Marc Sumerak has impressed with his work on some minor Marvel titles, notably Guardians, and Mike Hawthorne has never disappointed me with his small-press work (most of which was published through Oni Press). So I approached this new title with some anticipation. The idea at the heart of this book is a solid -- if somewhat familiar -- one, but it boasts strong characters and some well-crafted dialogue. The problem lies in the execution. Sumerak's attempt to establish any kind of dramatic tension is thwarted not only by the predictable path the plot follows, but by the cover itself, which gives away the main character's secret before the story even gets going. Hell, even the title of the limited series gives it away.
Adam Aaronson isn't a typical teenager. Oh, sure he is in terms of attitude and friends, but he's the ultimate achiever. He's the star quarterback on the school's football team. He's got the hottest girlfriend, and he's an academic dynamo. He also suffers from seizures that no doctor seems to be able to diagnose, but Adam's father claims he has the problem under control. What Adam and everyone else in town don't know is that Adam's dad isn't who he claims to be, and he's been on the run for years because of the technological secret he's hiding from his former employers.
Hawthorne's simple style brings out the main character's innocence quite well. That innocence is a key component in getting the reader on board, to believe in and cheer for him. Hawthorne also brings that innocence to Adam's father. His pride and love for his son really shine through here. Where the art goes awry is in terms of consistency. Some visuals are a little on the rough side. The artist's linework isn't as tight by the end of the issue, even looking a little rushed at times. The cover is stunning, of course; one would expect no less of James Jean. However, I'm pleased that Hawthorne's simpler, Oeming-esque style was employed for the interiors.
Sumerak uses the American dream upon which to construct his story. Adam and his father are living the life everyone dreams of. They're happy. They have everything they need, and they're more than willing to work hard to maintain it. They're centered and grounded, and it's remarkably easy to like them despite the whitebread, vanilla quality of their lives. It's the potential loss and corruption of that dream that stand out as the real tragedy here.
Ultimately, the transparent nature of the plot and premise hurt the book. Even if the title and cover didn't give away the "surprise" ending, the script, which is far from subtle, telegraphs where the writer is leading his audience. Hopefully, future issues, now that the "secret" is out, won't be hindered similarly. 5/10
