Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Warren Ellis
Penciled by: Chris Sprouse
Inked by: Karl Story
Colored by: David Baron
Lettered by: Michael Heisler
Editor: Scott Dunbier
Publisher: DC / Wildstorm
GLOBAL FREQUENCY is an elite force made up of 1,001 members, which has no affiliation with any government. Led by Miranda Zero, one of the only recurring characters, they are a problem-solving organization of highly specialized agents. Agents aren’t aware of who else is on the Global Frequency, and the operator Aleph calls him or her into duty only when their special talents are required.
Each issue is a standalone tale that introduces a crisis situation, which a new cadre of characters on the Global Frequency, are brought in to deal with. I wouldn’t recommend the book if you’re looking for a lot of character development or recurring players. The series is based on concept, rather than characters. I’m anxious to see just what new players Ellis will use, and how they solve the current situation.
Issue 8 concerns the capture of Miranda, and how the team must find her within an hour. Ellis keeps the action moving, following not only the team that is searching for their leader, but Miranda’s interrogation by her captor. The dialogue is superb, this is Warren Ellis after all, and the characters each speak in their own voice.
Much of the success of the book has been Ellis’ ability to make the reader get to know the new characters and root for them each issue. This issue the characters include a detective, hackers, a scientist, and the person that does the dirty work. The group’s teamwork is inspiring; no toes are stepped on as each person is allowed to complete the task that they’re best suited for.
The idea of rotating art teams works well for this book. Since there is very little character continuity from issue to issue, the new art style works well. The team of Sprouse and Story do a fine job in the world of GLOBAL FREQUENCY. Their art is successful in portraying the frenetic pace of the story, and they’re equally adept at the action as well as the slower paced moments.
GLOBAL FREQUENCY is one of those concepts that I expect will someday be optioned for television. The idea would make for as entertaining of a story on the boob tube as it does each month on the printed page. I hope to see Warren Ellis continue the series after the current twelve-issue mini-series has ended.
