COUP D'ETAT: WILDCATS VERSION 3.0 REVIEW

[Chris Wilson]

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0204/coupd'etat3cvr.jpg "><img src=http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0204/coupd'etat3cvrt.jpg align=left alt="Coup D’etat #3 (of 4) Wildcats 3.0"></a>Reviewer: Chris Wilson, sneakydub@hotmail.com
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: Henhouse Confidential

Spartan kicks the Authority’s butt with… uh… words. Yeah, that’s about right…

Writer: Joe Casey
Artists: Ale Garza
Inker: Trevor Scott
Letterer: Phil Balsman
Colorist: Randy Mayor for Wildstorm F/X
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Ben Abernathy

The Coup continues, and in this issue we see how the “Wildcats” enter into this fray. Actually only three characters from the series’ cast make an appearance, but boy what an appearance. From last week’s esoteric and rather underwhelming spotlight of Stormwatch: Team Achilles, we get an issue of Wildcats Version 3.0 that’s just as self-interested (although self-conscious) but much more intriguing and definitely much smarter. Whereas I thought the second issue of Coup D’etat was a bit of a let down compared to the first issue in Sleeper (A-freakin’-mazing!), Casey and Garza renew my faith in the mini-series and deliver an inspired (read: kick-ass) story.

The U.S. government has done something very naughty, precipitating the death of millions of humans and advanced aliens, and destroying the state of Florida. In response, the Authority feel compelled to rectify the situation by…uh… taking over America (don’t laugh!) Obviously, they have the means to do so: the U.S. government classifies four of the six member team to be weapons of mass destruction. If their endeavors go unchecked, the Authority will most likely fulfill their intentions. That, of course, is a pretty small “if,” as the U.S. armed forces have proven themselves ineffective in this crisis, and the team sanctioned to handle these types of threats—Stormwatch--is on the run. What is a handicapped man to do in such a desperate situation, much less a fully ambulatory human?

Bomb ‘em to smithereens!

That, of course, is the Grifter’s solution to this fiasco. He is absolutely convinced that what Jack Hawksmoor and his ilk are doing is wrong, and he’s determined to stop them, wheelchair or no. Here, the Grifter is portrayed as a hothead that gets his job done, regardless of the circumstances. In that sense, Casey delineates the character slightly from his normal attitude as seen in the regular series where Cole’s more of the cool guy that gets his job done. I assume the change is made to fit the story and provide a more interesting foil for Spartan later in the issue. However, it’s a minimal deviation that doesn’t detract at all from the story. We still get a very solid introduction to the determined and daunting Grifter, which is the purpose of such characterization in this issue. Cole is also very adroitly juxtaposed to Dolby, expertly emphasizing the flinty resolve of the former and the genuine concern of the later. The two don’t so much work off of one another as they do around each other, perfectly demonstrating the relationship between these characters. Ultimately, they both get what they want: the Grifter gets his bomb and Dolby gets to fulfill his taboo fantasies of living the life of a superhero (er… at least, just tagging along).

Since, Cole can’t really walk, he’s gonna need someone to take this bomb into Authority central. Throughout the issue, he’s completely sure that Jack Marlowe will act as the vector for bomb delivery, which lead me to the predictable conclusion that Marlowe was going to decline the Grifter’s proposal. However, I was not prepared for fallout in the wake of his subsequent refusal, which to my utter joy and amazement, was nothing less than an example of literary excellence. Okay, I’m exaggerating a mite, but I loved the dialogue here. Cole, unaware of the reasons that provoke them, believes that the Authority are in the wrong, and the only way to make everything right is to fight fire with fire. Marlowe has a different idea, one that doesn’t reconcile with the Grifter’s shoot-first-ask-questions-later attitude. The relay between these two characters is great. Nearly every sentence that Cole forms is comprised of at least one explitive and soured by harsh vitriol toward Marlowe’s non-compliance. Marlowe, instead of responding in kind, replies with a serenity and impartiality that belie his logic processing roots. However, this dialogue isn’t great for the simple verbal relay, but rather for the concept it symbolizes. Through this conversation between Cole and Marlowe, Casey ably displays the contextual paradoxes of the book's entire raison d'etre. When the Grifter asks, “You think a superhero makes batteries?!” he’s questioning the existence of Wildcats Version 3.0—the series itself. It’s a book about former superheroes doing things that aren’t immediately considered super nor heroic. What place do our unconventional protagonists in unconventional situations have in this media genre? Although a bit esoteric for an issue that’s supposed to be part of a mini-series, this dialogue serves as the perfect introduction to the current interpretation of the Wildcats.

