well the reviews are in, and some are really bad, some are good, yet almost everyone thinks that Alex Maleev should never, ever draw Namor again. I love some of the descriptions of who it actually looks like. Hobo, balding porn star, Bendis himself...
from ifanboy:It's come to my attention that I might've acted a bit childish in my last 'evah' review of a Bendis title. Okay, so Secret Invasion ended in a piss-poor way, but it's just one series/event....I mean, it's not like it can get worse can it? Well...
I couldnt help myself, considering 'Dark Reign' is going to effect every single title I needed to at least see what the hub-bub is with this one-shot. The results?: My god, I never got more bored with a Bendis title till now. For really no reason; Osborn assembles Dr. Doom, Loki, Emma Frost, The Hood, and Namor to basically say 'the world is ours'. Now it doesnt make much sense why Bendis would group in a bunch of heroes (Frost and Namor) with some of the most evil villain in the Marvel U (Doom and Loki), but hey why not go for it? Even if the heroes are morally ambiguous at times, these two heroes have been trying to save the world on a bunch of different occasions. But now with a chance of having Atlantis revived to glory and the threat of Mutant intermant camps (how many times have the government said they'll do that?) then they are all on board.
I'll admit it, Bendis writes a good Hood and Doom. I will always love the 'Hood' arc in New Avengers and maybe down the road I will try a Dr. Doom title written by Bendis (shall he ever does one). But everything else about this one-shot was just boring. Everything felt like it had to be shoehorned in to make it work. Emma dreaming about Kitty felt forced to reason why she joined the 'Illuminati'....at least I think that's why she joined the group, it's never really explained. Loki and Namor just felt like Bendis threw a dart at a board and got those two...They could've easilly been replaced by two other villains or heroes. Plus Bendis's, take on Osborn is just laughable. He goes from placcid and calm to bat-nuts crazy in a page. Now he has always been like this since the classic run of Ellis on Thunderbolts...But what he does to Swordsman here makes no lick of sense at all.
Let's talk about the art......Never before have I said the words 'Oh my God' in every page turn. What is so great about Maleev people? These characters look god awful. Namor looks like a hobo, Loki looks like a middle aged woman on QVC, Hood just looks just a hobo as well, Emma is fine but is wonky at points, and Osborn.....Those last pages of Osborn after killing Swordsman, that's what got me pissed off about the art. Look at those drawings of him, my god it's so off model. He looks like an alien creature on the last page of him. Terrible, the art is absolutely terrible. Too sketchy for me, and he tries to make it detailed with the faces...that's probably why all look so off modeled or just plain ugly looking. Maleev needs to go back to art school on this.
So Secret Invasion wasnt the last book 'evah' I read of Bendis. This Dark Reign one-shot is the last one 'evah'. Sorry to all of those who are puzzled with this decision, but Bendis has completely went off his rocker here. He went from a guy I absolutely adored coming back into the comic industry, to a Jeph Loeb type of writer. I will be happy knowing that I got the hell out of Bendisville before he went completely bat-nuts crazy. This one-shot might be nessicary to get Dark Reign, but I wouldnt recommend it.
Story: 1 - Poor Art: 1 - Poor
from comixtremeThis book is the counterpoint to the Illuminati special which came out just before Civil War. Whereas that one-shot showed the formation of the Illuminati, and who they were, and their importance in the greater Marvel Universe, and how they fell apart, with the decision to send the Hulk away and then the Registration issue, this issue instead shows the forming of a new alliance, a dark alliance, of Norman Osborn, Loki, Dr. Doom, Namor, The Hood and Emma Frost.
It's hard not to feel a little bit of deja vu here, because in its simplest form, doesn't this kind of sound like Acts of Vengeance? Now, comic trends do go in cycles, and eventually ideas and concepts come around again, so it only makes sense, but it is worth noting that in that storyline, Loki manipulated and brought together Kingpin, Red Skull, Magneto, Dr. Doom (later revealed as a Robot), Mandarin and the Wizard for his own nefarious purposes and plot. For further reading on Acts of Vengeance, I direct you to a column I wrote two years ago on the subject.
www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30976This special takes place directly after the closing sequence of Secret Invasion #8, as we see the formation of the Osborn-led alliance. In some ways, this is an extremely well-written issue which effectively sets up the future for these characters and their future interactions with heroes and villains alike. It also brings up numerous questions, of course.
