Review: TASKMASTER #1 (OF 5)

Taskmaster shows the massive potential a Marvel book can have if they are allowed to use all the toys. Too often this type is book is hampered by a limited scope. Instead this book has all the quality and characters of an Avengers book but from the massively interesting perspective of a character who can take on the powers and mannerisms of any hero or villain he has seen.

The opening scene shows a murder that Taskmaster is being framed for. We then get a hilarious scene in which Taskmaster and Bullseye are facing off in a celebrity golf game. This is quickly disrupted by an incredibly skilled assassin chasing them across the course.

In spite of accessing the powers of Ghost Rider and Hawkeye, Taskmaster is not able to shake off the assassin. A mysterious ally sets up a rendezvous. Taskmaster is just barely able to escape and meet his surprising helper, Nick Fury.

Nick tells Taskmaster he“s being framed for the murder of Maria Hill and reveals the assassin chasing after him was the Black Widow herself. Fury takes Taskmaster to a safe house where he presents the problem. Maria Hill was investigating the Rubicon Trigger from H.A.M.M.E.R. This can“t be accessed without kinesic signatures of three elite leaders: Phil Coulson of Supreme Squadron, Okoye of the Agents of Wakanda and Ami Han of the Korean Tiger Division.

In order to imitate them all and access the Trigger, Taskmaster needs to meet each of them in person so he can adopt their mannerisms. This challenge nicely wraps up an excellent issue and opens the entire series wide open. Rather than a limited mission in his own corner this book allows Taskmaster to visit the breadth of the Marvel Universe and promises massive challenges and guest stars for the series ahead.

Nick Fury is a fantastic ”˜sidekick“ and the banter between the sardonic Taskmaster and the well written Fury makes an exposition heavy issues an absolute joy. Writer Jed MacKay understands these characters but also leaves ample room for comedy and insane situations. This feels over the top in top in a Scott Pilgrim kind of way. Instead of facing former boyfriends, Taskmaster must now face massive powerhouse groups across the Marvel Universe.

Alessandro Vitti“s art is pitch perfect and the fact that an artist of this caliber is on this book levels up the expectations for what“s to come. Vitti can manage massive action scenes but can also show an incredible broad range of reactions and humor within a simple conversation. That balance is perfect for this book.

The cover art by Valerio Giangiordano and Arif Prianto is also top tier and perfectly captures the promised scope of this series. If this series can truly deliver on the promise of this issue (although here“s hoping Maria Hill makes an eventual return from the dead), it will be an epic self-contained journey.Â

Writing: 4.6 of 5 stars
Artwork: 4.5 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.4 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.5 of 5 stars

Writer: Jed MacKay
Art: Alessandro Vitti
Colors: Guru-eFX
Publisher: Marvel ComicsÂ

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.