KICK-*** #1 ADVANCE DUAL REVIEW

[B. Schatz]

Reviewed by: Brandon Schatz brandon.schatz@hotmail.com & Adam Chapman adam.chapman@sympatico.ca
Combined Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: Kickass Part 1

A teenage boy decides to become a superhero in a world without powers

Writer: Mark Millar
Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Tom Palmer
Colors: Dean White
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: John Barber
Publisher: Icon/Marvel

Brandon: The world is full of stupid people. Granted, the world was always filled with stupid people, but now, with the internet, we're able to see all these stupid people in action, doing things that should've removed their DNA from the genetic lottery. The world has, in a sense, become a place where taking risks isn't just crazy - it's cash, and entertainment. Generally, I think this is a bad trend for the population to follow - but, what if somebody decided to do those stupid things for a good cause? What if somebody just wanted to help people - put on a mask and went about saving the world for real? That is the genesis of Mark Millar's new book, Kick ***.

Adam: Many of the criticisms usually leveled against Mark Millar's writing is that its more about shock than substance, and often he doesn't understand the characters he writes. However, in a book like this, he writes the characters from the ground up, creates them, and isn't beholden to pre-existing conceptions on how the characters act. This new protagonist is fully his, to create and abuse, to put through many trials. Millar is free here to explore a character that is his, and surprisingly although this book is definitely about shock and awe, there's actually a fair bit of substance and social commentary here that you wouldn't perhaps expect. Although he uses lots of language, to guarantee a max rating, there's really a sense of optimism here that is filtered through a modern sensibility and cynicism as only Mark Millar could really express it.

Brandon: As you said, there are certain criticisms about Mark Millar - and for the most part, they are true. Mark Millar is a summer blockbuster guy - kind of like the Michael Bay of the comic book world. Even in this story, I didn't think there was a lot of meat to the character. There was enough to make you care about who you're reading about, and then the main part of the story hits with a thrust, pushing you into the fantastic circumstances of the book. That isn't to say this book isn't good - it is, in fact, very good, but Mark Millar will not write a Juno - and we don't want him to (remember Trouble, anyone?). We want him to write something that punches you in the face and calls you names while you cry a little. On the inside, of course.

Adam: And that's precisely what this book is about. Its about the reality of trying to be a hero, trying to be kick-***, which unfortunately the first time just might leave you with your *** kicked. You're definitely right, Brandon, he is a blockbuster writer. He's good at those big epic stories. This is a violent coming of age story, about a realistic hero in a realistic world, where things aren't magically healed, where people don't actually swear vengeance on their mother's grave, where bodies are broken, and people who jump off buildings in suits with wings are likely to have mental problems and likely to die as a result of their own delusions. This has all the hallmarks of an over the top action comic, yet at the same time is much more intimate than most of his sprawling blockbuster epics. But the book is what it is. Its not trying to be an overly "thinking" story, where you're meant to get deeper meanings in everything. Its meant to be a really stirring, surprising, physical book, where the action is more real than in most comic books, there are repercussions, there are injuries, where cynicism is the way of the world, and we get this cynically optimistic hero, who espouses heroic virtues while being so unlike the heroes we're used to who live in a world of possibilities.

Brandon: The art functions really well too - none of the characters are drawn larger than life - the hero of the story does not support a six pack and the women are... well, they look like women, and not people you'd like to be around if your plane crashed into the ocean. My only prodding is the trademark Romita Jr. clothes-wrinkle effect - in which everyone's clothing tends to look like a good ironing is needed.

Adam: Heh, I do agree about the clothes having that signature Romita Jr. look, and the faces having those particular Romita Jr. lines... but on the whole the artwork really serves the story quite well. The characters don't look overly attractive or fit, they look like actual people for the most part. The book emphasizes reality and normalcy, and Romita Jr. captures this vibe for the script perfectly.

Brandon: When it comes down to it, Kick *** is story you can't tell in the Marvel or DC universes. It brings something different to the table - and if you're in the mood for something different, but still want to see people in costumes trade punches, you could do a whole lot worse.

Adam: You've got to be able to accept the certain quirks that Romita Jr. and Millar bring to their work to be able to fully enjoy this. Its over the top, its dark, its something that, as Brandon said, couldn't be done solely in the regular Marvel/DC universes. Its not afraid to be balls to the walls, and to have serious attitude and try to shock you and pump you up. Its KICK-***.

Brandon’s Rating:


Adam’s Rating: