The Good
Elektra is a pretty complex character. She could easily be mistake as a mere assassin but we've seen so many facets to her character over the years. The great thing in this first issue, Haden Blackman acknowledges and accepts who she's been before.
There have been some Elektra comics in the past. The key is figuring out what to do with a deadly character. Building upon the complexities of the character is what will make it work for us instead of just reading a comic about a killer. Within just a few pages, we get an intimate look into who she is and how she views herself. Blackman also comes up with an acceptable mission for Elektra to spark our interest and allow us to root for a death.
And then there's the art. Michael Del Mundo really makes this book stand out. The opening pages give a great example of how graceful Elektra can be while conveying just how deadly she is, at the same time. When the scene shifts to Elektra's target, there is also a sort of grace there as we see some ghastly scenes play out. The book earns it's T+ rating but also looks incredible without the violence feeling gratuitous. It's all just sooo good looking.
The cliffhanger for the next issue looks pretty crazy as well.
The Bad
We're off to a great start. No complaints. The key will be in making a series about an assassin work beyond the first story arc. It appears Blackman will have no problem with that.
Hopefully Del Mundo can keep up a monthly pace. It would be hard to imagine this series without him now.
The Verdict
The idea of an ongoing Elektra series might be a little hard to accept. Haden Blackman shows that it is something that could indeed work. It's never easy to relate to a character that will kill without remorse but Blackman shows there are layers to Elektra that can be explored. Michael Del Mundo's art is killer (no pun intended). We get a nice and deep story with gorgeous art. Marvel has another hit on their hands.
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