“I said I was sorry I ruined the movie. I didn’t think it was that big a spoiler.”
Thunderbolts #18
Marvel Comics (September, 1998)
“Career Opportunities”
WRITER: Kurt Busiek
PENCILER: Mark Bagley
INKER: Scott Hanna
COLORIST: Joe Rosas
LETTERING: Comicraft
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Greg Schigiel
EDITOR: Tom Brevoort
At least these are the credits from the Grand Comics Database since all we get are a bunch of last names with no connection to who did what. Schigiel isn’t even listed so for all I know they’re guessing based on other issues. I hate when comics do this!
As the team tries to rebuild and Abe and Melissa’s relationship falls apart (as she becomes more like Screaming Mimi again) they’re attacked by Cyclone. They manage to chase him off only to find it’s a trap by the new Masters Of Evil. The Thunderbolts are beaten but this was really a move by Crimson Cowl to recruit them. She gives them time to decide…and everyone except Jolt is considering it!
What they got right: I like how Atlas filled in the gaps of his story with Jolt, since the last time it was tempered by his guise (although he still hides helping Zemo escape from the satellite). Jolt and Atlas have a good sister/brother relationship that I hope we get to see more of. While the summary is short all the scenes were either good character moments or good fight scenes, so there’s actually a lot that happens.
What they got wrong: I liked seeing Songbird gain more confidence as a fighter, but I hate watching her become Screaming Mimi again and basically just told Abe, in front of everyone, that she’s no longer interested in him. If I were MACH-1 I’d tell her off next issue, especially if she is planning to accept Cowl’s offer. If the team turned out to be just MACH-1 and Jolt (because there’s no way Jolt’s going along with this and I’m hoping Atlas sides with her, and if Moonstone stays it’s because she’d rather be in charge manipulating others than going back to flunky status) I would still read this comic about former villains trying to be heroes.
Recommendation: I still really care about these characters and I’m rooting for them to choose the hero path even though I know what’s coming. Give this series a read.
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