The Pulse #9

  In the Marvel Universe, if you want answers, there's one person you go to- Wolverine. Even if he doesn't know what you're looking for, he's that x-factor (forgive the pun) that will eliminate all other possibilities. He's the mutant embodiment of Sherlock Holmes' famous theory of deduction in which once you have eliminated the impossible options whatever remains is possible. Once Jessica completes her visit with Logan, journalist Ben Ulrich is able to deduce just where Luke Cage is. 

   Featuring a slew of twists and turns, this issue is a who's who of residents of Marvel Knights (Marvel's grittier imprint starring street fighter characters such as Jessica and Luke Cage.) Perhaps the biggest surprise is the appearance of a character that I didn't think remained in the Marvel Universe since their first appearance in a short-lived series of the same name from the 1970s. 

   I know this issue is almost 10-years old. But there are some major spoilers that really would ruin the mystery that has built up over the past 5 or 6 issues. Fantastic writing job by Bendis with killer Marvel Knights style art by Michael Lark.

   This is my favorite issue in the series, thus far.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #8

   Jessica Jones, in a bid to find Luke Cage after he was kidnapped from his hospital bed, returns to their apartment in hopes of uncovering clues as to his whereabouts. Assisting her is Ben Ulrich, whose been in constant contact with an informant at SHIELD which is in turmoil following the ousting of Nick Fury as its Director head. The superspy's absence has created a power vacuum of which fringe organizations such as Hydra and AIM are more than happy to fill. Will Jessica turn to one of these groups in order to find the answers she is looking for and more importantly, her boyfriend?

   A great issue that reads like a game of cat and mouse or cloak and dagger. Just about every major espionage organization in the Marvel U is represented here. With SHIELD literally impotent without Nick Fury, the representative at Hydra makes a compelling case for filling in the void. Unfortunately, that means that the world would be made free from democracy under the watchful eye of a fascist organization.

   It's scary stuff if you stop to think about it. Leave it to the great Brian Michael Bendis to make comics not just entertaining but thought provoking.


    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

The Pulse #7

Awesome Steranko-like cover.

Assisting Jessica Jones with learning who and why Luke Cage was targeted by a mutant suicide bomber, Ben Ulrich learns just how dire things are at SHIELD. Nick Fury is no longer in charge. Plus, it looks very likely that Congress will enact legislation forcing those with super powers to register with the American government. Also, another suicide bomber attacks the hospital in which Power Man has been treated and if that wasn't bad enough: during the ensuing chaos, somebody has kidnapped Luke Cage from his hospital room.

    A thrilling issue of the Pulse that continues to tie in the Secret War storyline. I had said that having a little bit of back story might help me to better enjoy these tie-in issues and I was right. Not only that, but you really can see the seeds of the Marvel Civil War storyline being sown in this issue. 

    Though Civil War is a couple of years away from when this issue occurs, the hints of a superhero registration act are starting to appear. Plus, with Nick Fury in hiding, the events in this chapter will have ramifications for Marvel's Secret Invasion and Dark Reign story arcs as well. 

    The writing by Bendis is high quality. I just love the mystery he's woven. But now as the plot deepens and Luke Cage goes missing, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to know what happens more than ever before.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #6

   A mutant with the powers to detonate blows herself up in Jessica Jones and Luke Cage's apartment. Cage shield's Jessica from the apparent suicide bomber. But the lover's heroic actions result in Power Man being badly injured. Now in a coma, with his life hanging in the balance, Jessica will use her resources with the Daily Bugle to get to the bottom of her beloved's near fatal encounter.

    Thus begins a multi-issue tie-in to Marvel's Secret War. Not Secret Wars or even Secret Wars II, both of which starred the mysterious Beyonder. I'm not even familiar with Secret War. So, I had to do a little research because I even got this storyline confused with Civil War- that's how out of the loop I am with this.

    Sometime prior, Nick Fury recruited Captain America, Wolverine, Luke Cage, and others to conduct a clandestine operation on Latveria. Well, the high ups of SHIELD weren't too happy about that and they will do any and everything in their power to ensure that those heroes who participated in the mission don't live to see another day.

    I wish I had read this backstory prior to having reading this issue. But, that's how it goes sometimes. Sadly, I just didn't enjoy this issue. 

    I love the Marvel stories that involve SHIELD and espionage. Nick Fury is freakin' awesome. And if you know me at all, then you'll know that Cap is my all-time favorite superhero!!! So, on paper, I should love Secret War. (It's now on my radar and wish list.)

   But what to rate this issue? It wouldn't be fair to say that it's a stinker. But I just didn't enjoy this story. But I think now that I have a little bit of back story and no longer am confusing this story line with Civil War, I will probably enjoy the rest of the Secret War tie-in issues of this series better.

   So out of all fairness, I will rate this right down the middle. If you've read Secret War, you might like this one.  So please, don't let this rating detract you from enjoying this issue.

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars