The Mighty

May 15, 2015

Since his emergence following a 1952 nuclear test, Superman-alike Alpha One has been the world's only superhero. With licensing proceeds, he funds Section Omega, a "nationwide police force" that works with him to identify threats and save lives. When Gabriel Cole (who has idolized Alpha One since he saved Cole's life in childhood) becomes Section Omega's director, Alpha One befriends Cole and his wife, Janet. But after a late-night visit from a predecessor who left Section Omega in disgrace, Cole begins to suspect that Alpha One is hiding something. Under Alpha One's watchful supersenses, Cole embarks on a nerve-racking secret investigation that plunges him into a nightmare. This is a complete collection of a 2009-10 DC Comics series originally compiled into two separate volumes. Tomasi (Batman and Robin) and Champagne's scripting is straightforward and effective, as is the art by Peter Snejbjerg (in the book's first third) and the less widescreen work of Samnee (in the remainder). But while there are quality human moments, the story feels largely by the numbers. VERDICT Less sharp, gripping, and convincing than some other dark takes on superheroes but not without merit.--S.R.

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