BEST SHOTS EXTRA: PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #0

[MattBrady]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dynamitenew/Superpowers/superpowerscover0.jpg" border="0" align="right"><b>Project Superpowers #0
From: Dynamite
Story: Alex Ross and Jim Krueger
Script: Jim Krueger
Art: Stephen Sadowski, Doug Klauba and Alex Ross
Review by Troy Brownfield</b>

Hey, glad to see you here. Nobody here but me, you, this book, and that huge white elephant over in the corner. Try not to pay attention to him. He’s harmless.

It’s inevitable, I suppose, that this series will wind up being compared to Marvel’s The Twelve. Therefore, I’ll tackle that first – although technically, <b>Project Superpowers #0</b> was announce as shipping in December, which would have put this issue out before <b>The Twelve #1</b>. Anyway, yes, the premise of taking older, perhaps nearly forgotten characters and giving them something of an update is a major piece that the books have in common. Also similar is a device that takes the characters out of action/their normal time for a protracted period so that they may emerge in a world/time not quite their own.

Frankly, I’m of the opinion that if you can accept multiple companies having teams composed of their all-stars (JLA, Avengers), teams composed of teens (Titans, Young Avengers, etc.), buggy guys dealing with regular problems (Spider-Man, Blue Beetle), sidekicks fulfilling the promise of their mentors (Captain America, the inevitable death of Batman), then you can accept two books that basically start with this idea. In a way, it all goes back to Captain America’s revival in Avengers #4. Hell, it probably goes back to Rip Van Winkle or the roots of earlier myth.

That said, clearly, these two books have certain elements in common, but seem very different in execution. The Twelve plays in a more conspiratorial, mystery-oriented vein, while Ross and Krueger shoot for the type of epic that is typical of, well, Ross and Krueger. The vibe here is much more mythic; it’s not building to a sudden re-emergence, but rather the rebirth of a heroic age. Sadowski is perfectly suited for powering some of that concept in this issue, particularly since he did such stellar work on revamped ‘40s characters in JSA.

In many ways, as we know, this is Ross’s baby. And his familiar artistic touches and affectations appear throughout. If you’ve enjoyed Justice or Uncle Sam, for instance, you’re probably going to enjoy this look at the nature of how heroism functions in different time periods. Readers with an affinity for comic history will likely be delighted at the use of characters like Black Terror, Green Lama, and “the Death-Defying Devil” (a character who originally appeared as Daredevil, but now can’t for rather obvious reasons). Other companies have taken cracks at the characters (or reprints) over time, but this revival feels slightly more authentic given the care laden onto the art and writing.

While the revivalist approach may not be everybody’s bag, it’s a good read with plenty of hooks to bring you back for #1. Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve.

Troy Brownfield captains the Best Shots team and runs ShotgunReviews.com

[MurrayC]

sidekicks fulfilling the promise of their mentors (Captain America, the inevitable death of Batman)

Matt, you've been skulking around the "Lyin' in the Gutters" site again haven't you? :D

[Skinshark]

Doug Klauba??? Very cool...looking forward to this.
=s=

[AbacusComics]

I wish they would have stuck with the name 'Daredevil'. Just because Marvel created another Daredevil doesn't mean they own the copyright on the name. This guy is public domain, for Pete's sake!

Oh, and some of those old Daredevil books are available on wowio.com. Check 'em out!

Along with Black Terror, while I think about it.

[Xero]

So is it good or bad? Going by the non-review I'm leaning towards bad.

[MadMikeyD]

I wish they would have stuck with the name 'Daredevil'. Just because Marvel created another Daredevil doesn't mean they own the copyright on the name. This guy is public domain, for Pete's sake!

Yeah, they should be fine as long as they don't call the book "Daredevil." Like "Shazam!" He's Captain Marvel, not Shazam.

Oh, and some of those old Daredevil books are available on wowio.com. Check 'em out!

Along with Black Terror, while I think about it.

Wowio also has Startling Comics #10 - featuring the origin of the Fighting Yank. Look for the publisher Shoulders of Giants. They have a bunch of stuff featuring characters who will appear in Project Superpowers.

[Troy Brownfield]

So is it good or bad? Going by the non-review I'm leaning towards bad.

I thought that my last paragraph . . .

"While the revivalist approach may not be everybody’s bag, it’s a good read with plenty of hooks to bring you back for #1. Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve."

. . . was pretty definitive.

