Review by Ian Keogh

Taskmaster has the unique talent of being able to instantly assimilate the physical skills of anyone he’s seen in action, and over the years he’s been in close contact with a lot of Marvel’s superstars. Given what he can do, he’s the alpha predator, so suddenly finding himself the prey instead is a shock to the system. It turns out he’s been framed for murder, and someone very dangerous is on his tail.

Jed MacKay’s put some thought into what Tony Masters does, and how that ability might be applied in new circumstances. What he’s come up with is interesting, involving him having to mimic three exceptionally well protected people he’ll find it extremely difficult to access, and he’ll have to do this while still being a target himself. It leads to some surprising encounters and there’s the feeling throughout that a five chapter serial breaks down so neatly that something remains concealed, but MacKay includes enough well dropped shocks to ensure that the action suppresses the questions. It’s all very clever.

As Taskmaster tours the world Alessandro Vitti brings his brutal encounters to life, sometimes with signature moves identified, but usually just sheer physical endurance seeing him through. Although athletic, there’s little grace about a succession of battles with people rooted in violence. Vitti does, though, supply an imposing Taskmaster. Seeing him just standing around provides a person to be reckoned with.

Because MacKay and Vitti begin with an extended sequence bordering on comedy animation those finding it not to their taste may be tempted not to stay the course. That would be a mistake.