It’s never a pleasure when the U.S. Government comes knocking on your door. Especially in the aftermath of a nation al tragedy. It makes one think the Feds might be pointing it’s collective finger in your direction. And that make sup the bulk of issue #5 of Bendis’ uber-crime drama.

Mob-hitman-turned-government-snitch Valentine should have ratted out his family for the hit they put on the POTUS. So says the two feds what come calling. But as Valentine points out, said POTUS drew first blood, putting Val’s mother (and many others) in the ICU. And now the slightly crazy VP has become president, and that won’t be good for anybody.

When I started this series, I assumed it was to be an ongoing, focusing on the war between the Feds and the mob. But I learned this issue it’s a 6-issue limited series, and given the events so far, it seems there’s a lot more story to tell. I can’t imagine how Bendis & Co. expect tow rap it all up in the next issue. But I trust they have a plan, so we’ll all just wait and see.

While I’ve made no secret of my dislike for Michael Avon Oeming’s artwork, it is saved by the coloring of Taki Soma. Soma’s uses a harsh palette, giving the characters a neon glow effect that works. Much of the action in the issue takes place in a bowling alley, so the lighting is pretty garish. It’s a far cry from the benday patterns used in Cave Carson, thankfully.