Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #5 of 8

The opening scene of "Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters" #5 proves once again this this book is written for mature readers. The beginning of this issue focuses, somewhat, on the Human Bomb and I like what writer's Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray are doing with the character. The Red Bee's story continues to evolve as it impacts various members of the team. Palmiotti and Gray must have been given some form of free reign with these characters because they have no problem providing some shocking outcomes with them. I liked seeing the return of the Ray's dad in uniform and his attitude about all of this. Renator Arlem's art is the perfect match for the tone set here and reflects the bleak nature of the circumstances.

The miniseries continues to be interesting, but it would be nice to have it in TPB form to read it all eight issues in one sitting.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #4 of 8

We are halfway through this miniseries and writers Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti bring an action packed issue. Quite a bit happens in this issue centered around the original Doll Man and the Red Bee. I like what Gray & Palmiotti have done with the Red Bee over the course of this miniseries. They have amped up the threat and excitement which makes me want to read the last half of this series. I like their characterization of Uncle Sam here as well. Artist Renato Arlem does a fantastic job this issue of presenting all of the action.

As this miniseries kicks into high gear, I'm enjoying Gray & Palmiotti's plotting and dialogue along with Arlem's art.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #3 of 8

First off, I didn't realize how big this team is. There are lots of characters introduced in this issue and I'm not sure I could keep track of everything that was going on. I was a big Ray fan back in the 90s and I wish Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti would bring him to the forefront a little. This issue we get a little background on the new Doll Man and I really like Gray & Palmiotti's characterization here. I'm still digging Red Bee's development as well. Overall the issue was a bit frenetic with all of the characters and, at times, got a bit wordy, but I enjoyed it. Renato Arlem's art is more impressive in this issue, but on page one he falls back to the pink panties - now on Phantom Lady.

The only real complaint that I have about this series is that it doesn't seem that it is happening on "New Earth". Yes, there are mentions of Superman, Amazon Attacks, etc. but the SHADE organization and U.S. government seems to be from some other Earth. It is a good story but it just doesn't fit into the current DCU "New Earth" continuity.

Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #1 & #2 of 8

"Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters" #1 answers the burning question, "where was the team during Amazon Attacks?" Of course, I kid. No one really cared anything about "Amazon Attacks". The opening of this eight part series finds the team on a deep space mission fending off a hive of bees set on taking over the earth. Writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justing Gray utilize this mission to "upgrade" the Red Bee. Once the team is back on Earth they deal with the after effects of "Amazon Attacks" and Palmiotti and Gray settle into the government intrigue angle of the Freedom Fighters. The team breaks up in the first issue and the reasoning behind the breakup is, well, reasonable. The issue ends showing that things aren't all well with the Red Bee. Issue #2 focuses on Phantom Lady and here Paris Hilton/Brittany Spears-like behavior. It culminates with the team back together for an intervention. While Palmiotti and Gray are not severing up much action, the interactions between the characters and the development of Red Bee and Phatom Lady are handled well.

I didn't think I would like Renato Arlem's art, but it fits the tone of the book. He has a good flare for action sequences as seen on the bee ship and for character interaction. However, did we really need to see Miss America's pink panties. You'd think she would be wearing something to match her uniform.

While I wouldn't recommend this series to a younger audience, the mature themes, characterization, and social commentary are better suited for older readers.