Damage Control #1
“When Titans clash, the results–apart from justice done–are often considerable property damage. Not to worry…when their buildings get trashed, New Yorkers know who to call: the engineering and construction firm that specializes in the repair of property destroyed in superhuman conflicts…Damage Control.”
This latest entry in the Damage Control saga takes place during World War Hulk: After Smash! as the crew is commissioned by S.H.I.E.L.D. in conjunction with Stark Enterprises to repair the war-zone that was once the island of New York, all thanks to an enraged Hulk. This issue involves a one hundred sixty four billion dollar contract as negotiated by Anne-Marie Hoag C.E.O. and Albert Cleary, the return of John Porter and Robin Chapel and the rest of the Damage Control regulars, including ex-convict Eugene Strausser.
The heroes of New York unite in the ensuing search and rescue operation, featuring cameo appearances by Goliath, The Heroes for Hire, Yellow Jacket, Doctor Strange and the Fantastic Four, just to name a few.
Damage Control has always been less about your typical super hero affairs and more about what it takes to put civilization back together once the smoke clears from those epic struggles we always read about. So, unless you are looking for an intriguing, well-written, sitcom-style read, (with the occasional sprinkling of super-powered conflict) every one need not apply.
Dwayne McDuffie, as expected, does an excellent job of including the reader in the corporate manipulations and back office dealings in a unique and fresh fashion. Artist Salva Espin, does an adequate job of depicting the heroes, executives and their demolished surroundings in a professional and clean manner, with dazzling colors contributed by GURU eFX. Overall, a good read and I would recommend this to fans of clever dialog and anybody who wants to know what it takes to pick up the pieces of the Marvel Universe when nobody else can or will- but I may be biased, I have always been a fan of Damage Control.