As I mentioned in my review of "Magneto" #11, I was hoping this issue would address my main unanswered question related to "Axis," namely why street-level villains like Hobgoblin would join Magneto's crusade against the Skull. I could see the Hobgoblin having a business argument either way. On one hand, he wouldn't want to see the Skull control the world enough that he would eliminate all competition. But, on the other hand, the Skull would likely be looking for some non-mutant enforcers. A guy in the business of supplying super-villains with identities and powers seems like the type of guy who could carve out a niche as a sub-contractor providing the Skull with said enforcers.
However, it quickly becomes clear in this issue that this series has no intention of answering any of those questions. In fact, it's really more of an epilogue to "Goblin Nation" than it is a tie-in issue to "Axis." We learn that Phil Urich has managed to retain the mantle of Goblin King (probably because no one else particularly wanted it) and Lily Hollister lost her memory as a result of Phil's botched attempt to rescue her. The "Axis" tie-in only provides the spark for the series: as a result of his newfound role as a hero, Roderick realizes that he has ignored an untapped (and even larger) market of people wanting to be superheroes. He immediately sets about filling that gap.
At first, I'll admit to being slightly annoyed. I mean, why am I reading about an infomercial for Roderick's pyramid scheme? Why are we not addressing the serious questions that I have about "Axis?" FANBOY ANGRY. FANBOY SMASH. But, then, when Roderick goes Tony Robbins for the special "few" customers that qualified for "Phase Three" of his superhero program, I just had to laugh. I mean, the "Ned Talks," named in honor of the first person to "successfully" participate in his "program?" That's freaking hilarious. Maybe it's just a reflection of how grim comics are lately or how badly written comics trying to do comedy (like "Axis," in parts) are. But, I really just found myself enjoying a comic book. Go figure.
Honestly, even if you're not reading "Axis" or never read "Goblin Nation," get this series. It's such a wry take on the superhero genre, reminiscent of "Damage Control" back in the '80s. But, if you are someone that read "Goblin Nation," it really is worth a read, since it explores the unsettled issues between the various Goblins in a way that we haven't seen in "Amazing Spider-Man." I wouldn't expect an occasional comic-book writer focused mostly on comedy to have such a good grasp on continuity or characterization, but, man, Shinick really delivers.
***** (five of five stars)
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