Written by Paul Dini
Art by Frank Rocafort; “Blond;” & Troy Peteri
Cover Art by Kenneth Rocafort
SUMMARY:
Published by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for May 2007, this twelve-page issue is creator-writer Paul Dini’s guided tour into the world of his mysterious ‘Madame Mirage.’ Ominously narrated by the heroine, a seven-page series preview launches with a black-and-white, three-page sketched flashback of an alternate Earth where 21st Century super-heroes were manufactured by science before the world’s super-crooks sabotaged them. With Earth’s ex-heroes now disgraced, imprisoned, or forced into hiding, super-villainy thrives by ditching their costumes and assimilating into the mob. Switching into color, a jetpack-wearing thug nicknamed the Hummingbird attempts to evade Madame Mirage’s pistol-packing wrath.
REVIEW:
Prolific writer Paul Dini does an excellent job with this pulpy, super-hero noir-like concept. The art team’s supporting visuals prove solid, though its overtly sexist fixation (i.e. the cover image) on pushing a sultry Mirage’s cleavage and lithe figure is an unnecessary distraction. Dini’s scripting can stand on its own here without relying on “good girl”-style artwork. With that thought in mind, Madame Mirage: First Look still delivers an upper-tier promo.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Various glimpses (in color) of this character are provided. There is also a two-page introductory letter from Paul Dini. The last page depicts cover reveals for the first three issues (including a variant for the first issue). The back inside cover is Top Cow’s “World Moos” news-and-notes column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
