Shaka Boom
Picking up immediately where Quasar 32 left off, fortunately for Rick Jones, Captain Atlas begins his barrage against Simon Williams, demanding to know where he is. Wonder Man responds in kind, demanding to know where Rick Jones is. Neither is happy with the answers: Atlas is disgusted with being on “this backwater planet,” and Simon is disgusted with his immediate failure in his bodyguard role (as well as disgusted by the stupid Kree names).
Again the smooth flowing nature of the crossover is demonstrated well here in the language connections of the narrative shift oscillations: Wonder Man asks about “Nega-Bands” in one panel and the next shows Quasar, still at Mar-Vell’s tomb, responding to Rick with “What do you mean, ‘Nega-Bands’?” For a time, Rick is the only person who knows what is going on and explains to Quasar how the Nega-Bands allow the bearer to trade places with Rick Jones (thanks to the many stories briefly summarized in AWC 80).
The title of the issue, "Shared Space," is rather intelligent, considering all the layers of narrative it covers: immediately, Captain Atlas and Rick Jones "share space" thanks to the powers of the Nega-Bands; likewise, the primary reason the series occurs (other than a kairotic metaphoric treatment of the first Iraq War) is because the "shared space" of the Terran solar system between the Kree and Shi'ar Empires is in danger thanks to their wormhole usage. In smaller, subtler ways, the title also relates to the continuing Wanda/Vision/Wonder Man conflicts, as the personality/identity of Simon Williams is still a matter of "shared space" between the Vision and Wonder Man, as well as Wanda herself is a kind of "shared space" (intended in no demeaning way). Similarly, both the East Coast and West Coast Avengers are conflicting over the "shared space" of Avenger name and identity. Simon's inability to "share space" with his girlfriend adds to the genuine pathos of the conclusion of the issue, as Simon can't ever find a way to live a "normal" life. This is an impressive, tightly constructed issue from title to conclusion.
The majority of the issue is another battle scene, yet once again the creative forces behind the series have come up with another interesting variation. Here, it is an extended duel between Wonder Man and Captain Atlas, which may seem dull in a prose summary, until one knows the particular twist on what could have been a conventional comic book trope in lesser creative hands: once Atlas figures out the transposition side-effects of the Nega-Bands, he utilizes them in an unusual hit-and-run strategy until Wonder Man figures out a successful counter measure. It takes Simon some time, considering every time he winds up to smash Atlas in the face, before his hand connects Rick appears where Atlas just stood. Simon’s counter measure, essentially aligning his windup with Atlas’s timing, results in the second great two-page splash of the series: one of the biggest, most memorable knockout punches in the history of comicdom. It’s mighty impressive.
In the lengthy conclusion to the issue, Wonder Man 7 continues the integration of multiple plot strands: Rick is finally returned to the Hulk (after a nice resolution to his conflict with Wonder Man, if not entirely sincere), Simon spends some time with his personal life (giving the supporting characters of the series a few panels to remind loyal readers this is still taking place in this universe), Wanda the Scarlet Witch’s continual friction with Simon is giving a few nice lines of dialogue, and Cap sets up the next issue in the series by arranging for all Avengers (even reservists) to join him in New York. Additionally, the next in the series of Kree warriors is called by the Supreme Intelligence: this time it is Ultimus, the Demon Druid who has been hanging around in the misty back alleys of the Marvel Universe since 1973. Playing on familiar elements of the series, the issue does so in different and engaging ways. Even the time spent with Wonder Man’s supporting characters is fresh, in that we see Simon experience some of the psychological trials of being a superhero, wondering if he will ever return from the latest intergalactic mission, wondering if he will ever have the chance to enjoy a “normal” life, as mentioned above – an enjoyably refreshing close to the issue, considering Simon spends so much of the time hiding behind a façade of bravura, especially among his fellow superheroes. With the Avengers finally making some positive progress (capturing Captain Atlas and Dr. Minerva, finally gaining some intel on what is going on), the pieces are in place for the next major developments of the story … and suddenly the scene oscillates again to Starcore, where Dr. Corbeau is leading an emergency evacuation of the entire crew – a solar flare is about to destroy Starcore! The storm winds are turning into a mighty gale.