Writer/Artist: Jason Martin
Publisher: Super Real Graphics
After a promising first issue, Super Real continues by hitting on all the themes and trends I didn’t like in the first issue. Not that there were many uninteresting themes to be found; rather, I liked the premise of a group of young adults cast to take part in the first reality television program about superheroes. Granted, the concept is no longer as unique as it once was, thanks to Wildguard and the recent New Warriors miniseries, but the approach definitely showed potential. But by the end of issue #2, there are no super powers to be found, nor do we know what the show will be about or how the genetic alterations will be effected.
If you’re a big name publisher with a slow-paced book featuring big name characters, you have a little bit of leeway with the fans. When you’re an Indie publisher with a slow-paced book featuring entirely new characters, you might want to reconsider that pacing. A lot of space is giving to characterization, and since the dialogue is typically sharp and each voice rather distinct, it’s well executed, but the plotting is still questionable. I’m not sure an entire splash page of the new abode is necessary when the only thing the readers can identify is the front door.
Speaking of the art, despite its sketchiness, I’m rather warming up to the style. It’s certainly distinct and seems to suit the subject matter, although I sometimes wish the characters’ faces were a bit more expressive; I did say the dialogue is rather strong, but I want the expressions to match that strength. I like the technique of combining photographed backgrounds with the characters illustrated on top, giving a real sense of placement and location, but the hand-drawn backgrounds leave a lot to be desired.
I’m not sure it was wise to devote six entire pages to a thinly veiled criticism of the Bush administration. It could be appropriate later in the series, once the main plot gets in gear, but it’s out of place in the context of the series thus far and distracts from the main plot; after all, the readers have a much better idea of the personalities of Bush and Cheney than of the Super Real characters (thus far). The purpose for their inclusion is clear, but it’s heavy-handed and unnecessary at this point.
The scenes featuring the characters are generally amusing and entertaining, since they’re somewhat stereotypical – but somewhat strange stereotypes. The bodybuilder isn’t only full of himself, he doesn’t even mind stripping down to his speedo in full public view. At the same time, some of these character scenes are a little confusing. I can’t figure out what’s happening on the third page with the large BUMP. I get the gist of the implied sex on the last page, but the awkwardness of the dialogue makes me reconsider what’s actually going on.
Super Real is turning out to be a mixed bag still in search of its groove. Martin clearly knows what he wants from these characters and where he plans to take them. I just hope when he finally brings them there that enough readers will still be around.
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