BEST SHOTS EXTRA: INFINITY INC. #1

[MattBrady]

Infinity Inc. #1
From: DC
Writer: Peter Milligan
Art: Max Fiumara with Dom Regan
Review by Troy Brownfield

I had extremely mixed feelings when the name “Infinity Inc.” popped back into use in the pages of 52. I truly enjoyed the original run, from the characters to their legacy to the occasionally gonzo storylines (Carcharo!) to the art by people like a young Todd McFarlane. I was very happy to see many elements of the series revisited in later years as Jade, Obsidian, Nuklon and others spread out into the larger DC Universe.

However, when the first rumors of “Infinity Inc.” staging a comeback of sorts began to circulate, I was kind of perplexed. I didn’t want to see the former Infinitors split the JSA, which had been built up terrifically well by Geoff Johns and company. I figured that the best way that they could make it work would be to reconfigure it as a “new” legacy team. And they did, after a fashion. The new II turned out to be the kids from Luthor’s Everyman project, carrying names that Luthor had purchased (after all, Infinity Inc. was a business). The really unfortunate point for them is that Luthor also paid for their powers, and when they turned against him, he turned them off.

All of this leaves us with a rather interesting place at which to begin a super-hero series: our cast essentially have no powers. In fact, they’re still rather traumatized by this fact, and much of this first issue deals with their ongoing psychological fallout. It’s a different approach, but I would expect nothing else from the guy who brought us the Vertigo iteration of Shade, the Changing Man and that delightfully off-kilter run on X-Force.

Our two ostensible leads, John Henry Irons and Natasha Irons, are no strangers to the limelight. John Henry has had a lengthy run (15 years now!) as Steel, and his niece began her own superheroic career as a successor to him a while back. During 52, they went through a number of changes, including the acquisition and loss of internal powers, rather than armor-based abilities. Their relationship also went through significant strain, and though there’s been some reconnection, things aren’t entirely sunny. Both Irons family members are appealing characters, and they’ve got the history to be something of a draw.

The other characters are more of a mixed bag. Granted, this is partially a function of 52, wherein they’re set in opposition against the JSA and others (and where they run on the cusp of World War III). However, it does make it a touch harder to get into them. That said, Milligan does a fine job at fleshing out Erik Storn (the new Fury) with his uncertainty, longing for connection, and pained stutter. Gerome McKenna (the new Nuklon) was essentially played as a one-note asshat in 52, so the look we get at his emotional failings is a good step. Also of important is the development of Dale, who appears to be set to become the first major antagonist.

The art by Fiumara is good throughout. It definitely carries that a more Vertigoesque flair, particularly in a couple of dream sequences, but it doesn’t deviate too much from the DC norm. The attempt here is for an Eaglesham type of detail with weirdness creeping in at the edges. Credit is also due to Dom Regan, who contributes some strong atmosphere with interesting color choices.

This is a reasonably good first issue, and as far as other 52 spin-offs go, it’s about in the middle of the pack (below Booster Gold but above Black Adam). There’s certainly time for things to develop, and the stark examination of the bitter inner lives of the characters is the best thing going for it. It might not have the shiny “We want to be heroes, too!” appeal of the original Infinity, Inc., but there’s a good chance that it will stand well on its own.

[Hokeyboy]

I really look forward to the excellent use of blacks!

[Scarlet Mage]

Let's not forget Enigma. That's my favorite mini of all time and the reason I put up with even the writer's lesser works. I keep waiting for him to hit it out of the ball park that well again.

[James Asia]

ha ha, blacks, I get it.

[Binker]

So I guess this is a must get book? Because I missed Booster Gold

[C20Percent]

This is a reasonably good first issue, and as far as other 52 spin-offs go, it’s about in the middle of the pack (below Booster Gold but above Black Adam).

Is this a dig at the Black Adam mini-series?? I thought that first issue was damn good, and I'm looking forward to the rest of Tomasi's run.

[durkadurka]

I loved Milligan's X-Force, but i hated (really really hated) his X-Men run, whichever book it was. I'm not as excited about this book as i was Booster Gold, and having enjoyed Black Adam i'm looking forward to the second issue of that more than this, but i'll give it a shot.

[mookydo]

Originally Posted by C20Percent

Is this a dig at the Black Adam mini-series?? I thought that first issue was damn good, and I'm looking forward to the rest of Tomasi's run.

