Month: May 2021

Review: Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #3

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #3 is about to continue the tale of two iconic Marvel siblings. This series is perfect for fans that adore either brother but have been hoping to see a more light-hearted version than what the MCU most recently portrayed (looking at you, Infinity War).

Thus far, Thor and Loki have been bouncing from one moment of chaos to the next. It’s almost as if Loki has planned all of this. Which, in hindsight, is entirely possible. Knowing the God of Mischief. And it looks like the latest issue is about to double that chaos, courtesy of a few other iconic heroes of the same name.

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble is the perfect balance between hilarity and pandemonium and will prove to be an entertaining romp through the nine realms.

Writing

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #3 is very much an issue that modern Thor fans have been waiting for. In reality, it probably was only a matter of time before the Goddess of Thunder made her way into these pages.

Written by Mariko Tamaki, this issue is pretty much everything that fans could have asked for. Then again, my bias is probably showing there, as I am a fan of both Tamaki and the guest star of the issue.

The comedic timing in issue three is on point, with plenty of MCU references (one in particular fans will enjoy), banter, and some scenes that border on slapstick humor. It makes this pair seem much younger than they are, but that is half the fun of it. Mariko Tamaki has captured the essence of these characters. She whittled them down to more bubbly versions of the characters we’re more used to seeing and created something so delightful in the process.

As for the ending of this issue? Well, it promises more shenanigans, of the variety that only Loki can create. In short, it’s going to fit in quite nicely with the rest of this series.

Art

The artwork in Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #3 is even more charming than the characters – assuming that is possible. Gurihiru’s artwork shines here, creating endearing and comical characters that steal the show.

In truth, every single panel of this series has made me crave to see the antics play out in cartoon form. Gurihiru’s artwork only compounds that craving. Much of the comedic timing is helped along with the artwork, providing subtle and nonverbal cues that land the jokes. The over-the-top reactions are just an added bonus—a significant one.

VC’s Ariana Maher’s letters are the final touch needed for this issue. While much of the writing itself looks proper Asgardian, the antics are anything but. Which is made clear through more subtle ways in Maher’s art. Or less subtle when it comes to portraying the sounds of a fight.

Conclusion

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble #3 is by far the most fun I’ve had while reading comic books in quite some time. That is saying something, given all of the comics that have been coming out in recent times.

The characters are adorable, quirky, and spirited, laying the groundwork for entertaining and memorable antics. While I can’t speak for everyone here, I can say with complete honesty that I will be sad when this series comes to an end.

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Review: America Chavez: Made in the U.S.A #3

For those that haven’t been following along, America Chavez once again has worked her way into a solo series. This time around, her world is getting turned on its head, especially in America Chavez: Made in the U.S.A #3.

The whole series has been doing a bit of a deep dive on a character many know and love so well. It’s just in time for her MCU debut – portrayed by Xochitl Gomez. How much of this arc will directly affect her MCU version? Only time will tell.

America’s story has always been an emotionally compelling one. She’s a determined and super-powered LGBTQ+ Latin-American, and she isn’t afraid to let her light shine. This latest arc has brought those emotional notes to new highs, all while delving into what makes America the person she is.


Writing


America Chavez: Made in the U.S.A #3 is arguably the most dramatic issue of the series thus far, with lots of twists and surprise revelations popping up all over the place. So settle in on the couch with a nice cozy blanket because this one is going to be quite the ride.

Written by Kalinda Vazquez, this issue brings into question everything we know about America Chavez. One can only imagine how much more confusing it must be for her, as her world gets torn apart and rebuilt right before her eyes.

It’s a fascinating and compelling story, one that raises so many questions along the way. How much of this is really true? How will this affect America going forward? What is the long-term intent behind the writing? Once again, I find myself saying, ‘only time will tell.’

All I can say is that the story within these pages packs a punch. An emotional gut punch, sure, but a punch nonetheless. The irony is not lost on me.


Art


America Chavez: Made in the U.S.A #3 features some truly outstanding artwork, but the cover probably made that pretty clear, huh? Her character and her resoluteness shine through so bright here, even as everything else comes into question.

Carlos Gomez’s artwork is to die for, thankfully not literally. The characters portrayed here, both new and old, draw the eye. It’s impossible to look away or to miss the clear implications being made. Yet, there are many subtle details woven into the artwork as well, making it worth taking a closer look.

Jesus Aburtov’s colors help to make this issue so bright and vibrant, even while the world feels like it’s tipping upside down. America’s iconic colors are there, of course. But it’s more than that. It’s the way her powers are portrayed or the derelict backgrounds in a given scene. It all feels so intentional and…alive.

Finally, VC’s Travis Lanham’s letters are not to be ignored. There’s a whole lot of dialogue in this issue, but it actually doesn’t feel that way. Lanham’s artwork flawlessly merges it with the artwork, creating a sense of flow from panel to panel. Even when there’s so much information to take in, it never feels overwhelming.


Conclusion


America Chavez: Made in the U.S.A #3 is not an issue for fans to miss out on. Especially if you’re hoping to be well-prepared for what the MCU version may be throwing our way. I can’t be certain, but the changes implied here may very well be farther reaching.

Either way, her story has somehow become even more emotionally gripping and compelling. She feels more real than ever, all the more so because of what she is currently processing. It’s grounding her in ways that are difficult to put into words.

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