Review:Â FREEDOM FIGHTERSÂ #7
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer:Â Robert Venditti
Art:Â Bruno Redondo
Colors:Â Adriano Lucas
Letters:Â Andworld Design
Reviewed by:Â Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
While the captured Human Bomb faces torture at the hands of Adolph Hitller III, the rest of the team has found refuge and are in hiding. The Plastic Men eventually find the Freedom Fighters. While the team does escape, one of the Plastic Men manages to infiltrate the team.
Positives
After a month off, it’s great to have Freedom Fighters back! As with many instances in previous issues, whenever Uncle Sam manages to connect with the power of the Spirit of ’76, or the Spirit of Freedom, it tends to send a chill up my spine. This issue is no different. When the wife who is helping hide the FF shouts Patrick Henry’s cry, “Give me Liberty or give me Death,” Sam instantly gets a burst of energy. This continues to elicit an emotional response, but it is also a unique source of power for a character and Venditti uses it effectively. Human Bomb’s defiance in the face of certain painful torture evokes a similar response, though through a different set of emotions.
In order to escape, Phantom Lady, instead of teleporting the team away, instead teleports the Plastic Men to outer space. It’s an interesting revelation to Phantom Lady as it provides her the opportunity to change her thinking about her powers. Phantom Lady gets a bit of character development in Freedom Fighters #7 when she is shown praying reverently. Though Doll Girl is dismissive of Phantom Lady’s faith, it doesn’t dissuade her from her prayer, or attempting to show how to find hope even in a very dangerous situation.
It’s not a positive for the team, but storywise, allowing the Plastic Men to infiltrate the team is an interesting plot device. It is also welcomed considering that this issue was teased with the idea of a traitor in their midst. It’s good to know that it’s not one of the actual FF.
Finally, this issue features the talented Bruno Redondo on art chores instead of the regular team of Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira. Redondo doesn’t allow the issue to skip a beat!
Negatives
It’s usually hard to find a negative in this series, and Freedom Fighters #7 is no exception.
Verdict
Freedom Fighters #7 continues to stir a positive sense of connection to the American Spirit. While Freedom isn’t solely an American notion, Uncle Sam thrives on it! The character development continues to engage the reader with additional exploration of Phantom Lady. Her hope helps drive an optimistic outlook despite the situation they are in.
