When I first heard about this project, I was encouraged that DC was branching its super-hero titles with a new property, something other than a spinoff or relaunch, something new and original. After reading the first issue, I'm sorry to report there's nothing new or original to be found here. Sure, Raab's plot doesn't involve other established DC Universe characters, but the story is rather generic and familiar. In fact, there are strong shades of The Matrix to be found here. Justiniano's art is meticulously detailed, but his exaggerated style doesn't work with the tone the story's aiming for here.
Ulysses Adams is a kid who turned his life around. A subpar student lost in his own life and in danger of becoming a bad seed, he instead opted to apply himself. Today, his graduation day from high school, he's the valedictorian. Ulysses has a lot to be proud of, so why doesn't he show up for the ceremony. It seems his life has changed radically once again... along with his physiology. He flees the Metropolis suburbs, unsure of what to do or where he'll fit in now that he's become some kind of freak. That's when he meets the members of Delta Chi Delta, but it's no college fraternity.
Justiniano's art is refreshing, in that he's a super-hero artist with a distinct, recognizable style right from the start. He's always had his own look, unlike many other artists who begin by emulating those that came before them before developing a unique visual voice. Unfortunately, Justiniano's distorted detail doesn't work with this story. Sure, it suits the alien, extreme nature of the characters who appear later in this issue, but this opening chapter is really focused on more grounded elements. It focuses on Ulysses as a regular kid in an unimaginable circumstance, and the penciller's style works against that more down-to-earth tone. The designs for the heroes and villains are rather uninteresting as well.
A confused innocent is approach by cold, inhuman and identically dressed agents of villainy while a gorup of more slickly clad rebels tries to rescue him and inform him of his destiny as someone who will change the world. Sounds like The Matrix, doesn't it? There's no fantasy world serving as a prison, but an imminent threat of genetic cataclysm, but the similarities are undeniable. The bad guy behind it all: a mad scientist. Again, this isn't exactly cutting-edge stuff.
What I did enjoy about this comic book was the main character. I like the notion of a troubled kid turning his life around, taking pride in his accomplishments and overcoming his past. Unfortunately, there's not nearly enough of that aspect of Ulysses's character. Raab would have been well advised to give the readers more of a prologue, more of a look at what Ulysses has lost. That way, the audience would have been more vested in what becomes of the character. 5/10
