Stormwatch #1

DC

Written by Paul Cornell; Art and cover by Miguel Sepulveda

Sep 12, 2011 DC Comics By Kyle Lemmon

I guess this is how DC is fitting in the Wildstorm characters into their revamped “New 52” universe. Stormwatch is the first of the titles featuring Wildstorm characters now integrated into the new DC Universe. The original ‘90s series centered on the eponymous, United Nations-sponsored super-team. That run eventually fell apart under the writing guidance of Warren Ellis and morphed into The Authority. This new issue is a sloppy amalgamation of both books and we learn next to nothing about these characters.

This is simply a mishandled debut issue that leaves newcomers with little to embrace. Characters such as Martian Manhunter, Apollo, and The Midnighter are cool, but they get terrible dialogue to spout at each other. Brand-new protagonist, The Projectionist, is probably the most intrugining of the batch, since she can use her “media manipulation” power. It’s too bad that the power largely reamains a concept at the moment. Stormwatch is just a wacky series to begin with, and then you learn that the moon has plans to attack Earth. Yes, you read that right. The worst part? On the first page, we’re told that one of the main through-lines spins off from Superman #1, which doesn’t street until September 28! DC can do much better than this.

Paul Cornell (Action Comics) mimics Ellis’ previous Authority stories throughout, and adds little of his own wit and flavor. It’s just dissappointing. He has the capacity to write well. Miguel Sepulveda’s art is much better. His linework style is defined and trancends the writing by leaps and bounds. Supulveda’s character modeling is satisfactory, but backgrounds can get muddy. Stormwatch #2 could possibly be interesting if Cornell viewed characterization as a higher priority. That’s essential on any comic book title, but especially on a team title. As it stands, this issue is almost a complete misfire. (www.paulcornell.com / www.dccomics.com)

Author rating: 3/10

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Average reader rating: 1,330/10

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