Review: Squadron Supreme #1
Each the sole survivor of a lost Earth, they’ll do anything to protect this one, whether you like it or not. Hyperion, Nighthawk, Dr. Spectrum, Blur and Power Princess – the Squadron Supreme. To them all that matters is the safety of Earth – and they don’t ask permission or care about your rules. Their first target? Namor! Responsible for the destruction of Dr. Spectrum’s reality, it’s time Namor paid for his crimes. And the Squadron will start by turning Atlantis to rubble!
The power of the Avengers with the morals of the Punisher, Squadron Supreme was one of the top series I was looking forward to when All-New, All-Different Marvel was announced.
Written by James Robinson, the series takes characters that have bounced around Marvel comics for some time, and brings them together in an intelligent way playing off of the history that’s come before, especially the lead up to Secret Wars. Here we have a group that has all of the power, but none of the personal connections with the world they now call home. Their want, and need to deliver justice permeates the comic which is written in a way that introduces us to each character as well as setting up what’s to come.
This is a punch in the gut beginning taking us right in to the action and one hell of an ending that I’m sure will be controversial or be undone in some way in the future (never trust what you see in comics until a definite statement/event is made). But, the comic, while having obscure characters, is very new reader friendly and perfect for folks who wonder what happens when heroes don’t quite have a centered sense of justice that includes mercy and bringing individuals to trial.
Leonard Kirk‘s art is fantastic with some great depictions of the characters. There are issues with the battle scenes and too much going on bringing down the quality a bit, but there’s some really nice single panels.
I went in to the first issue with high expectations and the comic met them and more. A solid beginning that so far is the best “Avengers” title to date.
Story: James Robinson Art: Leonard Kirk
Story: 8.6 Art: 8 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
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I just hope they address the millions of traumatized refugees the Squadron created when they genocided Atlantis this issue, it always annoys me when these edgy characters asking “hard” questions never bother to look at ACTUAL consequences.
Yes, that’s key going forward. It’s not just refugees, but also the mass murder they committed of those who are still in the city. Plus, the murder of Namor leaves open a power vacuum, and lets face it, Namor was a moderate voice in Atlantis. I’d expect a more aggressive and vocal individual to step in. If Namor is really dead.
It’s a book about “heroes” who commit a Super-genocide without a lot of consequences. Don’t know if it’s a good idea in this Trump/isil period.
I think it’s good BECAUSE of that. It’s exploring that mindset and that’s not something we see. Some of the best comics explore current social/political issues.
Thanks for the review. Really looking forward to this one. Great concept & Robinson’s writing lately has been brilliant. And Kirk’s artwork is always a treat for me.
There’s a lot of current issues touched upon in the first issue. I’m hoping it was on purpose and they explore it more as the series progresses.