The early front runner for biggest disappointment of the year would have to be Marvel’s “Fear Itself”, an efficiently promoted but poorly executed “event” that has failed to delivered on it’s potential. Issue #5 is jam-packed with action as it winds closer to it’s conclusion and while this issue is certainly better than the last, it’s still not enough to drag the series out of the rut it’s in.

The biggest problem with “Fear Itself” has been Matt Fraction’s inability to sell the magnitude  of the threat. The first issue set things up nicely and at that point the series looked promising. But the following issues failed to build on the first book. There’s no sense of peril, concern, or more importantly fear that would elevate this story over any other 7 issue arc. It’s unfortunate because this book has some fantastic action particularly a heavy weight bout between Thor and a possessed Hulk and Thing. We also get a wildly entertaining action scequence pitting Captain America and the Avengers against The Serpent and Skadi. These scenes are very well done but could have been a lot better if they were generated from a story worth investing in.

Stuart Immonen is the star of the issue mainly due to the amped up action. His art captures every bone-jarring hit and large-scaled explosion. But it’s his gritty yet fluid panel layout that really drives the action. The fight sequences feature some intense choreography and it’s action-packed cinematic flare is unquestionable.  While there’s no denying that Immonen knows action, his character expressions are sometimes lacking and the issue’s weaker pages are the calmer, dialogue driven ones. But when it comes down to it, it’s his art that shines and that ultimately carries the issue.

While this is a visually stunning issue it’s still hurt by a sub-par story. There’s a lot going on and any series featuring Steve Rogers’ return as Captain America, Tony Stark falling off the wagon, and the death of Bucky should feel significant. But this never has felt like a major “event”. Still, this is a fun issue that rides the gorgeous artwork of Stuart Immonen as far as it can. That’s enough to make this book worth recommending but it’s still not as good as it should have been.