Just read the Mini recently. I don't really like the change at all. So all we've known about him before, about him developing his abilities at a young age, copying stuff off of TV while he still was a child and how he eventually got into the villain business by training thugs, all this supposedly didn't happen anymore?
I prefer my Taskmaster who's kind of a jerk/dick, and still has a good streak hidden somewhere, to a Taskmaster who was always one of the good guys, just can't remember he was good and might eventually turn good again.
I liked his recent mini; I thought it added a layer of depth and tragedy to him besides, "he's just a guy with a built in gimmick". Because let's be honest - nobody wanted to do much with that guy for decades. Occasionally he'd pop up in a good caper series in the last decade, but not usually. And few writers at Marvel see capable of handling a completely mercenary, professional style character and making something called "practicality" and "picking your battles" seem like competence and a threat. Only villains who become raving lunatics and fight to the last seem to hit that level - even Bullseye has long been in that camp.
Now, every time I see Taskmaster, even if it is a standard appearance where he fights someone, I'll have that Van Lente mini series to think back on and know there is that tragedy at the end. It makes little sense why Taskmaster keeps himself so hidden from everyone normally, but after that mini it does make sense why he can't face it.
He was cool when he was "just a guy", but I think adding that depth and tragedy to him has done just that - added something.
As for his other memories? The mini explained it. He's a master at faking knowing people he has never met or doesn't recall. And his memories are such a mess that it gets hard to recall what is real and what is him making up things he needs as he goes along, or assuming things since he doesn't remember. If Taskmaster doesn't remember taking that serum, then he would rightly assume he'd just been inborn with the talent and stuff jumbles together in his head to make false memories. I mean, it makes more psychological sense than Weapon X literally having fake movie sets in a back lot to fool Logan and Silver Fox.
Still, I did like his UDON gear. However, I also like Jefte Palo's techique of super-imposing an image of the character whose skills Taskmaster was using in a particular scene, so he or the narration wouldn't have to just rattle off people. To be fair, UDON often did similar things, such as showing which character he was utilizing skills from as his motions were broken up (such as using Daredevil's agility or Punisher's hand gun skill).
To be honest, what Taskmaster needs more these days is some notable wins in the take down corner. It's great seeing him take down new characters in a mini, but he needs to beat or put up a good showing against some more notable characters. His draw against Iron Man in 2002 was literally his best outing against a named opponent until SIEGE, where he fought the James Barnes Capt. America to a draw (as well as killed some Asgardians and fought 2/3rds of the Warriors Three to a draw - feats diminished by how easily Asgardians were killed during that event). On the other hand, he's lost to Moon Knight and Deadpool definitively in the more recent past. And Moon Knight is a guy who was once literally defeated and crippled by a villain so lame, the Scourge killed him (the Fly). Not saying he has to kill anyone, but, like, if the Hulk can occasionally smack down people every few years to prove how awesome he is, then occasionally Taskmaster should be allowed to beat Wolverine in a fight or something.
), but this shouldn't be a reason to turn him into a good guy. But if you have to do it, then let him turn a new leaf like the Thunderbolts did. None of this ex-S.H.I.E.L.D. crap.
I miss 'em! Give ol' Tasky an on going with his new costume Marvel! It'd be great! At the very least get the Agent X and crew to guest star! I may be wrong since I've stopped reading Way, but I don't think they've been alongside Wade save for Bob's short appearance near the start of the book.
