A-Force Review #5

Writers: M. Bennett, G. Willow Wilson / Artists: J. Molina, L. Martin / Marvel Comics And here we are, at the end of the “special event” that is A-Force. It has been an entertaining and surprisingly touching 5-issue series, and the concluding comic doesn’t disappoint. Jorge Molina and Laura Martin continue to turn in amazingly vivid, candy-color art that is also full of references to other comics. This issue centers around an island-wide fight against a zombie horde and almost every panel is packed with female heroes doing what they do best: shooting, singing, drop-kicking, and generally annihilating zombies. You could spend from now till the next issue is available playing “can you name all the women heroes in this panel?” And it is clear that the artists and writers had a blast giving each hero a panel and a line that fit with their personality — with just enough snark so you never forget that a point is being made. It was a blast to read. I mean, does it get any better than this panel gender-bending the old Spider-Man saves Mary Jane trope? No, no it doesn’t. The big reveal of this issue is the name and superpower of the amazing Singularity. Even that is done tenderly and allows the artists to showcase their skill with faces and expressions. Singularity gets the big moment, and the last page, where the close mirrors the opening of the series perfectly. Issue 1 opening: Issue 5 closing: It is this kind of tight, purposeful writing that sets apart a team like Bennett and Wilson, and that tickles the word nerd in me. I’ll miss their combination, but I’m looking forward to what Wilson will do once Bennett rolls off to her next assignment. Overall, this is a great comic series. It has a concise plot arc and the art fits each action perfectly. It is both action packed and emotional. While it is clear that a point about an all-women’s team is being made, that is never taken too seriously. Practically every issue has a tongue-in-cheek reference to the woman-centered nature of the island and the plot, always keeping the reader in on the joke. It is accessible, fun, but not frivolous. If you’re looking for an on-ramp to comics and the All-New, All-Different Marvel, it doesn’t get much better than this.

9 out of 10

Want to know what you missed? Read the previous reviews here. I’ll be back to review the official series start in December, so stay tuned! Are you following Black Nerd Problems on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr or Google+?