Review: Champions of Earth #3

The following is a review of Champions of Earth #3

 

Comic Credits
Written and created by Alexander Banchitta & James Riccardo
Pencils by Marcelo Salaza
Inks by Scott Shriver
Lettering by Fred C. Stresing
Cover Art by Gabe Pinto

 

This is the final issue for Champions of Earth and I have to say that it concludes in a way that I was not expecting. One of the things I have enjoyed about this series crafted by Alexander Banchitta and James Riccardo is that it has a certain way of being unpredictable. There is always some sort of swerve in each issue, and I appreciate it as a reader.  

 

This will be a review featuring spoilers, so long story short, people should buy this issue when they get a chance. Now, with that out of the way let us talk about these characters! We are starting off with Captain Galaxy; in his arc we saw him being sort of this pushover for everyone to walk over. I thought that it would only be a matter of time before he explodes sort to speak and man does he in this issue. It was satisfying to see Captain Galaxy finally give into his anger in and come to a realization that maybe Earth does not deserve him as a hero. Personally I think this is a good way to end his arc, seeing how much things have changed and how no one seems to have Captain Galaxy’s back. Also, the arc ends with a sense of mystery, for if there is to be sequel it may follow up with what is next for Captain Galaxy.

 

Moving onto Jupiter Man and Scarab, this issue reminds readers that they are kids who are “faking it until they make it” in a way. Readers see it throughout this issue that neither of them really care about being a hero, they simply want the respect and money that comes with it. I did find it funny how the manager of Jupiter Man and Scarab tries his best to sell the world on them; it seems to work on some level since at the end of the issue, Jupiter Man and Scarab seem to be more famous now than they were at the beginning of the series. Still I was hoping to see them having to face a problem they could not get out of per say. We nearly have that instance with the interview that occurs during this issue, but I wanted another conflict that would push them. At the same time, I could see that being something that would not fit with the flow of the issue. I do not think there would have been a place for additional conflict either, especially after multiple readers and consider the pacing for this last issue.

 

With Crimson Phantom, it is nice seeing him trying to get his revenge on Jupiter Man and Scarab. It reminds me a bit of how Wile E Coyote would try to get Road Runner; Crimson Phantom has various plans that in theory should work, but it feels like luck saves Jupiter Man and Scarab each time. I think readers will at first be surprised by the confrontation between Crimson Phantom and Scarab, but I think they will come to easily enjoy it. What adds to the confrontation is the pencils by Marcelo Salaza, which depicts the story amazingly; when adding the inks by Scott Shriver, it gives the panels nice dynamic features to the various scenes.

 

Speaking of Marcelo Salaza and Scott Shriver, I appreciate them being on this final issue. Scott has been on all three issues whereas, this was Marcelo debut issue. Seeing both of them working together is truly solid. I was worried since Koko had been doing the artwork for the prior two issues, but Marcelo really did his thing on this issue. One of the things I enjoy is seeing the way Marcelo frames certain scenes. With Marcelo on art duty, fans of the series do not have to worry about it being visually different from Koko’s previous work on the series.

 

Honestly, I am satisfied with how the story ends. I went into Champions of Earth unsure as to what expect, which is a risk that one may or may not like something when it comes to picking up a comic outside of one’s normal bubble. However, I can say that I was surprised with the book created by Alexander Banchitta and James Riccardo. I became a fan of them through this series and would recommend picking it up if readers have the chance. Final thoughts, Champions of Earth is a fun read and I hope to comeback to this universe one day.

 

Final Grade: 4 out of 5! One can click here and they will be linked to the Comixology Page for this series.

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