War Machine # 5 - Dark Reign, Part 5

I actually hadn't read any War Machine since this new launch, but Jim Rhodes was always an interesting character to me and I figured he'd be a good one to watch this Dark Reign saga.  Greg Pak provides another strong title to his resume with excellent storytelling with these character.  This particular issue picks up with a rough combination of Ares attacking the attacking the Aquirian capital, Dr Sandoval, the woman (and old friend and wife of War Machine's repair/weapons go to guy) War Machine was sent to rescue, being infected with the Ultimo virus, and War Machine himself nearing organ failure.  War Machine, with the help of his resident super-hacker, Suzi, is just able to cure Glenda and all the other rage-zombie like victims, including one Dark Avanger, of the virus.  In the end, as advertised on the cover, Osborne made a killer offer to War Machine.  The ending will definitely set the tone for the following issue and I want to see where it goes next.

I enjoyed reading this because it was a cool story, but I admire the way Greg Pak can examine the characters' motivation and take you into their psyches as the action unfold.  I want to see more on Glenda and Jim's relationship as some of the exchanges between them were rather intimate.  Of course he marriage makes things a bit complicated.  Pak gives all the characters a realistic chemistry so the dialogue flows and they come off as believable.  Leonardo Manco's pencilling also works great here as his gritty style complements the action packed and serious tone of the title.  This is a title that I look forward to following.  Go check this one out