Stormwatch, Supreme: The Return

Stormwatch 0-3, 8, 25

I wonder if this read so well only because of everything that comes after; Knowing that all of this culminates in Warren Ellis’ epic finale, followed by the industry-changing Authority colors this in a different light.  On its surface, this is another generic Image superhero team.  It differentiates itself from the rest by running under the auspices of the United Nation, and fielding an international roster.  Granted, stereotypical accents are the only thing really marking these characters as ‘international,’ but it’s still something.

Splash "comrade," "neh," and "mio amico" into your dialogue and you have instant diversity. 

The enemies of the opening arc, the Mercs, are even more generic:

I can't read a southern accent without thinking Rogue.

But there’s something both tragic and nostalgic about seeing this lineup for the first time - By the end of Ellis’ run, Battalion’s the only one still alive.  And yet, it’s nice to know that these characters are destined to break out of their restrictive early-Wildstorm days and become a part of some the best mainstream comics ever.  

Worth remembering: Issue 25 was published after issue 9, as part of Image’s “jump ahead to the future” event.  I’m don’t know if the other participating titles ever followed through, but Stormwatch actually filled in the continuity between the gap in a reasonable fashion.  I used to own this run, don’t remember when I jettisoned it. I kind of regret it now.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Fine

Supreme: The Return 1, 4, 5

This came during the time where Rob Liefeld somehow paid Alan Moore enough money to write for Awesome Comics.  It gave Moore the opportunity to write the Superman stories denied to him after his acrimonious break from DC. It’s a ton of fun as he channels his inner Silver Age, creating goofy, tongue-in-cheek setups.  He hooks an intergalactic conqueror up with a Clinton-presidency era Hillary Clinton (after besting Bill in single combat). A massive litter of super-puppies wreak havoc on the city after Radar discovers sex for the first time.  

Moore writes some noteworthy hilarious lines, and also tosses in a throwaway response that’s either funny or hilarious.  I still can’t tell.

Issue 5 tilted too far into Silver Age minutiae that bored me.  That one’s getting cut.

Regret buying: No (Yes for 5)

Would buy again: Yes (No for 5)

Would read again: Yes (No for 5)

Rating: Pretty good (Boring for 5)