Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Chris Sotomayor; & VC’s Dave Sharpe
Cover Art by Gary Frank & Richard Isanove
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics’ ‘MAX’ mature readers imprint for October 2005, this issue is entitled “Exhibit R: The Statement of Mark Milton.” Journalist Jason Scott ruminates over the potential worldwide consequences of his public revelation that Hyperion (aka Mark Milton) is an extraterrestrial. Various characters (including Squadron Supreme members and a single-panel cameo by Bill & Hillary Clinton) have dismal reactions to President Bush’s public address re: meta-humans in the United States. Despite rescuing a child from a Manhattan high-rise fire, Hyperion is dismayed by the public’s growing fear of him.
Hyperion asks Stan (aka The Whizzer) to personally deliver a message to the U.S. Government. Prior to carrying out a promise in his letter, Hyperion silently stares down his adoptive parents. It’s his way of confronting the lies they have told him for years. As Hyperion’s exact words in this letter are revealed, an U.S. General realizes in horror what the hero intends to do.
Note: Though Power Princess, Amphibian, and Doctor Spectrum are prominently on the cover, they appear in single-panel cameos.
REVIEW:
J. Michael Straczynski’s tense storyline carries some impressive weight, but his script’s strong profanities (including one F-bomb) doesn’t really add anything. As there isn’t any gratuitous violence, the unnecessary foul language is the sole reason for this comic’s ‘explicit content.’ Still, Straczynski’s edgy dialogue has a few inspired moments, including his mildly humorous parody of a President George W. Bush PSA. Artist Gary Frank, as expected, does stellar work, particularly his ultra-detailed facial expressions. Supreme Power # 18 is a solid read, though its propensity for edgy dialogue seems more a writer’s choice than a necessity.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