[Mr E]

For lack of intelligence in the Captain America series, death of Steve Rogers and all those usual Marvel gimmicks, Dynamite Entertainment is a pretty good substitute, and PROJECT SUPERPOWERS issue #0 (OCT073386) is a pretty impressive start to a series I can honestly and gladly support. While Marvel is losing more of my money every week over dumb disrespectful directions and ideas, it's the new independent publishers that are getting more and more of my business; maybe the incredible direction of Dynamite Entertainment should take over the present direction staff of Marvel which simply sucks

PS: As for Project Superpowers, now that's what I call one cool original DareDevil, and I love that Green Lama; so much wonderful golden age characters in there, I love that series a lot

They Should do some individual tie-ins to explore deeper certain characters, certainly Mr You Know Who "Om Mani Padme Hum!". I could easily see at least 3 complementry solo tie-ins to that great Project Superpowers[/I]

- Green Lama
- Daredevil
- Black Terror

Here is a little something I picked up at http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/boards/index.php?
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/picture00000007/SuperPowers_banner.gif

[Tiger47]

For lack of intelligence in the Captain America series, death of Steve Rogers and all those usual Marvel gimmicks, Dynamite Entertainment is a pretty good substitute, and PROJECT SUPERPOWERS issue #0 (OCT073386) is a pretty impressive start to a series I can honestly and gladly support. While Marvel is losing more of my money every week over dumb disrespectful directions and ideas, it's the new independent publishers that are getting more and more of my business; maybe the incredible direction of Dynamite Entertainment should take over the present direction staff of Marvel which simply sucks

PS: As for Project Superpowers, now that's what I call one cool original DareDevil, and I love that Green Lama; so much wonderful golden age characters in there, I love that series a lot

They Should do some individual tie-ins to explore deeper certain characters, certainly Mr You Know Who "Om Mani Padme Hum!". I could easily see at least 3 complementry solo tie-ins to that great Project Superpowers[/I]

- Green Lama
- Daredevil
- Black Terror

Here is a little something I picked up at http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/boards/index.php?
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/picture00000007/SuperPowers_banner.gif


Who doesn't like Captain America? Bru has done more with the character dead than most have alive.

[swinney72]

Frankly, I’m of the opinion that if you can accept multiple companies having teams composed of their all-stars (JLA, Avengers), teams composed of teens (Titans, Young Avengers, etc.), buggy guys dealing with regular problems (Spider-Man, Blue Beetle), sidekicks fulfilling the promise of their mentors (Captain America, the inevitable death of Batman), then you can accept two books that basically start with this idea. In a way, it all goes back to Captain America’s revival in Avengers #4.


Those are all examples of Marvel and DC borrowing from each other. When comparing to Marvel's The Twelve, it should be noted that this is not a DC title.

[I-Ching]

I haven't read The Twelve yet but I want to pick that AND this up...but current budget might have to make them both "wait for the trades"...which isn't a bad thing of course.

I really like the fact that people are investing in these characters again and bringing them back to the comic stands. Don't get me wrong, I like brand new characters too but theres an unmistakable charm to these characters and real respect being paid to the past.

Well, I havent read it yet but at least it seems that's their goal and I'm hoping it's achieved!

[Blackbeard]

Argh! Will they just go ahead and realease this damn thing?!

I'm kidding, but I'm ready to read it already. :)

[Chief Jon]

Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve.

Sounds like the book for me!

[RickinToronto]

Alex Ross has never failed me. His projects have entertained me over the years and I really look forward to this one.

[Richbob]

I'm a total sucker for classic heroes, and have been looking forward to Superpowers for months. Between this and Cap #34 today, I'll be a happy guy.

[Guicho]

Great set up! So what's the penalty for "freeing" them and everything that comes with it now; War? Peace? Great premise, conflicted character haunted in by his past (in more ways than one) wanting to do the right thing.
Ha! good luck with that Mr. Bruce Carter.
This book right now is a frikin powder keg waiting to explode, I'll be picking up the next issue to see where all the pieces land.:)
Great work! I haven't picked up the 12 so I can't compare, but I'm sold on this one.

[MadMikeyD]

Argh! Will they just go ahead and realease this damn thing?!

I'm kidding, but I'm ready to read it already. :)

It's out today.

[Grievous]

I'll buy for sure,

Love these type of stoires and heroes,

[Drcharles]

Alex Ross' Covers are amazing, and this just typifies it,

For some strange reason Ive ordered 2 issues of cvrs A & B............

[Xero]

I thought that my last paragraph . . .

"While the revivalist approach may not be everybody’s bag, it’s a good read with plenty of hooks to bring you back for #1. Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve."

. . . was pretty definitive.

To me, what preceded that paragraph came off as an apology for the book's existence.

[captainzero]

I thought that my last paragraph . . .

"While the revivalist approach may not be everybody’s bag, it’s a good read with plenty of hooks to bring you back for #1. Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve."

. . . was pretty definitive.

I thought so, too, Troy!! Definitive---- but not much of a review!!
Any idea when might we see the art for Issue #1!! I'm a bit uneasy about the art for that issue... but the series looks great!! I bought a number of issues of #0,,, today. Negative covers, too. It looks very good. Great to see the Golden Age Heroes back in action.
I'm hoping the art on issue #1 ... is very "strong"!! It's what the series needs to succeed.

Wishing ALL the guys on this project the best... and Good Luck with this series...and beyond.!!:cool:

[MadMikeyD]

I've been looking forward to this since I first saw the teaser image months ago. I have to wait until Friday to pick up my copy, unfortunately. But, after reading the SPOILERS (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=130486&page=6) in the Talk@ Superpowers thread, I'm even more excited to read it.

