Soldier Zero #4 (Boom! – Cornell / Pina)

Stan Lee’s saga soldiers on! Paul Cornell and Javier Pina take the celebrated series to new heights in the conclusion of the first arc. Who is really in control? Will Stewart convince his other half to save the love of his life? Or will Soldier Zero take them into battle against the evil alien villain in pursuit of destroying Earth? Stan Lee has the answers in this epic issue!

First off, Stan Lee has nothing here, the creative yumminess here is all Paul Cornell! 

Soldier Zero is one part of a refreshing sci-fi attack coming from Boom! every month.  This series, partnered with The Traveler and Starborn, is filling my geek tanks with fresh and original science fiction, that is for the most part missing in today’s comic landscape.  Of the three titles, Soldier Zero is the is far and away the most action-themed and adrenaline-fueled book.  If you will roll with my Donner-esque analogy it is the Non of the trio, except with speech and thought :) .

On the surface of SZ, you have a disabled marine who encounters a sentient set of space armor that enables him to fight bad guys and defend the innocent – which in and of itself is fun enough.  But just slightly under the surface is the personality interaction between the earthly hero and alien armor – the mutual inner dialogue where the two creatures need to find common ground. The have to find balance and compromise to be able to function and coexist.

It’s a balance of going on the offense and defending the bystanders.  It’s a balance of justice and hope.  It’s a balance of power and heart.  It is the balance that almost every great protagonist has to find.  So far, this series is a fantastic study of the evolution of a hero as the two lifeforms get to know each other and work with each for their independent visions of “the common good”.

Issue #4 brings us to the end of the initial story arc and a turning point with how Soldier Zero will be perceived by those he protects!  Cornell’s story is backed by well-above average art and framing by Javier Pina!

Bottom Line: Sci-Fi goodness! Yum! This is out tomorrow – look for it!

Grade:  A