Writer: Matthew Rosenberg

Art: Juanan Ramírez, Federico Blee, Guru-eFX, VC’s Travis Lanham, and Matt Milla

Release Date: June 3rd, 2020

Price: $3.99

Did you ever get forced by a group of friends to go see a movie even though you really didn’t want too? Recently ”Before Quarantine”, I went to see the movie SONIC THE HEDGEHOG with my kids. Like many people that grew up in the 80s and 90s, I played the Sega game and I had a blast with that little hedgehog. However, my expectations for a live-action movie were extremely low, especially after they had to revamp the CGI. Nonetheless, I left the theater shockingly surprised as to how much I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. So, what the heck does that have to do with FORCE WORKS? Well, readers, this is exactly how I felt after reading FORCE WORKS #3 by Matthew Rosenberg. I went from low-key excited to review this issue to genuinely surprised and really glad I did.

After this recent comic book hiatus, issues have been coming back slow-moving with recaps that have felt like they were leaving out bits and pieces to connect all the dots together. Additionally, the Force Works team was made up of B to C list heroes that really haven’t been at the forefront of Marvel Comics for the past 2 to 4 years, if not more. Package all of that together with a robot revolution that has become a bit lackluster within the IRON MAN 2020 series and the scenario made it rather difficult to think something good would come out of this closing issue. Well Marvel fans, you will be pleasantly amazed by this final issue of FORCE WORKS.

Rosenberg finally gets the team to all gel together and strategically uses almost all of their strengths to beat M.O.D.O.K. and Ultimo in a reasonably crafty way while swarmed by Deathloks. Plus, Rosenberg puts the pedal to the metal with full throttle nonstop action immediately from jump street while explaining M.O.D.O.K.’s purpose and connecting all the puzzles pieces together along the way. Furthermore, I may sound like an idiot when I say this, but I didn’t see M.O.D.O.K.’s final plan at all until it happened. Regardless of how obvious it seemed after the fact, I was honestly surprised. Feel free to call shenanigans on that if you’d like but I simply didn’t see it coming nor did I see how much fun I had with this entire issue.

Rosenberg spices up the dialogue with some witty banter between the characters and found a way for me to care about a team of B-lister’s that I’ve never really cared for before the issue concluded. This reviewer would even be interested in catching this team again in another mini-series after witnessing what Rosenberg put together as FORCE WORKS #3 wrapped up. Fans, this plot was easy to follow and it really captured my attention. The stakes were high and the characters had realistic motivations that bounced off one another really well. Heck, in a three-issue mini, Rosenberg even showed growth in the characters which are so hard to do. The series checks almost all the boxes in a side series to the main event book that’s really missing its mark. What more could you ask for out of an issue or series?

FINAL THOUGHTS

From Deathloks to Ultimo and even M.O.D.O.K, this issue packs a high-octane punch that was extremely refreshing at a time where this reviewer is searching for new and interesting comics. The recap page does a fantastic job guiding new readers with little knowledge of this series or the IRON MAN 2020 event into the story making it a solid read for anyone craving something new and exciting. However, this issue as well as the entire miniseries of FORCE WORKS is not required reading for the main event. If you’re a huge fan of War Machine, U.S. Agent, Mockingbird, or Quake, FORCE WORKS #3 as well as the overall series is totally up your alley. If you’ve really been digging the IRON MAN 2020 event, this issue and series will be a fun addition to the overall story. However, as much as I hope you read the issue, it’s still not required. That said, I recommend giving this issue a shot and grabbing the two back issues on digital as well for something new and entertaining to read while we wait for more new releases. Check it out and let me know what you think!

8.5/10

If you want to get your hands on this week’s issue of FORCE WORKS, click the Amazon link HERE. Additionally, if the IRON MAN 2020 titles are your jam, click HERE to grab the latest titles in the event. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.