Perhaps it's best to go through this special by analyzing the characterization of the various characters. For Osborn, Bendis does a faily good job characterizing him and setting him up for his position in the Dark Reign. Having followed the character's history for quite some time, especially during and after the Clone Saga, I'm still not quite sure if I believe in his rapid rise to power. I understand the concept behind it, but I still feel like it's pushing the limits a tad more than I'm comfortable with in terms of believeability. But I'll accept it, and what Bendis is trying to do here. I think my difficulty here, and likely the difficulty of others as well, is that I don't really see Osborn as that big a player. I mean, other characters, like Doom, Magneto, Namor, Loki, etc, they're big-time operators, to be sure, but Osborn just feels so... small. When Lex Luthor became president over at DC, that didn't feel diminished because of the threat-level that Luthor represents in DC. Stark becoming leader of SHIELD felt appropriate in a way that it wouldn't have if it had been, say, Gravity. Stark felt like he was a big-time player, and always has been. Osborn feels like he's been quickly upgraded to the big show, and I felt that here, although Bendis did his best to make us believe in Osborn the manipulator, Osborn the Dictator, the world power, the new Nick Fury. I'm hoping with time I feel him grow into the role, instead of just anticipating and waiting for his eventual topple into insanity (publically and not just privately).
Namor feels oddly characterized here, he doesn't feel like himself. He's been through a lot, with his own mini-series, and he's no longer got a proper kingdom to rule, but I didn't believe in his characterization here. It didn't feel like the Namor I'm used to reading, by Bendis or not.
Emma Frost... I'm interested to see where they go with this, and of the bunch, she perhaps feels the most at home here, as she's always been a rather selfishly motivated character, who does what she wants. I appreciate the nice tie-in to Astonishing X-Men, so I'm interested to see what happens down the line for Emma.
Loki feels oddly characterized as well, as it's hard to reconcile JMS' version with Bendis', simply because the former's version is much more subtle, diabolical, and crafty, and already has her own plans in place. Her hubris alone should prevent her from dealing with Osborn.
The Hood's characterization felt spot-on, and I'm interested to see what comes next with his group, and with him. Dr. Doom being there makes sense in that he's current stuck in America anyhow, and I like how it officially resets his status quo, after everything that happened between Authoritative Action, Secret War, Doom's return in FF during the Prelude to Civil War, and his most recent fight with Iron Man in Mighty Avengers. He's got his own plans, and I like that, as it is perfectly in character.
There's another mystery laid out here, and although it does seem very reminiscent of Kingdom Come, with Luthor/Captain Marvel, we'll just have to see what that means exactly.
The artwork by Maleev is both stunning and disappointing, as it is not consistent. His Namor looks horrible for much of the issue, with odd stubble, and an even odder haircut. He just doesn't look nearly as good as Namor did under Maleev's pencils previously. Loki doesn't feel right either, and Osborn lacks the trademark hair, with Emma, The Hood and Doom looking extremely good, particularly Doom.
There are some nice previews included here, of some of the new series to be coming out of this new status quo and direction. Check 'em out, they're interesting. On the whole, this is enjoyable, albeit with some issues as I've laid out above. Ultimately, it's a necessary and IMPORTANT issue, so keep that in mind if you think about bypassing this on the shelves.
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from weeklycomicreview.comIn the prequel chapter to this winter’s “Dark Reign” storyline, Norman Osborn, having inexplicably been given control over the country’s superhero Initiative program and all that encompasses, convenes a meeting of high-ranking villains and rogues and offers them a quid pro quo: if they can work together and agree to his requests, he will use his newfound political power to make their lives much, much easier. The villains are naturally suspicious, but leave the meeting to consider his offer.
The issue includes three, three-page previews of upcoming titles that will spin out of “Dark Reign”. I had been considering buying all three titles, so I liked being able to preview them first. Turns out I hated all three and will not be buying them after all, so I’m grateful to have saved some money.
