Almost every super-hero comic ever written is, in some way, a reflection of Stan Lee's famous line, "With great power must come great responsibility." What isn't always addressed is whether or not great power really gives a person the wherewithal to handle all that responsibility. How many of us have what it takes to make life or death decisions every day? How many of us could cope with people dying because we have a bad day? Not me, I can tell you!
Sure, sometimes Spider-man or Iron Man have their moments of doubt. They may wallow in indecision for an issue or two, but the nature of serialized, escapist adventure means they'll get over it pretty darn quick. In IDW's The Life and Times of Savior 28, J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Cavallaro take a tougher look at the consequences of a life of super-heroics. In their world, which looks a lot like our world, decade after decade of great responsibility takes a serious toll on even the most powerful of heroes.
In 1939, a WWI veteran known as James Smith had become disillusioned with the life. The war had been hard on him, and the years after hadn't been much better. James spent much of his time drunk and listening to tales of idealized heroism on the radio. Somehow, whether it was the result of a secret government program, an alien scientist, or Uncle Sam and his magic flag, James Smith had a chunk of The Master Stone embedded in his chest and he became the ageless and powerful hero known as Savior 28.
For decades, Savior 28 fought the good fight. Smith loved being the embodiment of all his radio heroes. He represented the American Ideal, and was a role model for millions. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and the pressure begins to eat away at Savior 28. When the deaths and tragedy become too much, Savior 28 finally buckles under that pressure, with devastating consequences for both himself and the world.
DeMatteis does an excellent job blending comic book heroics with real world politics and events. He connects the failure of the heroic ideal with the failures of the nation's ideals in a way which, whether or not you agree with him, will give you something to think about. Cavallaro's art is perfect for this project. His style is very reminiscent of classic golden and silver age art brought into the modern world. If all the recent hubbub over Watchmen has you wanting more comics that look at super-heroes from a slightly different angle, you can't go wrong with Savior 28.
Not only is The Life and Times of Savior 28 #1 thought-provoking and well-drawn, it is guaranteed all week at Four Color Fantasies. You can try the first issue with no onerous burden of responsibility! Just don't let your arch-nemesis get there first, or you'll look like a real loser.
Sure, sometimes Spider-man or Iron Man have their moments of doubt. They may wallow in indecision for an issue or two, but the nature of serialized, escapist adventure means they'll get over it pretty darn quick. In IDW's The Life and Times of Savior 28, J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Cavallaro take a tougher look at the consequences of a life of super-heroics. In their world, which looks a lot like our world, decade after decade of great responsibility takes a serious toll on even the most powerful of heroes.
In 1939, a WWI veteran known as James Smith had become disillusioned with the life. The war had been hard on him, and the years after hadn't been much better. James spent much of his time drunk and listening to tales of idealized heroism on the radio. Somehow, whether it was the result of a secret government program, an alien scientist, or Uncle Sam and his magic flag, James Smith had a chunk of The Master Stone embedded in his chest and he became the ageless and powerful hero known as Savior 28.
For decades, Savior 28 fought the good fight. Smith loved being the embodiment of all his radio heroes. He represented the American Ideal, and was a role model for millions. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and the pressure begins to eat away at Savior 28. When the deaths and tragedy become too much, Savior 28 finally buckles under that pressure, with devastating consequences for both himself and the world.
DeMatteis does an excellent job blending comic book heroics with real world politics and events. He connects the failure of the heroic ideal with the failures of the nation's ideals in a way which, whether or not you agree with him, will give you something to think about. Cavallaro's art is perfect for this project. His style is very reminiscent of classic golden and silver age art brought into the modern world. If all the recent hubbub over Watchmen has you wanting more comics that look at super-heroes from a slightly different angle, you can't go wrong with Savior 28.
Not only is The Life and Times of Savior 28 #1 thought-provoking and well-drawn, it is guaranteed all week at Four Color Fantasies. You can try the first issue with no onerous burden of responsibility! Just don't let your arch-nemesis get there first, or you'll look like a real loser.
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