Connect with us
The War of the Realms: Strikeforce - The Dark Elf Realm #1 Review
Marvel

Comic Books

The War of the Realms: Strikeforce – The Dark Elf Realm #1 Review

Thor’s mom puts Punisher, Ghost Rider, Hulk, and Blade to the test.

[amazon_link asins=’B07R3D7LJX’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’762ee97f-a356-4d31-b874-8beae14e161b’]

The War of the Realms has officially taken over most Marvel Comics books and with it come the tie-in stories. Out this week is Strikeforce – The Dark Elf Realm #1, where Bryan Hill and Leinil Francis Yu feature a special team of heroes on a mission set forth by Thor’s mother Lady Freyja. Before any team can do their job there’s a little training and testing required. This issue is their test.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

Read the preview.

Why does this matter?

This tie-in has top talent with Bryan Hill putting in thoughtful, interesting story after story. Then you have Yu, who has done his fair share of event books and we’re talking main events. Add in the fact that this is a unique team of dark-edged heroes and you have a recipe for some bloody good action.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

The War of the Realms: Strikeforce - The Dark Elf Realm #1 Review

This is a surprising meet up.
Credit: Marvel Comics

In a not so direct way, Hill does a good job establishing why Punisher is the leader of this team. Through a set of tests seemingly of the mind, each hero must prove themselves, but it’s through his words to Lady Freyja that we see a true leader. If he can talk to a god, and maybe even teach them something, he’s right for the job. Hill calls back this leadership aspect come in the final page in a surprising bit of dialogue.

Hill also does a good job exploring each character through their fear and inner thoughts. By the end, you’ll feel certain each character is in a good enough place to take on anything. Since these characters are sharing in a mind-rocking test they all share in something before they head out, too.

The art by Leinil Francis Yu with inks by Gerry Alanguilan and colors by Matt Hollingsworth capture that dark edge this team needs. Each character goes through a different test and the use of color and framing helps set each apart nicely. There’s a hell of a double page splash with all the heroes which should get fans jazzed for more team action. Lady Freyja certainly looks godly as all heck when she’s talking at these heroes, too.

The War of the Realms: Strikeforce - The Dark Elf Realm #1 Review

Why have I gathered you all here today?
Credit: Marvel Comics

It can’t be perfect, can it?

I’m at a loss for what the stakes are. The stakes in this issue are all centered on each character’s unique struggle, but it’s not clear what they’re fighting for since it’s told and not shown. They’ve yet to come together as a team. Speaking of, it’s mostly bonding over this test that has brought them together, but again, I’m not sure it has proven anything about their ability to work together. Long story short, I understand each character a bit more, but not why this team works.

Is it good?

If you like character studies with your action check this book out. Hill and Yu do a good job pushing each of the heroes and it should be fun to see how they work together as a team.

The War of the Realms: Strikeforce - The Dark Elf Realm #1 Review
The War of the Realms: Strikeforce – The Dark Elf Realm #1
Is it good?
If you like character studies with your action check this book out. Hill and Yu do a good job pushing each of the heroes and it should be fun to see how they work together as a team.
Does a good job exploring each character through a test
Sharp art and one hell of a double page spread
More about each hero than this team and their mission
8
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup