War of Kings #3

Just as I suspected, this issues focuses less on action and more on the social threads of War of Kings. Crystal and Gladiator take center stage in this chapter of the cosmic event. The Inhuman/Kree princess fights for the rights of Kree citizens and the Praetor of the Imperial Guard fights between his duty and his loyalty.

Crystal has always been the odd one of the Royal Family. At an early age, she sympathized with humans and decided to leave Attilan to be with them. She married Quicksilver and defended him in Silent War. So it has been established that she's a sympathetic character already. However, Abnett and Lanning, manage to bring a fresh spin to this story.

Not only is Crystal a sympathetic figure, she is the voice an entire race of people. She sort of becomes the Princess Diana of the Kree. During the War, the Kree feel the royal Inhumans are using them without any real concern for their well-being. Crystal aides them in recuperation and morale and is loved for it, much to Medusa's discontent. She feels that as their queen, she be loved by default and trusted that she knows what's best for her people.

That happens to be one thing I don't like about this series. Black Bolt and Medusa have always been caring rulers. In War of Kings they are cold and callous about the concerns of the Kree. I feel that they may be losing some of the traits that made them such cool characters in the past. Now, they seem like any other vicious ruler, even Vulcan.

Speaking of Vulcan, Gladiator is finally tired of him. For the first time in his life (I think), Gladiator has broken his oath to the emperor. Last issue, we got to see how much fighting Lilandra was tearing him up inside and how he thought Vulcan behaved like a petulant child. This issue picks up on those threads. He criticizes Vulcan's military tactics and after a particularly amusing battle with Rocket Racoon and his Guardians of the Galaxy, Gladiator decides to change sides and join his love (of course after kicking the Guardians' asses).

I love Gladiator and any comic with him overpowering characters who are usually incredibly strong in their own right is an awesome one to me. Add in some character development for the universe's strongest warrior and you have one top class series. I can't wait to see him team up with Black Bolt.

Paul Pelletier's art is as impressive as the writing. Action scenes are clean and easy to follow. He uses perspective well also, particularly in the scene of Black Bolt's throne room. I love how he throws in some easter eggs too. In that same panel he has Lockjaw chewing on a Thing doll and in another panel he has Rocket Raccoon holding a mop to fight Gladiator with.

Brandon Peterson's cover art bothers me a little bit, though. At first glance his covers look great, but after further inspection, his Black Bolt is off. Why is his ear so detailed? Peterson draws Black Bolt as if his face were actually painted black or his mask is the most form-fitting piece of clothing in the history of clothing.

All cover issues aside, I am enjoying this series very much. The character pieces work great, the battles are exciting, and the art is top notch. Some potential plot threads are hinted at in this issue and I can't wait for next month to come so I can read the next issue.