Sgt. Flag #2 - G-Man Comics

SGT. FLAG No. 2, May 2023

In many ways a straightforward no-holds barred scrap between the titular character and Pteranodon-like super-villain Omicronbie, Rik Offenberger’s script for Issue Two of “Sgt. Flag” still manages to provide the ex-sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps with some enjoyable development. In fact, “Virus” seems to show a genuinely remorseful aspect to the ordinarily arrogant special agent’s personality, whether it be his sorrow at seeing the grotesque, crucified corpse of a dead comrade-in-arms, or slightly tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement as to Christopher Squires’ comprehensive clean-up operation following the hero’s most recent mission; “Sorry, didn’t know you were so touchy about the kid.”

Equally as intriguing as Rob McFarlane’s growth though, is the brief insight into the sadly short-lived career of Mister Mystery and the mask-wearing operative’s decidedly deadly first encounter with his eventual murderer. Looking somewhat like an amalgamation of the Green Lantern and Riddler, the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) operative’s special abilities are surprisingly never shown on the printed page. However, even in this comic's fleeting flashback, the predominantly jade-coloured character should still create a few exciting possibilities as to his crime-fighting capabilities in the mind of the more imaginative bibliophile.

Ultimately however, Offenberger’s “love to letter to my favourite Nineties’ comics, with all the macho action that made them famous” succeeds thanks to its breathtakingly frantic finale in which Flag appears to be repeatedly cornered by his would-be-killer, only to snatch up yet another well-placed firearm or grenade. This chase sequence, claustrophobically contained within the gung-ho G-Man’s rental home is absolutely captivating, and will surely force any reader encountering it to hold their breath quite literally until McFarlane has smashed through the building’s upper-floor window and subsequently blown it sky high with a spectacularly 'loud' splash-page explosion.

Of course, adding much of the dynamism to these marvellous moments is Gilbert Monsanto, whose phenomenal pencilling really adds a dangerous raw edge to both Rob’s attitude and belligerent behaviour. The former chief instructor for Whilce Portacio’s comic creation school in Manila makes it crystal clear with his sketching that a foul-mouthed Sgt. Flag is purely out for revenge, and cares little for the chaotic collateral damage his hot-headed plan will cause – except perhaps the non-return of his security deposit.

The regular cover art of "SGT. FLAG" #2 by Mike Gustovich