Review: Project Superpowers #1
Whilst DC are off creating their “New Age” of Marvel Heroes, forgoing their own history, other companies are getting a shot at doing the Justice Society of America. Now its Dynamite’s turn to have a go at that which DC has forsaken. Take note DC!
The Project Superpowers are heroes out of time. Their standards, their ideals may not be suitable for today’s “who is the good guy and who is the bad guy” fake news complicated world. The Spirit of the American Flag remains a semi-furled state of affair, its powers focusing on its previous teammates and one in particular’s loss of faith. An aerial emergency brings the team out of their respective shells and a confrontation with The Death Defying Devil leads to an intriguing beginning for one person
Written by Rob Williams, this book is a throwback to yesteryear, inspired by the JSA. Both have their heroes fight in a war; both have them decommissioned. Williams uses the current state of the world to add contrast to the goal of the heroes. Does the world really need them? In this case, yes. The lack of faith shown in Diana Adams is almost palpable, as is the TV show in an almost satirical nod to celebrity, whilst serving to get the reader up to speed. The cast shares minor similarities to teams of the past, nothing is too on point, Samson is blind for example. Williams’ writing is fun and engaging and I would be interested in seeing how he would fare with the actual JSA.
The art is provided by Sergio Davila who has been around the block on various books including Injustice Gods Among Us. Here, it looks like Davila is trying to show a more mature style, at least in the first few pages. I have to say that for the most part it works, although I’m not quite sure as to the need to show full body shots, including feet, especially as by doing so, the poor execution distracts the eye. Better panel structure or camera angles would help alleviate this minor problem. When we finally get round to see the heroes in action, they are a bold bunch to be sure. The painted style colors, by Felideus, add to the overall feel of the book making the dangers that the planes face seem greater in magnitude. Finally letterer Simon Bowland adds his usual excellent work; I loved the fact that the Spirit’s word balloons are inverted from the norm.
The production of the comics that Dynamite publishes has never been in doubt. This series is another bold step for a company that many see as a tie-in specialist. With the current JSA’s whereabouts currently unknown and DC seemingly happy to drop odd hints here and there in favour of a trio of Justice League books, one of which is a reboot of a failed series, it is good to see that there are still companies that cater for old school superhero team fans.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Rob Williams
Art by; Sergio Davila
Colors by; Felideus
Letters by; Simon Bowland
Published by: Dynamite Entertainment
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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