Imagine Mary Jane Watson was side by side with Peter Parker when he was bitten by that weird ol' spider, and when he discovered the powers it had granted him. Imagine the two of them in love. No tragegy befalls the Parker family, but still, Peter feels the urge to do good. But something holds him back. That's the sort of story that unfolds in this surprising new comic book from Beckett. The writer embraces the typical sort of circumstances one finds in the super-hero genre, but a powerful and soothing script helps to set it apart. The art also boasts an appropriately airy tone as well with its less-is-more approach.
A couple dates for three years, and they feel incredibly close to one another. Is it love? The woman realizes she is in love the night her apartment catches fire and the man she loves rushes into danger to save her. Of course, both are surprised to discover he wasn't in all that much danger by playing the role of the hero, as mysterious new powers emerge in the man that fateful night. The predictable thing to do is to use his powers for good, to become a hero to others, but he opts instead to play the role for his new bride alone.
Amano's artwork is clearly inspired by Michael Avon (Powers) Oeming's work, but it boasts an even simpler quality. The simplicity of the figures and backgrounds bring a dream-like quality to the visuals that's in keeping with the lightness and positive energy of the narration. The use of simple shapes formed of pure color instead of being defined by traditional line art grants the art a painted look. I love how the colors convey the hero's powers. The ghostly look brings an almost spiritual tone to the story.
Benson presents the story from the woman's point of view, not from the hero's, and that's what makes this such an engaging read. Her reactions to the fantastic plot elements are tempered by her feelings for the man who possesses those unbelievable powers, and it brings credibility to an incredible story. It also brings a freshness to balance against the somewhat conventional aspects of the super-hero elements. However, the choices the would-be super-hero makes are rather different from the usual fare, and again, it brings a greater degree of believability to this story.
Most, if not all, retailers who buy comics from Diamond Comic Distributors will have some of these books in stock thanks to some aggressive giveaway marketing efforts on the part of the publisher. Another such book hit comic-shop shelves this week as well, and with a cheaper price: Batman: The 12-Cent Adventure. Still, at 99 cents, Fade is a bargain, and it's a stronger and far more accessible book. If you've only got a buck in your pocket and can only afford one of the two cheap books, opt for this one.
