Handpicked Comic for 4/1/09: War of Kings #2

War of Kings #2 Abnett, Lanning & Pelletier

This was the first and best book that I read this week. Here's the set up. The Inhumans are now the Royal Family of the Kree, as they were always destined to be. The Shi'ar are ruled by Vulcan who would just as soon as kill you as look at you. So they're at war now to become the supreme power in the universe. (I think that's the simplest summary I could have given. Way to go me!)

Last issue, Vulcan launched an attack against the Kree by attacking during Crystal's wedding to Ronan. (Which will bond the Inhumans and the Kree together.) This issue focused on the Kree's response, which kicked ass!!

My favorite scene was Crystal calming the masses in the infirmiry. It's not very often that the Inhumans are depicted as the royalty that they are, so this was refreshing. This scene shows Crystal stepping into her role as Princess and taking it seriously. She's run from it for so long that it was nice change to see her accept it.

I laughed outloud to Medusa's response to Crystal being called "the People's Princess". Her haughty "Pah!" spoke volumes and referenced the argument between the sisters in "Inhumans: Secret Invasion" (Yay, continuity!)

I got a thrill out of the combination of Kree and Inhuman technology. The Kree Sentries combined with the echo-tech was brilliant. I'm glad that Maximus is being used for a different purpose other than battling Black Bolt. He's a mad genius!! Use his genius!!

The issue ends with Vulcan stating that he is going to kill Lilandra immediately. Honestly, he could and I'm starting to think he should. That would really shake things up. Then maybe Deathbird (after she heals) would finally see Vulcan for what he is and she would rule the Shi'ar. Or Gladiator will somehow step up and rule the Shi'ar. Do I think that Vulcan will really kill Lilandra? No. I think that Gladiator will snap and fight against Vulcan. But, we'll see...

Finally, you should be reading this book. If you like big, cosmic, political, war stories this is for you. And that's why War of Kings #2 is your Handpicked Comic for April 1st! No foolin'!