Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Warren Ellis
Illustrated by: Lee Bermejo
Colored by: David Baron
Lettered by: Michael Heisler
Editor: Scott Dunbier
Publisher: Wildstorm – DC Comics
GLOBAL FREQUENCY is based on the concept of a highly specialized collection of 1001 experts, in varying fields, which can be called on at a moments notice to defuse tense situations. So far there are no continuing characters, except for the head of Global Frequency, Miranda Zero, and her operator Aleph, who calls in the members for any given mission. It’s never been more complicated than calling in the proper team, and letting them go to work. While there have been some tight situations, in the end the team has usually done quite well. Until now!
Warren Ellis finally threw a big monkey wrench into the works. Takashi Sato is a master infiltrator, who’s extremely upset about his last mission on the Global Frequency. When Aleph makes the call, he patently refuses. I was glad to see something a little different with this issue. While I loved the first 8 issues, a little variety is of course the spice of life. The situation at an experimental medical facility just outside of Osaka, Japan is dire and Takashi is the only one close. Aleph’s guilt trip on Takashi gets him to play ball, but does she get him firmly on the Global team?
GLOBAL FREQUENCY has been an action packed series from the get go. A variety of hostage situations have been the norm for the various groups that have been seen thus far. This story though doesn’t just deviate with its one-man team that doesn’t want to be there. The book quickly degrades into a b-grade horror tale. What Takashi walks into is disgusting, and very original. It feels a little like the RESIDENT EVIL franchise, but not zombies. Ellis is stunningly successful with the creep out factor and just what’s happened in this facility will curdle your stomach.
Lee Bermejo does a fantastic job with the art duties. GLOBAL FREQUENCY has been the perfect book to showcase a brilliant array of artistic talents. The single mission in an issue concept allows for varying visions throughout the course of the series. Let me say, that Mr. Bermejo’s art captures this disturbing tale of horror flawlessly. The effect of Warren Ellis’ story would largely have been lost, if the proper artist wasn’t chosen to embellish. I can’t remember a series that used a new artist each issue, as ideally as it’s been done here. The cover by Brian Wood features a black background and single door with an eerie red light passing through, and is an amazing precursor to the story within.
GLOBAL FREQUENCY is now ¾ of the way done. Warren Ellis hasn’t disappointed me yet, and looking forward to solicitations for the final issues I don’t see it happening. Much like this one, the last few issues appear to be heading in a slightly different direction than those that came before. I’m really excited to finish off the series, and when it does end I hope we’ll get a sequel in the not to distant future.
