The first issue of Squadron Supreme by writer James Robinson and artist Leonard Kirk saw the new team commit genocide and murder (regicide really) in their attack on Namor and Atlantis. The comic opened up a lot of interesting questions to explore in a comic series such as the use of execution/murder as a tool by superheroes as well as preemptive strikes. I got excited by that prospect, then I got to the second issue, which addresses none of the above.

Squadron Supreme #2 is a shift from the first dialing things back as we learn more about these new(ish) characters. It barely mentions their extreme act regarding Namor, and instead mostly involves the characters trying to find their place in the world. That’s a pretty obvious theme for the series to explore, and it’s likely we’ll see the characters evolve into appreciating their new home world and wanting to be its protectors and champions, but that’ll be down the road. Right now, that first issue has directly given us interesting avenues, and so far has dropped them. In other words, the most interesting parts are ignored.

Instead, we’re given an ok second issue that is mostly getting to know these characters and learn more about what makes them tick. Add on Nighthawk following up on the plot point having to deal with aliens that began in Avengers #0. Those two items takes a lot of wind out of the sails.

The art by Leonard Kirk continues to be solid. I’ve enjoyed his work and think his style fits superhero stories really well. It’s not pushing the envelope at all, but looks good and he’s got a good handle on all of the characters and their powers.

The first issue blew me away and got me really excited for the series. Unfortunately, this second does the opposite. To me, it feels like a very average issue with little to make it stand out. The series has so much potential, hopefully we’ll see more of that in the third issue. More of the first, less of the second.

Story: James Robinson Art: Leonard Kirk
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.8 Overall: 6.7 Recommendation: Read