General Information

Title: Supreme Power #1-6
Author: J. Michael Straczynski
Illustrator(s): Gary Frank
Original Publication Date: Published from August 2003 to January 2004. The trade paperback collecting these issues (titled Supreme Power Vol. 1: The Hyperion Project) is due out in March.

Premise

This is the Justice League of America, but with a realistic response from the rest of the world.

High Point

The end of issue six. Every issue has the potential to lead in a variety of interesting directions, but that last page is the most compelling of all of them.

Low Point

The rapid introduction of characters in issue two. It was necessary to introduce them all quickly, but it would have been nice to have that block spread more evenly throughout the issues.

The Scores

I'll give it full credit for originality. Yes, it's a revamp of a revamp of the JLA, but the only connections that seem to be left to the originals so far are the powers and the most general aspects of the origins of two or three of the characters. This is a bigger revamp than most of the Ultimate line, taking a completely different tone, and using a new line of continuity. 6 out of 6.

The artwork is excellent. Characters designed by Gary Frank always look great. Some of his drawings of real people do seem a bit off, though. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is just getting started. This feels like the first chapter in a saga, but it's very well written, and sets up so much potential that I'm always excited about the next issue. This has become the most anticipated title of my pull list, and the first one I read from any stack I take home. I'm in for the long haul, and it's all because of the set-up. I give it 6 out of 6.

The characterization is probably the best aspect of this title. For most of his life, Hyperion believes he really is one of a kind, and the ramifications of that aren't always as positive as we might think at first. The choices these characters make will be appropriate for the characters, and we get to tag along for the ride. Nighthawk, the Blur, and Dr. Spectrum have had similar developments, although they haven't been revealed in the same detail yet because they're not at center stage. I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response this produces is excellent. I don't just react to what's happening on the pages I read, but I find myself immediately running off on mental tangents into places this title could be going. I don't think I've ever read another comic that is this engaging. Most entertainment media doesn't work as well as this does. I give it 6 out of 6.

The flow is broken only in the introduction of the characters in the second issue, but there's no good way around that which I can think of. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it's a title I recommend to anyone and everyone who is old enough to buy it. (It's a MAX title.) The next six issues can't get here fast enough. I give it 6 out of 6.

In total, Supreme Power #1-6 receive 40 out of 42.