Majestic #1

Ready to witness three of the most powerful guys the world has ever seen (regardless of space-time dimension) do battle with a foe whose only real strength is in its numbers? Well get ready for Majestic. Abnett and Lanning have begun to write something that reeks of potential, although this first issue is a bit light on story. The majority of this book is pure sound-effects and side-line quips – you know, the kind where the heroes are off-handedly conversating while performing insane judo-chops on alien robotic bug-things. It sounds a little corny, but it is fun to watch (there is little else but onomatopoeia for many a page), and it actually gets you worked-up and excited with its various SKRUUUUUUUUUTCH’s, THHH THOOOOOM’s, and the ever popular WHHHUNNCHH; (although, my personal favorite is SKRAAAANCH because it sounds like a name that I would call Fumanchu.)

All kidding aside, this is a really enjoyable book. The intro issue of this Majestic solo series, featuring Superman and Eradicator, was obviously made to please the reader with action, and an introduction to the world – so like ours – that Majestic calls home. Majestic is already “Superman” here, and therefore has no need of the aide of the Superman that we all know and love, so why is Clark here? I am not trying to say that Supes and Eradicator are in the book only as bait to sell comics (they can’t hurt sales.) I am saying that three Super-men is a bit unnecessary, but fun all the same. I suppose the issue also serves as a torch-passing ceremony which is intended to emphasize just that point: Clark go home, Maj has everything under control.

The art in the books, by Googe (pencils) and Scott (inks) is excellent with regards to the scenery, motion, and battle scenes. I personally enjoyed the swarming of the bugbots on Mt. Rushmore. Eradicator looks awesome, especially when he is nonchalantly frying his attackers while talking with his two buddies. One thing, though. The faces in this book are very inconsistent. This is a big draw-back because after a while you stop paying attention to what is actually occurring in the book, and start playing that “Who does that look like? OH, wait! Who does he look like now?” game with your friend/wife/brother, which is probably not the greatest aim of the book. I will say this though, Googe has control of scenery and motion to such an extent that it can excuse any number of random faces.

You should check this book out if you plan to read the series. My bet is that this book is going to end up a desired piece along with which ever Superman or Action Comics issue houses the first appearance of this Supes-style hero. Happy hunting.