No Sheep

The Sentry

// December 14th, 2005 // My Stuff

After enjoying the first 6 issues of The New Avengers, I decided to read the next 6 part series collected in New Avengers Volume 2: Sentry. This story arc revolves around the mystery of The Sentry. In the first six parter he was involved in helping with the event that formed the New Avengers, but his back story was completely unknown to all the characters in the Marvel Universe. In the end, Bendis had me thoroughly intrigued about this character’s history.

I then discovered Sentry had originally been created in his own six part mini series by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee in 2000. Bendis had merely resurrected this hero as an addition to New Avengers (similar to Spider-Woman and Luke Cage). So I grabbed hold of that hoping for more of the story.

The major difficulty here though is that Jenkins is no Bendis. The story was told in a way that is fragmented at best. This extremely hard to follow “origin” set Sentry up as a classic hero, older than the Fantastic Four, but forgotten by some trick. One major problem I have is that the trick doesn’t really match with the new continuity established in New Avengers. Without much surprise here, I like Bendis’ rendition better. Having heroes make heroes forget is a bad plan. Make a villain do it and I’m in. I also have some doubts about his lame sidekick and the secret serum that gives him his powers…

Anyway, the Jenkins story line does establish some interesting stuff. Sentry is arguably the most powerful hero Marvel has ever created. His powers set him up to be pretty much omnipotent. In a lot of ways this character is like DC’s Superman, but with less weaknesses. However, the man that is Sentry is somewhat humanized with a drinking problem. Another interesting tidbit here is the calming effect Sentry has on the Hulk. Apparently Sentry is able to calm Hulk and help him “evolve”. A Hulk that doesn’t mindless destroy everything certainly seems like an improvement to me…

In conclusion, Jenkins-Sentry is lame. Bendis resurrects with some success, but I still feel there is no place for the omnipotent hero in the Marvel Universe. For those interested in more about The Sentry, read his fairly detailed info on Wikipedia. As I continue reading New Avengers, maybe the guy will grow on me.

As a side note, it is revealed in the New Avengers arc that Spider Woman has some ability to emit pheromones that she can use to control people. A very cool ability for a resurrected character that is yet to see her full potential. Apparently Bendis is writing a Spider-Woman mini series that is due out this month. I guess I’ll need to read that for more of what he plans to due with this heroine…

marvel, marvel universe, bendis, new avengers, avengers, sentry, the sentry, spider woman, spider-woman, luke cage, cage, hulk, comic, comics, comic books, comic book, superhero

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• The Sentry – Not Worth It
• Marvel Tragedy in Wake of Civil War
• Sathorn Unique
• Plastic Wrap Prank of PSU Alumni Director
• A New Spider-Man Costume

Related items

• Sathorn Unique
• Blogging in the Classroom
• Watchmen Trailer Available Early!
• Bude’s Garage Band Jam
• Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat