REVIEW: ‘Reptil’, Issue #3

Reptil #3 is written by Terry Blas, penciled by Enio Balam, inked by Victor Olazaba, colored by Carlos Lopez, and lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino. It is published by Marvel Comics. Picking up where the second issue left off, Humberto and his cousins Eva and Julian escape Dinosaur World-but Humberto is shaken by the fact that he almost hurt his cousins when he went into full dinosaur mode. The trio then ends up battling the supervillain Megalith, who has an amulet similar to Reptil’s that allows him to manipulate stone. Megalith also reveals the truth behind the disappearance of Reptil’s parents and the connection between their amulets.

This issue offers further insight into Megalith’s motivations, and how he differs from Humberto. The best villains are often the opposite of their heroic rivals; for example, Peter Parker uses his power responsibly as Spider-Man while Norman Osborn abuses his own twin powers of wealth and superhumanity as the Green Goblin. Megalith feels that he deserves to have both halves of the amulet due to a twisted view of his “birthright”; while Humberto’s powers have often been a source of strife in his life, he more often than not will use them to help others. That distinction adds an emotional edge to their confrontation, which is only heightened by the fact that Megalith is connected to the disappearance of Humberto’s parents.

Blas also understands that what draws people to Marvel’s heroes is how their superheroic and personal lives collide. Throughout Humberto’s tenure as Reptil, he has struggled with anger issues that stem from the loss of his parents and his fear that he might lose control of his dinosaur powers. Luckily, he has Eva and Julian to help him; not only do they offer their respective skills in battle, but they also serve as a source of moral support. A conversation between Julian and Humberto reveals that much like a certain action film series, Humberto’s true power isn’t a magic rock-it’s family.

Balam, Olazaba, and Lopez up the ante artwise, especially when it comes to the battle between Reptil and Megalith. Megalith’s rock powers give him a form of armor that bears a strong resemblance to a Velociraptor-albeit with dusty, cracked stones resembling scales and claws. The duo’s respective powers also come into play during a massive fight scene: Megalith summons a horde of grassy creatures to attack Reptil and Reptil partially transforms into an Ankylosaurus to deliver a crushing blow with his tail. Humberto also continues the tradition of wearing mostly green clothing-including a green hoodie and baseball cap to conceal his identity when he and his cousins sneak out to investigate Megalith’s residence. Maybe it’s the Power Rangers fan in me, but I do like when characters wear clothing that matches their superhero costume colors-it helps them stand out in a crowd.

Reptil #3 sets the stage for the series’ finale, featuring a classic Marvel mix of superheroics and personal problems where its hero is concerned.  The issue ends on a massive cliffhanger that promises more trouble ahead for Reptil-considering he has to fight a maniac who can manipulate the Earth who literally holds the fate of his parents in his hands that’s saying something.

Reptil #3 is available wherever comics are sold.