Review: ALL-NEW INVADERS #1

Writer:  James Robinson
Penciler:  Steve Pugh
Colorist:  Guru-eFX
Letterer:  Cory Petit
Designer:  Tim Leong
Publisher:  Marvel Comics

Marvel has decided to refresh the Invaders property by launching All-New Invaders.  The original lineup of Invaders are back together in the present:  Captain America, Namor the Submariner, Jim Hammond the original Human Torch, and Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier.  The Kree are after a weapon lost on Earth, and only the Invaders know its whereabouts.

All-New Invaders #1 interior art

What I Liked

As someone not familiar with the Invaders, James Robinson is able to present a #1 issue that brings us up-to-speed with the main plot of the story.  Robinson also focuses the issue on the one member of the Invaders (Jim Hammond) who most readers won’t be familiar with.  Smart move.

A new villain, Tanalth the Pursuer, makes her debut to the Marvel universe.  Instead of using Ronin or other members of his Accuser Corp, Robinson creates a new character and makes her female.  Hopefully she sticks around for awhile.

Steve Pugh‘s art was very clean and easily understood.  I had no problems keeping up with the panel movement or who was who.

With this book featuring classic heroes from the past, I wonder how big a part flashbacks will play.  There was an important flashback that showed a hero I had never heard of before.  I wonder if this person has always existed or if they were retconned into existence.

What I Didn’t Like

As I praise the comic featuring Jim Hammond, it may have been too much of the hero.  Especially considering the other members of the Invaders barely appear in the book.  I’m sure some readers will be expecting to see the most famous member of the Invaders, Captain America, and could be disappointed.

Pugh’s art was nice, but I a few of the faces of characters gave me vibes of Greg Land.  That alone could be seen as a bad thing to some fans.  Lots of the facial expressions seemed to be photo referenced, but I could be wrong.  At the very least, they appeared life-like.

All-New Invaders #1 cover

Summary

Without having any interest in All-New Invaders coming into this comic, there is enough here to have me curious to keep reading.  I want to see how the first story arc plays out.  After that, I’ll see if there’s enough of a hook for future readings.

Rating:  3 out of 5

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE