Comic Review: Invaders (2019-) #6

Invaders #6

Marvel Comics

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Artists: Carlos Magno & Butch Guice

I can clearly remember thinking “This Namor stuff in the Avengers won’t lead to anything”. It turns out I was completely wrong. “Did you also think this Invaders comic would be a team-up between the classic characters, and them just kicking ass?” Yes, yes I did, and thank you for asking. As it turns out, this comic is a lot darker and Namor is a bigger villain than I was thinking.

Invaders #6 sees Namor’s plan come to fruition. He’s set off a bomb in a coastal town in the United States. Rather than killing everyone, the bomb instead starts to turn people into water breathers. Because he’s controlling the water and saving people, Cap and the Avengers can’t fight Namor.

This issue put me in kind of a state of shock. Namor isn’t always the hero, certainly not in this comic, that’s for sure. But he’s been an Avenger and an X-Men, even going way back being a World War 2 hero with the Invaders. Just this time last year Namor is on the cover of X-Men Red #6. But in the context that this comic is providing, it makes sense. Chip Zdarsky is making Namor one of the more tragic hero/villain characters I’ve ever read. And of course, he’s nailing the characterization of other characters, at least for me, in particular, Cap. Of course, Captain America will do everything he can to try and save his friend.

The art in this issue is also fantastic. There’s a double page spread of Namor controlling a giant wall of water, and it’s gorgeous. As is the rest of the comic. The story is more gloom and doom than anything, and the art really compliments it. Characters look distraught and terrified, as is appropriate for the situation they find themselves in. The World War 2 flashbacks have a kind of faded filter look to them. Even some of the minor details are really good. In some panels, where I could understand making Cap’s costume a solid blue, they draw the scales on his costume.

I feel like this should be a big “event” story for Marvel. More people would read it, and I think that whatever happens in it would have a better chance of affecting change in the Marvel Universe. But, at the same time, I’m glad it’s not an event because there’s no unnecessary tie in comics or anything like that. *cough cough* Age of X-Man *cough*

I can’t give this comic the praise it deserves. The story is amazing, and the art is fantastic. There’s a feeling that what happens in this comic will affect the Marvel Universe permanently. If you’re not reading this comic, you definitely should be.