The Sentry #1 Review: Marvel’s Mightiest Avenger Gets Back to Basics

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When The Sentry debuted in 2000, the character was launched with a few unique twists. One was the idea that he was a Marvel Comics hero everyone had forgotten, with the story building around the fact that memories of him were gone. Another key element was that Robert Reynolds, the man behind The Sentry, was also his own biggest threat, manifesting as the villain The Void. While The Sentry has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Thunderbolts, a new Marvel comic series is now focusing on a more simplified version of Robert Reynolds’ story.

The story begins by reminding readers who The Sentry is, especially those new to his comics. He’s just returned to Earth, much to the joy of the Avengers and his wife, Lindy. Despite being incredibly powerful, he’s also a gifted scientist and close friends with Reed Richards. But he’s keeping a dangerous secret: his evil side, The Void, is back, and starting to gain control.

Interestingly, The Void is taking a new approach. In the past, it needed to perform terrible acts to counteract all the good done by The Sentry. Now, it’s focusing on genuinely evil people, essentially punishing those who deserve it. This is shown when The Void confronts Wilson Fisk, warning him of immense suffering and total loss before his death. Robert Reynolds doesn’t know about this change, but he can feel a growing instability within himself, a sense that his two sides are becoming increasingly unbalanced.

New Sentry series as philosophical as the original

Writer Paul Jenkins created The Sentry not just for exciting powers and storylines, but to delve into the impact of power on individuals. At its heart, the story of Robert Reynolds is a personal struggle with his own inner demons and the person he’s afraid of becoming. As editor Mark Paniccia points out, it’s also a story about the challenge of maintaining goodness when the world constantly presents opportunities to do the opposite.

In this new series featuring Sentry, Jenkins explores complex themes. Sentry’s initial attempt to defeat Kingpin involves creating a massive wave intended to demolish one of Wilson Fisk’s resorts. Despite the destructive power, Sentry uses his abilities to ensure the safety of the resort’s workers, teleporting them away from danger.

This surprising act of kindness appears during a time of great wrongdoing, but its true purpose is a mystery. Is Robert Reynolds’ inherent goodness beginning to affect his darker side? Or is The Void manipulating him, attempting to keep things balanced by making his other self commit questionable acts?

Christian Rosado steps in admirably for artist Jae Lee, bringing a dark and shadowy style to the artwork that perfectly reflects the story’s themes of encroaching darkness. While the art is strong overall, a few panels feel overly dark, and the colors are a bit subdued. A little more brightness in scenes featuring The Sentry might have made those moments even more impactful.

Longtime fans of The Sentry will really enjoy this new series, and those who are new to the character will finally understand what all the excitement was about, beyond just the initial hype. It’s a smart and insightful take on superheroes that’s definitely worth checking out.

Grade: 8/10

The Sentry #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2026-03-18 17:07