Writer: John Byrne/Roger Stern Artists: John Byrne(p), Al Milgrom(i), Glynis Oliver(c) Publisher: Marvel
Once again Marvel: the Lost Generation continues to surprise through its backward story showing technique. The cover boasts the revelation of Dr. Carmody's and Walkabout's shared secret, but we know what all the hush is about. The real interest in the book--besides John Byrne's and Roger Stern's certain ability to create new characters about whom we instantly care--can be found in Pixie's origins which tie intimately into Marvel continuity.
Mr. Byrne and Mr. Stern also entertain with Effigy's shape-shifting. We know how he can do these things. We're in on the joke, but the team's oblivious to his actions, and this confusion gives the joke more punch. The writers also employ unique guards against Dr. Lock's time traveling. They're in fact the exact opposite of what Mr. Byrne manipulated in O.M.A.C. This is an example of what I'm talking about. Why do something that we've seen before? There are many ways to approach a problem, and all of them at least in fiction when handled by a thoughtful writer can be effective. Mr. Byrne didn't rely upon his time traveling methods of yore. Conscious that some may be familiar with his work, he instead sought a new scheme. It works beautifully and adds a tragic nuance to the thread of Dr. Locke's journey(s).
As always this series features the best artwork Mr. Byrne has done in years. No offense to Al Milgrom's spectacular inks, but Mr. Byrne's sketches have never looked quite so energetic.
