Publishers: Marvel Comics
Writer: James Robinson
Artists: Leonard Kirk, Paul Neary
Colourist: Frank Martin
Editors: Chris Robinson, Mark Paniccia, Katie Kubert
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.99

What if the Justice League acted like the Punisher? That’s the question writer James Robinson attempts to answer in Squadron Supreme #1. Eight months after the events of Marvel’s Secret Wars five refuges from alternate Earths, Blur, Doctor Spectrum, Hyperion, Nighthawk and Power Princess (representing respectively Flash, Captain Atom, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman), vow to protect their new Earth home from all threats.

Unfortunately for Marvel’s first anti-hero Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner, in Squadron Supreme #1 this includes attacking Namor and destroying Atlantis. Public opinion is divided over the deadly powerhouse team’s methods, and kudos to Robinson for invoking Namor’s 1940 tidal wave attack on Manhattan as a sore spot for the island’s inhabitants.

In Squadron Supreme #1, Steve Rogers is having none of it, and partners with Namor’s old ally the original Human Torch and now S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jim Hammond. It’s a smorgasbord for Golden Age Marvel fans. There’s also a wild card in anti-hero Thundra.

Capping the issue is an incredible cover by Alex Ross. Interior art by Leonard Kirk, Paul Neary and colourist Frank Martin is dynamic, graceful and detailed. Nighthawk looks particularly menacing.

We may not get to see a new Marvel–DC crossover any time soon, but Squadron Supreme is the next best thing. Even the Punisher would approve.

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker