This "afterword" really has little to do with the Coup D'Etat crossover and more to do with an introduction to the Wildstorm Universe... and to two new titles in particular. There are three facets to this book. Two are somewhat weak, and one is rather strong. But man, that strong element is incredibly strong. Obviously, I'm referring to Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips Sleeper story. The rest of the material in the book is basically standard and capable fare, but it also boasts some confusing qualities as well. Sleeper fans can pass on this book... there's not much new for them here. But those curious about the buzz surrounding the property have a chance to glimpse why that buzz is buzzing.
The first story focuses on the government's re-assembling of the Wetworks team by taking us to the group's leader to listen to his demands. The script is fairly straightforward, and it's dominated by the sort of uber-soldier coolness for which Wildstorm has carved out a reputation. The problem is that there's so much of this sort of thing already running about the Wildstorm Universe, and a couple of those other takes are so immersed in politics and social commentary that they're far more engaging. Furthermore, Carey's script doesn't go nearly far enough to explain what Wetworks was all about the first time around. There's only a passing reference to vampires, and new readers are bound to be left puzzled.
The goos news is that Portacio's art here is much stronger than what we saw on StormWatch: Team Achilles during his tenure on that title. Working with inke Trevor Scott seems to agree with Portacio's work. There's much more definition here. His Kewl style is still not my cup o' tea, but at least the action in the panels plays out clearly.
The reader can find much stronger art in the Sleeper story. Phillips's work here is uncharacteristically bright, but he still brings tension and shadows to the intense characters. I love how Sinclair's colors make the story look more like it's just in black-and-white, further reinforcing the dark mood looming over the short story. The art on the pinup pages is strong as well. What surprises me about them is how they introduce not only current Wildstorm heroes, but past characters that no longer play a role in the continuity. It's bound to throw off a few new readers.
Brubaker's Sleeper script is perfect. Though the main character makes no direct appearance, the reader is given everything s/he needs to know about what happened in the first series and what to expect in terms of a new direction when it comes to "Season Two." I love how the writer has dressed up super-villain elements in espionage and mob genre clothing as well. If this short story isn't enough to convince you to reader Sleeper, check your forehead for lobotomy scars.
