I’ve enjoyed Juggernaut for its first two issues. It has explored a man broken and lacking direction in so many ways. Cain Marko is shown both wanting his “fix” and also in control and trying to focus on what comes next. Juggernaut #3 continues that concept but also is sidetracked by yet another fight.

On trial for damage during a battle, Marko is again forced to confront his past. The literal destruction he has caused. If writer Fabian Nicieza focused on just this juxtaposed with his attempt to regain his power, the comic would be far stronger. Instead, the issue feels distracted a bit with a battle against Quicksand who is after D-Cel. There are some things teased for what’s to come. But, it all feels like a side quest to the more interesting main story.

Juggernaut #3 finally answers the question as to how Cain Marko is armored up again. How it happens, with the other half of the trial, creates an interesting narrative of addiction. It’s a story of obsession and the impact on those around you. There’s a lot to mine there for quality storytelling. Sadly the comic mostly dances around it all. Where depth is there for the taking, we get an issue of a fight that is rather forgettable but for a few moments that stand out.

Ron Garney‘s art stands out though. A two page spread of Juggernaut fighting Spider-Man, Juggernauts new bands of Cyttorak, and Quicksand all look great. Matt Milla‘s colors add to it all as things like the Cyttorak armor feel like they glow from the page. The panel work and use of D-Cel’s voiceover all come together for a visually interesting comic whose visuals are more memorable than the story itself.

Juggernaut #3 seems to be taking the series more into a bigger narrative and direction based on the revelations about Quicksand. The series’ strength has been the introspection by Cain over his past as well as his obsession of regaining his lost power. Unfortunately, that feels like it’s getting sidetracked. What started out a strong series might be getting distracted and lose its most interesting aspect, a main character looking for redemption and a path forward.

Story: Fabian Nicieza Art: Ron Garney
Color: Matt Milla Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics

I didn’t think I needed a comic starring the Juggernaut. After Juggernaut #1, I absolutely want a comic about the Juggernaut! Like Maestro #1, Juggernaut #1 is a fantastic debut that draws you into the character delivering a comic that adds depth and some sympathy.

Cain Marko, aka Juggernaut, is out of limbo. That’s both literal and metaphorical. The character was left there in a previous volume of the X-Men’s adventures and has been absent from the current status. Now, he’s attempting to figure out his life and has taken a job with Damage Control to do what he does best, wreck things. Yes, the Juggernaut is now Wreck It Ralph. But, it completely works and delivers a debut that’s a surprising humanizing look at the character.

Writer Fabian Nicieza presents a pretty straightforward story. The Juggernaut has found work and somehow escaped his prison. The latter is teased throughout the issue but it’s the combination of the two that creates the success of the comic. Nicieza focuses on the man in the suit. This is a character that doesn’t have a lot of options in life and has found a path that works. He’s broken in many ways and there’s a hurt that’s present. He’s the criminal that’s hoping to reform but knows he has a slippery slope ahead of him.

And that’s the balance of the debut issue. The reader is left to wonder at what point, if any, does the Juggernaut screw up? Is he really in a place of peace or is this just a way to make more money until he’s presented with a more tempting offer. That temptation is in the form of squatters in a nearby building threatened by gentrification and the promise of internet fame. The use of a YouTube clone and instant celebrity and potentially money is a carrot that feels like it’s perfectly crafted to tempt Marko. There’s a teasing of the apple from the tree of knowledge aspect to it all, and that’s extended to what we know of the Juggernaut’s escape from his prison.

Ron Garney delivers fantastic visuals. Joined by Matt Milla on colors and Joe Sabino on lettering, this is a Juggernaut that’s imposing and feels full of mystical energy. The new costume design fuels the mystery of how Cain Marko regained his power and gives a nice updated look to the classic character. The art’s details are fantastic as well as they bounce between the past and present. Locked away, we see Cain Marko whither and suffer and he seeks to escape his prison. Armor is lost, body mass withers, hair grows. You can “feel” his struggles through the visuals. In the present There’s an imposing gentleness about his actions and movements. He tosses debris to find someone trapped with a sense of urgency. You can “feel” his shock as someone actually slows him down. But, it’s with his helmet off we get a human take on the character that makes him come off as tired, out of touch, and broken internally.

Juggernaut #1 is a fantastic debut of a comic. It adds a lot of depth and emotion to a character who has at times lacked it. There’s a fantastic mystery here of a man who’s at his lowest and is attempting to get his life in order. In many ways it’s a story of addiction, failure, temptation, and possible redemption. It’s aspects we can all relate to and helps take this classic villain and a much welcome direction.

Story: Fabian Nicieza Art: Ron Garney
Color: Matt Milla Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics