The Inhumans #4
Published and © by Marvel, April 1976
Title: “The Doom Called Shatterstar!”
Synopsis: The Inhumans battle Shatterstar in New York while a grimmer tale unfolds back in Attilan.
Writer: Doug Moench
Penciler: George Pérez
Inker: Vince Colletta
Review: Compared to today’s decompressed storytelling, it’s amazing just how much story could be crammed into a Bronze Age comic. The first third of this installment features a well-choreographed battle with Shatterstar; the second third reveals the origin of Shatterstar (which seems a bit much for such a minor character); and the final third builds to a strong cliffhanger ending. That’s a lot of story, all pretty well done. Vince Colletta is the latest in a series of revolving inkers; he’s got a reputation for overpowering pencilers, but George Pérez’s work hold up well.
Grade: B+
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 30¢ variant of this issue, as well as a 9p British edition.
Character quotable: “Wh-what … ? What could have … repelled a beam of such pure destruction … ?!” – Shatterstar, gobsmacked
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this review was published in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1653, May 2009.
