Combat Evolved
See, the art on the cover conveys a sense of fun that I think the story is TRYING to convey, but not really succeeding at. I DO like the way it actually very specifically represents the events of The War That Time Forgot in this issue, but I also dislike the banner.
The War That Time Forgot #3
WHOA! So, Olivetti actually occasionally attempted to create some semblance of kinetic energy this issue. I mean, only in a small handful of moments, but that's better than the past two issues. Really, if Olivetti could throw in some motion lines, a little blurring, maybe some sound effects CONSISTENTLY instead of two or three times it's needed; I would REALLY enjoy this series.
This issue actually added some depth to the characters. I honestly can't remember ANYBODY'S name, but the sensitivity of the black guy, to even attempt to bond with a dinosaur, was very poignant, and endeared me to him.
Unlike other reviewers, I think this issue advanced the story, and created a bit of direction, better than the past two. I mean, it's not a whole lot, but at least we had them formulate a plan and begin to carry it out rather than just stumbling through the jungle fighting dinosaurs trying to figure out what the hell is anything.
In Conclusion: 3.5/5
Better. Much better than than the previous one. There's actually SOME semblance of momentum, even if it's still very minimal. Plus there's character development and direction. Still minimal, but the best its been for this series.
The Unknown Soldier #3
Yeah, so, while Dan Panosian's artwork is much more sketchy and simplistic than Olivetti's, it really shines in the same areas that Olivetti's falls short. Panosion's art is FRANTIC, ACTIVE, BOISTEROUS. There's less awkward faces then the previous issue, and even more badass action. The Unknown Soldier is functionally a one man army, but on so many more layers than most. All his little enhancements make him, certainly better than the average soldier, but not as crazy as a superhero. BUT, he's enhanced in areas specifically set to make him a better SOLDIER. So in combat, he is as a demon. He is combat incarnate, an identity unimportant. The unknown storm of bullets and intel.
Because not only does he fight like a full army, he has the means; tactically and equipment-wise; to create the illusion that he DOES have an army backing him. The careful battle plan is picked apart and analyzed at every step, every explosion has one or more purposes, and half the fight is over before The Unknown Soldier takes a single step.
It's kind of ironic that the momentous art comes with so much dialogue, and the very static art comes with hardly any dialogue; but it works well for Unknown Soldier. This is about the action as much as it's about the deeper issues behind it.
In Conclusion: 4.5/5
The Unknown Soldier is awesome. Can he have this series to himself please? J.T. Krul's work has been very hit and miss, especially lately, but I have yet to be let down by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti. The Unknown Soldier is no exception, and despite The War That Time Forgot being the main headliner, The Unknown Soldier is the main reason I keep coming back for this series.
FINAL SCORE: 4/5
This is easily the best issue in this series thus far. The Unknown Soldier was as awesome as it usually is, and The War That Time Forgot actually made some strides, admittedly small, but balanced out by the number of areas strides were made in.