So here it is, the much anticipated "Big Event" Fear Itself. In the current climate, the inaugural issue in an event like this becomes very, very important. So how did issue number one stack up? Is it going to hook enough readers to be successful over the course of the next couple of months? Well, it hooked me!
There is no question that there are a handful of unanswered questions after reading this book. Because of this, some readers will be lead to believe that they have missed crucial information, or Matt Fraction has merely dropped the ball, once again! For me however, I believe I was given enough information to be reassured that the gaps, will be filled in as we go. The back story of Sin's "father" for instance, should be made clear as we go. We know he is not the Red Skull, and he referred to himself as the true All Father.
I did some research on some of the references being made in this story. Skadi, for instance. All links lead to what was a very rich history all involving layers of Norse mythology. And not surprisingly enough, Loki seemed to be connected to them all. So it is just a matter of time before the trickster shows up.
Anyone following Thor's exploits, knows of him resurrecting his father. And if you are like me, you will agree that this was a huuuuuge mistake. Odin is a megalomaniac at best! This mistake comes back to haunt Thor in this issue, as Odin pulls the rug out from under Thor and takes charge of the Asgardians. Strangely enough though, part of me understands Odin's decision to leave Earth. The All Father knows the final prophecy is coming true. He knows the gods are in for a war. Likewise; as has always been the case, he could care less about how the humans are affected by the inevitable chaos to come.
Stuart Immonen's interior artwork is unwavering. In fact the panels seemed to get better as the story progressed. And despite the six or so variant covers, I was very happy with the standard cover, which was beautifully rendered as a triptych.
I am interested in seeing how Skadi's father Thiazi recruits his apocalyptic warriors. There have been enough advertisements to know who many of them are. Now it is just a matter of watching them wreak havoc around the world!
I am pretty excited about this story. Even Matt Fraction seemed to nail down the script, which is not something that could be said about his recent work in Uncanny X-Men. Unless this series goes south in a hurry, I'm along for the ride!