War of Kings #1-6
May-October 2009
Cover art by: Ron Lim, Sandu Florea, & Chris Sototmayer
Writer: Andy Lanning & Dan Abnett
Pencils: Paul Pelletier
Inks: Rick Magyar
Let me say up front, that I enjoyed this series. I do have one major problem with it, that I will tackle at the end. The general premise of this story is that the Shi'ar Empire has invaded the Kree in an attempt to take them over. Their first strike takes place during the wedding of Crystal and Ronan the Accuser on the Kree homeworld. Since I am too lazy to do a write-up on all 6 issues you get it in list style!
I never knew Cyclops and Havok had a brother. Or that he was an “omega level mutant” (what ever that is). Or that he ruled the Shi'ar. He is named Vulcan.
Nova appears on the cover, but luckily we never see him in the entire series. At least not that I recall.
The Inhumans finally have people to rule. Makes sense I guess since they are supposed to be royalty.
The surprise attack by the Imperial Guard at the wedding might be one of my favorite fight scenes in recent memory. Very well done.
Crystal naturally helps the Kree people and the rest of the Inhumans think it is great statecraft.
I always thought that black thing in Crystal's hair was some sort of thing in her hair. Apparently it is a pattern dyed into her hair. Weird.
Chorus Sentries are pretty cool.
Cliche alert! If Vulcan kills Lilandra she will then become a martyr.
The Inhuman's Uplift Program to push the Kree further into evolution won't work. Uh-oh.
I like that we run through 2 or 3 different Smashers.
The rescue of Liliandra was very well done as well. The Starjammers take the spotlight here. The turn of Gladiator I actually saw coming.
Even with their superior numbers and firepower the Shi'ar are strecthed to thin for this war.
Cliche alert! A secret group hidden from everyone for all-time. This time the Fraternity of Raptors of the Shir'ar Empire. They remind me of Darkhawk.
I did not expect the death of Liliandra
The Inhumans' counter-plan is to expose everyone to Terrigen Mist.
The Kree worry that they will now be the Alpha Primitives to the universe. I can't help but think just because everyone else is super-evolved doesn't mean they will be superior or be able to rule over the Kree.
Crystal is the only member of the Inhumans against this plan.
Medusa seemed pretty dense on not figuring out Black Bolt was going to sacrifice himself for the bomb, since he is the one who has to power it.
Finally the War of Kings happens as Vulcan gets on the ship/bomb to confront Black Bolt.
Really an epic battle between the two.
Gladiator as the new Majestro for the Shi'ar?!? Man they seem willing to follow anyone.
Why are they worried about the Terrigen bomb blowing up early since it is supposed to affect the whole universe?
Crystal and Lockjaw try and rescue Black Bolt.
Cliche alert! Before they teleport away with Black Bolt the seemingly dead Vulcan tears him away. They both “die” in the explosion. I am just assuming they are both alive now. I have no idea.
The Inhumans “win” the war.
Like I said I liked this series. More than I thought I would. All 6 issues were packed with story, with nary any padding in sight. It truly needed every issue. Also, I've been a fan of Paul Pelletier's art since his run on Green Lantern back in the '90s. Just terrific.
Now to my main problem with the book. This was my biggest exposure to the Inhumans in one sitting, and I have got to say how stupid Black Bolt is. Out of all of the powers all of the Inhumans have we don't have one telepath to actually tell us what the king is thinking? He can't walk around with pen and paper and give us his decrees? Maybe a datapad to type things on? Nope, he glowers at us and Medusa has to tell us what he is “saying”. Only she can determine what every furrowed brow means. I'm sorry but that is just ludicrously bad. Every panel of him just staring was off-putting to me. Still I recommend the series.
Replies
Now we'll never know why he is shouting, and/or what fell on his toe....
"What's that, Black Bolt? A horse? A pony? Gee-gee? Gee? And now - yourself? I? Me? Me! And floor? Shoes? Carpet? Down? And not poking out his tongue? Does jumping jacks? Doesn't have stomach cramps? He's well? I'VE GOT IT! JIMMY'S DOWN THE WELL!"
"GIVE HIM A SEDAGIVE!"
You mean 'Tive him a sedagive'?
Figserello said:
I am guessing what fell on his toe was whatever was filling in the black hole on the cover.
Vulcan first appeared in the mini X-men Deadly Genesis by Ed Brubaker, which was a very good mini. He took control of the Shiar Empire in "Rise and Fall of the Shiar Empire" in Uncanny X-men also by Ed Brubaker and also a good story.
Ah thanks for the background information, Jason. Obviously, I had never heard of him before.
Jason Marconnet (Pint sized mod) said:
Travis Herrick (Modular Mod) said: