General Information
Title: Ms. Marvel (Vol. 2) #25-27
Author: Brian Reed
Illustrator(s): Ron Frenz, Adriana Melo and Andre Coelho (pencils), Sal Buscema, Mariah Benes, and Andre Coelho (inks), Chris Sotomayor (colors)
Cover Date: May-July 2008
Cover Price: $3.99 US / $4.05 Can for #25, $2.99 US / $3.05 Can for #26 and 27.
Detailed coverage of all applicable issues of all Secret Invasion related titles can be found at this address.
Premise
A Skrull has disguised itself as Ms. Marvel. Iron Man knows this, as he has footage of Carol Danvers in two different places at the same time. He asks Lightning Storm to determine which Carol is the real one. In the process, much is revealed about William Wagner, Carol's would-be boyfriend.
High Point
Making her resolutions.
Low Point
Avoiding the "fugitive" cliches.
The Scores
This is fairly original. Instead of the replacement scenarios seen in most titles, this ran with a duplication, going back to Danvers' pre-super days to explain how things were set in motion. It's still a story that doesn't stand very well without the crossover, though. I give it 4 out of 6.
The artwork is good for the first two issues, with Melo doing excellent work on the modern scenes and Frenz nicely mimicking the old school style for the flashback scenes. The last issue has a new artist, and things look well intentioned, but rushed. I give it 4 out of 6.
The story holds up under review (though I'm not sure how Tony knew which was the real Carol at first), and positions some characters for their roles in Secret Invasion. I give it 5 out of 6.
The characterization is great, revealing much of what sets Carol apart from other heroes, while having a lot of fun with Machine Man in the supporting cast. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response is generally good. The story is interesting, and Machine Man is hilarious. I give it 5 out of 6.
The flow is disrupted only by the art changes. I give it 4 out of 6.
Overall, it's entertaining, but if you're not picking up Ms. Marvel already, it's easy to pass on. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, Ms. Marvel #25-27 receives 31 out of 42.
