Juggernaut #3
Juggernaut is put on trial for past crimes in Juggernaut #3 by writer Fabian Nicieza, artist Ron Garney, colorist Matt Milla, and letterer Joe Sabino. This issue references the classic battle between Spider-Man and Juggernaut, putting the unstoppable one on trial for his crimes from that battle before the whole thing gets blown open by a surprise attack with an even more surprising villain behind it.
Juggernaut is put on trial for the damages from his battle against Spider-Man years ago. Represented by Captain America's old girlfriend Bernie Rosenthal, it's all being live-streamed by D-Cel. In a flashback, Cain Marko makes his way to the Forge of Cyttorak in North Korea. Entering the forge, he meets a man who has spent years collecting mystical artifacts that contained traces of the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak and forging armor from it. Marko asks for the armor so he can become Juggernaut again, but the man says he made it for himself and swings his hammer at Cain. In the present, the courtroom is attacked by the supervillain known as Quicksand, who is trying to get D-Cel. Juggernaut does his best against her, but she's made of sand, and his powers aren't that useful. D-Cel holds Quicksand back with her powers as Damage Control operatives figure out a way to stop her- they pick up the radioactive signatures that show them that she's being controlled. Juggernaut and D-Cel remove her head, nullifying the control. In a flashback, Marko dodges the blacksmith's blows, which jar the armor, causing it to fall on Marko, making him the Juggernaut again. Back in the present, the lawyers come to an agreement, and Damage Control reveals who was controlling Quicksand, a man who is in charge of a company that runs for-profit prisons and experiments on supervillains, a most unexpected enemy.
Fabian Nicieza has been killing it with this mini-series, and this issue is no different. There are lots of crimes that Juggernaut could be charged with, but referencing the classic battle between Juggernaut and Spider-Man is a very nice touch. Rosenthal makes a good point- the man suing Juggernaut, whose construction company was bankrupted by the battle, should actually be blaming Spider-Man for the loss of the concrete that bankrupted him. It's a nice touch- Juggernaut has done some bad things, but this isn't his fault. Quicksand is a pretty obscure villain to use but works very well because Juggernaut's powers, as great as they are, just aren't going to do too much against Quicksand. D-Cel's powers are more effective, which is kind of a running theme throughout the series- brawn is great, but it doesn't always work.
D-Cel is a great character- she's sassy and fun and juxtaposes nicely with Juggernaut, who isn't his usual jovially destructive self. This issue finally shows how Juggernaut got his new armor- it's pretty much an accident, but then again, Cyttorak is a god, and Juggernaut has been doing his bidding for years, whereas the blacksmith hasn't- he wants to serve Cyttorak. Still, all he's done is the god's will by making an even more powerful armor for Cyttorak's favorite servant. The issue also continues the whole "Is D-Cel a mutant" plotline, with Quicksand and Damage Control confirming she is even though she says she isn't. The reveal of the villain behind Quicksand's attack wants D-Cel, which poses even more questions than answers and makes her an even more interesting character.
Ron Garney's art is just incredible throughout this issue. The fight between Juggernaut, D-Cel, and Quicksand looks excellent. Garney captures Quicksand very well, making her seem like a powerful threat. The book also opens with a tremendous double-page splash of Juggernaut and Spider-Man from their classic battle. Setting the pace for the rest of the art throughout.
Juggernaut #3 is a great little issue. It touches on Juggernaut's old sins, adds some more mystery to D-Cel, and sets things up for the next two chapters with a surprise reveal. Why does this villain want D-Cel? That's a great question, and if Nicieza's work on this book so far is any indication, it will be great. Garney's art is spectacular. He was the perfect choice for this book, and he proves it every issue. Juggernaut is shaping up to be much better than anyone could have anticipated.
Grade: B+
