Calum Petrie reviews Deus Ex Universe: Children’s Crusade # 3…
Titus King’s hate-mongering leads to escalating tension around TF29 HQ, leaving the strike force in an uncompromising position. Meanwhile, Jensen discovers a shocking new link to the pro-aug terrorists.
The first issue of this series left us on a high note with the groundwork was laid for the place and setting. Adam Jensen is acting as a double agent to get closer to the overall truth, now he just has to solve the mystery behind the kidnapping and bring down a band of terrorists.
The second issue ended with the rescue of said girl of aforementioned kidnapping and locating the base of the terrorist cell of augmented humans. Readers also became more privy to the social side of the current affairs and the reporter who is stirring up tensions. Alongside all of this we got a better look at Task Force 29 and Adam’s integration with its members.
Issue 3 is near enough all based around Adam in the base of TF29 and the process of debriefing a rescued hostage who may or may not be a threat. With the Task Force made up of mainly organic human members, the young augmented kidnapped girl plays as a possible threat to them all. Adam Jensen who is more machine than man, is the only human in this group apparently able to see past the mechanical integrations of her body and see a young scared human girl who is caught up in something much larger than she knows.
The issue of Adam’s double agent status more in contact this issue with Adam being called out about Adam’s pursuit of a terrorist in the previous issue. Adam appears to have complete faith in the people behind the curtains and watching him through electronic eyes, while managing to gain some support in the ranks of TF29.
Another great issue of this series as it is not really a slow burner but a great example of storytelling. The characters are being developed at a rate that is not heavy-handed and at the same time not too slow either. The breakdowns of the issues are usually presented when Adam starts talking to himself like a third character, bouncing thoughts off himself to come up with a steady assessment of the situation.
The artwork is simply stunning and does an amazing job at the depression and overpopulation of the slums, then quickly to a state of the art facility housing Interpol’s Task Force 29. The usage of colour really does help shift the feel of each panel and lets you gain a feel for the setting.
I look forward to see where issue #4 picks up from the car crash of an ending of issue #3.
Calum Petrie – Follow me on Twitter
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Originally published April 27, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
