A comiXologist Recommends

Howling Commandos of SHIELD #3 (Marvel)

T’was the week of New Years, when all through the house

Not a monster was stirring, not even the Zombie Jasper Sitwell.

The artifacts were hung by the crypts with care,

In hopes that the Howling Commandos of SHIELD soon would be there.

But seriously folks, Howling Commandos of SHIELD is one of the most fun ideas to come out of All-New All-Different Marvel line-up. In this issue, we pick up where we left off from issue #2, where the Commandos are responding to disturbance at an Egyptian Museum. From there the action picks up in more ways than one. While out on mission, Dum Dum Dugan is still trying to prove the usefulness of Zombie Jasper Sitwell (who had an accident with a rocket launcher in issue #1.) While back at S.T.A.K.E. H.Q., Nadeen, a girl with powerful supernatural abilities, is trying to figure out what is happening to her. This is a great issue, it’s full of action and humor. Frank J. Barbiere (Five Ghosts and Black Market) has set up an entertaining story that is just starting to hit its stride. Brent Schoonover’s style (Batman 66’ and Back to the Future) is akin to Jack Kirby (dots included) and Sal Buscema, because it has a retro feel that matches the tone and story perfectly. The pacing and storytelling for these first-time collaborators is really starting to mesh, and is only getting better.

If you are looking for a unique and fun series to start, and you like action with 1970’s horror feel, then by all means you should read this book. The series is still in its first few issues, so it is exciting to see where Frank and Brent can take it. For me this series is a stand out in the All-New All-Different Marvel line-up.

He sprang to his Quinjet, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere as they flew out of sight,

“Happy New Year to all, and to all a good-night!”

Growing up on a healthy diet of comics, cartoons, and movies, Chris Zenyuch decided to move to NYC to join the Avengers. After being told, “sorry, no unsolicited try-outs,” and “we get it. You’re strong, but please put down the coffee table,” he decided to put that dream to rest, and work in selling comics. Chris now works as a Production Supervisor looking after book and sale activations.  Today is his birthday.