ClanDestine #1 – Review

By Alan Davis (Writer, Artist), Mark Farmer (Inker), Sotocolor’s J. Brown (Colors) 

Clan Destine is a 5-part retelling or update to a former comic, which I haven’t read, so this review is only based off what I know of this story arc. The story so far is more based on the two youngest of the group, Imp (Rory) and Crimson Crusader (Pandora), while slowly introducing us to the others in the group. Issue #1 starts off with Rory having dreams in class of being a super hero, fighting along side with Spider-Man.We find out his powers are only active when his twin sister Pandora is within his vicinity. Her power seems to consist of flight and invisibility while Imp’s seems to be more inline with a leech, but it’s hard to say for sure. Pandora is the more mature and protective of the twins, yet lacks the discipline of controlling her powers. 

Later in the issue we learn that the kids are only allowed to use their power under supervision from their elders.The clan’s father loses control and turns into a blue “Hulk”-type character when he gets upset. As the dad learns of Rory and Pandora’s use of their power earlier in the day he proceeds to scold them, telling them they can never be too careful. I guess he forgot that they’re kids and kids usually like to get into mischief.As the Destine’s go through their struggle of hiding, fighting, and controlling the urge to use their powers, a mysterious council (whose name is not yet revealed) investigates the members of the Destine group. This council comes to the understanding that the Eldest Destine (Rory and Pandora’s father) is actually immortal. As the investigation continues, other family members are revealed to be certain superheroes. The council’s intentions aren’t really disclosed but they are using the Destine’s past foes against them as most likely a test of sorts.

 From what I’ve read so far this comic seems interesting. Since it is a first issue and I didn’t read the previous series I have to say that it didn’t grab me much. It seemed pretty slow, yet at the same time there is a sense of story building and progression happening here. I’m hoping things get better over the next few issues. I’ll keep my eye on this series, but as it stands I can’t honestly give it too much praise. If you’re interested in this book, I’d say wait for a few more reviews of issues #1 and #2 to come out before jumping on.

 (Grade: C)- Matt Allen