Posted by AxlRotten on February 17, 2006, 5:14 pm
70.121.107.146

Nextwave #1 Nextwave Featuring Elsa Bloodstone and Fin Fang Foom Warren Ellis – Writer Stuart Immomen – Penciler Wade von Grawbadger – Inker Dave McCaig – Colors In the book’s self titled debut, Nextwave consists of Elsa Bloodstone, Monica Rambeau (formally known as Captain Marvel, formally known as Photon), Aaron Stack (formally known as Machine Man, formally known as X-51), Captain $&#$ (formally known as – well, he doesn’t seem to remember), and Tabitha Smith (formally known as Boom Boom, formally known as Meltdown and a few others). Basically, we have a group of heroes that have yet to truly find their way. The story begins with the team chasing down a major lead of dastardly doings of a company called The Beyond Corporation. They’ve stolen their transportation, The Shockwave Rider, from their now-previous employer, H.A.T.E. lead by Dirk Anger. Really, Dirk Anger. And just so you know, The Beyond Corporation used to be called S.I.L.E.N.T. and their plan begins with awakening Marvel’s go-to monster of monsters, Fin Fang Foom. Okay, get the picture? It’s a satire of superheroes and spy stories and it is damn good. I’m not sure how Elsa Bloodstone made it from her solo limited series a few years back to her, but this is as good a place for here as any. What are her options: limbo or Howling Commandos? This’ll work. Fin Fang Foom gets a lotta love here and has a terrific scene where he is awakened – very “Godzilla.” The non-supernatural characters are done very well. Captain $&#$ is a blast. His recounting of an encounter with Captain America is a hoot. Aaron Stack is fine – I miss the Machine Man look and feel though. Great stuff. With all its satire, action and adventure, the series still doesn’t add up, however. It is missing a key focus. The team starts off divided and the villain is too obscure and, as of yet, undefined. I have faith that Ellis will bring it all together as the series unfolds, but will the reading masses wait? Hmm, I get the impression this series will have a short shelf life. Too bad. The art by Immomen and von Grawbadger is spot on and fits the tone of the story perfectly. Each character is given the right heroic look and emotional feel. No complaints here. All that and a great Fin Fang Foom too, purple pants and all! Recommended 4 out of 5