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Taskmaster: Unthinkable

(Taskmaster (2010) #1-4)

Fred Van Lente (Goodreads Author) (Text),

Jefte Palo (Illustrator)

3.94 · Rating details · 227 ratings · 29 reviews

Taskmaster has trained hench-thugs for every terrorist organization and criminal cartel in the Marvel U. So when the rumor starts that he's turned traitor and now works for Steve Rogers, a billion-dollar bounty is put on his head, and every cadre of costumed fanatics looks to collect. Now Taskmaster has to fight hordes upon hordes of his psychopathic students while at the ...more

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Paperback, 112 pages

Published May 18th 2011 by Marvel (first published March 16th 2011)

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The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Volume 1 by Nick Spencer

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Average rating 3.94 ·

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· 227 ratings · 29 reviews

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Jan 15, 2018 Patrick rated it really liked it

Marvel has such great depth on its roster of characters. So I usually enjoy it when an overlooked C-Lister is given some time in the spotlight.

Taskmaster was – and I suppose still is – one of those supporting villains who pops up in other people's stories to either further the plot or get killed dramatically. I always liked flipping the page of some trade and going, "Oh, it's that guy!" Then it became, "Oh hey it's, what's his name...oh right, Taskmaster!" Until finally I was all like, "Oooh a T ...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Eric Mikols rated it really liked it

I liked Taskmaster back when he was hanging out with Deadpool and Agent X, and as a villain I think he's a great concept. Having a photographic reflex memory is pretty cool and I love the way the art worked in this issue to show how Taskmaster's fighting style changes to each memory. This story was pretty fun; full of action, comedy and even some heart at the end. Recommend. ...more

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May 04, 2015 Jedhua rated it liked it

ABSOLUTE RATING: {3/5 stars}

STANDARDIZED RATING: <3/5 stars>

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Aug 16, 2011 Mike rated it really liked it

Shelves: research-for-presentation

OMG, has Taskmaster never had an origin story before? This started out funny, and graduated to heartfelt and a little depressing. Good job, Fred Van Lente.

VL's script makes me long for more writers who are this grounded in the actual world we live in, rather than the insulated and hardly aware universe of Marvel books - like the lens is just out of focus, and VL has finally made the last adjustment. It probably means his books will read *very* outdated in a few years or more, but even reading ol ...more

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Nov 27, 2017 John Andreula rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nerd

A very cool graphic novel that takes a D-level Marvel character and uses beautifully drawn comic and a compelling and unique story. It humanizes a character that Marvel usually throws in for comic-relief and tells an awesome origin story. I recommend it.

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Aug 19, 2020 Emma Gear rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-reviewed-runs, more-violent-than-you-expect, comic-books, superheroes-and-villains, ow-my-emotions, fun-times-comedy, dark-but-not-as-gritty

I've read a LOT of comics this year. But this is also the year I really started getting into comics in general. Before 2020 I read like, some of Squirrel Girl, the first run of Ms. Marvel, and The Unbelievable Gwenpool. It was this year that I really ramped things up.

I bring that all up to say I had heard of Taskmaster exactly once before 2020. He was in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and I thought he was an overly edgy attempt at making a cool character given his appearance. The skull mask really just se I've read a LOT of comics this year. But this is also the year I really started getting into comics in general. Before 2020 I read like, some of Squirrel Girl, the first run of Ms. Marvel, and The Unbelievable Gwenpool. It was this year that I really ramped things up.

I bring that all up to say I had heard of Taskmaster exactly once before 2020. He was in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and I thought he was an overly edgy attempt at making a cool character given his appearance. The skull mask really just seemed like a relic from the 70's or 80's that stuck around because it was well known. When I started reading more frequently this year I first encountered Taskmaster in the 2006 Moon Knight run, where, to my great surprise, he actually had quite the sense of humor. Even in that comic's impossibly gritty ugly artstyle Taskmaster was cracking jokes as he complained about having to block bullets with a shield that wasn't made out of something fancy like adamantium.

He's popped up a few more times this year in other things I've read but I've started to become interested in him as a character so I finally read one of his solo miniseries. And all of that prelude was just me sharing too much because I honestly thought this was really great!

Taskmaster is on the run from... well, everyone. It turns out that his past of constantly switching allegiances has lead to him claiming he'll be going to the authorities with everything he knows, and so every single villainous organization on the planet is after him at once. The problem is that he's not doing that, primarily because he has an incredibly poor memory. His incredible ability to recall any move he's seen someone perform even once means that his head is so impossibly overstuffed with combat knowledge that there's little room for anything else. He has a memory that is literally minutes long, and depends on various techniques and triggers to try and piece togethe what he needs to do things.

So it's basically a series with him on the run. And he picks up a waitress at a diner he was eating at because her close proximity to him made the villains think she was associated with him and the two head off on a world-spanning adventure to get away from evil. It's an extremely silly run that features characters named things like Don de los Muertos (Don of the Dead) or Redshirt the Uber Henchman (leader of a group literally called MILF). But it maintains a slight tinge of sadness throughout the whole thing. When not in combat Taskmaster is almost a helpless child, who can't remember anyone he's ever known throughout his life, and it makes for a powerful ending sequence when a memory he's worked hard to recover he is forced to throw away for survival.

This is definitely a run worth reading. It's fun. It's action-packed. It's even got the emotional beats. Taskmaster is cool and has become one of my favorite characters. Which is quite a step up considering he was a literal nobody to me before this year! ...more

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Apr 04, 2020 Rocky Sunico rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: comics

I concede that I've always been a fan of Taskmaster as a concept, but my in-comic encounters with him have largely relied on Deadpool comics in recent years. So this book was an interesting way to dive into his history across different criminal organizations while adding a complex new backstory that still works but certainly stretches the limits of things. It makes him a lot more serious than how he has been depicted in recent comics, but it's certainly a fulfilling take on the character.

And I r ...more

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Apr 12, 2019 Patrick rated it liked it

Shelves: comics

Palo's art is grimy and chaotic and excellent, and the script gives him some high quality ludicrousness to work with, but this does have that "everything you know is wrong" thing that these comics seem set on doing to almost every character multiple times per year. Still, this is basically a tragedy, which is not something I would have expected from a miniseries centring on such a C-list villain. ...more

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Nov 22, 2020 John Smythe rated it really liked it

Nicely plotted origin story in which Taskmaster discovers his own origin. Solid twists at the right points, only one of which I saw coming. And one laugh out loud humorous moment I won't spoil for you. ...more

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Feb 02, 2020 Bobow Kiatwongwanich rated it it was amazing

I think it's cool! Well done mini series. Enjoyable to read. Good insight into TM. ...more

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Jan 12, 2021 Connor rated it liked it

Shelves: owned

A decent story, but it didn't really go anywhere. I like how the artist highlighted which superhero's fighting style Taskmaster was using. ...more

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Sep 23, 2015 Carmen C. rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga-comics

Review brought by Geekly Review

Taskmaster is a character who has drifted over the years throughout the backgrounds of larger and more popular Marvel characters; a supporting character in adventures not of his own but with a cult fanbase thanks to his enigmatic character. It is easy to see why it’d be risky to tell a story that expands on a relatively unknown and enigmatic character such as Taskmaster: either the story or other elements of the publication will fail, or it simply will not live Review brought by Geekly Review

Taskmaster is a character who has drifted over the years throughout the backgrounds of larger and more popular Marvel characters; a supporting character in adventures not of his own but with a cult fanbase thanks to his enigmatic character. It is easy to see why it’d be risky to tell a story that expands on a relatively unknown and enigmatic character such as Taskmaster: either the story or other elements of the publication will fail, or it simply will not live up to the character.

It was writer Fred Van Lente, artist Jefté Palo, and colour artist Jean-François Beaulieu who rose up to the challenge that is creating an origin story for Taskmaster, fully succeeding in a comic which is absolutely fascinating and an overall great read. Taskmaster: Unthinkable follows the comic’s namesake as he faces a global organisation with every terrorist organisation and criminal cartel affiliated to it. The problem? There is a rumour that Taskmaster has turned a traitor and now works for Captain America, and a billion-dollar bounty has been put on his head. Resulting in every group of costumed fanatics he has ever worked for and trained being out for his blood.

The catch? Because of Taskmaster’s photographic reflexes take up so much of his memory he has no memory of his true identity or personal life. He can’t hold onto either the names or faces of his friends and family, let alone past missions and actions. To keep track of it all he’s created a massive memory palace, a mental construct that links specific memories to locations or sensory stimuli. What he doesn’t know will most certainly kill him, and he must then find the leaders of the organisation to prove his innocence. Though as he doesn’t remember who they are he is forced to follow the trail of his memory palace in the hopes of rediscovering his own past and the information that’ll save his life.

Van Lente, Palo, and Beaulieu do remarkable work in this title, and Taskmaster: Unthinkable is both finely crafted and fascinating. The narrative is dealt with in a way that Taskmaster remains central to it along with the fact that he can’t remember his past, bringing in bizarre elements which come across as both unexpected and really fitting for the story. It keeps a fast pace that doesn’t jump over any important plot details, whilst providing plenty of laughs from start to finish. It is a funny and emotionally powerful superhero book which hooked me up from the very beginning, and captures the character perfectly. No small task considering the amount of action and emotion involved in this – it’s all too common to see a title fail in these small aspects of a story – but the story and art fully succeed in it, going together beautifully.

Taskmaster: Unthinkable is both accessible to new readers and rewarding to die-hards. Even if you’ve never read anything about the character or the setting before it is very easy to get into the story and its emotional core. However, even if you’re a fan of Marvel’s lesser known lore, there are appearances and connections to Marvel history going as far back as the Fantastic Four’s hatemonger. As such, it isn’t a volume to miss or skip, and will definitely provide enjoyment for the reader. The story follows through perfectly and compliments the character really well, and elevates Taskmaster to a level that ensures that at the very least will ensure he won’t be looked at in the same way by readers. ...more

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Nov 23, 2016 Randy rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Back when I was a kid reading comics mostly for the cool powers, costumes, and fight scenes, I loved Taskmaster. Cool powers? Check! I wanted photographic reflexes for years after seeing him. Cool costume? Mega-check! Big cowl, skeletal mask, great color scheme, loads of weapons. Hells yeah. Cool fight scenes? Well, sorta. He held his own against an entire Avengers team with just himself and a buncha mooks, so not bad, although it seemed like he'd be better going against a solo hero. Anyway, lov Back when I was a kid reading comics mostly for the cool powers, costumes, and fight scenes, I loved Taskmaster. Cool powers? Check! I wanted photographic reflexes for years after seeing him. Cool costume? Mega-check! Big cowl, skeletal mask, great color scheme, loads of weapons. Hells yeah. Cool fight scenes? Well, sorta. He held his own against an entire Avengers team with just himself and a buncha mooks, so not bad, although it seemed like he'd be better going against a solo hero. Anyway, loved the guy right from the start.

Fast forward to Taskmaster: Unthinkable. I had to give this two stars, which saddens me, because the basic story about the character is a really good one: basically (as has been established in prior comics), Taskmaster has memorized so many physical movements over the years that he's crowded out his other memories, and he's basically an amnesiac who is herded by some shadowy criminal organization. His struggle to regain some part of his memories makes a great story. It's just surrounded by a lot of crap.

First of all, the sort-of antagonist is a comedy character named Redshirt the Uber-henchman. Not only is this comedy bullshit distinctly out of place in an otherwise very serious book, it's not even funny – it's just plain dumb. Worse, he's started an organization whose acronym is MILF. Ha ha, see, he's so funny because he doesn't get the inadvertent pop culture references he's making. Kill me. Throw in some stupid criminal organizations (a biker gang made up of aliens, some S&M little people, and some other stupid stuff I rejected from memory), and a Hispanic bad guy with a death-themed costume named Don of the Dead, and it becomes difficult to take any of the actual story seriously.

Over the course of the series, Taskmaster remembers a bunch of important stuff, including the fact that he's married. When he finally fights Redshirt, he's getting killed because Redshirt has learned a martial art that Taskmaster doesn't know. Huh? I've never understood this: just because you know judo and I don't doesn't mean I can't kick your ass with my kung fu, but it seems an essential element here. Why? Because the only way for Taskmaster to survive is to learn his opponent's way of fighting (photographic reflexes, right?), and then beat him. Huh? He could never be better than the opponent he watched and learned from, but it's somehow enough to defeat Redshirt in a panel or two (even though Redshirt explicitly states that he had multiple surgeries to make himself more like the aliens who's fighting style he learned, so it would seem Taskmaster could never really imitate the movements he's photographically remembering. Whatever.). And then, because Taskmaster remembered more moves, he forgets his wife and everything else about himself. Huh? What’s worse is that in the dénouement, his wife implies that this has happened numerous times. Huh? I give up.

Anyway. The good bones of a story, fleshed out with utter crap. I hope someone writes a really good Taskmaster story someday, and takes it seriously. This oaf Van Lente didn't.

...more

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Oct 03, 2013 Sparrow rated it it was ok

Shelves: comic-book, action, marvel

Issue 1 - I remember Taskmaster having this awesome ability to remember everything. What happened to him?

Issue 2 - Kind of a weird beginning of an issue, but I gradually got it. Seems I remembered wrong about Taskmaster's abilities. Unless they changed him in this series...

Issue 3 - Man, I sort of got lost in this issue. Can't keep track of all the weird memory things. Liked the ending, I guess. But damn, I didn't know Taskmaster was so emotional...

