Review: Freedom Fighters #10
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Colors: Adriano Lucas
Letters: Andworld Design
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
The Freedom Fighters go on the offensive as they attack the Nazi mountain stronghold, but it is not without sacrifice….
Positives
The first thing that stands out about Freedom Fighters #10 is the revelation about Phantom Lady’s father. This is a compelling character moment. It demonstrates Venditti’s commitment to solid and significant character moments even in an issue that is very action oriented. Both Doll Woman and Black Condor get a moment as well. Dolly isn’t afraid to sacrifice herself as she encourages the Human Bomb to blow the whole mountain. We also learn that when Black Condor took the Plastic Man formula last issue, he shortened his life span to “months.”
It’s even prescient to mention the characterization of Adolph Hitler III. When he kills his father, he shows his true nature, even as the others around him admit to the growing American Spirit that will surely doom them, his megalomaniacal personality beams through. Sure, he will win, he kills Adolph II and orders the deployment of the battered android Overman.
Visually, Barrows and Ferreira maintain a wonderful textural quality to their work. I’ve compared it to Alex Raymond’s Flash Gordon in previous reviews, but it is also pertinent to mention its resemblance to the work of Quality Comics artists Lou Fine and Reed Crandall. Even if it’s just a slight resemblance, they are connected to these characters and it is appropriate to reference their work. It goes a way in providing a continuity from the original versions of these characters and the newest incarnations in this series.
One particular image that bears mentioning is Uncle Sam when he grows to giant size. While having a significant in-story reasoning that resonates deep in the heart of American patriotism ( Normandy! Indeed!), one can’t help but recall some Golden Age covers of National Comics.
Negatives
Nary a negative here!
Verdict
The creative team conjures up the right amount of World War II flavor to keep this book feeling unique different, while at the same time touching on prescient themes for today’s world. Freedom Fighters #10 succeeds on all levels, characterization, high concept, story and nostalgia. There’s something here for everyone. It’s not too late to find a new hero for today!
