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CABLE #98
"Como Esta, Usted?"
Recommended (7/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: David Tischman
Artist: Igor Kordey
Colors: Avalon Studios
Letters: Comicraft
Editors: Matt Hicks & Mark Powers
Price: $2.25 US/$3.50 CAN |
I've noticed that with Cable, as with Tischman's American Century, I sometimes have to read several times to figure out what's going on. And while that means that Tischman could use some work on his clarity, it also tends to mean that he's writing more complex plots, which suits the subject material he has chosen. Turning Cable into a book that explores geo-political intrigue
is a good idea, and one that so far seems to be producing some of the strongest
issues the book has had. Kordey's work is terrific, gritty and human and
visceral, showing the grimy face of covert warfare, and Tischman's vision of the
world includes horrible but very human enemies and a flawed but heroic
protagonist. Like much of Weinberg's run, it seems a bit dry right now, but I
can't deny that the creators are taking Cable in an interesting direction.
The action sequences in this
book are terrific. Rather than the over-the-top action often seen in super-hero
comics, this is more of a military fiction type of style. Cable and the Shining
Path mutants use their powers to enhance speed, maneuverability and defenses but
in the end they are basically just using cover, guns, martial arts and other
time-honored combat tactics and skills. Kordey's work really gives us a feel for
the painful effects of bullets, kicks and explosives.
Also very interesting so far
is how Tischman is balancing the Shining Path's screen time. They are undeniably
vicious killers, willing to shoot an innocent fifteen-year-old girl or bomb a
building, but we also see them in their human moments. Their flirtations, their
friendships, their sense of loyalty to one another and their cause, these things
all make them believable people, and much stronger antagonists for being
motivated in sick but believable ways.
As with American Century, Tischman is playing around in complex
settings and he really isn't giving the readers a lot of extra information. The
Shining Path and the situation in Peru is barely glossed over, just enough to
give us basic information but leaving out complex motivations and goals. The
result is that while the story is clear enough on who is bad and who is good,
we're never quite sure what the villains are up to, or why Cable has decided
this is where he should start his crusade.
There is also the occasional
problem of the various members of the Shining Path looking very much alike and
having little characterization beyond a name that we haven't really put to a
face. A little more distinction between characters and a lot more explanation of
who everyone is would go a long way toward making this book more accessible and
readable, but it's a pretty solid effort as it stands.
More than any writer before,
Tischman has balanced the dual natures that Cable has exhibited since he began
developing in the Marvel Universe. His hard-ass combat persona has blended
nicely with his peace-loving philosopher from the future, and he comes across as
smart and gentle in general, but willingly ruthless when he has to be. I could
use a bit more of a sense of humor, either in Cable or in some kind of
supporting character, as the book is relentlessly dreary right now, but overall
I'd say the personality of the lead character is pretty interesting.
Email Randy Lander comments about this review. |
