Written by Darin Wagner & Clint Hilinski (Epilogue Only)
Art by Clint Hilinski; Andrew Dalhouse; & Bill Tortolini
Cover Art by Clint Hilinski [Cover B]
SUMMARY:
Published by Alias Enterprises LLC for December 2005, this sixteen-page preview (including bonus features) is entitled “Best Served Cold.” Visually reminiscent of DC Comics’ Teen Titans, the self-enamored ‘Hyper-Actives’ are more fixated on their news media coverage than thwarting the fugitive Thrillchiller.
In a high school cafeteria, the frequently-bullied Eddie Ellison (who suspiciously resembles Peter Parker) is chided by both the condescending principal and his blonde girlfriend, Torrie. Eddie catches the Hyper-Actives on the noon time TV news report. Elsewhere, a masked figure intends to radically shake up the Hyper-Actives’ world. A single-page epilogue occurs at the ‘Hypershere’ (sic) team headquarters.
Notes: Images of the other cover(s) aren’t provided. Artist Clint Hilinski’s Cover B obviously homages Michael Turner’s Identity Crisis # 2 cover for DC Comics from 2004.
REVIEW:
Aside from its utterly derivative nature (i.e. a brief snippet even mimics Wally West’s Flash & Linda Park), one might conclude that the obnoxious Hyper-Actives squad is a Teen Titans parody. Yet, this comic’s lackluster writing is hampered by Teen Titan/X-Men clichés, not to mention cheap efforts at teen humor, as readers are led down a path to nowhere.
Aside from the adequate artwork, this obscure Hyper-Actives # 0 (or # 00, per the cover) teaser seems far more a rip-off than a failed spoof. If one construes this issue as an ‘audition,’ then artist Clint Hilinski is capable of excellent work, as seen in his ‘homages’ to Michael Turner and Erik Larsen, as well as his own character sketches. Yet, the issue’s pointless imitation does little justice in flattering prospective readers.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Five full pages of Clint Hilinski artwork consist of: a buffoonish ÜberForce black-and-white pin-up; character sketch designs of the Hyper-Actives; a Blood Force color pin-up in homage of artist Rob Liefeld’s X-Force work at Marvel; and a Hyper-Actives color pin-up in homage of Erik Larsen’s work.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 2½ Stars
