Titan Comics 2017
Written by Gordon Rennie
Illustrated by Duke Mighten
Coloured by Tracy B ailey
Lettered by Simon Bowland
For one glorious year, from April 1954 until April 1955, Fighting American fought for justice, truth and the American way, defending his country, and the free world, from enemies – foreign, domestic and extra-terrestrial until one day he, and his young plucky sidekick, SPEEDBOY, disappeared whilst on a mission assisting Welsh time traveller and inventor PROFESSOR DYLE TWISTER. They were never seen again.
Until today…
Well with the characters history and idea he’s bounced around a bit after Timely’s demise. Last I remember seeing him was when DC tried to revive him, unsuccessfully I might add. He’s a classic character and should be used as such and while this issue combines the story of his past and trying to make him relevant again I’ll reserve full judgement until the first arc is over. Personally I’m not terribly keen on bringing a character from the past to the present as a story device but Gordon’s got a shot at making me believe it’s a good idea.
One of the things I am not thrilled with here is the lack of backgrounds, we’re talking a major city and plenty of action so to see those fight scenes with a solid colour background kind of takes away from the overall effect for me. On the plus side the merging of Kirby and modern day illustration on the characters pays homage to the men who created him and yet keeps it feeling like Duke has a style all his own. I do like Duke’s use of page layouts and the angles and perspective that he uses to bring us the story.
As far as the story is concerned I have to say there are elements to this that I rather enjoyed. Seeing the Fighting American and his sidekick Speedboy arrive in the 21st Century following a band of Russians with the help of Professor Twister and his nephew feels like a one arc thing. That Professor Twister was able to build a time travelling device to begin with in 1954 is impressive as it is so to see that the whole premise revolves around that is interesting to me. What happens subsequently from there is what makes a reader go hmm.
The structure of the story is nicely done and I like the characterisation that we see. Coming from over fifty years in the past their ideals and sensibilities are going to be considered more old fashioned than what we know today. Of course another way of looking at that is that they have a stronger sense of morals and ideals as well. Where modesty isn’t a word and respect is something that people acknowledge and appreciate. Yes to some these are antiquated notions and the fact that the Fighting American is steadfast in his belief while Speedboy is more open to ogling modern billboards also demonstrates the generational gap.
Even these Russian villains who came to the 21st Century on a mission to meet up with someone are dressed well, see suits and hats. Notion that you leave the house looking presentable and respectable is something I wish we’d get back to.
Well there is some telegraphing in the story here and to see that play out so quickly well that was more of a surprise than it actually happening. While that does put a huge monkey wrench into the proceedings that doesn’t mean it seals their fate. Also the introduction of someone new into the mix has the desired effect in that it pushes things in a direction no one was anticipating.
Which cannot be said for local law enforcement of this era. I was anticipating their involvement in this as the appearance of a man clad in such outlandish attire and causing damage as well as such a public spectacle caught on everyone’s cell phones would draw their attention. Honestly I like how it plays out for us. As well as the double edged ending which has the effect of not only wondering what that means for our dynamic duo but ensures the reader wants to see what comes next.
So time displaced 50’s hero in the modern age isn’t a new idea so we’ll see how it goes and if they find a way home. Hopefully they aren’t stuck here but there are no guarantees here. The fact that the respect being paid to their creators is on full display goes a long way in my eyes. The potential is here for something unexpectedly great and monumental and hopefully it continues on in that direction.