Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Rob Williams
Illustrated by Sergio Davila
Coloured by Felideus
Lettered by Simon Bowland
An all-new threat faces the Earth, while the team faces turmoil from within and must overcome all obstacles to prove their worth and value in a world that desperately needs its heroes. The Death Defying Devil, Samson, Black Terror, Masquerade, Green Lama, Scarab and more are all here as the adventure begins again..
When Dynamite first used these characters I was thrilled beyond belief. I love the heroes that came about in this era and I wish we’d see more of them but not all of them were in the public domain category and have since been discarded or replaced by those that “own” them. So that we get this level of storytelling using these same characters who first appeared is just another example of why I think Dynamite is among the better publishers around. They constantly put out high quality work and find a way to engage readers with the past, present and future.
I think the way that Rob has structured this and how it leads into the first issue is brilliantly done. If you have never read any of the previous Superpowers arcs have no fear this will not only catch you up on what’s come before but it will also introduce you to some characters and set up what this arc will be about. Literally the best jumping on point that I can think of. The opening of the issue alone is beyond expectations in how dynamic and eye catching it is. If this doesn’t get someone to pick it up and see what else is lurking inside then I’m sorry they have no taste.
That opening leads us to the past and what happened when the war was over. Most comic book superheroes were created around WWII and afterwards when comics declined and companies were bought out they kind of went by the wayside. So seeing these characters and the metaphor, and literal, things they went through well it serves multiple purposes and that I recognise that and can appreciate that Rob is as thorough, or a genuine fan, with these characters. Also there is something interesting in showing the past then the future as if saying deeds of the past come back to haunt us or if we forget the past we’re doomed to repeat it. I am not gonna lie I am anxious to see what is going to happen and if either one applies.
Before I get into the interiors I have one thing so say, Sergio you best look at the work your doing because leaving the flag off the chest of the Fighting Yank is a big no-no (page 10 fyi and I am surprised no one caught that). Otherwise I was completely blown away that pin-up of Green Llama to open up is a complete and utter wow moment. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows of an amazing eye for storytelling. That backgrounds are used as effectively and often as they are expands each moment we see them, though there’s always room for more. The attention to detail and the varying weights of the linework are such a delight to see. Felideus does some very good solid colouring here giving us a bright dynamic feel to the characters.
I love the fact that you can read this and see the influence it had on other characters at both the “major” companies in that era. The fact that these characters can remain as relevant today as they were when created is why I appreciate the talents of writers of Rob’s calibre. This is one of the most brilliantly done zero issues I have come across and the promise for what’s to come lights up my imagination.