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MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #2 (MILESTONE MEDIA/ DC COMICS)

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The world of Milestone is still recovering from Brainiac’s attack. Icon has left Earth. Filling the void for heroes is Rocket. She is drawing attention from the mysterious Shadow Cabinet. Rocket needs allies and makes a plea for a familiar hero to help.

S.Y.S.T.E.M.’s evil Dr. Edwin Alva is also missing. Angela Alva is making a power play to step in. All the while, an assassin has his next targets: The Blood Syndicate!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #2 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, and Andworld Design continues the latest saga from Milestone Media.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s going on now.

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #2 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, and Andworld Design (Milestone Media/Dc Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Illidge balances a big cast for this chapter. Rocket’s meeting with the Cabinet gives more insight into what their grand scheme is. However, Rocket remains defiant in working with them. The writing indicates she’s determined to make her own rules. This leads to her run in with a very changed Static.

Their encounter is very tense. Static is in a state of anger. Illidge sets the stage with his reaction to past events. It leaves the readers with a sense of doubt as to what’s next. Once the story flips to Sanction vs. Syndicate, the issue speeds through to the final act. There’s plenty of action to tide over the audience. Once at the final page, the chapter ends on a very solid note with a great cliffhanger conclusion.

The art showcases the Cabinet’s vision of tomorrow with much danger. Rocket’s “future” is filled with grim images. The half page panel shows the consequences of her actions. It matches her defiance in their offer. Static’s appearance carries a justified angry tone to it. Readers clearly know this isn’t the same old Virgil Hawkins they have been accustomed to.

Where the art excells with is the fight between Sanction vs. Syndicate. There is non stop action unfolding. It gives the match-up a big time feel as the stakes truly are raised. Pacing speeds the intensity right to the finish line. A full page image sets the course for a meeting of two minds for next issue.

FINAL POINT: 8.3

The battle of Paris Island takes center stage in the Milestone Universe return. Illidge’s writing delivers on big action and drama. The art team goes all in on delivering a classic bout while featuring a hero’s new outlook. There’s much for fans to check out with this one.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Milestone Universe: the Shadow Cabinet #2. Thanks for reading!

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MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1 (MILESTONE MEDIA/ DC COMICS)

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Since 1993, the heroes of the Dakota Universe have been making impact with readers. It is a testament to the incredible work of the founders of Milestone Media. The ground-breaking imprint ushered in a new era of diversity with not only its characters. It also gave black and other creators of color a larger platform to showcase their skills and creativity in the comic world.

Icon. Hardware. Static. Rocket. The pillars of the “Dakotaverse”. Recently, the heroes have dealt with the fallout from their encounter with Brainiac in various ways. Now, their next challenge awaits!

MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1 by Joseph Illidge, Darryl Banks, Atagun Ilhan, Chris Sotomayor, Justin Birch kicks off a new era of excitement!

Let’s take a closer look at the next chapter!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Illidge casts the spotlight on Rocket for the opening chapter. After a great recap page (Editor Note: I wish more series did this), the key players start their plans in motion. Angela Alva looks to take advantage of a S.Y.S.T.E.M. power vacuum. Rocket looks to be finding a new direction after Icon has left Earth. The partnership with Hardware comes off as uneasy but workable for a greater purpose. The writing highlights Icon’s leaving to both differently. It also conveys Hardware trying to find his own purpose as a new fugitive.

Once events shift to the Shadow Cabinet, the story starts picking up speed. Both Anansi and Iron Butterfly get big entrances as their conflict goes forward. It leads to a unique closing act. The offer thrown down to Rocket is a thought-provoking one. Considering what she’s dealt with concerning Icon leaving, it leaves readers guessing for a cliffhanger ending. It’s not the only unended point to the sotry, but perfect for the beginning chapter.

Banks and Ilhan split art duties with Soyomayor handling the coloring. The opening pages make a big impact with Alva’s power play. Her manic smile connects the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Rocket’s solo mission moves fast while hitting its’ marks. Readers watch as the partnership with Hardware comes off tense but wearing the effects of Icon’s leaving.

The recovery mission of the Cabinet is displayed with bold panels. Anansi is given a near full page splash bringing him into conflict. The art captures the fast pace of the fight. It only slows when Iron Butterfly crashes the scene. This all eventually leads to a full page group image of the current Cabinet. Rocket’s reaction speaks volumes before turning to the final page. The parting image leaves readers with many questions as Alva’s schemes grow by the minute.

FINAL POINT: 8.8

The next chapter of Milestone hits readers with a solid opening volume. Illidge’s great writing focuses on Rocket’s journey while setting up the main plots. The art splits between the fallout of recent events and giving each key player enough time to connect with readers. If you’re new to this line, there’s no better jump on point than this issue.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on MILESTONE UNIVERSE: THE SHADOW CABINET #1. Thanks for reading!