Elektra: The Hand

(Marvel, 2004–2005)
™ and © Marvel Entertainment Group

One would expect a series titled Elektra: The Hand to devote its time to Elektra’s past as a member of the ninja faction that debuted in Frank Miller’s Daredevil. This series does provide that, to a limited extent, in the Jim Cheung–drawn intro. When Christian Gossett takes over, though, readers learn what the series is really about: The origins of The Hand itself.

The narrator begins with a tale of the founder of The Hand, Kagenobu Yoshioka. Among the things readers learn is why the group’s called The Hand in the first place, and the revelation is original and surprising. Akira Yoshida shows great dramatic skill; this issue is scripted like a good Asian kung–fu movie (such as the recent Hero). It’s got a good mix of kung–fu and emotional impact.

Gossett also draws The Red Star, and his and Cheung’s work is phenomenal as always. Though this series (and the cover) is a bit deceptive as it doesn’t feature Elektra much at all, it’s still terrific so far.

— Steve Horton

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