Irredeemable # 2 – Review

By Mark Waid (writer), Peter Krause (pencils, inks), and Andrew Dalhouse (colors)

The Story: Irredeemable is a comic about a Superman, name the Plutonian, going postal. In this issue we learn more about the Plutonian’s life and some light is shed on the events, which could’ve turned him into the mass-murderer. There is also heavy character development of the other heroes that populate the Irredeemable Universe.

What’s Good: I love when literature, and especially when comics, tell us something about our culture and ourselves. The best is when these insights come from good and natural story telling, rather than artificial plot devices and preachy, ranting dialogue.  In Irredeemable, by Mark Waid plucking silver-age Superman, in all his innocence and fluff, and placing him into our present society, he has succeeded in concocting and interesting and entertaining comic that also sheds light on who we are.

I’m not saying that Waid is revealing deep and novel observations in this book that will help you become a better person or help change our world. Rather, its the juxtaposition of an iconic cliché’, i.e. the Plutonian (or Superman), and the pragmatic or “real” world that produces an archetype of human nature.

For example, this issue focuses on the Plutonian’s self-revelation of his secret identity to his lover. Rather than the results being the typical Louis Lane “I’ve really always loved Clark Kent as well as Superman” formulaic response, we see something more natural and truthful. Instead of seeing loyalty, honor, and trust from the Plutonian’s girlfriend and his coworkers, we witness selfishness, confusion, and stupidity.

I was much more impressed with the art this issue than last. The Peter Krause really seems to capture the moment and the tone that Waid is going for. The character designs are basic yet effective and there is a really vibrant world created in these pages.

What’s Not So Good: I’m not sure if this is a fair complaint, but this issue goes by too fast. I’m not sure if it is the pacing or lack of pages, but this comic zooms by. Another small gripe is the beginning scenes with the Plutonian and another hero. The dialogue seem forced and I think that Waid was trying to show that the Plutonian was a great guy before he went bad, but because of the contrived tone of the dialogue, he came off creepy and odd.

Conclusion: Irredeemable has quickly become one of my favorite reads. There is a ton to like here. Each issue, because of the theme of the series, carries a sense of importance and drama not typically found in comics. I am really interested to find out more about both the Plutonian and the supporting cast. Highly recommended!

Grade: A-

-Rob G.

Irredeemable #1 – Review

By Mark Waid (writer), Peter Krause (pencils, ink), Andrew Dalhouse (colorist)

The Story: “Irredeemable” is about Superman going bad, really bad, like child-murdering bad. Except its not really Superman, but rather a hero named, “The Plutonian,” that Mark Waid has created in order to explore the idea of an evil all-powerful Superhero.

What’s Good: Truth be told, Waid rarely disappoints and has a very good, consistent track record of spinning great tales and this comic is no exception. Even if one isn’t a fan of Waid’s work, no one can argue that he couldn’t run a clinic on the craft of creating comics.

The pacing in this issue, i.e. the beats of images and words arranged on a page in the various panels, is excellent. Immediately the reader is brought into the Irredeemable Universe and then decisively frightened by The Plutonian as he releases hell and horror on a defenseless family.

I’ve read people calling this comic “high-concept,” but I don’t agree with that particular estimation of Irredeemable. Rather, it seems to turn on a fairly common observation of human nature, which is that the most talented people have the most destructive sense of insecurity. Waid, in my opinion, is just applying this truism to a near omnipotent being, who seems to be so hurt by the opinions of a few, that he deforms into a sadist.  This idea alone sets a great story.

What’s Not So Good: Well, besides that fact that I have the urge to throw-up every time I have to pay $3.99 for a normal sized comic, I felt that there could have been more story plugged into this issue. Everything moves pretty fast, but there were still some extraneous panels and lingering moments, especially in the back-story, that could have been tightened up.

I felt the coloring of this comic was a little bland. Also, the pencils were solid, but nothing to write home about. I think the art team benefited from excellent direction by Waid, which raised their average presentation.

Conclusion: Although the art was somewhat lacking, and the book was slapped with a high brow price tag, I’m already hooked into this story, I am really looking forward to this series. There are many plot gems for future story-lines that Waid embeds in the dialogue that point to many interesting things ahead for this series.

A word about the sickening violence in this comic: I abhor cheap violence for shock value or to over compensate for lack of content. In Irredeemable, Waid is guilty of neither. Instead, the violence plays an important role in furthering the story, despite how disturbing it is.

Grade: A-

-Rob G