Continuing the rather interesting split issue format of the series, Heroes Reborn #3 is the strongest issue of the main event so far. The Marvel Universe has changed. The Avengers were never formed at the Squadron Supreme has stepped into their place. The only one who remembers the world that was is Blade who’s on a mission to find out what’s going on and fix everything. Heroes Reborn #3 begins to eliminate some of the possibilities for what’s going on while also putting the focus on Blur, the speedster member of the Squadron Supreme.
“Race Through the Dread Dimension” dives into Blur. And as a standalone story, it does a hell of a job in doing everything it needs to do. Impressively, we get hints as to an origin. We also get a solid idea as to who Blur is as a person and character. The answer is, an absolute ass. Writer Jason Aaron continues to use Marvel’s creations as an examination of classic DC characters, in this case, the Flash with some others thrown in. Stanley Stewart is the classic DC speedster mixed with the arrogance of Johnny Storm. He’s a character you want to punch.
The story does an excellent job of running through who Blur is as he watches television, plays on his phone, laments he’s “too fast” to do certain things, and brags about his dating. This is an arrogant person granted massive abilities and can’t sit still. Like his introduction, the story focuses on Silver Witch as she steals his soul and he attempts to get it back while racing through the Dark Dimension.
The story works far better than previous chapters as it focuses on Blur. The story feels less like a game of “see what’s different” as opposed to focusing on Blur. We get a good sense of who he is with a minimal amount of “guest stars”. There also seems to be a real focus on giving us a twisted take on The Flash. Gorilla City is replaced by Grizzly City as an example. On its own, it’s a very enjoyable story and great introduction to the character.
Federico Vicentini provides the art which does an excellent job of capturing the motion, and lack of it. With Matt Milla on art, the look of the comic is great as it attempts to mimic what really works with The Flash. It’s solid visuals to go along with a strong narrative.
“The Silent Inferno“, also written by Aaron, is the real focus on the main story. Blade is organizing his team to try to fix the world. He and Captain America recruit a new member that’s unexpected. The move eliminates one of the possible causes for what’s going on and also answers some questions in how they’ll deal with the Squadron Supreme’s heavy hitters. With art by Ed McGuinness, ink by Mark Morales, and color by Matthew Wilson, the story is an interesting chapter but feels too short. What stands out is the chapter’s ability at intrigue. I was sucked in as I wanted to see where it was going, who was the focus, and what was being said. It’s a solid entry in the greater story. But, overall, it emphasizes the issues with the event, it feels like it’s being dragged out and not focused enough on the main story.
Heroes Reborn #3 is the best release so far in the event. But, like the previous issue, at times it feels like a tie-in than the main story. But, what’s presented is really good, so there’s good and bad with the release. Overall, the event is a bit frustrating in how it’s presented and the pacing but we are at least getting some solid moments within all of the distraction.
Story: Jason Aaron Art: Federico Vicentini, Ed McGuinness
Color: Matt Milla, Matthew Wilson Ink: Mark Morales
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.35 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics
