Review: Thunderbolts #149

Posted by Zack Freeman (314 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

The T-Bolts' anti-Hand rescue operation gets much, much nastier when Crossbones discover that he's gained some powers from the Terrigen Mists.

The Good

I've been reading T-Bolts since it first launched after Onslaught and this has been one of the most interesting line-ups so far. From catty Moonstone to awkward Ghost to sadistic Crossbones, Parker gives each member of the team a distinct voice and M.O. Actually, speaking of the M.O.'s, this had some seriously badass action. I genuinely wasn't prepared for the Underhand's take-down of Man-Thing and I could't help but cackle at how Crossbones handled these ninjas. It's not all ecstatic carnage, though - - this issue ends with one wrenching twist that's very much in line with the noirish tone.

The Bad

You know, I love how stylish half-tones can look when they're properly used, but they seemed to have been included indiscriminately here. Rather than be included to convey shading, they're just put over computer colors that already have plenty of tonality. The result's a little distracting because, more often than not, the tones look almost like a printing error.

The Verdict - 4.5/5

Like I keep saying, I'm a sucker for supervillain books (or quasi-supervillain books) and this is the other half of a great combo with Secret Six. Actually, for another point of comparison, I enjoy this book the same way I enjoyed League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - - you have bunch of extreme, unsavory personalities bumping heads and it's almost impossible to predict what they're going to do. Thus, it's a lot more interesting to watch what unfolds here than it is to see the usual class-act superheroes you find in these books.

#1 Posted by DoubleFang (7 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Can't wait to pick up this issue before it runs out at my local comic shop

#2 Posted by gear237 (8 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Yeah, i also have been reading thunderbolts since in started after onslaught. My favorite runs have been ellis + deodato and parker + walker for combination of great art and writing.

#3 Posted by Cafeterialoca (1411 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Good issue.

#4 Posted by Emperor Gonzo Noir (19681 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Aside from Warren Ellis' stuff, I don't recall when I've loved this book this much since the old days

#5 Posted by countvontrey (419 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

I miss the old days. It's great that some of the original T-bolts are back in this book.

#6 Edited by longbowhunter (3587 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Man, Crossbones what a dick!! I've read this title off and on since around Civil War. This new line up and creative team is one of the best. I'm so suprised by "The Herioc Age". It been a really long time since I followed this many Marvel titles.

#7 Posted by Ry Fryy (337 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

Do I need to read this if I pick up Thunderbolts #150?

#8 Posted by sparty-dbq (505 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

And to think, two issues ago I was actually rooting for Crossbones.

#9 Posted by Pizawle (1074 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

It is developing into quite a strong book and sort of Marvel's own Secret Six. Though not on the same level obviously. SS may be the current best book in the industry.

#10 Posted by Nyogtha (353 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

This one of the best issues of this new run. I was so excited for this title when I heard about the new direction and it has exceeded my expectations every issue.

#11 Posted by lostlantern13 (856 posts) - 2 years, 6 months ago - Show Bio

I have to agree. This was a really good issue...and Jeff Parker's doing a fantastic job with this team. Even in the crossover with "Shadowland," Parker doesn't lose the focus of his own plan with what he has planned.

This easily is my favorite Marvel book right now.