[dougspidey]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dynamitenew/Superpowers/superpowerscover0.jpg" border="0" align="right"><b>Project Superpowers #0
From: Dynamite
Story: Alex Ross and Jim Krueger
Script: Jim Krueger
Art: Stephen Sadowski, Doug Klauba and Alex Ross
Review by Troy Brownfield</b>

Hey, glad to see you here. Nobody here but me, you, this book, and that huge white elephant over in the corner. Try not to pay attention to him. He’s harmless.

It’s inevitable, I suppose, that this series will wind up being compared to Marvel’s The Twelve. Therefore, I’ll tackle that first – although technically, <b>Project Superpowers #0</b> was announce as shipping in December, which would have put this issue out before <b>The Twelve #1</b>. Anyway, yes, the premise of taking older, perhaps nearly forgotten characters and giving them something of an update is a major piece that the books have in common. Also similar is a device that takes the characters out of action/their normal time for a protracted period so that they may emerge in a world/time not quite their own.

Frankly, I’m of the opinion that if you can accept multiple companies having teams composed of their all-stars (JLA, Avengers), teams composed of teens (Titans, Young Avengers, etc.), buggy guys dealing with regular problems (Spider-Man, Blue Beetle), sidekicks fulfilling the promise of their mentors (Captain America, the inevitable death of Batman), then you can accept two books that basically start with this idea. In a way, it all goes back to Captain America’s revival in Avengers #4. Hell, it probably goes back to Rip Van Winkle or the roots of earlier myth.

That said, clearly, these two books have certain elements in common, but seem very different in execution. The Twelve plays in a more conspiratorial, mystery-oriented vein, while Ross and Krueger shoot for the type of epic that is typical of, well, Ross and Krueger. The vibe here is much more mythic; it’s not building to a sudden re-emergence, but rather the rebirth of a heroic age. Sadowski is perfectly suited for powering some of that concept in this issue, particularly since he did such stellar work on revamped ‘40s characters in JSA.

In many ways, as we know, this is Ross’s baby. And his familiar artistic touches and affectations appear throughout. If you’ve enjoyed Justice or Uncle Sam, for instance, you’re probably going to enjoy this look at the nature of how heroism functions in different time periods. Readers with an affinity for comic history will likely be delighted at the use of characters like Black Terror, Green Lama, and “the Death-Defying Devil” (a character who originally appeared as Daredevil, but now can’t for rather obvious reasons). Other companies have taken cracks at the characters (or reprints) over time, but this revival feels slightly more authentic given the care laden onto the art and writing.

While the revivalist approach may not be everybody’s bag, it’s a good read with plenty of hooks to bring you back for #1. Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve.

Troy Brownfield captains the Best Shots team and runs ShotgunReviews.com
I have PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #0 since I buy 2 covers of PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #0 earlier today. I never seen new heroes and new villians in the #0 issue . then Issue #1 due next month or next 2 months yet .

[Winteriscoming]

Highly recommended for comic history buffs, fans of Ross and Krueger, and fans of books like JSA, Invaders, and sure, The Twelve.



Hey, like me!

[ziza9]

I really enjoyed The Twelve. Can't say enough good things about it. But this book, wow, this book blew it away for me. Great stuff and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Bill_Nolan]

I loved it! It's great to see these heroes in action. I was most thrilled to see The Target and the Targeteers in there! YES! :)

[Zenstrive]

Alex Ross PAINTED the arts in JUSTICE,
not made it. Doug Braithwaithe did it, and it looks more stellar than Kingdom Come, albeit the females all have the same face ~

[Herowatcher]

Hoping to pick #0 up Thursday. I'm getting it just for Sadowski's art alone. :)

The Nedor characters had a nice little world all their own just recently. I'd much rather have seen Ross and Sadowski on a new Terra Obscura mini by Wildstorm/DC. However, I'm willing to see how creative this first issue is.

[PyroTwilight]

I picked up both covers. (1.00 each only? So worth it!) Story's good. Don't know any of the characters but that'll make it interesting far as I see.

[Troy Brownfield]

To me, what preceded that paragraph came off as an apology for the book's existence.

Not even remotely.

[ljacone]

I read this one last night, and I really enjoyed it. I liked trying to figure out just who everyone was supposed to be and what their powers were. I liked the mythical angle, and dialogue. And the art was very nice, very fitting for Golden Age characters. I am very excited about this series and where it is leading, and of course wondering just where it will lead for Dynamite -- perhaps a new universe for these characters to have adventures in? I want to see more of The Flame, I think he has a great costume with those bright colors -- a real throwback.

[JLAJRC]

Can't wait to read it.

[Blackbeard]

I picked it up today. Looking forward to reading it tonight. :)

[alaska1125]

I really enjoyed The Twelve. Can't say enough good things about it. But this book, wow, this book blew it away for me. Great stuff and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Ditto. The Twelve was pretty freaking great. I have high hopes for this series as well.

[ziza9]

Ditto. The Twelve was pretty freaking great. I have high hopes for this series as well.

It's a very good time for classic characters right now.