Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, one of Marvel Entertainment’s most unique teams returns with an all new adventure. Since their inception in 1997, the name THUNDERBOLTS has gone through various members and purposes over the years. No matter the line-ups, this team is synonymous for action. Fans should be expecting to hear a great deal more of this group with an upcoming Marvel Studios film on the horizon. In the meantime, there’s a brand new story kicking off with an incredible creative team leading the charge!
THUNDERBOLTS #1 by JACKSON LANZING and COLLIN KELLY (aka The Hivemind - GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, CAPTAIN AMAERICA), GERALDO BORGES (NO/ONE), ARTHUR HELSI and JOE SABINO light the match for an explosive new story. Let’s not wait another second and dive into this debut issue!
THUNDERBOLTS #1 by JACKSON LANZING and COLLIN KELLY, GERALDO BORGES, ARTHUR HELSI and JOE SABINO (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - Cover: Terry Dodson)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The saga begins with flashbacks of The Winter Soldier’s (Bucky Barnes) latest escapades. The events range from stops in Berlin, Madripoor, to now Lake Como. Each telling a different story. The narration leads to a familiar face bracing for trouble. The target in Bucky’s path: The Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine!
Coming off the heels of The Century Game in the pages of Captain America, Val thinks Bucky has a grudge to settle. Readers see it’s quite the contrary. Bucky is approaching Val with an offer of partnership. Using Val’s OXE group in a pro-active manner, Bucky sells his point of taking out a target that is long overdue to be eliminated. Val agrees after Bucky leaves a legendary quote “This is Justice…like Lightning”.
The story shifts to Argentina. There is a group of Nazi soldiers setting up camp, ravaging the environment. Readers see that a figure has crashed their plans. It is none other than The Destroyer (Sharon Carter)! Wasting little time, Sharon wipes out their entire operation. Waiting in the wings are Bucky and Val, who tipped off the location.
The trio starts walking towards an undisclosed location. Bucky conveys this groups’ message about dealing with a threat long overdue to be eliminated. Defying international regulation and law, Bucky spells out the mission loud and clear: THE RED SKULL DIES TONIGHT!
Can this trio do the impossible? The story shifts gears into a full throttle assault on the Skull’s compound. With the stakes getting higher, another member makes a huge splash into the mission. Readers see the danger getting more intense with each page. What unfold becomes the spark for a bigger explosion as Bucky and company don’t back down. If the final moments are any indication, Marvel has a monster hit on their hands and it’s only getting started!
THUNDERBOLTS #1 by JACKSON LANZING and COLLIN KELLY, GERALDO BORGES, ARTHUR HELSI and JOE SABINO (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - Cover: Mahmud Asrar)
Talk about making a first impression! The Hivemind present readers with an engaging plot for this Thunderbolts squad. Being a “pro-active” unit and aiming high with its’ first target makes a bold statement to readers. Seeing Bucky taking charge and forming the uneasy alliance with the Contessa added a different dynamic to his character.
Coming out of the Captain America story, Bucky is obsessively driven to his new cause. Once they enter the compound, the writers keep the emotions high as Bucky and company move forward. The closing act brings everything to a thunderous close. The ending page leads readers to high expectations as this unit has only begun to fight and that’s a win for all comic readers.
GERALDO BORGES STIKES AGAIN! Borges is one of the best artists for action in all of comics. Teamed with Helsi, the art team doesn’t stall to build up the story. After building the initial tense partnership with Bucky ad Val, Borges welcomes in Sharon Carter with a full page splash before showcasing her skills at work. The two-page piece is energetic and immediately sets the pace for the mission lying ahead.
Speaking of the mission, Borges keeps readers engaged with how each member faces off against their challengers. This is followed up by another excellent two-page spread that sets the stage for a bigger threat waiting for the heroes. After another impactful debut, Borges raises the excitement even further heading towards the end of the issue. The mission is capped off by a perfect full page shot that is pure Hollywood cinema. The closing panels leave readers wanting more but that’s how you know you have an excellent story in hand.
THUNDERBOLTS #1 by JACKSON LANZING and COLLIN KELLY, GERALDO BORGES, ARTHUR HELSI and JOE SABINO (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - Cover: Derrick Chew)
FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10
JUSTICE LIKE LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN! The Hivemind builds up an ambitious plot with their incredible writing. Paired with the electric visuals of Borges, Helsi and Sabino, the latest incarnation of the Thunderbolts look to strike BIG on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Thunderbolts #1. Thanks for reading!
