And now for something completely different. The first printing of this comic book was released in January 2001... before Randy and I began The Fourth Rail. However, we were writing reviews for another website at the time, and having recalled making some comments about this book the first time around, I sought out my original review.
So here it is. Bear in mind these comments represent my thoughts at the time. I've also included some additional commentary in italics following the text of the original review.
Son of a bitch. I wasn't expecting that.
Within the comic-book industry and among regular comics readers, The Authority comes up as a topic of conversation and interest. It's a super-hero team book unlike just about any other, redefining super-heroes. Joe Kelly examines the Authority in this issue of Action Comics, comparing them to the traditional super-hero icon, Superman. Kelly examines the notion of good deeds, of heroism and morality. And it makes for a fascinating read and one of the best Superman comics to come along in years.
A new kind of super-hero makes its debut. They are members of the Elite, a team of metahumans whose power makes Superman look like Gleek the Space Monkey. And they use that power to right wrongs and change the world, but to Superman's horror, they aren't afraid to kill and seem to care little for anyone who gets in their way. A conflict of ethics and power builds between Superman and the Elite, and Lois fears her husband cannot win this confrontation.
Readers of The Authority simply must read this story. It's easy to get lost in the immense action, innovative examination of the notion of super-powers and the raunchy dialogue and characterization; it's easy to lose sight of the death and blood. Kelly examines the darker side of such characters and circumstances. Authority writers Mark Millar and Warren Ellis have hinted at that darker side, but Kelly really delves into it in detail here.
It makes sense, though, as in Action Comics, the Authority/Elite can be the antagonists, something that really wouldn't quite click in their own title. And to be fair, Kelly isn't saying "the Authority sucks" with this story. That team continues to stand out as a more accurate portrayal of what super-heroes might be like in the Real World. Kelly's point here is not that heroes should be ideal like Superman... simply that they should try. They need to try and live up to something.
The art is surprisingly consistent, given that two pencillers and six inkers were put to work on this issue. Mahnke and Bermejo bring power of the Elite to life, as well as the devastating consequences that arise when that power is put to use. The Bradstreet cover was a clever move as well, as it signals that this is not a typical Superman comic book.
What really makes the conflict and its importance clear to the reader are the little glimpses of everyday society that Kelly provides. Normal people -- from retirees to little kids playing in the street -- talk about the Elite and Superman, and it lends a greater tone of credibility to the incredible events and characters.
The Elite is not the Authority. Well, they are a singular aspect of the Authority, but Kelly's new characters represent so much more. They represent a ethical dilemma. They represent a corrupt system that overlooks justice in the name of righteousness. They represent the real instead of the ideal. And they represent what may be the finest piece of writing Joe Kelly has put together thus far in his career.
Obviously, this story will have a different impact on readers today given the different context in which it is represented. The first printing was released as a one-shot, as a commentary on a new brand of super-hero comic. This second printing serves as a backgrounder on the Elite, as the team is spinning off into its own limited series, Justice League Elite. Furthermore, this story was written before Sept.11, 2001, and more extreme and invasive "security" measures are seen in a different light today.
Is this comic book was powerful today as it was in January 2001? Certainly not. But if one focuses on Kelly's original intent and sets aside the knowledge that these one-shot characters have been transformed into something more lasting, readers can come close to tapping into the same sense of inventiveness and challenging perspective that made this story the focus of so much discussion and praise.
