COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Men of Wrath #3

The latest chapter of the gripping Men of Wrath (Icon/Marvel Comics) is entitled “Decoration Day” that is aptly titled for the action takes place in the cemetery. Written by comic superstar Jason Aaron (Thor, Original Sin, Southern Bastards, and Wolverine and the X-Men) with the illustrations of frequent collaborator Ron Garney (Wolverine, Wolverine: Weapon X; and Thor: God of Thunder) craft another page-turning issue that chronicles the continuity of the bitter family curse that befallen on the Rath family. Picking up from the second issue, old man Monroe Rath holds his son’s wife hostage/captive; while son Ruben Rath waits his pops inside the church as their meeting place and to settle their scores once and for all.

Before that, a revelation presents that Monroe obviously had blood on his hands on the death of his wife to which young Ruben witnessed all, traumatized forever. Caught by the police and separated until Ruben’s head was being demanded by Monroe’s clients, this sets the tone of the bitter antagonizing “cursed” nature between father and son. When things do not get Monroe’s way, all hell breaks loose until the last page. Some of the unexpected moments are shown here. For example, the pastor/preacher was a former Vietnamese war veteran, who is ultimately faced his maker at the hands of Monroe. Furthermore, readers can relate Ruben’s inner struggles to be different from his forefathers’ rather cursed path and tries very hard to walk the righteous path. He may be his “father’s son” but that does not mean that he would be “the same” as his old man.

The story is well-paced and packed with very emotional moments. Garney never disappoints again. He really deserves his reputation as Aaron’s partner-in-crime. He shows how to present great and realistic illustrations without the exaggeration of blood galore and other gory details just for the sake of violence. His cover art is so catchy, but at the same time, very symbolic and a study of contrast and irony as well. Furthermore, the team presents a foreshadowing at the end of the story. By observing the names written on the tombstones, we can already see how this story goes (and ends, unless Aaron has something positive [?] in mind).

This third chapter holds my interest, which is commendable because many midway parts are basically the least interesting or downright boring of the entire story. But the creative team makes sure our interests remain high and keeping our momentum to the last two issues. However, I cannot say this one is the most memorable due to the fact that is storyline is a bit cliché already (father-and-son rivalry, and a family curse are nothing novel actually). BUT, this is still a great read due to the team’s near-flawless execution. Unless with some of those who familiar with; the Southern dialogue and accent used in this issue can be a nuisance for some readers that demands a couple of rereading to understand its context. Other than some minor flaws, the third issue is a great link to the previous introductory chapters and to the highly anticipated final moments of the cursed Rath brood. Highly recommended!

 by C. Paul Ramos