Well, that was grim. Interesting idea-an American invasion of Canada about 100 years into the future. It was weird to see Americans portrayed as the cackling baddies. Not that they couldn't be, but it all felt pretty heavy-handed. I prefer Saga and Runaways to this Brian K. Vaughan creation. ( )

Beautifully drawn, rendered, and executed, where We Stand On Guard falls short is the rushed, too-short plot and (as a result) poorly developed characters. For a "deluxe" edition, surely some additional plot/chapters could have been offered, rather than some unnecessary and irrelevant sketches thrown in the back?

The plot is interesting and really could have been something unique, but the length (again!) was the real detriment. The plot was too rushed, trying to tell the story of Amber and Thomas AND the two four AND The American and what she's doing. I did like that the annexation was for water rather than oil or land (though those would have been fair reasons) - the stark difference between the garden where The American meets the secretary and the land surrounding it was great. And the theme threaded throughout of Superman being what you make of him, and that blowing up someone's parents doesn't make them a hero, was well done and touching. ( )

I can see why some people would be outraged with this comic. Especially if you're an American.

But I think what lots of Americans don't realise is that the rest the world can totally see them doing this. Are already seeing them doing this.

And... this comic broke my heart. Because there were no winners. There never will be in a war. I think a lot of people forget that sometimes.
It's about doing the best for everyone and both sides thinks they are just doing that.
Gods this comic makes me think about so many things but most of all it showed me I'm grateful that my life hasn't be touched by war. And I'm selfish enough to say I hope it never will. ( )

This was fun. A little flawed, and trying a leeetle too hard to get all those Canadianisms in there (the Tim Hortons, that it started in the year of the Rush album, 2112, the terms such as hoser, and hydro, etc. The character that spoke mostly French, even though everyone else speaks English--honestly, people, I've lived here all my life, and never once had that happen).

But, having said all that, this was a fun story (ending was more than a bit dumb, and I fail to see how we "won" when we poisoned the shit out of ourselves), with gorgeous artwork and a nicely paced plot.

And not an Alpha Flight team or a Wolverine or a Captain Canuck to be found.

I still don't think anyone's hit on the exact right formula for the Canadian comic, but this was pretty damn good. ( )

Classic BKV. So gory, so brutal, and yet so interesting and challenging. ( )