Thunderbolts #148

Shadowland hasn't really been up there as an awesome event for me, even with characters like Daredevil, Punisher, and even Luke Cage, exactly how can one go wrong with some kickass Marvel characters like those? So my expectations with this comic wasn't as excited as it should be because of the Shadowland involvement, but when I found myself reading this comic, I was amazed how Jeff Parker really put the grim, the dark, and the violence that Marvel fans crave for into this issue. 
Badguys, Ninjas, badguys killing ninjas, and inside prison moments that has us wondering what else Crossbones could do with a Spork. Thunderbolts issue 148 is another look for this new missmatched team to take on another serious challenge within the Marvel Universe by themselves. So how good is this issue alone? Well lets take a look inside and see if Thunderbolts can put badass into the Shadowland storyline. 
 
The Storyline: 
    SHADOWLAND, is the main storyline and for this issue we see our beloved A-Team from hell go on another suicide mission that even Luke Cage didn't want to be involved in. If that doesn't hit an interest bone somewhere, then I pity you. 
Anyways, Thunderbolts are sent on another mission that is compared to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles going through the sewers looking for a secret ninja base? How is this any different from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles looking for the Technodrome, I dont know, but that was the impression I got with this comic. Not a bad thing, as we see Jeff Parker would actually display this storyline in an awesome and dark way.  
So why is Luke backing out of this one? My guess is as good as yours, but my theory alone is that this would probably be a mission where he would cross the borderline of being a hero and kill an army of ninjas with a group of baddies, not very heroic actually. But it is the first issue for a new storyline and some answers do come later on.  
What I also like about Jeff Parkers Thunderbolts is the build up for the next issues, same thing that Peter Parker The Spectacular Spiderman had, build up after build up and thats awesome for a comic and a series. I like storylines like that because it has me obsessed with wanting that gap filled in, like " what is that black thing on Crossbones arm?", wont know until three or four issues later. 
Anyways, there is a problem with this comic, whoever is responsible for labeling these characters and giving this comic two introduction pages needs to get fired. Same crap with the Secret Avengers. 

!! IM READING A COMIC, NOT THUNDERBOLTS FOR DUMMIES. !! 

That is why we have research materials, internet databases, blogs, reviews, etc. Come on Marvel, if you want us to know who these guys are, then add a few extra pages and have some bios in the back of the comic, like I see in some comics, but please dont give crappy one-liner discriptions of these awesome Thunderbolts. 
 
The Artwork: 
I have to give artists Declan Shavely, Frank Martin, and Fabio D’auria credit for their artwork for this comic. Much like the recent issues, I can’t get over how the artists would focus on the facial expressions.

Most of all, maybe its because im a Crossbones fan, but I like how Crossbones is drawn within this issue. I really liked how the enviroment, the action scenes, and storytelling that these artists did for the Thunderbolts.

However, I dislike how Songbird looks, hate her new style, hair style that is. I prefer the long-haired Songbird instead of this shriek chick that got scared crapless one time too many. 
 
The Baddies:

Just about every issue after another, Crossbones is really climbing to my top list of favorite badguys within the Marvel Universe. I really like how Jeff Parker manages to have these characters interact with each other.

There is a scene in this comic where Crossbones knows how to become dangerous with a spork, that one scene I liked a lot. For some reason, I feel like Crossbones is enjoying mindless bloodshed a little too much as we see this mercenary go from a hired, strategic, patient killer, to a guy armed to the teeth screaming “GET SOME”

As for the one guy who’s gaining a lot of questions for himself, I actually like the idea of having Juggernaut losing his force field powers. If he did have the force field powers, then Juggy just wouldn’t be able to fit in and this comic probably wouldn’t be as interesting as it is now (my theiry alone). Yeah, yeah, super ninja is kicking around ol Juggy, like he never got his ass kicked before. Seeing Juggy go down a couple levels to where he’s just a powerhouse like Mr Hyde, does have him fit very well for this issue, and I alone like that idea.

The Hand: I HATE THESE GUYS, wannabe Foot Clan soldiers, seeing these guys get wasted by Crossbones like he’s some kid doped up on Red Bull and going on a killing spree on Call of Duty 4 is really making this issue alone rewarding.

The Conclusion:

I alone, dislike how these guys are labeled, it’s annoying, but may not be the same for you. If you haven’t had the chance to give this new team a try, then keep slapping yourself till some of your brain cells start up, BECAUSE YOUR MISSING OUT ON SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN LABELED BADASS.

Seriously, you really have to be narrowed and extremely picky to dislike this comic, or if you’re a DC fan? then that’s okay, you may find yourself enjoying this comic as well.

Yeah, I may be looking at this comic a little differently, and it may not be the best, but it is worth a try. Thunderbolts issue 148 is a comic that is safe to buy and okay to try out of you haven’t had the chance to read up on it.

Because of the stupid description of the Thunderbolts members and the useless extra intro page, I give this issue 4 ½ out of 5 stars. But you may find this issue a 5/5 and I hope that you will.

  
Im that Badguy saying thankyou for readin and I do hope you don't find other things of what to do with a spork after reading this issue.