Review: U.S.Agent #5 (of 5)

U.S.Agent #5 wraps up a classic superhero tale story with plenty of added twists. John Walker and his sidekick delivery man face an unlikely enemy: John’s own sister Kate. Kate has brought along her formidable boyfriend April. They couple has taken over an old Heli carrier and resurrected an ancient dragon. All of the action has an interesting framing device with a miner Stubb Tate waxing philosophical about American identity. The issue is nicely juxtaposed to Winter Soldier and the streaming series as it puts U.S.Agent in a conflict where the very meaning achieving opportunity and freedom within democracy is up for question.

The art is exceptional with an incredible knockdown fight with April flashing back to an even more incredible knockdown fight with a dragon. We then flashback further to April losing his son and setting him on the path to obtaining the Kaiju Serum. John ends up surviving and saving the day, but not it in a way that earns him any respect or satisfaction. The writing by Priest is solid. It seems to ask all right questions without providing any easy answers. The art is perfect with massive battle scenes against a small town backdrop.

This series is a great ride, with an epic arc. But in the end it feels a bit forgettable. It’s not clear what the repercussions of this arc will lead to as the series ends and John moves onto what appears to be a totally unrelated book. Walker is a true Everyman, and he’s not good enough to stand out compared to other heroes, but that never stops him from battling for the everyday people.

Writing: 3.5 of 5 stars
Art: 4 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.4 of 5 stars

Overall: 3.6 of 5 stars

Writer: Christopher Priest
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Inker: Karl Story
Colors: Matt Milla
Publisher: Marvel Comics

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.