"Out of Order"
Writer: Jo Duffy & Kurt Busiek
Artists: Matt Haley(p), Dan Panosian(i), Tom Smith(c)
Publisher: Marvel
The Order could have been an oustanding comic book rather than just a good one. The idea by Kurt Busiek and Jo Duffy was promising. The writing was far better than that to be found in the recent Kang/Avengers war, but Matt Haley and Dan Panosian simply do not gel.
Mr. Haley is about curves. Mr. Panosian is about angles. Both alone are excellent in their field, but together they get in each other's way. The artwork in the finale of the book looks particularly jarring and schizophrenic. It's not bad artwork by any means, but it should look better given the talent.
Overall, the finale to the mini-series is exciting. Ms. Duffy and Mr. Busiek well access the personalites of the Defending cast as well as the brief characterization of the opposing heroes. The match up reminds me of eighties Marvel, and such an allusion is a high compliment indeed.
The way in which the Defenders defeat their nemesis does not exactly break new ground, but it is still a fairly novel solution in a super-hero book. The resolution of Yandroth's Curse makes sense, and even if it does feel like a Super-Friends moment, it fits the characterization. Heroes are simply not gritty no matter how dark. Heroes, even Batman, ultimately are optimistic and empower the helpless by standing up for what is just.
The whole outlaw aspect is a kind of return to the old days of the Defenders, but the concept isn't quite as accomplished at the end of the story. The Avengers after all know where the Defenders live. If they really wanted to stop them, all they have to do is go and get them. You can argue that in their hearts, they do not wish to do this, but I can't believe S.H.I.E.L.D. is going to let bygones be bygones.
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