Superpatriot is very true to the style of Savage Dragon and the previous Superpatriot mini-series, which is to say that it's fun, light-hearted super-heroics in a sort of empty calorie mode. There's no sense of challenge for the character, as everything seems to come rather easily for him, but on the other hand, it's sort of refreshing to read a super-hero title that isn't afraid to be light and fun rather than grim and serious. Walker's artwork maintains this tone, with an over-the-top approach to action sequences and a stark but clear art style that is reminiscent of work from Gaijin Studios alumni, as well as Superpatriot creator Erik Larsen. The book may not be a big hit with fans of Kirkman's Battle Pope, but those who love Savage Dragon will probably get a kick out of it.
As with the previous issue, I found the book to be a quick read, despite there being several different stories taking place. Superpatriot and family take on a few generic villains, which makes for good but empty action sequences, and the villain of the piece learns his origin in an overly expository manner, and the whole thing glides by quickly. There's not a lot of substance to the book, although I did find Superpatriot's relationship with a younger woman to be an interesting diversion, sadly only given a few pages in which the potential of that story is only hinted at.
While this book is played more straight than I expected, there are still humorous elements involved in the book. The cluelessness of Justice, Superpatriot's son, is good for a laugh, and the insane contrivances of Brain-Ape's origins are quite funny as well. There's also something satisfying about the action hero approach Kirkman and Walker have taken to Superpatriot, when his gadgets and skills with guns make any threat basically a non-issue. It does rob the book of any feeling of danger, but it makes for some impressive moments.
Walker's artwork is very strong, and I particularly enjoy his take on the mechanized Superpatriot, as he makes the character out to be somewhat inhuman without losing the humanity that is clearly in the script for the character. His layouts are clean, but not devoid of background, and his attention to detail on the technology of battlesuits and floating sky fortresses is truly impressive. I also must give mention of the coloring effects by Val Staples and Matt Tyree, most impressive when they go for a faux-sepia tone look on the flashbacks.
Superpatriot is not a laugh riot or a reinvention of the super-hero genre, and it does look a bit tired to this pair of eyes, which has seen plenty of super-hero stories in its time. However, those who are looking for a good basic super-hero romp with a tinge of humor and plenty of action will probably find what they're looking for here.
