Sunday, November 11, 2018

Marvel Knights: 4 (2004) #9

Today we conclude the Frozen storyline which took place in the Marvel Knights: 4 book that ran from 2004 to 2006. The first part of the story was reviewed in this post in February.


It took me a little while to determine why I didn't find this issue (and the previous one) as enjoyable as I could have. I recall that Marvel was criticized a while back (and might still be, I truly don't know) for its "decompressed" storytelling. These issues very much have that feel. This story could have been that single issue that transitions you from one major story to another but it feels like it was stretched into two.

That's one reason and I'm going to lead into another. In #8, Namor showed up to put the moves on Sue Richards for the umpteenth time. There was no apparent trigger for that action that I could pick up on. The issue ended with Reed Richards being fed up with Namor's advances towards Sue and the prince's general arrogance. Naturally, a fight ensued. Issue #9 picks up from there.


First, Susan Richards interferes in the fight...


Then Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, does.


But the Torch is there to stop the fight, not jump in. He needs help, you see.


The Human Torch is helping a lady look for her son who is believed to have fallen through the ice in the river. Conveniently enough Namor, who you may recall is in town for no particular reason, now has a purpose for being there. He finds the kid's corpse and...that's it. I suppose he goes home.

There are a few personal moments throughout, one in particular between Reed and Johnny, but this story feels like filler filled with filler. Namor's characterization is solid though. He's proud and headstrong but when called upon to do the right thing, he does not hesitate.

This book was written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and drawn by Jim Muniz.

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