DC teases Authority fans with another almost-return in the form of a one-shot. The creative team manages to tap into the widescreen and seemingly omnipotent appeal of the title team, but given this is a one-shot, there's really not a lot of room for characterization-driven bits in the script. Still, this serves as an excellent introduction to a couple of new creative names, and I look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
Huge fireballs are being flung from the surface of the Sun toward the Earth, devastating several large cities. If ever there was a crisis for the Authority to deal with, this is it. The team mobilizes to save as many lives as possible, but soon, they face an even greater than that fiery missiles from space. The living embodiment of the Sun itself streaks down to Earth, and its touch burns just as hot as its hatred for mankind.
Irving's artwork boasts a sketchy, unsettling organic look, and it suits the over-the-top and dark nature of the property. Sam (Zero Girl Kieth, Matt (Mage) Wagner and Alan (Killraven) Davis influences can be seen in his work, but overall, there's a refreshingly unique tone to his style. There are some images that are a bit vague, when more detail would really drive home the tragedy of the moment, though. Baron's colors, not surprisingly, really bring out the energy and intensity of the characters and the crisis.
Tying this story into events from Stormwatch v.2 seemed a bit on the unnecessary side, but Morrison manages to fill those who might not be in the loop regarding that link pretty well. He captures the cataclysmic appeal of these extreme super-hero stories, as well as the protagonists' savvy, cynicism and power. The chaotic pace and devastating nature of the threat really draws the reader into the story right away.
What the book is missing, though, are those quiet, reflective moments that really brought some balance to the late, lamented Authority regular title. Morrison tries to fill the character-driven, interpersonal relationship gap with glimpses of Apollo and Midnighter in the role of parents to the ever sharp Jenny Quantum, but it falls flat. Jenny seems to be maturing far too quickly, and Apollo and Midnighter's relationship is glossed over. It's replaced with a connection between Jack and Angie, but given that this is a one-shot, Morrison has little room to do anything but simply tell the reader about it instead of exploring it. And at a graphic-novel range price, I would have enjoyed a more well-rounded package instead of a quick, action-oriented read.
