The Great Ten #1 – Review

By Tony Bedard (writer), Scott McDaniel (pencils), Andy Owens (inker), Harvey Richards (assistant editor), Michael Siglain (editor)

The Story: In China, over a period of 13 years, we watch young Corporal Yao of the People’s Army follow his conscience instead of his orders and set himself on the path to becoming Accomplished Perfect Physician, one of China’s meta-humans. Serving the Chinese state hasn’t gotten any easier, but there’s now a bigger problem than getting along with his teammates on the state-sponsored Chinese superhero team the Great Ten. The old gods have returned to challenge the new.

What’s Good: The story concept is excellent. This is really a big idea story, well-executed, and set up with lots and lots of conflict that will need to be resolved. Perfect Physician doesn’t get along with anyone on the team or in the party for reasons of conscience, and Bedard suggests barely-subdued tension between the others as well. And, as you must in any good first issue, Bedard has launched a strong plot question for this 10-issue series: In a cultural conflict between old and new China, whose gods will win? The writing, the flashbacks, and the pacing are all well done, which is no surprise for anyone who has followed his writing and plotting in R.E.B.E.L.S.

The art told the story clearly and dynamically, although I tend to prefer artists with a more realistic feel. If you like more of a cartoony look, then you’re going to like McDaniel’s art. Owens on colors had some interesting effects, especially on some of the flashbacks that had grayed, roughed-up feels, as if we were looking at old magazines with a few crumple marks.

What’s Not So Good: Despite a really strong opening story, I’m wondering how many superhero books set outside the USA can really flourish. Alpha Flight (Canada) stuck around for a good while, but the excellent Captain Britain and MI 13 (UK) folded after less than 20 issues. I wonder if DC hasn’t taken a gamble here that has nothing to do with the quality of the story, but with what their audience wants.

Conclusion: Going offshore for the main characters adds a lot of freshness to scene, story and theme. I hope it pays off. I recommend this quality book and I will certainly be back for issue #2.

Grade: B+

-DS Arsenault