DCU Comic Book Reviews

THE SHIELD #8

Operation Gunslinger, Part 2:  C'est La Guerre

June 2010

Written by Eric Trautmann

Pencils by Cliff Richards

Inks by Cliff Richards

Cover by Sami Masri

Synopsis

At Fort Bragg, Lt. Joe Higgins (aka The Shield) just learns that Malik al-Thaka (aka Brain Emperor) has been assigned to his special forces unit to take down Black Seven.  Joe thinks the Brain Emperor is mentally manipulating the army, but soon learns of a device that prevents the use of his powers.  Later, the Shield leads the team on their first mission in Paris to find Viktor Burgos, an expert in genetic manipulation.  The Shield leads the team to Burgos, who unleashes a monster with tech that rivals the Shield’s suit.  The Shield has difficulty taking down the monster, but is able to do so.  Then, he confronts Burgos, looking for information.  Burgos refuses to talk.  With not enough time to interrogate him, the Shield allows the Brain Emperor to read his mind.     

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

So, this was not a bad issue.  It moved along a pretty good clip, with the action and the plot proceeding at a good pace.  It was a fairly easy read.  Either I am getting used to the crowded text on the page or Trautmann used it less for this issue because of the flashback.  Overall, I think the story and the plot worked fairly well, except for one small part:  the look back at the Brain Emperor’s past that drags this story down.  Did we really need an origin story for a supporting character?  And did we need a flashback just moments before we got another flashback.  Granted, Trautmann needed to introduce the character for anyone who might’ve missed the prior story, but it seemed a little long and unnecessary for the character and I think took away from the Shield’s flashback (which was only two pages this time). 

“C’est La Guerre” is a French phrase that translates to “It’s the war.”  It was popularized during World War II and became general term to explain why things were broken, unavailable, or just plain not going right. 

THE FOX, Part 2

Written by Brandon Jerwa

Art by Michael Avon Oeming

Synopsis

Now…The Fox spies on Tashi as his gang unloads cargo from a freighter.  Five Years Ago…Paul Patten is taken to Obuza-Ba, who confirms he is the “real deal.”  He has been chosen.  Paul spends the next years of life, training to become the Fox.  When his training his complete, Master Ito fears that Paul may upset the balance in his quest for vengeance.  If Paul should lose the way, they should live in quiet fear.    

Review

The problem I have with this feature is that the story seems predictable.  We watch in the present as the Fox searches for vengeance while in the past we listen to a character wonder if that thirst for vengeance will cause him to lose the way.  You can see where this is going, right?  Paul will get to the point where he can satisfy his need for vengeance, but will decide against, thus fulfilling his destiny as the Fox.  I would like it if Jerwa had something else in mind, but I am not holding my breath.  Beyond the overall story, I do enjoy this story.  I like Oeming’s art and Jerwa’s mystical approach to the Fox is at least different and adds a twist to the usual vengeance-type stories.  I am enjoying this story, even if the ending seems predictable. 

PREVIOUS ISSUE	Main		Page	NEXT ISSUE

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.