Honestly, I was turned off by Marlowe’s monologue in Wildcats Version 3.0 #18 about how he’s a machine evolved beyond ineffective human emotion. It just seems silly for a machine to try and convince us that he’s above those emotions that can lead a man to kill another man or lead a country toward war. It sounds good, but technically doesn’t work because of our common concept of what a robot is (they don’t have emotions to begin with!). However, where Marlowe’s pacifist ideology doesn’t work as some form of mental evolution in the previous issue of Wildcats Version 3.0, it does work here. It works very well actually. This time, Marlowe is not pontificating about how he’s become some pacifist saint, but rather he’s speaking from logic and an understanding of what compels humans to do what they do. He makes no judgments, but only asks that the Authority consider “the true consequences of meddling in world politics.” He knows that they can change the world--and maybe they should—but is this the best way to do it? Marlowe forces the Authority to at least ponder the composite effects of their actions and then leaves with quite the ominous reminder. How’s that for persuasion! And did I mention that Marlowe converts back to his Spartan costume to emphasize his point? Not only is the dialogue well written in this issue, it’s also made me fan-boy giddy!

The artist to grace us with the reappearance of Spartan is Ale Garza. Okay, so when I first heard that Garza was going to be doing an issue of Wildcats Version 3.0, I was a bit disappointed. I expected a mess of anime inspired characters with large eyes and exaggerated body proportions. Not that Garza’s art is bad, but his normally cartoony style doesn’t quite fit the mood of this book. To my surprise, Garza performed better than expected; he must have taken a note from the rest of the series. Well, its attention well invested, as we get one of the better looking issues of Wildcats Version 3.0 since Nguyen’s departure. The artist mostly stays away from his anime-inspired pencils, and produces an issue that’s quite stylized to the general Wildcats theme. Sometimes Garza overcompensates, and the eyes in a very few places are actually too small. And the (one) woman he draws noticeably reflects his normal cartoon-like art. However these are very small distractions from a highly enjoyable penciling job. Besides, anyone that can make the Grifter look like Brad Pitt (just grrrrr, baby) will always receive my blessing.

Gah, but how I ramble. Pick up the issue for yourself! It’s a great read. If you like your comics smart and well scripted, than Coup D’etat is an event you really don’t want to miss.

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/wsfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/wsfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/wsfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/wsfull.jpg http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/reviews/wshalf.jpg

Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=156&cat=WILDCATS+VERSION+3%2E0)

[Riliss]

In this single issue, Jack Marlowe is more frightening than any super-villain, and more inspiring than any super-hero.

[Wolverine]

My god I loved this issue. It was briliently done!

[Zeb Aslam]

I don't read Wildcats 3.0 regularly, so I have to say that I was a bit hesitant about reading this issue. But Casey has done such a masterful job that I was not the least bit confused, but instead was inspired to start reading this book on a monthly basis now. Jacob Marlowe has to be the coolest executive outlined in comics ever. He has just the right touch of humanity and cold logic to make him an ideal character to explore and for that and that alone I highly recommend this book...It rocked!

[omegastorm]

I am looking forward to reading this issue.

o

[Nick Costanzo]

This issue was so beyond the realm of amazing that to even talk about it with our primitive mortal tongues would be sacrellidge. It was that good. Joe Casey is my new god!!!

Now lets just hope that Robbie Morrison's writing has evolved to the point where he can maintain the momentum that's been set.

[Bane]

I think it was a great issue, probably will stand as a strong point in the series. Now, whether or not either side - Marlowe or Authority - is right, as there are not exactly black and white sides to this issue, is beside the point. It progresses the story while also not making it too obvious this is a crossover.

One complaint I noticed more in the reviews of this crossover - it was my understanding from the reading of the first three issues that a deeply hidden, US I/O sort of organization - some shadowy branch that answers to itself - took the engine and caused the accident. Yet, everyone says it is the US Government. I'm not saying it's infallible, but sometimes the Wildstorm version of the US Gov't is, well, a bit much. There's a difference between satire and parody. Anyway, that's my opinion on that.

[Dylan McKay]

Originally posted by Riliss
In this single issue, Jack Marlowe is more frightening than any super-villain, and more inspiring than any super-hero.

I agree, he is fast becoming my second favourite comic character.

[BoomBot]

With the last two issues of Coup, I've loved it. I want to pick up Stormwatch and Wildcats now also. The dialogue and styles from both are really well done and fun and have made this series so enjoyable. I didn't like Coup: Sleeper much but that didn't seem like the fault of Brubaker and I'm still interested in that series. I'm glad I didn't drop this.

