REVIEW: ‘Rescue 2020,’ Issue #2 (of 2)

Rescue 2020 #2 is a Marvel comic written by Dana Schwartz, with art by Jacen Burrows and finishes by Scott Hanna. The color artist is Pete Pantazis and the letterer is Joe Caramagna. The issue is Rescue’s last tie-in of the Iron Man 2020 event, in which Tony Stark has revealed that he is actually an AI and the real Stark is dead and is leading an AI rebellion across multiple titles. In Rescue 2020 #2, Pepper Potts has been tasked with gathering DNA from both of Tony’s biological parents. In order to get something from his father, Jude, she must infiltrate his place of work: a Hydra base.

The plot is initially interesting, as it puts Pepper deep within enemy territory and starts to generate a feeling that she could be in danger. Pepper is undercover within the Hydra facility at the same time a mass gathering of Hydra agents is called. However, the main twist takes away from her presence there. The emergence of a more powerful enemy is expected considering the overarching threat throughout the entire crossover though. Beyond that, the structure is straightforward without many surprises. The main detrimental aspect of the plot is that everything seems to happen too quickly. Not much of the comic is based around the actual infiltration of the base, focusing more on the action of the plot. Pepper’s identity is never under threat and it would have been fun to see more tension built up.

Most of the main characters are well written, but oddly it’s a member of Hydra that is given the best dialogue and character development in Rescue 2020 #2. Rescue is bestowed strength and determination, never letting her kindness undermine her professionalism. But that is all put at risk by her introduction to Robbie. Robbie is a young, low-ranking agent of Hydra. His interactions with Rescue are both funny and laced with deeper depth. 

Schwartz writes fantastic dialogue in these conversations. Pepper sees that the kid has been radicalized and convinced by his peers that the world is against him. There isn’t a severe change in the mindset of the young agent from just one meeting, but the actions Hydra takes as the issue moves on create the suspicion the character may change. Caramagna’s lettering in the scene where the pair converse is well laid out and easy to read.

The art by Burrows and Hanna is precise in its detail. Each facial expression is superbly sculpted on the character’s face, allowing the artist to present very specific emotions. For example: Pepper’s pity while talking to Robbie. The enemy that Pepper has to fight in Rescue 2020 #2 is depicted with huge scale, yet the line art is consistent and at times symmetrical. The fight and movement scenes portray powerful momentum and impact when things crash through walls and speed through hallways.

The line art and writing is nice, but Pantazis’ colors are gorgeous. While inside the same building, throughout the issue each area has various colors in the walls and backgrounds. Not only does it help differentiate the rooms, but it keeps the audience fixed on the page. Both Rescue and the Hydra agents have beautiful costumes. The iconic green and yellow of the Hydra uniforms feel muted compared to the vibrant, beautiful blue of Rescue’s armor. And the metal actually seems to shine where the cloth and fabrics don’t. Both Pepper and Robbie have red hair, but there is a stark contrast between the shades. The detail that Pantazis gave within each panel of Rescue 2020 #2 is fantastic.

Caramagna’s letters are also really detailed, as he frequently shrinks the font of word balloons to indicate alternating tones of voice. Rescue has her own customized word balloon, blue like her armor. It sticks out like the character herself does, yet it is easy to read and unobtrusive. And the SFX are used in the right times, placed just enough that they don’t become commonplace and block the art.

Rescue 2020 #2 is a beautiful tie-in. The creative team has successfully allowed Rescue to have her own identity within this crossover. Schwartz has made sure that her personality is distinct, while Burrows, Hanna, and Pantazis created a beautiful suit of armor. This tie-in also appears to have a direct impact on the event as a whole, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Pepper does going forward.

Rescue 2020 #2 is available where comics are sold.