THE RESISTANCE

RELEASED OUT NOW! Publisher AWA Studios/Upshot

Writer J Michael Straczynski

Artist Mike Deodato Jr

Set in a world decimated by a deadly plague which kills millions before suddenly burning itself out (sound familiar?), the title of J Michael Straczynski’s new series partly derives from the superpowers that survivors develop as part of their newfound resistance to the bug.

It initially takes a panoramic viewpoint, with a combination of reportage and political meetings used in the extra-long first issue to chart the devastating progress of the virus across the globe and its aftermath, and barely a hint of anything fantastical until the final few pages. However, by the third issue we’ve plunged headlong into the colourful world of costumed crimefighters, as an aspiring hero visits the wryly named Swan Kirby Powers Placement Agency, and in one hilarious moment chooses a corny codename by combining words from two noticeboards.

The Resistance is intended to launch a new shared universe that other AWA titles will delve into, and Straczynski also sows the seeds for a spin-off series, Moths. But he has created such a vast canvas that it’s hard to engage with any particular character. Three issues into its opening six-part run, it feels like the plot hasn’t really got going yet. Still, Mike Deodato Jr turns in some of his most detailed, dynamic art to date, and it sets the scene for some hopefully intriguing stories to come. Stephen Jewell