I too wasn't into the idea of Garza doing this series but he did surprise me. I've only tried him out with Gen13, which I thought was pretty bad. The part where Spartan went into costume seemed a little too cartoony, which was also the colorist's fault, but it still worked. The cover was also nicely done, which was the colorist's fault ;).

[D4773T]

This is is reason why this book will never gain alot of new comicbook readers. This was the wildstorms first major crossover in years and it was also the chance to excite and attract new readership. The first two parts of the crossover were good introductions to the characters in there books and it moved the story along in a fast enough to pace to keep you interested. But this issue was the brick wall to the previous story. Sometimes Casey tries to be so smart that it keeps people from buying the book. The book can be as brilliant as it wants but if the readership is low whats the point? This could have been the opportunity to show the main characters of the book working together so that you get an idea who they are and whats interesting about them to make me want to buy this book. But instead we get Spartan talking in caseys voice to tell everyone why the wildcats are not super heroes and how much he dislikes the spandex crowd.

[Nick Costanzo]

Originally posted by D4773T
This is is reason why this book will never gain alot of new comicbook readers. This was the wildstorms first major crossover in years and it was also the chance to excite and attract new readership. The first two parts of the crossover were good introductions to the characters in there books and it moved the story along in a fast enough to pace to keep you interested. But this issue was the brick wall to the previous story. Sometimes Casey tries to be so smart that it keeps people from buying the book. The book can be as brilliant as it wants but if the readership is low whats the point? This could have been the opportunity to show the main characters of the book working together so that you get an idea who they are and whats interesting about them to make me want to buy this book. But instead we get Spartan talking in caseys voice to tell everyone why the wildcats are not super heroes and how much he dislikes the spandex crowd.

Which is exactly why it was much, much more interesting to me than any other "superhero" story I've read all year. But I guess its not really a comic book if people with bright costumes don't go around fighting for some reason or another.

By the way, if you were paying attention Grifter and Marlowe were arguing exactly for the reason why this book exists and why the Halo Corporation does what it does. Anyone who was unfamiliar with this book had it spelled out for them right there. This isn't the Avengers or the X-Men, and thank God there are writers out there capable of writing a team book that is unique for a change.

I would certainly love to see these figures that readership is down in Wildstorm. If anything, with quality like this I only see the number of readers increasing.

[gambitX]

Always loved Spartan, now even more.

that last line... which had a threat "hidden" in there...
priceless

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

Originally posted by D4773T
This is is reason why this book will never gain alot of new comicbook readers. This was the wildstorms first major crossover in years and it was also the chance to excite and attract new readership. The first two parts of the crossover were good introductions to the characters in there books and it moved the story along in a fast enough to pace to keep you interested. But this issue was the brick wall to the previous story. Sometimes Casey tries to be so smart that it keeps people from buying the book. The book can be as brilliant as it wants but if the readership is low whats the point? This could have been the opportunity to show the main characters of the book working together so that you get an idea who they are and whats interesting about them to make me want to buy this book. But instead we get Spartan talking in caseys voice to tell everyone why the wildcats are not super heroes and how much he dislikes the spandex crowd.

yes. heaven forbid writers should write interesting intelligent stories instead of pandering to the lowest common denominator to get their freaking sales up. :rolleyes:

[D4773T]

Originally posted by Jordan T. Maxwell


yes. heaven forbid writers should write interesting intelligent stories instead of pandering to the lowest common denominator to get their freaking sales up. :rolleyes: You can have intelligent stories without the spandex but still have action. Im not talking about a slugfest every issue either. I love novels because they have time to paint a complex picture between the main character and the crisis they will have to overcome. This is not a novel its a comicbook and i dont think board room meetings between a powerful android with alien batteries is something that will bring in new readers. Like it or not wildcats does need a broader readership to keep going. Just look at the small amount of people who even discuss the book on this board or even thier own messageboards. Critical a acclaim is great but will not keep people buying this book?

