BIG GAME #3, from Image Comics on 9/20/23, continues the global massacre of every superhero in the world at the hands of The Fraternity. However, one hero may just turn the tide.
The Details
- Written by: Mark Millar
- Art by: Pepe Larraz
- Colors by: Giovanna Niro
- Letters by: Clem Robins
- Cover art by: Pepe Larraz
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is BIG GAME #3 Good?
BIG GAME #3 is notable in an already outstanding series because writer Mark Millar does two things that set this “crossover event of the Summer” apart from every crossover limping along on LCS shelves at the moment. First, Millar gives you cameos galore in a continuation of the last issue’s massacre. Second, Millar takes the absolute piss out of the Big 2 in multiple panels, and it’s glorious.
When last we left the heroes of Earth, a lot of them died. The end.
Okay, yes, there’s more to it than that. Dr. Crane and the Chrononauts confirmed heroes did exist before a coordinated supervillain attack in the 1980s wiped them out, leaving the supervillains to quietly rule the world for over three decades as The Fraternity. Now, the President calls upon all remaining superheroes to assemble (or does he?) to fight this supervillain threat. Meanwhile, HIt-Girl and Eggsy follow The Fraternity’s forces who claim the corpses of the Chrononauts for some unknown purpose.
Yes, yes. Once you reveal that the Chrononauts’ part in all this isn’t done, despite their untimely deaths, you can see where this is headed. Without giving too much away, The Fraternity’s apparent dominance is far from set in stone.
What’s great about BIG GAME #3? If you like cameos, you’re going to love this issue. You get appearances from Huck to Superior (sorta) and nearly everyone in between. This truly is a crossover of epic proportions, and if you’re wondering why the Magic Order doesn’t put The Fraternity in its place, that particular plot point gets an explanation, too. Millar nails the pacing, the dialog, and the non-stop stream of surprises with a killer cliffhanger to wrap it all up.
As for the second point mentioned above, Millar takes the piss out of the Big 2 with multiple character references that acknowledge DC and Marvel exist by poking fun in more than one panel. The poking is relatively good-natured, but the “it’s funny because it’s true” tone is unmistakable.
What’s not so great about BIG GAME #3? As a minor nitpick, more heroes die terrible deaths in this issue, but you get the impression at least one or two of them shouldn’t have been caught out so easily. Surprise can be a powerful weapon, but at least one of the heroes should have enough Spidey-sense to avoid a trap.
How’s the art? Pepe Larrraz delivers big booms, fast moves, and a killer set of visuals to elevate Millar’s already spectacular script. Larraz’s style has a fluidity of motion and energy that pairs beautifully with the breakneck pace of Millar’s script.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s BIG GAME #3 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BIG GAME #2 review to find out what happened when the Chrononauts returned home.
We begin with a series of vignettes where members of The Fraternity track down, visit, or corner an assortment of active heroes, including Huck, Superior (sort of), the Night Club, and more. Almost immediately, the heroes are killed where they stand.
Meanwhile, Hit-Girl and Eggsy follow The Fraternity’s cleanup crew after Nemesis dispatched Dr. Crane and the Chrononauts. The duo’s stealth helps lead them to The Fraternity’s headquarters, where they surmise the supervillains have plans for Chrononaut tech.
We conclude the issue with a personal challenge, a call to arms, and a monster.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BIG GAME #3 keeps getting bigger as The Fraternity’s plans to eradicate all heroes continue, but all hope is not lost. Mark Millar’s super-tight plot and super-sharp wit make this comic a thoroughly entertaining read, and Pepe Larraz’s art crackles with energy.
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