MOCKINGBIRD #1

Capsule Review

This unexpected series promises to reward repeat reading — according to the text feature, it is deliberately designed as a four-issue “puzzle box,” with your impression of this first issue changing over time as each of the succeeding issues is read. But the first issue works fine all by itself, and maybe it isn’t wise to look too far ahead, with a few books of this latest Marvel relaunch getting the axe after just five or six issues. Live in the now! Mockingbird does, and that’s part of her problem, given that her “now” involves submitting to annoying and invasive medical tests by S.H.I.E.L.D. every week … and her doctors may not be telling her everything that is going on. Not by a long shot. All of which sounds a lot more grim than it is — this is actually a fast-paced, humorous, and light-hearted book, with writer Chelsea Cain letting us in on Mockingbird’s sarcastic inner monologue, and artist Kate Niemczyk scattering blistering little visual Easter eggs all over the place (yes, that is Tony Stark reading a STD pamphlet in the S.H.I.E.L.D. medical waiting room). This is a unique and entertaining book that deserves your support — don’t sleep on Mockingbird!

Approachability For New Readers

Pretty good. It helps to know a bit about Mockingbird’s past relationships and associations, but it’s easy enough to figure it out as you go along.

Read #2?

Yup. I need to know where the dog comes from.

Sales Rank

(N/A)

Read more about the Avengers at Longbox Graveyard

• Avengers — Kree/Skrull War
• Longbox Shortbox
• The Bride of Ultron
• Avengers Gallery

Read more capsule reviews of Marvel’s All-New All-Different rolling relaunch.