Henchmen: I, Hechbot #5by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 7 Gary tries to balance his ninja classes with planning to infiltrate Vimco with his daughter, who is doing so well in her new school that she wants and is able to be a sidekick. Striker goes to Washington to try to stop the villains from getting funding, but things are already in motion.There is a lot packed into this issue! The ninja class is hilarious, and, given that this is a world where super-powered people live and work, I'm inclined to believe that these average joes -- these henchmen -- have actually acquired some "ninja skills." I love the parallel to Gary's daughter's superhero training (and later parallels as well). There's another meeting between villains and the henchmen union, which confuses me since I thought everything was decided in the previous issue. This time, Gary finalizes everything, including resigning as a henchman in order to run the union. That seems like it should be a good thing, but I wonder if Gary really has what it takes to do all the things he's trying to do. He's at least trying to survive, so props to him for that. His methods, however, are sometimes all-too-fitting for someone who's worked on the wrong side of the law. The family aspect in this issue is portrayed realistically. I feel kind of bad for the mom, as she does seem to get cast as the "villain" out of the two parents, but we really don't know enough about her or her situation to know if she really deserves our pity or empathy. I like that I can see her covering up fear with anger -- that adds a layer of complexity to her, which is good because she's a pretty one-dimensional character. Gary's talk with his daughter about her superpowers is nicely handled, and I like that superpowers are basically an analogy for coming-of-age. The politics in this issue are kept short, but oh-so evil. I love that Striker's "at what cost?" question is drowned out by the cheering masses. And I love that the villains' side has such logic (even if it is twisted, which is both appropriate villainy and realistic politicking). I really like the secret that Gary and the other henchman-ninjas uncover about the henchbots at the end of this issue, but what I love more is the pickle Gary has gotten himself into regarding work and family. Life is complicated, and superpowers and / or job alliances can complicate it even further. I'm very interested to see what happens in the next issue, both on scene and at home. Written: July 28, 2015
|
|
|
Home |
Features |
Columns |
Culture Vultures |
Report Card
Indicia | Contact | Archives © Sequential Tart, 1998 – 2021 |
