Credits

• Writer: Writer: Allen Jacobsen
• Artist: C.P. Smith

Quick Summary

The New Invaders fight Wolverine in Mazikhandar.

Commentary

This issue features the requisite apperance by the tri-clawed ubiquitious mutant menace Wolverine. Though thankfully the story actually works, and isn't a fobbed useless guest appearance as one would fear. In a stunning display of often neglected inter-title continuity, Mr. Jacobsen uses the set up of the current Wolverine story arc: Enemy of the State to play off of his established villians for the series. The connection makes perfect sense, and most likely would have been established at some point anyways, this story just provided an effective and fun way to do so.

Getting down to the proverbial brass tacks, this issue is mainly a big fight with a three member contingent of the Invaders--U.S.Agent, Namor and Blazing Skull (or Smokin' Head if you prefer) and the guest-star Wolverine. While on a military patrol in Mazikhandar, Wolverine attacks at the behest of his new employers, the militant multi-headed terrorist organization: Hydra! The issue also deals with and dispenses with a previous plot thread, so it's not just an excessive fight.

Lucas handles the art well enough. I can't say I've ever heard of him before, nor would I go out of my way to follow his career, but for this fill-in spot he does an okay job. His Namor is well done, I thought, featuring a nice rendition of his imperial black and gold costume. He also does Namor's head well, I know that sounds like an odd compliment, but there's no ridiculously large and offense widow's peak as Namor is often depicted with. He's broad chested, imposing and regal as I believe he should look. The other characters are similarly displayed well. Blazing Skull seems a little off, but not everyone's well equiped to illustrate a character with a blazing skull for a head, I suppose.

Overall a good issue. Brimming with the Skull's brand of comic action, a great fight, and growth for the characters relationships, though overall the issue seems a bit rushed at times. However maybe I'm just jaded. With most books in the middle of six issue story arcs, it seems a bit strange to come across a basically contained one issue story. If the rush is a problem, having a nice ending instead of a forced cliff-hanger more than outweighs it in my opinion.

All in all, B+.