Sunday, June 29, 2014

New Warriors #5 (HERE BE SPOILERS!)

Yost moves us into the next phase of this series, allowing the characters to interact with one another outside a battle setting for the first time and adding layers of mystery to several of the characters in the process.

First, we're treated to yet more of Kaine and Vance's antagonistic yet vaguely chummy banter, the unexpected cornerstone of this series.  We learn that Vance thinks that Water Snake is actually Namorita, though she swears that she's the servant of the Queen sent to find Namorita herself.  Water Snake also has some sort of connection to a mysterious figure that haunts her throughout the issue and tells Canninus, one of the High Evolutionary's New Men, that he can save the Earth from the coming Celestials if the New Warriors free him from his prison.  Hummingbird's powers reveal to her that Robbie still views himself as Penance, and Roche does an amazing job making this scene creepy as hell.  Also, Canninus moves Wundagore Mountain to the New York Harbor.  In other words, we cover a lot of ground.

Yost keeps us moving at a brisk pace throughout these revelations, succeeding most of the time in not making the issue feel too expository (except for Vance's conversation with Water Snake, which flowed not at all from the previous discussion).  He manages not to make the Warriors becoming a team a foregone conclusion, with several of the characters making it clear that they have no intention of staying once they're done cleaning up the mess from their confrontation with the High Evolutionary.  He also keeps a light-hearted feel to this book, despite the ominous threats gathering around the Warriors.  It's definitely a solid start to this series.

*** (three of five stars)

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