfied but I’m concerned that the payoff may be weak. I loved 1-3 and I’m banking on Bendis to pull out all the stops for the grand finale.
Siege #2
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Oliver Coipel
Cover By: Olivier Coipel, Gabriele Dell’Otto
3 Feb 2010 - 40 PGS - $3.99 US - DEC090432
The battle has begun right at Asgard’s doorstep and it’s a doozy. Ares the son of Zeus is out front leading the charge under false pretenses. Norman Osborn and Loki are playing the puppet masters in order to get what they want. All the while the Avengers are beginning to re-assemble. Issue #2 of Siege is explosive! I fear that quite of few great characters are going down in this series. So far Siege has been impressive. It’s a fan-boys wet dream and I’m all giddy and excited.
So let’s break it down.
The Plot
The blockbuster Marvel event of the year goes full-blown carnage and madness as the biggest and most brutal battle in Marvel’s history brings together heroes from all sides. Lines have been drawn, and an unlikely hero will save one Avenger, but they can’t save them all.
The Siege has begun and it claims its first victim as AN AVENGER WILL DIE!!
The Writing
It’s hard to find a fault with anything that Brian Michael Bendis writes and Siege is no exception. This book throws you right into the mess, while Brian’s writing sucks you in. If you have ever read a poorly written issue of Thor then you can imagine how terrible the dialog can be. Siege is all about the gods and Bendis writes them to such excruciating perfection that it tears me up a bit just thinking about it.
The Art
I’ve included a preview of the book at the end of this review. Oliver Coipel’s illustrations are freaking amazing! After reading the first 2 issues of Siege I’m tempted to hit my local comic shop in search of any and all comics drawn by Coipel. His artwork is fantastic. I don’t think that Bendis could have found a better artist to complement his work if he had tried.
The Verdict
I’ll admit that I picked up Siege #1 with some trepidation. I mean, this is another one of those books that seems to require you to read 10 other titles in order to understand what’s happening. The contrary was true for me on this one. In fact I was able to read Issue #1 with very little knowledge of previous events in the Marvel U. Instead of the feeling that I am required to read the books surrounding this storyline I find myself wanting to read them. Thus far Siege has been an incredible comic. There’s a scene early on in Siege #2 between Ares and the Sentry that is jaw dropping. JAW DROPPING! It’s definitely going to find a place in my top 5 greatest comic moments of 2010. I am on pins and needles waiting to read issue #3. I want to see Thor take down the Sentry. Although it would be equally interesting to see the Sentry brutally take down Thor. I’m sure something awesome is coming and I’m going to be there to see it. So what is the Verdict? Simply put, Siege needs to be on your pull list.
