MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #4 (DC COMICS/MILESTONE MEDIA)

Dr. Edwin Alva has returned! The dangerous head of S.Y.S.T.E.M. is now a near God-like figure. All hope appears lost for the residents of Dakota. Any chance of survival falls upon Rocket. The Shadow Cabinet has foretold a dark future where she doesn’t survive. In the face of certain doom, what will she do?

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #4 by Joseph Illidge, Atagun Ilhan, Darryl Banks, Ray Anthony-Height, Chris Sotomayor & Andworld Design brings readers to its’ show stopping main event!

Let’s not delay any longer and dive into the action!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Illidge pulls out all the stops for this finale. Using Rocket as a narrator works well for setting the tone. The chapter starts off with an immediate feel of doubt. Her words mirror the high stakes battle between Icon and Alva. Their showdown makes a clear statement to the audience. With the manner he is handling Icon, Alva is nearly unstoppable. One factor stands in his way. He doubts the heart of a hero.

The writing pushes Rocket directly into Alva’s path. Even with a future in doubt, her fighting spirit shines. This becomes a catalyst for Dakota’s last stand. Readers will be all in for the final fight. Pacing moves events quickly into its’ climax. Once at this stage, the common theme comes back full circle. This series has been anchored by Rocket. It’s perfectly fitting she becomes the primary factor in its resolution. The closing pages conclude on a firm landing space. It leaves a bright future for a hero fully poised to take the franchise mantle of this universe when it returns.

The art team goes heavy to craft the “big fight feel”. Alva and Icon’s start instantly escalates. The pacing pushes their battle outside of their realm. Each image gives the sense of impending doom. Once Rocket crashes the scene, it gives readers a long awaited reunion. The full page image of Dharma overseeing events transitions the battle into the “championship rounds”.

Each Milestone character entering combat is given a dramatic entrance. Static’s full page debut conveys the anger he carries for this encounter. Alva’s reactions slowly unravel his mindset. The close-ups on his facial expressions show someone desperate to win. The battle’s close is filled with tense decisions. It’s fallout ultimately leads to a more traditional close with the characters. Nothing tops the final page. It is a perfectly set full page indicating the future of Milestone is here and now!

OVERALL GRADE: 8.7

The latest chapter in the Milestone Universe concludes on a thunderous note. Illidge crafts the heavyweight bout fans have been waiting for! The art team delivers on a last stand for the ages. Once the smoke clears, a hero is ready to lead the charge into Dakota’s future. Fans don’t want to miss this story!

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #4. Thanks for reading!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #3 (MILESTONE MEDIA/DC COMICS)

What has Angela Alva done! The heir apparent to S.Y.S.T.E.M. has taken out the Blood Syndicate and captured Hardware. Rocket looks for a way to fight back. A failed attempt to recruit Static leads her into unchartered waters. All the while, the Shadow Cabinet looks poised to intervene whether asked or not.

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #3 by Joseph Illidge, Denys Cowan, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, & Chris Sotomayor delivers the pen-ultimate chapter of the latest from Milestone Media!

Let’s not wait any longer and dive in.

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #3 by Joseph Illidge, Denys Cowan, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, & Chris Sotomayor (MILESTONE MEDIA/DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Illidge brings the heroes of the Milestone Universe to the brink. Rocket has been a one-woman crusader through this ordeal. Within the opening pages, she has to process what Angela Alva has started. This leads her into a final stand that will either make or break the universe. The writing is very straight-forward. Readers easily know that the stakes have never been higher. It is complimented by Static’s change of stance. With the deck stacked against them, there is a glimmer of hope left.

This is all due to Angela Alva. After capturing Hardware, Alva unloads her secrets in celebration. The Alva family history is tragic and unapologetic. Readers watch as Angela has been forged through pain and a yearning to belong. Even in victory, the writing also shows how she has lost. Angela’s crowning achievement backfires. This leads into a long overdue return. With the conflict escalating, the final pieces are put in place to face off. Pacing moves events right along to a solid parting spot before its’ conclusion next chapter. Readers should expect a big ending for next issue.

The art showcases how troubling things have become. Rocket’s opening sequence displays her uncertainty as things fall apart. This matches Static’s decision after meeting with his family. The moment jumps off the pages as Virgil Hawkins wears his heart on his sleeve. Readers can sense the “big fight feel” approaching with his closing panel image.

Angela Alva’s story takes up a good portion of the book. The panels primarily use a 9 panel se-up. This hones in on her family history as well as her own journey. Readers watch as the end result leaves a new figure in place via full page image. Pacing picks up pages as events start spinning towards the finish. The initial heavyweight bout is packing action. It is a monumental showdown that is poised to a strong finish. The book closes with back to back full page images. Readers have a strong lead-in towards the epic conclusion.

