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ELEKTRA #3
Recommended (7/10)
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Marvel Comics/Marvel Knights
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Chuck Austen
Colors: Nathan Eyring
Letters: Comicraft
Editors: Nanci Dakesian & Stuart Moore
Price: $2.99 US/$4.50 CAN |
Bendis continues to draw me into this series with the title character's mysterious humanity. Elektra is an enigmatic figure, but there are moments, thanks to Austen's subtle expressions, when it seems like there's a little girl screaming to be heard from behind her cold exterior. I think the character's sexuality is emphasized far too much in this issue, but it was a good read nevertheless.
Elektra is approached by HYDRA agents, who are aware that SHIELD has hired her to kill their Iraqi ally, Saddam Abed Dasam. Given her reputation as a mercenary and cold-blooded killing machine, they make her a counter-proposal. As she considers it, she approaches Stanley, the SHIELD agent that serves as her contact, and she shares some of her personal philosphies with the confused young spy.
I realize that Elektra's new status as a "supermodel," as well as her appearance in Stuff for Men magazine, requires her to be sexy and alluring, but Austen focuses a bit too much on the character's... ahem, assets in this issue. Aside from that tendency, this issue boasts the most moody and deep art of the series thus far. Stanley's hat still doesn't look right, though. Odd thing, that... and distracting.
Bendis is including a look at Elektra as a grieving daughter in his take on the character... a wise move, as it provides a human connection for the reader. But in this issue, and in previous ones, Stanley is our main anchor. He's the everyman whose reactions reflect what our own would be if we were in his shoes.
Bendis ends the issue with the presentation of a more conventional super-hero comic-book conflict. If have to say, though, that the way the dialogue and art worked together made for a fun, cool revelation of a new player in this little drama. I look forward to seeing the characters duke it out, and what kind of unconventional twists Bendis could possibly throw into the mix.
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