Havoc 07

⭐ Issue Number 7 - Dated 24th August, 1991 ⭐

BONE-CRUNCHING KEVLAR-CLAD ISSUE!

"Call them off. This one is personal."

There's no Conan the Barbarian strip in Issue 07, which means slightly more available page count for some of the others. Personally, I like Conan, but the format works better with four serialised works instead of the usual five.

☆ Deathlok: The Brains of the Outfit:

Part Six ☆

Script: McDuffie / Wright | Art: Guice / Wright

First up is Deathlok, who doesn't benefit from the situation much with just seven pages of story.

The human brain that's housed within the cybernetic shell continues to converse with, and attempt to control, its machine parts. In a way, it's like an inner-narrative device but with two different personalities, both of whom have a distinct way of perceiving, interacting, and responding to the world around them (and any threats that arise).

There's a scene that I felt was reminiscent of one in Todd McFarlane's early Spawn comics, but an internet search revealed that Spawn didn't appear on shelves until the following year (May 1992), so the thinking was reversed.

The Deathlok strip is a pretty serious one usually, which is understandable given its grim themes, but there's some dark humour in part six that I enjoyed.

☆ RoboCop: Murphy's Law: Part Three ☆

Script: Alan Grant | Art: Sullivan / DeMulder / White

RoboCop fares better with a whopping nine pages! It's an exciting one, too. Laszlo's ED 209s are on the streets of Detroit. But they aren't the only dangerous force out that night. Without going too far into spoiler territory, there's a three-way shoot-out, with each party having something to gain and something to lose from the encounter, being either a direct participant or an extension of someone's goal, someone's passion, or someone's heart. (Actually, it could be called a four-way shoot-out, if the reason the other three are there was to also be included in the tally.) Ultimately, it's a comic book action scene that's done properly, with real consequence for each party.

☆ Ghost Rider: Life's Blood: Part Seven ☆

Script: Mackie | Art: Saltares / Texeira / Wright

The situation in Ghost Rider is similar to the one in RoboCop, but conceptually it carries less wight and is consequently much less memorable. The gang that took possession of the briefcase (back in the first couple of issues) are at the centre of it, pinned down while employees of the two powerful men who seek its contents fight.

It's gangsters versus ninjas, and at just six pages it barely makes an impact. The only other thing of note in part seven is that GR displays a new power, highlighting, perhaps, how Dan's bond with the Spirit of Vengeance is deepening.

☆ The Star Slammers: Part Seven ☆

Script + Art: Walter Simonson

The Slammers have collected enough ships and military equipment; they're well-armed and are prepared for the assault. But before the world turns to fire, there's time for some welcome exploration of Sphere's past.

A leader of men when required, he's not afraid to be a student, too. As an old man talks, Sphere listens and learns, with questions that lead to a greater understanding, and an acceptance of truth.

Of all the strips in Havoc, I feel the Star Slammers has evolved the most from its beginnings, and yet it's also the one that seems to be given the least attention. And because I've mentioned it for all the others, the page count is seven.

The eye level letters page is again interesting. The Punsiher reveal last issue is retracted; instead of Frank, when Star Slammers ends (in issue 10) we were to get Alien Legion, which is a series that I know nothing about. The page also mentions that 'as of issue 10' a Havoc T-shirt would be awarded as a prize to the writer of the most notable letter each week. (There's no pictures, but my guess is just the title and logo; something like THIS?). But the comic didn't make it to ten issues. I wonder what happened to all the T-shirts? Are they in a warehouse someplace? Or a landfill?

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