Fabian Nicieza and Ron Garney’s Juggernaut has added enticing freshness and mystery to the character. The last issue was a good one, capturing a Juggernaut who has been through a kind of hell sporting a new suit. Along with that, he’s got a new sidekick who has powers to slow things down which is handy for a guy who is an unstoppable force. That is, until Hulk comes around. In the second issue, Hulk makes his debut and things get real.
This issue opens with Hulk screaming in Juggernaut’s face and Juggs is totally getting his butt whooped. After a quick recap of how we got here, the book dives into the action as D-Cel live streams the event to her followers. Their relationship is meant to help Juggernaut’s public appearance and the best way to do that, apparently, is topple the Hulk. It firmly places the fight in a PR perspective, which is unique for Juggernaut and really most superhero comics.
The fight is spectacular thanks to Ron Garney. The size ratio of these two huge characters is on full display and Matt Milla supplies good effects in Juggernaut’s costume as well as D-Cel’s powers. There are other effects too, which have a cool look that makes you believe a prison can hold that kind of power. The fight is only a few pages, but you feel every blow especially for Juggernaut who is literally smashed into a rock. Garney is great at capturing finer details, from the veins in Hulk’s arms to that cracked rock that makes it all more rugged and felt.
I get Juggernaut is strong, but wouldn’t that cut his skin?
Credit: Marvel Comics
As far as the story goes, Nicieza weaves in some interesting mystery as far as Juggernaut’s new costume. It’s intriguing to see this journey he’s on to find a new perspective on himself and how the public perceives him, which ties into the new costume. Much of this book sets up an intriguing confrontation that closes out the narrative here. I won’t spoil it, but Nicieza fully utilizes the creepiness of the new Immortal Hulk while playing into the humanity of Juggernaut. There’s a message in this narrative not just for Juggernaut, but for everyone, about how we move on from our mistakes. It’s never easy.
This book has a darker tone that lines up with Juggernaut’s inner turmoil and the actions he takes. Utilizing Hulk was a smart move, not only because it might draw Immortal Hulk fans to this book, but because the darkness in Juggernaut is reflected well by the utter horror that is Hulk. Hulk fans can breathe a sigh of relief, too, since this book doesn’t tarnish the character and should keep fans calm who would never believe Hulk could “lose” to Juggernaut.
This issue also has something for X-Men fans, but I’ll stay mum on that. Nicieza effectively links this book to other narratives going on right now, which is always interesting since so often miniseries like this one can be on an island all their own.
Juggernaut is a good second issue in a miniseries that X-Men and Marvel fans should take note of. It houses a narrative that gets to the core of who Juggernaut is right now and how it’s no easy road to make amends for past mistakes. For such an unstoppable force, Juggernaut is met with more walls to navigate than most. Juggernaut is a good miniseries that feels episodic with each issue, making it an easy add to your pull.
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