Review: A-FORCE #5

 

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A-FORCE #5
Written By Marguerite Bennett & G. Willow Wilson
Art by Jorge Molina & Laura Martin
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: October 14, 2015

Our lovely ladies had a stellar send-off in the final issue of the A-Force Secret Wars tie-in.

A-Force, Arcadia, and the Thors take up arms against Marvel’s living dead, breaking through the wall Loki blasted in the last issue. She-Hulk declares any combatant a part of A-Force, and everyone immediately gets to work. Flashing lights, claws, and a literally starstruck show later, Arcadia is left with much to rebuild, as Nico grieves and She-Hulk promises her a brighter tomorrow.

Marguerite Bennett and G. Willow Wilson write another showstopper of a comic. We are thrust right into the action of where the last issue left off, and everyone pitches in to protect their home. Bennett and Wilson create some truly evocative moments, especially for Nico. The dialogue in the middle of the issue steals the scene and captures the essence of so many characters at once. I will most assuredly be discussing this deeper.

Yet again, Jorge Molina and Laura Martin blew me away with their art. The characters, and especially their powers, stand out against the dank, gray horde of zombies. Some of my favorite panels involved Singularity, whose color and form were most excellently showcased throughout the issue. The last page especially was moving and vivid. This crisp, detailed, and vibrant art is what I tend to look for in comics, and was an amazing addition to A-Force #5.

There were some truly beautiful moments in this comic. So many faces showed up, so many women that I love from Marvel Comics. Jessica Drew, Monica Rambeau, Bobbi Morse, Sooraya Qadir, Kamala Kahn. In a special moment that nearly brought tears to my eyes, Gertrude Yorke rode by on Old Lace. Even against the backdrop of fighting zombie and Nico’s loss, there was so many wonderful faces taking part in the fight for their home. Maybe the greatest part of the ensemble of characters who showed up and showed out in this issue were that they were diverse and from all corners of the Marvel U.

My absolute FAVORITE part of this issue was Kamala, X-2, Jubilee, Dazzler, Bobbi, Natasha, Elektra, and Psylocke sharing a wonderfully everyday conversation in the middle of slicing, shooting, and smashing zombies. This double-page spread was charming and heartwarming. I’ve said before, particularly about A-Force, that action comics are my favorite kind to read. Well, this slice of life banter dialogue is another one of my favorite things in comics. The conversation breaks up the gravity of Arcadia’s circumstances, but also gives a sense of hope. While a horde of zombies is the very epitome of life-threatening, there’s no doubt in my mind that A-Force and Arcadia are going to make it out alive. Not because of hope, but because when you have this many marvelous women in one place, they’re definitely going to get the job done.

A-Force has been a real gem. It reminds me with every issue why I love comics and why I’ll never stop. This issue had its mix of action, resolution, and emotions, as well as a moment between M.J. and Spider-Gwen that I will forever label as queer. This tie-in was a great example of moving parts working together, and it has honestly been my favorite part of Secret Wars. A-Force was able to stand on its own without being impacted by the overall cross-over. In essence, the entire series, especially this issue, has been amazing and fun.

I hate that Marguerite Bennett is leaving, but, as I’ve stated before, the A-Force banner is in good hands with G. Willow Wilson. I look forward to what awaits me in December (and there’s no way you’re going to convince me this series isn’t my very special graduation and birthday present).

The Verdict: 10/10

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