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

Originally posted by D4773T
You can have intelligent stories without the spandex but still have action. Im not talking about a slugfest every issue either. I love novels because they have time to paint a complex picture between the main character and the crisis they will have to overcome. This is not a novel its a comicbook and i dont think board room meetings between a powerful android with alien batteries is something that will bring in new readers. Like it or not wildcats does need a broader readership to keep going. Just look at the small amount of people who even discuss the book on this board or even thier own messageboards. Critical a acclaim is great but will not keep people buying this book?

but that's not what this book is about. there is occasional action. hell, there's been some kind of gunfight every two or three issues. they're doing something new and progressive here in their look at superheroes...which is what Wildstorm has been about as an imprint for a good long while now. and i'm pretty sure the book is doing all right for itself as the flagship book in the line. the small amount of people discussing it here is a rather biased sample to be drawing from. i mean, let's face it, the majority of the audience here is leftover from our days as X-Fan. Which means a good chunk of them have probably never tried anything with an "M" or "DC" in the corner of the book. This title is doing fine for itself.

but no, you're right. it should be like every other book on the market so that we can pander to what people understand. Spandex and violence. Lord knows there aren't enough superhero books out there like that. Homogeny for all!

[D4773T]

Originally posted by Jordan T. Maxwell


but that's not what this book is about. there is occasional action. hell, there's been some kind of gunfight every two or three issues. they're doing something new and progressive here in their look at superheroes...which is what Wildstorm has been about as an imprint for a good long while now. and i'm pretty sure the book is doing all right for itself as the flagship book in the line. the small amount of people discussing it here is a rather biased sample to be drawing from. i mean, let's face it, the majority of the audience here is leftover from our days as X-Fan. Which means a good chunk of them have probably never tried anything with an &quot;M&quot; or &quot;DC&quot; in the corner of the book. This title is doing fine for itself.

but no, you're right. it should be like every other book on the market so that we can pander to what people understand. Spandex and violence. Lord knows there aren't enough superhero books out there like that. Homogeny for all! Did you even read what i wrote? I never once said the book needed spandex or mindless slugfests. What im saying is that the way that Casey paces the book turns off alot of readers including myself. And i collect sleepers and stormwatch. Both of those titles are very inteligent and they dont have spandex wearing superheroes. But Ed and Micah know how to write stories that keep you interested in the book. The books are interesting whether there is fighting in it or not.

[Jordan T. Maxwell]

so does Casey. it turned you off. okay, so what? because you didn't like the pacing? Obviously, there's a number of us here who disagree and love the book. I'm not saying you should change your mind. by all means, if you're not enjoying the book then don't read it. But to say that this approach doesn't work when it's obviously appealing to a great deal of readers (and critics), well...it just doesn't help support your argument much.

and yes, your previous post did seem to me to be implying that this book would be better if it had more action and less board meetings. um...it's a book about corporate superheroes. and it's still got action and intrigue aplenty. so i really don't see where your argument is going at all.

[Chris Wilson]

Originally posted by Jordan T. Maxwell

but no, you're right. it should be like every other book on the market so that we can pander to what people understand. Spandex and violence. Lord knows there aren't enough superhero books out there like that. Homogeny for all!

Although the notion is rife with sarcasm, your point probably holds more validity than any free-thinking, intelligent human being would like to admit. Unfortunately, it seems that D4773T's comments reflect the majority of the comic book readership. Just look at the sales of Marvel's Ultimate line. Does that mean that there's no place for books like Wildcats Version 3.0? Of course not, but the book's creators and fans should be resigned to accept the limited amount of exposure that the series will recieve. Casey has carved out a niche, which many readers find they fit in, but there are many more that either haven't heard of or don't feel comortable with the book. And that's okay--different strokes for different folks, right?

-Chris

[Dylan McKay]

My personal opinion. I just recently got into the book, with no prior Eye of the Storm knowledge, and I'm loving it. I love that we finally, after all these years, get a pasifistic superhero. To me, that rules on an infinate number of levels.

So it's not to your taste, there hundreds of books out there. It is to my taste and since it is so unique, I'd be possitively heartbroken if it was changed to appeal to a broader audience that already has tones of books pandering to it.

[BoomBot]

Well, the last two issues have lured me somewhat and I'm not getting them because of a lack of funds and the artists on Stormwatch.

[Nick Costanzo]

Originally posted by Nalyd Psycho


I strongly disagree, I just recently got into the book, with no prior Eye of the Storm knowledge, and I'm loving it. I love that we finally, after all these years, get a pasifistic superhero. To me, that rules on an infinate number of levels.

So it's not to your taste, there hundreds of books out there. It is to my taste and since it is so unique, I'd be possitively heartbroken if it was changed to appeal to a broader audience that already has tones of books pandering to it.

Um... are you sure you meant to quote me? I mean... I agree with all that... Wildcats rocks precisely because they are the most unique group of superheros in comics today.

[Dylan McKay]

Originally posted by Nick Costanzo


Um... are you sure you meant to quote me? I mean... I agree with all that... Wildcats rocks precisely because they are the most unique group of superheros in comics today.

Probably not... I'll edit my post.