Renato Arlem and Jay David Ramos provide realistic artwork but they thankfully eschew grittiness, which one can see as the most obvious reaction to villainy. These villains are just as colorful as the heroes. Tiger Shark for example wears his traditional orange and gray-finned tights, but perhaps as a result of Fear Itself, they make him a hulking, more primal individual. The first death of Death Stalker comes as a shock, and Arlem and Ramos bestow that surprise to the character as well. Quite a feat considering she's almost faceless. Arlem ultimately directs the comic book as an excellent action film, and though the story takes place in the dark, Ramos keeps the tale sufficiently colorful, especially when large explosions are the order of the day. Read Full Review

Well, this issue didn't really help me decide whether or not to pick up the rest of this mini-series... The score is going to end up RIGHT at the cut-off line. I was hoping this one would be either really good or really bad. As it is, I have NO idea what I'll be doing concerning the rest of this mini... I guess it'll depend on how much money I have in my pocket when the next issue drops. Read Full Review

Abnett and Lanning immediately create a scenario where the reader will be rooting for the villains, which makes the tension run high when events turn sour during the heist. Despite the presence of ten different villains, the issue does not suffer for it. The writers pace the issue in such a manner that everyone gets a fair introduction, but Death Stalker steals the show with a perfect blend of mystery, her no nonsense touch of death, and the ability to get right back up after getting shot in the head. The stage is effectively set for this new series, and the writers would do well to put her in the spotlight. Read Full Review

I expected a little more from this story than it gave me. There's nothing here for me to care enough about to come back for another issue, let alone four more. I'm sure some readers will find more in this book than I did, but if you really want an enjoyable tale with villainous leads, fun adventure, and good art, Marvel is also publishing a little title called "Thunderbolts." Check it out. Hold the two up to each other. You're sure to find a book that scratches that evil itch for you. Read Full Review