Yeah, it was a dig. He didn't say Black Adam was bad, though, just that II is better in his opinion. You always have to take critics with a grain of salt.

[pogofan]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

...Their relationship also went through significant strain, and though there’s been some reproach, things aren’t entirely sunny.

Sorry to pick nits, but the word you wanted is "rapproachement"; "reproach" sends the reader in the other direction. (It is funnier that way, though, so maybe you should just leave it.)

[Hobowatcher]

Originally Posted by C20Percent

Is this a dig at the Black Adam mini-series?? I thought that first issue was damn good, and I'm looking forward to the rest of Tomasi's run.

Its not really a dig. He could think Black Adam is pretty good, but this is just slightly better.

I'm looking forward to this. Also, if you're not picking up The Programme, you're missing out on one of the best read on the stands. Not mention CP Smith's amazing art.

[Brenticles]

I am very excited to get this, and since I thought Black Adam was good and Booster Gold was great I guess this will be quite a fun read.

I wonder how they'll interact with the JSA since they ran away the last time the fight got serious in WWIII and if any of the original Infinitors will have some more choice words to people taking names that they shouldn't.

[Rebis]

Originally Posted by Scarlet Mage

Let's not forget Enigma. That's my favorite mini of all time and the reason I put up with even the writer's lesser works. I keep waiting for him to hit it out of the ball park that well again.

Looking forward to Infinity Inc., just because of Milligan. I enjoyed his X-Statix comics and LOVED his work on Shade, Animal Man and (you're absolutely right, Scarlet Mage) Enigma. One of the best mini-series ever.

[Rocketgoat]

Originally Posted by Hokeyboy

I really look forward to the excellent use of blacks!

What was that from? I know it was recent, but I can't remember and Google isn't helping.

[Mundungus]

I think I'll pick this up. I've been missing a Milligan book in my monthly list.

[Hokeyboy]

Originally Posted by Rocketgoat

What was that from? I know it was recent, but I can't remember and Google isn't helping.

Right here...

[Future Boy]

this seems like it could be a lot like X-force/statix so i'm all over it. one of my favorite series ever.

is the booster gold series good so far? only one issue out, right?

[ShinAkuma666]

One of my favorite writer, EVER, I loved his Enigma, Egypt (I need to re-read that one, it was not an easy one), Skreemer, The Eaters, X-Statix, The Extremist, the Toxin, Human Target and many other works by him.

Will keep an eye out for this title even if its not something I would normally pick up, he's also doing The Programme at Wildstorm and I cant wait for that to be collected.

I just wish, DC would collect the whole Shade the Changing Man.

[beetle1million]

Originally Posted by Scarlet Mage

Let's not forget Enigma. That's my favorite mini of all time and the reason I put up with even the writer's lesser works. I keep waiting for him to hit it out of the ball park that well again.

I thought his Human Target stuff, if you add up the graphic novel, mini, and ongoing, is just as awesome as Enigma.

[TheToileteer]

Can't we look beyond skin color?

Hey, check out the great rack on Steel's daughter...

[RockSP]

Originally Posted by TheToileteer

Can't we look beyond skin color?

Hey, check out the great rack on Steel's daughter...

Natasha is his niece.

[Tendrin]

[quote=is the booster gold series good so far? only one issue out, right?[/QUOTE]

Yes! A thousand times yes!

Yes times .... Infinity! ;D

[RolandGunner]

Originally Posted by Hobowatcher

I'm looking forward to this. Also, if you're not picking up The Programme, you're missing out on one of the best read on the stands. Not mention CP Smith's amazing art.

This is the most important part of the thread. CP Smith is turning in the work of his life in the Programme. I'm kinda worried that the Programme is going get pulled down by the heavy handed political message but so far its been excellent.

[Future Boy]

Programme is a mini, right?

if it's a mini i'm getting the trade.

[beetle1million]

Originally Posted by Future Boy

Programme is a mini, right?

if it's a mini i'm getting the trade.

It is a mini, but it's twelve issues, so the trade will probably take awhile, IF it happens. The first two issues were cool, but I could see it not grabbing the audience it needs and flying far enough under the radar to miss a trade.

[Future Boy]

hm.

i dont know im kinda too broke right now to buy the single issues.