Issue 4 - Again, wasn't really following the we ...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Alan rated it really liked it

The four stars here is probably a tad high for a rating, but I was very pleasantly surprised by multiple aspects of the tale. In addition, I wasn't totally put off by Fred Van Lente taking one of my favorite supporting villain characters turning him into a well crafted anti-hero in this tale. Admittedly, the anit-hero bit was a little heavy handed, but the tragic undertones that comes out so well at the end is one of the best things about this story. The other is the over the top humor, with hen ...more

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Feb 26, 2013 Sean rated it really liked it

The Taskmaster seemed goofy to me until recent years when writers made him seem more of a credible threat. Here we are given a look into the origin of Taskmaster which has never been told before. As an origin story its done really well without sounding to compositional. The ideas here are interesting, comic book believable, and still funny. The funny however seemed a little to Deadpooly at times. I think Taskmaster is better when his humor is darker more than zany. The art was good but maybe too ...more

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Apr 11, 2016 Mouse rated it did not like it

Man, this is hokey! Talk about ridin the Deadpool train! This book tries really hard to be funny but it doesn't work so well and unfortunately it's just dumb! This book is so over the top with some of the worst villains ever! Let's get something straight, I've always been a Taskmaster fan from his appearances against Captain America in the 80's and on but I don't really understand what they're trying to do with him by turning him into some sort of guffawing comic relief! Save that kind of writin ...more

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Aug 11, 2014 Garrett rated it liked it

Childish humor seems to be the curse of Taskmaster stories, so if you think Deadpool is still funny, you'll probably dig the joke in here about the criminal organization chasing Taskmaster. If anything, this "return-to-form" of the character is even better than the 2000-era pseudo-reboot, inasmuch as it turns Taskmaster into a Ludlumesque tragic anti-hero rather than a straight up villain or mercenary. I generally liked it and would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed Taskmaster stories in th ...more

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Apr 04, 2019 George Lantzy rated it liked it

What is a pretty decent origin story gets plagued by far too many forced comedy moments. Taskmaster's backstory is actually well done here and carries some real emotional weight. The aforementioned "comedy" moments hamper that, however, and, honestly, most aren't even that clever. The art is a high point, though I have a feeling some people won't be able to get behind the rough pencil style presented here. All in all, a good origin story that could have been better and a true staple for the char ...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Christopher rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

This is not really what you would call a five-star comic or anything like, but I kinda loved everything about it, so I'm giving it the highest rating possible. If you took Memento and crossed it with The Venture Bros, you'd get this comic. It hit all of my sweet spots, and if you're like me and love superhero action that doesn't take itself too seriously, then this is definitely the book for you, too. ...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Khairul Hezry rated it really liked it

Shelves: graphic-novels

Picked this up solely because of Fred Van Lente whose keeps producing solid work and this one is no different. Super villain with amnesia is given an origin story and a previously one dimensional, throwaway character now has layers to his persona.

Lots of humour in the story as well. That helped.

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Mar 15, 2012 Nick rated it it was amazing

Loved it, i'm a massive Taskmaster fan and was suitably excited to see him get hia own series. It didn't disappoint, the humour is great, the artwork is amazing and most of all, the story of Taskmaster's past, fleshing out a relatively one dimensional villain, into a tragic kind of hero is excellent. Totally lived up to the hype for me. ...more

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Apr 21, 2012 T rated it did not like it

Shelves: comics

Art's pretty. That's about all that's good about this mini.

Taskmaster was interesting because he was an ordinary dude who decide to use his superpowers to make himself money and was pretty smart in going about it.

Van Lente has however saddled Taskmaster with a pointless and angsty backstory that is at complete odds to Taskmaster's previous characterisation. ...more

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May 20, 2014 Rebecca Tollingworth rated it it was amazing

This is the first Taskmaster comic I've read. I think I first heard about him in Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe or maybe another Deadpool comic? Anyway, I liked it. I expected not to know anything about the character, but luckily it was pretty much an origin story. I'll definitely wanna look for more Taskmaster comics now. ...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Aaron rated it really liked it

A story that manages to contain absurdity and heart without becoming overburdened with either one. Laugh out loud funny and brimming with deftly-illustrated action. A surprise treat well worth reading.

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Jul 29, 2011 Steve rated it liked it

Shelves: comics

Good story about a character I've always thought was cool, revealing his secret origin. Could have done without some of the "humor" (a henchman named Redshirt and an organization with the acronym MILF? REALLY?) but liked it overall. ...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Andre rated it liked it

Liked it. A memento-esque story to give depth to a minor villain in a light tone. A fun read.

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Apr 13, 2015 Kurt Criscione rated it it was amazing

Shelves: graphic-novels

damn good story.... kinda sad and still one of my favorite characters.

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About Fred Van Lente

Fred Van Lente

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Fred Van Lente is the New York Times-bestselling author of comics as varied as Archer & Armstrong (Harvey Award nominee, Best Series), Taskmaster, MODOK's 11, Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Avenger, Weird Detective, and Cowboys & Aliens (upon which the 2011 movie was based), as well as the novels Ten Dead Comedians and The Con Artist.

Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat ...more