In a world where superheroes have become commonplace, heroes are required to join a union or else face serious financial liability for the damage caused during battles. Enter the Superheroes’ Union: A team-up of genius Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the mysterious Keeper, and child prodigy Nekkotron, among others, as they battle villains and bureaucracy alike. And though the delicate balance of mitigating damage while saving lives is already tough enough, they’ve got their own worries with a constant stream of villains rising up to challenge them. The Center Holds #1 introduces a new superhero universe that shows a lot of potential.

Written by Larry Hama, The Center Holds #1 packs a lot in the first issue. There’s about a half-dozen characters introduced, a team, lots of dynamics, a new world, and some villains. That’s quite a lot. And the issue does a good job of doing it. Mixing action and some quieter moments, by the end of the debut, we get a good sense of the various characters and a lot of teases about them.

The Center Holds #1 is interesting as it keeps things rather broad. This isn’t a debut focused on one character, instead if delivers a little bit on a bunch and does so in a way that you leave wanting to find out more. Hama doesn’t make it clear exactly what’s going on with everyone, instead these heroes all have their quirks and secrets that leave you guessing and intrigued to find out more.

The world itself is interesting. While it’s similar to ours, there’s dynamics and details that make it feel futuristic in some ways and alien in others. It’s small details that flesh out what we can expect and builds a bit of a backstory too as we’re given clues as to where things stand currently.

The comic also marks the final work of M.D. “Doc” Bright. The art looks good with a style that’s a bit of a throwback in some ways. It feels a bit like early 00s or late 90s in some aspects but Bright’s style creates intriguing characters and does a great job of building mystery. The comic features colors by Josh Burcham and lettering by Janice Chiang. Together it looks good with some fun action.

The Center Holds #1 is an interesting debut that feels like a bit of a throwback in some ways and definitely matches Hama’s style we see in his current G.I. JOE run. The debut balances introductions and mystery and sets up a world that has dynamics that show off some potential. If you’re looking for an alternative superhero comic from the big two, this is one that’s worth checking out.

Story: Larry Hama Art: M.D. “Doc” Bright
Color: Josh Burcham Letterer: Janice Chiang
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle