War of Kings Review – “War of Kings #5”

The second last issue starts with the (spoiler protected) line “Word of Lilandra’s death comes to us early on what turns out to be the last day of the Kree-Shi’Ar War.” The series then pulls together the elements needed to set the stage for its final chapter.

General Information

Title: War of Kings #5

Authors: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning

Illustrator(s): Paul Pelletier (pencils), Rick Magyar (inks) and Wil Quintana (colors)

Cover Date: September 2009

Cover Price: $3.99 US

Premise

The intro pretty much says it all. The end of issue #4 set things in motion and kicked them into high gear. Issue #5 stomps on the accelerator quite forcefully.

High Point

Talon’s speech to Vulcan.

Low Point

Rachel’s significant moment would be somewhat subdued if one hasn’t read those particular (and particularly weak) issues of Uncanny X-Men, published around the time of House of M.

The Scores

This is an original issue in the sense of the way the comic book death impacts the characters. Kallark’s reaction is to be expected, but the others react in ways that are perfectly natural but typically ignored in the medium. The action sequences are the typical “pull it all together” stuff, and for the first time in the series, the final page was predictable from the first page. I give it 4 out of 6.

The artwork is still excellent. Pelletier does a great job of pulling things together. The sequence that really impresses me is the Starjammers’. Between Rachel and Kallark, things are really impressive. Emotion, action, and production effects are on full display and very well depicted. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story may be more predictable than the earlier chapters, but that’s mainly because we knew that things would come down to a Black Bolt vs. Vulcan battle from the outset, and this is the issue that finally gets us to that point. It’s still well written, but you know where it’s going. The only real surprise is the exact nature of the device that Maximus has built. I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is great. Talon, Vulcan, Ronan, Crystal, Rachel, Kallark, Black Bolt, Maximus and Gorgon all have at least one moment to shine. That’s a lot of moments in a normal sized issue. I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response is strong despite the predictability of the end result. We know where it’s going, but it’s still fun to get there. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow works very well. I was concerned about this after reading War of Kings: Ascension #3, as I didn’t know how this would read given the “dovetailing” that takes place, but that portion of this issue takes place after a segment that must be coming in War of Kings: Ascension #4. It reads quite well on its own. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it’s another strong issue in a highly enjoyable event. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, War of Kings #5 receives 35 out of 42.

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2 replies on “War of Kings Review – “War of Kings #5””

  2. I enjoyed the issue. I am even beginning to warm up to Gladiator, even though he should have sided with Lilandra early on.

    I am glad Rachel got her revenge, I do wonder when the rest of bthe Marvel universe (i.e. earth) finds out what’s going on.

    I look forward to seeing Black Bolt stomp a mud hole in Vulcan.

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