Written by Mark Waid
Art by Phil Hester; Aaron McClellan; Ken Bruzenak; & Adrienne Roy
Cover Art by Ed Hannigan; Sal Velluto; & Jeff Albrecht
SUMMARY:
Published in 1993 by DC Comics, this 64-page Bloodlines-themed annual is entitled “Undercover Angel.” Undercover federal agent/amateur magician Nick Kelly acquires superhuman stealth and vision powers during an attack by bloodthirsty aliens feasting on unsuspecting humans. Investigative reporter Linda Park readily deduces that supposed thug ‘Nick Kovak’ may have an ulterior agenda. As new hero Argus, Kelly’s effort to take down the Combine mob faction must be temporarily set aside to help Wally West’s Flash rescue an abducted Linda.
Note: This tale is set prior to Flash # 78, as Wally West is busy pursuing the nefarious Professsor Zoom, Eobard Thawne.
REVIEW:
Following Bloodlines’ repetitive formula (as seen in other DC annuals that year), this sci-fi/horror adventure is really an extended backdoor pilot introducing the forgettable Argus. Writer Mark Waid concocts a decent paint-by-the-numbers script but the implied alien dining scenes don’t make this story kid-friendly.
Aside from casting Linda as a contrived damsel-in-distress, Waid at least asserts her in full Lois Lane mode tracing Keystone City’s branch of alien blood-sucking monsters to their hideout. More as a glorified guest star, the Flash’s presence is mostly reserved for the finale, but he still gets his share of an explosive showdown. Despite his predictable surplus of screen time, Argus conveys what a hypothetical solo series opener would be like. One can readily conclude such a series would have been short-lived.
Visually, the artwork ranges from average to rudimentary, as it’s just sufficient for this story. The cover image is an accurate reflection, confirming Flash Annual # 6 provides a good yet quickly forgettable read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
