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Jun 01, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

Capable heroine fighting against the elements in a strange environment, drawn by Steve Lieber…hmmm. Comparisons to Lieber and Greg Rucka’s Whiteout are inevitable, I suppose. But Jeff Parker’s Ranger Wesley Fischer is a decidedly fresh character, as the caving enthusiast must rely on her spelunking skills to outrun and outwit a bunch of nasty characters with guns through the rarely traversed caves of a national park.

Lieber’s art and storytelling skills do the volume justice; the claustrophobia in tight caverns and danger in the dark is palpable. The story starts off a touch slow and if reading this compilation in the single issues I may have stopped after one.

But Jeff Parker earned a lifetime pass with me for Mysterius the Unfathomable, and that faith is justified once we’re past the set-up. Wesley is earnest, human, and just plain likable, as is her fellow ranger/boyfriend. I won’t spoil the unusual dangers of the cave they are in, but it makes for some daunting and eerie moments.

The bad guys aren’t bland either; they are similarly full of nuance and personality, especially amusing when abrasive (making them excellent villains). Their boss is delightfully scummy as well. The ending of the action was great; the sort of epilogue didn’t wow me, but was serviceable. This collected volume also has a bonus story featuring Wesley written and drawn by Mr. Lieber.

Frankly, Underground is a great premise for a movie, with naturally interesting visuals. It’s certainly a fine, adventure-laden, and fun standalone book to pick up and enjoy, or share. (www.imagecomics.com; www.parkerspace.com; www.stevelieber.com; www.ronchan.net)

Author rating: 7/10