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Sep 19, 2011 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

One of the more intriguing prospects in the DC New 52 relaunch was the return of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning to Resurrection Man; they were the original writers on the first series, which was on balance pretty good. In terms of quality of concept and characterization, they picked up right where they left off, though things have taken a turn for the Biblical that may dampen some enthusiasm for what feels like more of a sci-fi concept.

Mitch Shelley is the Resurrection Man—I don’t think he goes by that title, it’s more of what he is: a dude with a penchant for dying and being revived, each time with a different superpower. The first-person narration by Mitch kicks off in a truly compelling manner as he describes what it’s like waking up in excruciating pain from his last death, and how his senses are demonstrating sensitivity to metal. A cool hint, without hitting you over the head (rest of DC, take note) that he’s a Magneto/Dr. Polaris type, with magnetic powers in this incarnation.

Unfortunately for Mitch, it seems agents of both the devil and the dude upstairs are tired of the reincarnation act, and a premium value has been placed on his soul. Innocents caught in the middle of Mitch and the otherworldly agents be damned.

Also back is a pair of villains that originated in this series, the Body Doubles—basically two ruthless lady assassins with a little more personality than you’d expect, not to mention a peculiar fashion sense. This was a fine intro; loved them back in the old series.

The “weird science” angle works, but Judgment Day is yet to come for the celestial angle on the story. Still, despite those misgivings, the writers paint a world and a character whose story is instantly immersive.

The art is good; different, with a focus on face shapes and body language that aren’t usually part and parcel of comics art. It’s not quite J.H. Williams territory, but Dagnino also has some pretty interesting page layouts.

Enjoyable in spite of the heaven and hell stuff, which seems a touch incongruent. (www.dccomics.com)

Author rating: 6/10