Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning Artist: Karl Kerschl
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Plot: As the book opens, we see Bobby's out-of-control powers have locked a good chunk of Hong Kong's waterfront in the grip of his ice. We then see an elderly man who has been acting as the guardian of a shantytown heads on to the ice to investigate the source of the ice generation that has struck his neighborhood. However, when he locates the source, we see Bobby has encased himself inside an icy cocoon, that automatically lashes out at whoever approaches it, be they friend or foe. However, the threat to this old man's life awakens something inside him that he had thought was long lost, as we see him turn into a mystically powered guardian that goes by the name Foe-Dog. With lighting quick reflexes & the ability to move through shadows among his powers, we see Foe-Dog is able to free Bobby from his protective ice shield. We then see him aid Bobby when the forces that attacked him last issue come back for a second shot. With his new ally, Bobby is able to defeat his enemies, and he then sets off to rescue his son.
Comments: This issue is like the opening sequence in a James Bond film, in that it's basically an excuse to impress the reading audience with razzle-dazzle moments & hyper-kinetic action, while trying to disguise the fact that it really didn't advance the plot all that much. However, given the opening scenes are more often than not, the best sequence in a James Bond film, there is something to be said for material that exists simply to provide the quick/easy thrill. Plus, when it's done right, as is the case on this issue, a writing team can get away with it, as frankly there's no rule that states all comics must devote part of their attention to plot advancement. So sure, this issue isn't the deepest issue I read this week, and part of me is a bit annoyed by the lack of forward movement in this issue. However, this issue was the most entertaining issue I read this week, and if nothing else it showed me that Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning can deliver a pretty solid bit of action when called upon.
While Foe-Dog isn't exactly a new creation, as Western films are full of protagonists that are elderly gunslingers whose skills are called upon once again. However, with the exception of General Glory from the Giffen/DeMatteis Justice League, this is one of the only times I've seen this type of character used in comics. I rather enjoyed Foe-Dog, as not only did his emergence come as a complete surprise, but given the scope of what Bobby's powers did, it's nice to see at least one hero from this region show up to investigate. He also gets a nice little showcase in this issue, as we see he's a fairly agile fellow, and he's also got some offensive capabilities. Plus, he's also got the comic book hero speech pattern perfected, as he's capable of having a conversation with a ball of ice. In the end, the character is a pretty nifty little creation, and I'm glad to see he'll be sticking around for the rest of the miniseries, as it would be nice to see at least one trip to this part of the world that doesn't have Sunfire as the guest-hero.
I think the best word to describe the art on this issue is wow. Before this miniseries Karl Kerschl was a name I have never taken notice of before, but now all I can say is that if this isn't his first mainstream project, then I'm completely baffled that his art has never caught my eye before this, as it's truly exceptional work. It has the ability to convey motion that up & coming artists should take the time to study, as this issue is amazing display. The battles also project a sense of power & clarity that is heads above the work from several fan favorite artists, and even better is that the panel layouts actually show a bit of imagination in how they are set upon the page. The visual design of Foe-Dog is also quite solid, as are the various new villains that are sent to capture Bobby. I also should give credit to Color Dojo, who deliver a vibrant issue, with some fantastic coloring effects (e.g. the fiery attacks sent Bobby's way). All in all, this is a great looking product, and I imagine Karl Kerschl is a name I'm going to be seeing a great deal in the future.
Final Word: An issue that is woefully lacking when it comes to plot, as except for the introduction of Foe-Dog, and a look at his back-story, this issue is one big slugfest. Now don't get me wrong, this issue is a very solid display of action, as the powers of Iceman, Foe-Dog & the people attacking them are given a sense of power that is truly impressive, and the art has a sense of motion that is just this side of amazing. However, after the intrigue that we saw in the first issue, I must say I was a bit disappointed by the shift to pure action in this issue. Yes, the art team can deliver one killer battle sequence, and while I admit to being a slugfest happy fanboy, I do expect a bit more plot in my comics than we get in this issue. Still, I did rather like the character Foe-Dog.
