Super-Villain Team-Up: Modok’s 11, #2, #3, #4, #5
Writer: Fred Van Lente; Pencils: Francis Portela; Inks: Terry Pallot; Colors: Guru EFX; Lettering: Blambot’s Nate Piekos; Covers: Marko Djurdjevic;
Marvel
Dear Marvel: Put out more comics like Super-Villain Team-Up: Modok’s 11 and I’ll be a more frequent Marvel reader.
The story revolves around the fairly standard heist plot. The 11 from the title are all villains, which leads to some predictable backstabbing and betrayal. But, adding Modok’s bizarre ingenuity was the perfect touch to keep it interesting. Modok switches between maniac, idiot, and genius so many times that the real fun isn’t in the heist at all but instead lies in figuring out his motivation.
I first encountered Van Lente’s work in the amazing Action Philosophers, so I’m pleased to see he can translate that talent to more mainstream comics. Give a guy like this more work, especially if he continues to write engaging and entertaining stories. Thanks, Van Lente for showing me that well-written comic can emerge of the Marvel universe.
Also, I shouldn’t underestimate any comic book villain with an impossibly large noggin.