L.A.’s newest super-fast superhero Accell returns home after a life-changing metaphysical experience, just in time to help a friend battle some personal demons. Too bad Accell has no idea new enemies are gathering to make his life a living hell, especially the crimelord known as Glazz.

I’ve been digging Lion Forge‘s “Catalyst Prime” universe as its introduced a new generation of heroes that while at times familiar, also are fresh, fun, and have an energy about them that makes reading feel like entertainment.

Writer Joe Casey has been delivering some of that energy with his take on the “speedster” superhero Accell and in the fourth issue we get a breather in a way as things align for what’s to come.

Catalyst Prime: Accell #4 is the calm before the storm as new characters are introduced and things pivot a bit as our hero must adjust to not doing the superhero thing for a bit. This is a pseudo “day in the life” type story as he hangs out with friends and play video games. But, what Joe Casey does so well, beyond making his world a well lived in one, is shows the flaws of someone who’s just starting off and doesn’t know what he’s doing.

While the action is minimal he does try to help an abused kid he finds online and has to learn beating up the bad guys isn’t always wanted or the answer. The fact it’s also not some big villain grounds the comic and creates a sense of realism to the world. Things are more complicated than that. Casey also adds in small details like trying to find an address and takes us through some of that process. It’s a world where the small details add up to become a big deal adding depth and changing what could easily be just another superhero to something special.

Artist Damion Scott’s art is the usual energetic blast with a visual style that borderlines on trippy psychedelic and creates a sense of speed and motion that provides the series a boost. It’s a great combination of writer and artist and Scott’s art is enhanced through the colors which are a treat. All together the art creates a youthful energy about it that emphasizes Casey’s writing.

Catalyst Prime: Accell feels like it continues to add to the superhero genre, something that’s tough to do and most importantly, when I’m done reading it I feel like I just had a lot of fun and can’t wait for the next issue.

Story: Joe Casey Art: Damion Scott
Story: 8.45 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Lion Forge provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review