It only seems like yesterday that a website opened up simply declaring, “Mark Waid Is Evil.” Some speculated that it was created by a group of fanboys who for some reason disliked the work of the legendary writer of Kingdom Come and great runs on The Flash and Spider-Man. What it really was was a clever marketing ploy from BOOM! Studios, the indie publisher that Waid is the Editor In Chief of.

The slogan proved true when Irredeemable launched (now in it’s 9th issue) from the writer and artist Peter Krause that focused on hero turned bad, The Plutonian. Like many others, I’ve been bowled over by the dark superhero series, and now it’s joined by a spin-off, Incorruptible. Also written by Waid, and with art by Jean Diaz this series is the other side of the coin, representing a villain turned hero in the wake of The Plutonian’s gruesome acts of destruction.

It begins with Max Damage’s gang pulling a heist, after waiting impatiently for their leader who’s been gone  a month. He now shows his new colours, and he’s on the side of the angels, surprising cops and villains alike in an impressive action sequence on a bridge. It’s then off to Max’s hideout where he shows his new attitude to his sidekick of sorts, the appropriately named Jailbait and a police captain.

It’s obvious that this ties firmly into the structure of Irredeemable and is definitely not just a mere tie-in series quickly pumped out to cash in on the success of that series. There’s no real hints as to Max’s origin, and we know from BOOM! that he changes his name from Max Damage to Max Daring, but that’s not set up just yet. In fact not a lot happens here. It feels like the first few minutes of a Lethal Weapon film; all action, high-stakes drama and tough men with weapons, but Waid makes it all so charming and appealing.

I like Peter Krause’s work on Irredeemable, but Jean Diaz’s work is superior. Overall, this series after only one issue, looks set to be even more grungier than it’s originator. Jailbait seems like a Garth Ennis character, and the conflict between our new hero and her, plus all his former villainous team-mates, and the distrust of the remaining heroes should play out brilliantly.

Plus that last page is a doozy and it appears as though Max’s early encounter with The Plutonian became his life turning moment with good reason. Irredeemable demands a high quality story of anything associated with it. Incorruptible looks to be a more than capable sparring partner.

December 22, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: BOOM!, Jean Diaz, Mark Waid . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment