Fear Itself: The Deep #1 *Spoilers*

[Rheged]

Written by Cullen Bunn
Pencils by Lee Garbett
Inks byDavid Meikis
Colors by John Rauch

You don't see this sort of book that often these days. A team book where everyone gets a few pages to shine and all contribute something different and valued to the story. A story that covers plenty of ground, physically and emotionally, and is nicely paced and plotted. Cullen Bunn gives everyone their own unique voice and actions. Loa is the spontaneous girl still enjoying new experiences in heroing. Lyra is the more reserved warrior, ready to defend the weaker sex. Strange says Strange like things in a roundabout manner and Namor is still his direct, arrogant self. Plus Bunn's story feels organic, not like set up for something else. The art is dynamic with clear sequential panels. Lee Garbett isn't one of the painterly, or glossy photo ref artists, but he does what many of them can't. He captures a real expression like nobody's business, and gives all the characters a full measure of emotions that is wonderful.

In a nice hero shot, the newest iteration of the Defenders are standing together, facing an oncoming wave of attacking creatures. These are the next panels.



And Doctor Strange perfectly captures my feeling about this book. Fear Itself The Deep reminds of the days of solid writing, solid art, and, as Loa says, a "so cool" ending that leaves me eagerly looking forward to the next issue. Well done, Mr. Bunn and Mr. Garbett!


From the preview, you know that Attuma, now transformed into the Worthy Nerkkod, Breaker of Oceans, delivers a major smack down on Namor, the Atlanteans, and New Atlantis. Namor actually has to ... I can't believe I'm having to type this ... flee the scene, dragged off by Loa. Clearly Namor needs help, and the X-Men, like everyone else, are too busy to help, so he calls on his old buddy Doctor Strange to gather the Defenders. If you've read Defenders Indefensible, you know exactly why Namor needs Doctor Strange to do the gathering. This time, however, Strange uses a spell, which goes slightly awry and delivers Lyra, the She-Hulk, instead of her father. And just in time, as Attuma's generals (and it was good to see some familiar faces) have used some initiative, and sent hordes of demon sea creatures to finish off Namor. A battle ensues, where we learn something is definitely wrong with the Sub-Mariner. spoilers:

I suspect that Attuma / Nerkkod was doing more than whispering sweet taunts in Namor's ear, and the Avenging Son won't be doing much avenging if he's afraid of hitting anything!

end of spoilers Fortunately, Namor has friends in high places.

I'm not familiar with Aradnea. Anyone have any info on her?

I can't say I've seen him drinking but once before, but Namor doesn't mess around when he wants to drown his sorrows in alcohol. My goodness that's a HUGE tankard of beer.

My only complaints ... it's another of the 20 page books for $2.99. While Bunn uses them efficiently and to great effect, I certainly wouldn't have minded having two more pages dealing with Attuma's generals and the plight of the Atlanteans. I'm not exactly sure how Attuma destroys New Atlantis, without destroying Utopia directly above it, either.

Entirely my own personal pet peeve ... Apparently, crossing your arms over your chest is THE thing to do if you live in the oceans ... and have arms ... and a chest. Unless, of course, you're a woman.

[Sean Walsh]

I really like Lee Garbett's art, and the Defenders vibe sounds nice....so this might be a pick up for me at some point.

Did I also hear that this series is (more or less) replacing NAMOR's ongoing?

[CMBMOOL]

I wonder how Dr. STrange and Namor will feel when they learn of the Hulk's involvement as one of the worthy?

[worstblogever]

I gotta say, that fight with Loa? Alani is badass.

[AcesX1X]

this was a really great story all-around. I enjoyed it so much more than the main title this week. why? because, like it's namesake, the deep had depth. every character had their own distinguishable voice....even the villains.

I'm excited to see namor rise above his fears in this story...he had to run away from battle, and now he's shell-shocked. namor does not run from battle. I am eager to see him reclaim that pride and beat attuma senseless when the time comes.

attuma is going to learn the hard way that you do not mock the king of Atlantis with his own battle-cry.

also, loa gets to apprentice with the classic defenders! congrats to loa for graduating out of the new x-men.

very intrigued by one of attuma's slave generals as well..

[AcesX1X]

I really like Lee Garbett's art, and the Defenders vibe sounds nice....so this might be a pick up for me at some point.

Did I also hear that this series is (more or less) replacing NAMOR's ongoing?

really? as an ongoing? i hadn't heard that, but that would be incredible news.

[PaxHouse]

Did I also hear that this series is (more or less) replacing NAMOR's ongoing?

I'm getting the impression that this FI Tie-In Mini might've been what was intended for the NAMOR Ongoing (prior to its cancellation, of course..... )

[AcesX1X]

I'm getting the impression that this FI Tie-In Mini might've been what was intended for the NAMOR Ongoing (prior to its cancellation, of course..... )

possibly, but there's no allusions to fear itself in the namor ongoing. poor namor. his city is being attacked by two seperate threats in the same month!

[Rheged]

I really like Lee Garbett's art, and the Defenders vibe sounds nice....so this might be a pick up for me at some point.

I highly recommend this. It was a very enjoyable read! Where have you see Garbett's art before?

It's definitely the Defenders. I'm not sure why they just didn't call it FI: The Defenders. That would have pulled more people in, I'm certain.

[Hrist]

I believe I will be purchasing this issue.

[TanGent]

Okay, this sounds like my kinda book. I must go get this now.(Why wasn't this called Defenders? It would have been on my radar looooong ago!)

[Sean Walsh]

I highly recommend this. It was a very enjoyable read! Where have you see Garbett's art before?

He's did the 2 Batman issues in the main BATMAN book that linked BATMAN RIP and FINAL CRISIS. He was also pencilling OUTSIDERS for a while.

At Marvel.......he's doing the art on the interlocking SPIDEY, DEADPOOL and (I think) HULK 2011 annuals, and may've done some 1 or 2 ASM backups as well.

[maniacmatt]

I think this was my favorite FI tie-in so far. I picked this up from Bunn's name alone, as I adore The Sixth Gun, and I wasn't disappointed. This was really good.

[AcesX1X]

if the end-result of this book is the reformation of the defenders, i will be a very happy customer. and, it looks as if namor may be the leader of this new/old team if the whammy attuma put on him wears off!

[AcesX1X]

i need data on this "aradnea" lady. tyrak keeps calling her 'sister,' but i don't recall her at all! am i a bad namor fan for not recognizing her?