Maestro: World War M #3 Review

Writer: Peter David

Art: Germán Peralta, Jesus Aburtov, Pasqual Ferry, Matt Hollingsworth, VC’s Ariana Maher, Carlos Pacheco, and Rafael Fonteriz

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: May 4th, 2022

Maestro pursued the Human Torch deep beneath the sea only to discover an underwater city led by NAMOR! After recognizing that the Human Torch had aligned himself with NAMOR against the MAESTRO, our startling Green Dictator went ballistic killing NAMOR’S wife and son until the Abomination stepped in to hold him off. However, before the MAESTRO could repossess the offensive, Abomination, NAMOR, and the Human Torch were transported out of NAMOR’S underwater city by none other than DOCTOR DOOM himself. Let’s smash into MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M #3 by Peter David to see what plan this eclectic group of “heroes” has in store for the MAESTRO before it’s too late.

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THE DISPATCH

Peter David takes a meta approach in this week’s MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M #3 as he blurs the lines of good and evil. He takes the time to spin perspectives to show readers, not only different aspects of the characters involved, but also a different perspective on society’s views on the very same subjects. One person’s good is another person’s evil. To a degree, David’s point rings true to form for the human race as a whole. Maybe that’s why our culture and society should have their moral compass aligned with something outside the human condition?

However, outside the meta nature of MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M #3, our current “heroes” of DOCTOR DOOM, NAMOR, and Abomination try to articulate their next moves amiss their heightened depression expanded by their recent losses. NAMOR turns more towards anger while DOOM’S focus aligns more with vengeance. Yet, it’s Blonsky’s angle that was the most intriguing. I left the issue scratching my head as to some of the motivations behind the character as well as his actions as MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M comes to a close this week. David does a fantastic job of spinning the narrative to genuinely make you feel for Abomination and not just view him as a thug or killer.

ART

Germán Peralta and Jesus Aburtov continue this epic by mirroring the meta-narrative beats with a focus on facial expressions showcasing more of the feelings of the characters involved. The close-up shots and panels involving NAMOR, DOOM, and even Rick Jones added that extra layer of expression setting the tone and mood of the issue. Furthermore, I loved the detail that this creative added to the background, as well as the reflection in the metal. These characteristics are what amp up an issue and add depth to a comic. Plus, the final splash page places the enormous size and battle that awaits the MAESTRO as MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M #4 kicks off next month. If I was an artist on this book, I’d be pumped for next month’s installment and what I’d get to draw!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As for as this specific narrative goes, David doesn’t really progress MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M much at all. We aren’t farther along from seeing the eventual outcome nor do we discover too many hidden wrinkles spliced within the story. Sure, there is a moment to focus on with the Minister that I wish got some more air time, as well as a pretty crazy connection between the Minister and MARVEL COMICS lore. But, ultimately, David provides a more atmospheric view of the nature of good vs. evil instead of ushering the story forward. That said, David’s perspectives are true to form and certainly enlightened this reviewer causing him to at least stop and think, which is the makings of any good story.

Overall, MAESTRO: WORLD WAR M #3 focused more on the “heroes” and less on MAESTRO which was a bit disappointing. However, the narrative itself was entertaining even in its meta-climate of interpretation. If you’ve been following MAESTRO now for quite some time, I’d highly recommend picking up this series expecting nothing huge to unfold before your eyes. Still, if you’re new to MAESTRO, this is most certainly not the place to hop on board. Let me know what you think, have s great week, and God Bless!