Squadron Supreme #1

Genre action Author J. Michael Straczynski Publisher Marvel Comics External Links Official Marvel Comics Website

The origins of Squadron Supreme comes by way of Marvel "emulating" DC's Justice League of America. Penned by Avengers writer Roy Thomas in the 60's, it was Marvel's way of having a little fun I guess. Each character in Squadron represents their equal in the League. Some years back, J. Michael Straczynski reinvented the Squadron in Supreme Power to critical success. No longer was it a traditional super hero saves the day kind of story. Straczynski took a more complicated view of the hero and the challeges faced in a world torn with jealousy, envy, and paranoia.

Straczynski teams up with Gary Frank to begin a new series of Squadron Supreme with the release of the premier issue. What we have for now is basically a set up issue. There is not much of a story yet, but we are given a lot of character ground work.

The government has come to the realization that super heros are a necessary physical asset. Recruiting the nation's top super hero's into a military program is in the works. The program basically has two teams - a public team and a covert ops team. One by one they're coerced to join the program to begin serving their country. What no one is prepared for is that someone has a plan of their own.

Perfectly capable of keeping up with Straczynski's storyline is artist Gary Frank. His frames are crisp, with good use of shadows and a moody palette. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a whole lot of action to push his pencil. All we are left with is anticipation for the next issue, which is what any good comic should do.