Though I'm disappointed to see Jurgens exploring his ethical themes in a crossover, there's no denying that this first chapter is a riveting one. He poses a variety of interesting questions with this plot, such as "Should a prayer be answered directly?" and "Does ability and power necessarily lead to duty?" The questions, obviously, are lofty ones, and appropriately, Jurgens offers no simple, black-and-white answers. This super-hero story promises to explore some deliciously political and philosophical themes.
A cold and callous military leader sends his troops across the Slokovian countryside, decimating peace landscapes and the populace, just to enforce his iron rule on a fearful people. A few of them gather to pray to Thor, the God of Thunder, for freedom, and the prayer is heard in Asgard, high above the skyscrapers of New York City. The prayer is answered, but other concerned parties -- such as the U.S. government and the ruler of one of Slokovia's neighbors -- aren't quite so prepared to give thanks.
There's a softer, less exaggerated quality to Davis's work here as compared to, say, Killraven. I like it, and I suspect it stems from the inks. Riggs brings a slightly more grounded quality to the grandeur of Davis's style. Both tones -- the lofty and the down-to-earth -- fit well with this plot. Davis also does an excellent job of blending diametrically opposed elements -- science fiction and fantasy -- in the same story.
I'm betting Jurgens is a fan of The West Wing. Among that show's strengths is the ability to convey a quiet intensity in key moments of tension in the script. Just by talking about war and conflict, about life and death, the actors somehow convey the potentially explosive consequences of their words and decisions. Jurgens does the same here. Sure, we see the super-powered showdowns and battles, but the quieter, dialogue-driven scenes boast the same kind of power, if not moreso.
It's the philosophical and theological components of the story, though, that really serve to draw the reader into this fantastic tale. On the surface, one might think that "Standoff" is a typical super-hero crossover story designed to bring the protagonists into conflict with one another. But ideas, beliefs... those are what are really in conflict here.
