I picked up on J. Michael Straczynski's revival of the Squadron Supreme in Supreme Power late in the series, but I liked the dark, mature take on super-heroes (even if such darker interpretations are far from rare these days). When this new ongoing series was announced, I made a note that I should get on board with the first issue, and after having read it, it's not a decision I regret. The script is basically limited to introducing all of the characters rather than getting any kind of real story underway, but the writer offers some strong character sketches. Gary Frank's art is a perfect match for the flashiness of super-heroes and the adult and cynical tone of the script.
The U.S. government has a problem of its hands: the world is aware of the activities of superhumans thans to Hyperion and others. But one general also realizes the government has assets on its hands, and he recruits the nation's extraordinary champions into a military program with two facets: a public team and a covert ops team. One by one they're recruited through incentives, coercion and threats, from the formidable Hyperion to the tragic young man known as Nuke. Some relish the opportunity, and others dread it. But what no one realizes is that there's a villain in their midst.
Gary Frank's work on this issue reminds me a great deal of the style of Steve (Preacher, Punisher Vs. Bullseye) Dillon. There's more detail in Frank's approach, but the same sort of facial expressions are to be found. The colorful nature of the more exotic characters enable Frank to offer some stimulating visuals, which is fortunate, as this is more of a talking-heads issue from start to finish.
Very little actually happens in this issue, but Straczynski's script manages to make the simple act of introducing characters and their powers a tense and sometimes amusing prospect. That's no small feat. There's a nice, diverse array of personalities here, from grounded, everyday folks to walking egos. I also appreciate the fact that the characters, for the most part, are clever enough to know they're being played and they're just as engaged in the game as players as they are as pawns.
Some have compared Strraczynski's work with Marvel's Squadron Supreme characters as being reminiscent of Alan Moore's Watchmen, but this new ongoing series reminds me much more of a different title from the 1980s: John Ostrander's Suicide Squad. It's a story about the greater good versus the rights and desires of individuals, with not a little bit of intrigue and betrayal lurking in the shadows. Exactly how the story is going to play out isn't at all clear yet, given this issue serves as more of a playbill than opening act, but I'm interested enough to check out the next issue. 7/10
