Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Artist: Ron Garney, Matt Milla, and VC’s Joe Sabino
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: September 23, 2020

When Marvel announced this book, I got excited, though I wondered what Fabian Nicieza would do with a character that most people only know as being “Unstoppable.” I know there is so much more to the character, and I was hoping that Nicieza would show the average reader some of that coolness. Thankfully, he seems to have a plan to do just that, while also telling a street-level story that gives fans more of a character than the caricature that we often get when Cain Marko shows up in comics.

The issue opens with Cain working for Damage Control, which I like. Who better to destroy buildings blocks at a time then Juggernaut? It reminded me of Mark Waid’s Indestructible Hulk except instead of being a walking bomb to be pointed at bad guys, Cain is helping clean up after the so-called heroes save the day and move on to the next big thing.

Nicieza moves quickly to introduce a side-character, D-Cell, who might be a mutant (she demands she is not), who allows Cain to show his softer side, but also gives a sounding board to tell what he’s been up to recently. You know, losing the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, hanging in Limbo, making like Tom Hanks in Castaway, getting all mystical and shit. By the way, his armor is totally the “Wilson” in this scenario.

Unfortunatley, D-Cell doesn’t just run up to Juggernaut and do the high-fives as kids do nowadays. After her and a bunch of teen squatters chases off Cain and Damage Control throwing bottles and cans and clapping their hands… and using a crazy deceleration power, Cain goes back to get the 411. Of course, before anybody can be friends in comics, they have to fight, and unfortunatley, that lands D-Cell in the hospital. It’s a nice way to show that Cain is more than just an unstoppable force and allows Nicieza to flesh out his characters and give readers the background I mentioned earlier.

The issue ends with a bit of social media talk that I know turns some people off, but it could lead to some hilarious moments, so I am in. For now, though, it gives the reader a cool ass cliffhanger that feels like an awesome “What If” scenario that I am looking forward to seeing.

I was surprised at how much I liked this issue because it isn’t anything like what I expected. I guess that’s why I liked it, so why am I surprised? I am already looking forward to the next issue and might even be wishing that this was more than a five-issue mini. Yes, that means I enjoyed it a whole lot.

I’ll admit that I didn’t love Ron Garney’s art right away, but I did start to settle in with it on repeated readings. The lack of detailed backgrounds and pencil heavy shading is not my cup of tea, but that’s just me. If you are a fan, then you can add some to my score below.

Final Thoughts:

Fabien Nicieza and Ron Garney give Juggernaut fans, and those looking to become one, a street-level book that provides us with a peek at the man behind the Unstoppable.” It may not be what you expected, but it’s better because of that.

9.0/10