I know there are legions of Bendis fans out there and I respect their devotion, but that is one bandwagon I fell off of a long time ago, having been disappointed with every event storyline he’s helmed since House of M. His event stories are heavy on dialogue, light on action, and plagued by tacky resolutions that rarely seem thought out. It doesn’t help that he brought his longtime art partner Alex Maleev on board for this issue. Where Maleev’s subdued style shines on dramas like Daredevil, they utterly fail on an issue like this that is all about some of the greatest villains in Marvel. And why is it Namor looked like a balding porn star that hasn’t shaved in a week!?
After the lackluster conclusion to Secret Invasion, Bendis seems ready to disappoint us once again with another mundane “epic” that promises the world but fails to deliver . Based on this prequel, I’m hesistant to pursue this story any further. Buyer beware.
Grade: D-
from popcultureshock.comIs this really the same Bendis & Maleev who had that great (some would say classic) run on Daredevil? And more to the point, the Illuminati special I enjoyed?
Plot-wise, the scenario for the Dark Reign one-shot is similar to the Illuminati’s — a peak into the initial meeting of a clandestine group of power players uniting to secretly manipulate the Marvel Universe. Only difference is, the members are a decidedly more villainous mix: Norman Osborn, Doctor Doom, Loki, Emma Frost, The Hood and…
…some overweight, stubbly-faced bum who seems to be hitting ineffectually on Emma Frost?
Is that supposed to be Namor?? I’m sorry, but that is probably the fattest, fugliest Sub-Mariner I’ve ever seen. Panel after panel I kept looking at this chubby-faced bozo and wondering if Bendis decided there was one last one Skrull still running around, and he was impersonating Namor. Also unrecognizable: Norman Osborn on Maleev’s cover. I thought that was Pete Wisdom or John Constantine or somebody there in the middle. How are you gonna draw an Osborn, especially Norman, without the trademark crazy-cornrows-coming-to-a-point-in-the-forehead hair??)
Further adding to Namor’s complete lack of regality was the trademark Bendis-speak coming out of his mouth. Not saying this kind of snappy banter doesn’t work for some characters, but when you have the likes of Namor, Doctor Doom and Loki all sitting in the same room talking in the same “um, exactly” voice — that’s just not working for me. (In fact it really takes me out of the book).
But setting aside the aforementioned absurdities, I do think Bendis gave a believable, and interesting, explanation as to why Norman Osborn called this particular “cabal” together, and what each of them has to offer, and gain. There’s even a fairly cool little exchange between Doom & Namor. So despite the fact that parts of this book were cringe-worthy, I am looking forward to seeing how all Dark Reign stuff this plays out — I’m just glad there’s I don’t have to read any more of it by by Bendis & Maleev.
from comicbookresources.comFrom the pages of "Secret Invasion" comes a reign of darkness, spearheaded by Norman Osborn, now newly appointed as leader of a new global peace-keeping task force. With Namor, Dr. Doom, the Hood, Emma Frost, and Loki by his side, he will rule the world with an iron fist, and destroy every hero in his path.
That's what you might expect, anyway, but that's not quite what we get here, and I'm glad. Although I was disappointed with the strange narrative technique used in the finale of "Secret Invasion" -- a technique in which characters described events that happened between the final two issues, leading to an abrupt anticlimax and then swift, rapid-fire governmental changes -- it's nice to see that the meeting of the "Illuminaughty" isn't exactly what it seemed on first glance. Now that Osborn's in charge, he just wants to keep the rest of the big baddies from stirring up too much trouble. They can each maintain control over their own domains, as long as they don't mess things up for Osborn, basically. He'll take care of them if they get into legal trouble, as long as they work with him when he needs them to. It's like the local drug trade writ large, with each lieutenant in charge of a corner, and the kingpin making sure nobody causes too much fuss so business can run smoothly.
But if Osborn thinks the group he's assembled will mind their own business and work for him when asked, he's crazy. Oh, wait, he totally is.
Bendis immediately shows the flaws in Osborn's plan, so this "Dark Reign" event (or situation, or status-quo, or whatever you want to call it) isn't so much about a world run by villains as it is a world that's going to be seriously screwed up (even more) when these power-hungry maniacs start stabbing each other in the back. And Bendis shows Osborn's instability, with his meeting-room confidence juxtaposed with his behind-the-scenes insanity. This isn't going to go well for anyone involved, and that should make it all the more interesting.
"Secret Invasion: Dark Reign" #1 is another example of a new genre spawned by Bendis a few years back, a genre I will dub "superhero board room." In superhero board room, a group of costumed characters get together and talk a lot. There's usually more distrust and doubt than effective collaboration. And because it's all based on dialogue, Bendis is in his element. Now, like the "Illuminati" before it, "Secret Invasion: Dark Reign" #1 isn't all board room conversation, but the discussion around the table is its main reason for being, and it works pretty well. We learn what we need to learn and see how these relationships might play out in the coming year.
I don't have much to say about Alex Maleev's art here other than (a) it looks a bit scratchier than his "Illuminati" style and not quite as noir-ish as his "Daredevil" work, and (b) Namor's face seems to be based on Bendis's, at least in profile, which is an odd look for the character. It is, of course, highly likely that Namor is not based on Bendis in any way, but there's something unusually specific about the way Maleev draws Namor's nose and mouth, and it certainly doesn't look like any Namor I've seen before. (Maybe he's a skrull! Nah, Bendis must be more sick of typing that word than I am.)
This issue also contains brief previews of some upcoming comics, like "Secret Warriors," "Agents of Atlas," and "War Machine," but the previews are too short to give you more than just a hint at what's to come. And that's what this comic is all about, teasing its way toward the future, but what it sets up isn't half bad, and now that I've seen Osborn's board of evil in all of its dysfunction, I'm curious to see where "Dark Reign" is headed next.
from emeraldage.netReview: Secret Invasion: Dark Reign
December 11th, 2008 · No Comments · Comics
I make no bones about my fondness of the Marvel Universe and my overall enjoyment of Secret Invasion and its ultimate outcome. To say I was looking forward to this special would be an understatement. After reading this bridge issue between Secret Invasion and Dark Reign, I am even more stoked for the future of the Marvel Universe and the story potentials that have spun out of the new status quo.
What Secret Invasion: Dark Reign does well is to give the reader an overall idea of what would bring this cabal of evil together as well as setting the stage for the fallout of Secret Invasion. The special itself explores the closing scene of Secret Invasion #8, showing the recently empowered Norman Osborn addressing Emma Frost, Namor, Dr. Doom, Loki and The Hood, giving many of its pages over to pure exposition and plot. While being a parallel story to the Illuminati Special from last year in its structure the intent is a bit more nefarious and Brian Bendis really manages to stir the pot.
Throughout the issue Bendis dives into the heart of each character as Osborne lays out his plans for the new world order to come. The hint at Emma Frost’s motivation for possibly being part of this group is tantalizing and brings a plotline from Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men run front and center. While the overall introduction of the cabal is brief this issue is really Bendis readying Norman Osborne for his new role in the Marvel Universe.
That being said, I did have a few problems with this issue. Bendis’ handling of Namor’s dialog throughout the issue had me groaning a number of times and he never once comes across as regal. All is forgiven though as we get to the final scenes of the issue and Bendis takes various moments of recent established continuity and moves them forward in such smart fashion that you would actually think that someone had a plan for these characters.
The art throughout the issue was classic Alex Maleev which is a photo-realistic style applied to the colorful world of spandex. You either accept the style or you don’t, fortunately I found the art to be well-suited to the story and added some additional weight to the underlying tone of the issue. I did have a problem with Namor looking very similar to the writer of the book as it was a constant distraction (not to mention that Namor has more hair on the cover then he does throughout the book). As for Maleev’s rendition of Dr. Doom…the air of menace that surrounds Doom throughout the issue was almost palpable as his annoyance cut across a number of scenes with great effect. Kudos should also go to colorist Dean White whose somber color palette really added another layer to the mood and atmosphere of the story.
This change to the Marvel Universe will not be for everyone, but I will give credit to Marvel for actually coming through with change. Secret Invasion: Dark Reign is like a sorbet from hell; it cleanses the pallet of Secret Invasion, but opens the door for all kinds of trouble.