IDW Publishing 2016
Written by John Barber
Illustrated by Paolo Villanelli
Coloured by John-Paul Bove
Lettered by Neil Uyetake
Ian Noble has had a whirlwind experience since Action Man was killed and now finds himself having to prove he’s up to the task of taking the mantle on himself. With a traitor in the organization things are about to prove the most dangerous for Ian and his team.
I love that this book feels like a James Bond Jr. kind of approach with Ian being Action Man and having people around him helping him to fulfill his destiny. Yes his boss Director Pauline Bestley isn’t his biggest fan but the way the story unfolds and the ongoing characterization by John shows us there’s hope for her to see his potential. This has all the right elements when it comes to the action adventure spy genre that will make it a successful staple in the field.
I also like how the then and now tactic is being incorporated into the story. As we’ve seen briefly to open each issue young Ian has broken into Action Man headquarters. This issue is his first encounter with Action Man. It’s the beginning of his story really and it paints a great picture in a small amount of space of a boy without friends who is looking for something in life. Now we don’t know if he knew what this place was or if it was just curiosity that drove him to break in but regardless this is the moment his life changes forever. It’s a great thing to see too and i’m impressed with how much John packed into this little amount of space.
The rest of the issue does a lot of great characterization as well. Ian is still young and not used to being in the main role and his age shows through. He’s nervous and unable to stay quiet during his undercover assignment. Still once the adrenaline kicks in and his natural ability and instincts kick in he more than proves he’s capable of being Action Man.
We’ve also seen since issue one there’s a traitor among them. This issue reveals who that is and then some. I’ve got to say i’m more than a little surprised that this happens so early on in the run. Unless this is a limited series, which I wholly hope it’s not, then that makes more sense. Still it’s a great way of showcasing the agency’s importance and how much they are respected and feared by Doctor X. It also gives us a look at what’s coming next, a restructuring of the organization and new blood.
That should be fun and interesting to see as well since it’ll be almost a ground up rebuilding and the potential there is unlimited. It’s a great way to take something established and then get the reader even more involved as they get to experience a new hierarchy established. For a new series to become an even newer series so quickly is something we don’t often see but I have to admit that it’s a great tactic to take and gets me even more excited to see where the book will go next.
The interiors here are strong and interesting. I like the creativity we see in the foes that Ian has to fight. The way the book flows through the panels is nicely done. The use of backgrounds are nicely done though we could always have more. The angles and perspectives that we see throughout the issue that get you involved in the action here.
This is a really exciting new series that doesn’t follow any rules and it’s one that will keep you entertained time and time again.