FINAL POINT: 8.4

The secrets of the Alva family set into the spotlight of the Shadow Cabinet’s pen-ultimate chapter. Illidge delivers Angela’s story with strong writing. The art constructs a multitude of emotions as the final showdown begins. This will be a tough wait for the finale.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #3. Thanks for reading!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #2 (MILESTONE MEDIA/ DC COMICS)

The world of Milestone is still recovering from Brainiac’s attack. Icon has left Earth. Filling the void for heroes is Rocket. She is drawing attention from the mysterious Shadow Cabinet. Rocket needs allies and makes a plea for a familiar hero to help.

S.Y.S.T.E.M.’s evil Dr. Edwin Alva is also missing. Angela Alva is making a power play to step in. All the while, an assassin has his next targets: The Blood Syndicate!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #2 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, and Andworld Design continues the latest saga from Milestone Media.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s going on now.

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #2 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, and Andworld Design (Milestone Media/Dc Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Illidge balances a big cast for this chapter. Rocket’s meeting with the Cabinet gives more insight into what their grand scheme is. However, Rocket remains defiant in working with them. The writing indicates she’s determined to make her own rules. This leads to her run in with a very changed Static.

Their encounter is very tense. Static is in a state of anger. Illidge sets the stage with his reaction to past events. It leaves the readers with a sense of doubt as to what’s next. Once the story flips to Sanction vs. Syndicate, the issue speeds through to the final act. There’s plenty of action to tide over the audience. Once at the final page, the chapter ends on a very solid note with a great cliffhanger conclusion.

The art showcases the Cabinet’s vision of tomorrow with much danger. Rocket’s “future” is filled with grim images. The half page panel shows the consequences of her actions. It matches her defiance in their offer. Static’s appearance carries a justified angry tone to it. Readers clearly know this isn’t the same old Virgil Hawkins they have been accustomed to.

Where the art excells with is the fight between Sanction vs. Syndicate. There is non stop action unfolding. It gives the match-up a big time feel as the stakes truly are raised. Pacing speeds the intensity right to the finish line. A full page image sets the course for a meeting of two minds for next issue.

FINAL POINT: 8.3

The battle of Paris Island takes center stage in the Milestone Universe return. Illidge’s writing delivers on big action and drama. The art team goes all in on delivering a classic bout while featuring a hero’s new outlook. There’s much for fans to check out with this one.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Milestone Universe: the Shadow Cabinet #2. Thanks for reading!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1 (MILESTONE MEDIA/ DC COMICS)

Since 1993, the heroes of the Dakota Universe have been making impact with readers. It is a testament to the incredible work of the founders of Milestone Media. The ground-breaking imprint ushered in a new era of diversity with not only its characters. It also gave black and other creators of color a larger platform to showcase their skills and creativity in the comic world.

Icon. Hardware. Static. Rocket. The pillars of the “Dakotaverse”. Recently, the heroes have dealt with the fallout from their encounter with Brainiac in various ways. Now, their next challenge awaits!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, Justin Birch kicks off a new era of excitement!

Let’s take a closer look at the next chapter!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, Justin Birch (Milestone Media/DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Illidge casts the spotlight on Rocket for the opening chapter. After a great recap page (Editor Note: I wish more series did this), the key players start their plans in motion. Angela Alva looks to take advantage of a S.Y.S.T.E.M. power vacuum. Rocket looks to be finding a new direction after Icon has left Earth. The partnership with Hardware comes off as uneasy but workable for a greater purpose. The writing highlights Icon’s leaving to both differently. It also conveys Hardware trying to find his own purpose as a new fugitive.

Once events shift to the Shadow Cabinet, the story starts picking up speed. Both Anansi and Iron Butterfly get big entrances as their conflict goes forward. It leads to a unique closing act. The offer thrown down to Rocket is a thought-provoking one. Considering what she’s dealt with concerning Icon leaving, it leaves readers guessing for a cliffhanger ending. It’s not the only unended point to the sotry, but perfect for the beginning chapter.

Banks and Ilhan split art duties with Soyomayor handling the coloring. The opening pages make a big impact with Alva’s power play. Her manic smile connects the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Rocket’s solo mission moves fast while hitting its’ marks. Readers watch as the partnership with Hardware comes off tense but wearing the effects of Icon’s leaving.

The recovery mission of the Cabinet is displayed with bold panels. Anansi is given a near full page splash bringing him into conflict. The art captures the fast pace of the fight. It only slows when Iron Butterfly crashes the scene. This all eventually leads to a full page group image of the current Cabinet. Rocket’s reaction speaks volumes before turning to the final page. The parting image leaves readers with many questions as Alva’s schemes grow by the minute.

FINAL POINT: 8.8

The next chapter of Milestone hits readers with a solid opening volume. Illidge’s great writing focuses on Rocket’s journey while setting up the main plots. The art splits between the fallout of recent events and giving each key player enough time to connect with readers. If you’re new to this line, there’s no better jump on point than this issue.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1. Thanks for reading!