STRIKEFORCE #1: Trust Me

There are certain genres of characters that I keep an eye on in hope for an intriguing storyline. When I first noticed about Marvel releasing STRIKEFORCE, I immediately asked Comic Watch to be the one reviewing the series. I have been patiently waiting on the edge of my imaginary vortex, a strong character-building storyline that strengthens characters like Spectrum and especially, Wiccan. Tini Howard has my full undivided attention, but can she fulfill that thirst for a dark, horrific tale with enough knowledge for character building of a diverse team? I hope so!

Character building; let’s begin with the casting choice for Strikeforce. The beginning of this first issue, the reader is somewhat guided and satisfied with the who, the why and the how each hero made this dark force fighting team. It is intriguing to find out more about the how, why, and when each hero was kidnaped by the VRIDAI, but we do now know that this experience is a base reasoning for Blade’s selection for the team. I still have concerns with Jessica Drew included in this team. She currently has a small child and other personal baggage that could hinder the mission. Otherwise, it makes a little more sense to why Howard chose these characters. Blade; experienced…enough said. Angela and The Winter Soldier comes to mind with the “No compromise, no mercy” attitude. Spider-Woman and Spectrum may provide the “common sense” intuition to keep the “punch now ask why later” in line. Wiccan; sorcery in the mystic arts – well, hello! And, we have Hellstorm, no doubt that he will bring a lot of hot flavor to the team! Howard has chosen characters with strong personalities that will often collide and hopefully, Blade has what it takes to keep this team from killing each other.

Howard’s writing flows nicely throughout this Strikeforce #1 and constricts like muscles when necessary. The lesson learned by separating the team, was laid out well and showed the reader the importance of these characters. Howard definitely put some good thought in the virus outbreak, but can improve on the horror aspect throughout the story. Improving on the psychodynamics in the storyline may provide that “WOW” factor that it seems to lack. Establishing the enemy, Howard did not disappoint. It is familiar but completely fresh! Overall, it’s a strong beginning and I am looking forwards to the next issue.

The artwork by German Peralta and the colors by Jordie Bellaire lacks in details and elements to engage a dark and horrific genre. There was one scene with Wiccan that the art implied too much stereotyping. Don’t get me wrong, their work is not bad at all, because they outshined themselves on the last page.