The Inhumans #3
Published and © by Marvel, February 1976
Title: “Panic In New York!”
Synopsis: The royal family heads to New York seeking answers – but instead finds a fight with the Kree emissary Shatterstar.
Writer: Doug Moench
Penciler: George Pérez
Inker: Mike Esposito
Review: Doug Moench’s story jumps right into the action, as the Inhumans face earthquakes, a menace from below, and an attack from deep space. Overall, this issue flows better than the previous two (see reviews of The Inhumans #1 and #2). An ongoing plot with the Kree holds promise for both good stories and glimpses of the Inhumans’ origins. George Pérez’s art on this series continues to stand out, despite this series’ rotating cast of inkers.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “There’s a two-page lettercol and only 17 pages of art – that’s the shape of comics to come!” – Martin Lock, Comics Unlimited #33, December 1975 … “Throughout the run, Moench was above average on scripting.” – Richard Ashford, Comics Unlimited #44, June 1977
Cool factor: Let’s go with the George Pérez art again; there’s patented Pérez rubble on almost every page!
Not-so-cool factor: Shatterstar’s gaudy character design hasn’t aged well, especially the rainbow chest emblem.
Notable: The “Black Bolt’s Bulletins” letters page includes LoCs from future comic-book writers Ralph Macchio and Peter B. Gillis.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 9p British variant of this issue. … Beware, this issue contains Marvel Value Stamp (Series B) #36.
Character quotable: “All of you – grasp hold of me – ! I’ll try to use my hair to stop our fall – !!” – Medusa, matriarch of Attilan
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this review was published in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1653, May 2009.
