Activity #13 Review


 

Activity is a taut military thriller that keeps the suspense coming. But how accessible is this issue for someone who’s new to the series? Read on to find out.

“SOLIDAO” 
THE ACTIVITY continues into Volume III! After the stunning events in Minneapolis, the team is on stand-down pending an investigation. A call from one of Switchfoot’s friends in the Israeli Defense Force, however, turns into an unsanctioned mission with dire consequences. Meanwhile, there is trouble at Fort Belvoir. 

The story goes like this: The Israeli Defense Force has lost Neta, an operative in Brazil. Team Omaha, part of America’s ISA (Intelligence Support Agency) is called in to find her. Meanwhile, the wife of an ISA agent is questioned by the military for leaking information to the enemy while the Pentagon plans for war with Iran. From this description, you might expect to be confused but as someone who has never read this comic, I had very little trouble following this issue.

Activity 13 is the first part of a new storyline and also a great jumping on issue for newbies. Nathan Edmonson’s skillful scripting puts you right in the action as Team Omaha plans and executes Neta’s rescue from a Brazilian coke cartel. The dialogue is very realistic and it is clear Edmonson and Gerard have done their homework, in terms of research. There is great attention to detail.

The writing keeps you turning pages, but it’s Mitch Gerad’s art that really shines. His art style reminds me of Declan Shalvey’s recent work on The Massive, perfect for a gritty military thriller like this. My only complaint, and it’s a small one, is that Neta’s rescue scene happens very quickly. As a result, it’s difficult to tell what’s happening.

Overall, Activity is a cool comic that more people should be reading. If you’re a fan of Tom Clancy, 24, or Call of Duty, you should definitely check this out.  The previous 12 issues have been collected in two trades. I look forward to hunting them down. Highly recommended.

4/5

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