Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Burn: Part 4
Written by: Karl Kesel
Penciled by: Skottie Young
Inked by: Joe Seung & Pierre Andre-Dery
Colored by: Studio F
Lettered by: Cory Petit
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Marvel recently announced that the entire first wave of Tsunami titles would continue with a second arc, following the wrap up of the initial storyline. I hate to so frequently mention sales in my reviews, but my tastes often see a lot of cellar dwelling books. While HUMAN TORCH doesn’t have abysmal sales, the book isn’t lighting up the sales charts either. While it’s encouraging to see the book get a second arc, the fact that it’s only two issues, worries me.
Of the first wave of Tsunami books, HUMAN TORCH seems to be the least talked about one. NAMOR received very strong words, albeit many were not kind. Of course all press is good press, right? RUNAWAYS and SENTINEL had tremendous critical acclaim, and VENOM has been scorching hot on the sales charts. HUMAN TORCH though has unfairly been left out of the loop for the most part.
So far Karl Kesel’s storyline has been a lot of fun, it should be appealing to both the teen audience, which Marvel’s really shooting for with the Tsunami line, as well as a guy like me that’s slightly longer in the tooth. While there’s plenty of humor, it never reaches the slapstick or madcap stage. The look and feel is very close to the early days of DC’s IMPULSE series, but a little more adult.
Karl Kesel made the latest issue fun and educational too. It was interesting to learn something about firefighting gear and tactics. It may sound like I’m describing a kiddie book to you, but that’s not the case. Johnny Storm is trying to get to the bottom of some freakish occurrences at and around a New York City firehouse. He’s joined by his former high school “friendâ€, Mike Snow, who’s now a firefighter. He’s investigating the recent apparent spontaneous combustion of Mike’s co-worker, as well as a strangely acting burst of flame that literally chased a scumbag down the street. Johnny decides to work with Mike’s crew, to get to know them with the hope of being around the next time trouble “flairsâ€.
After three issues we’re finally shown a villain by the name of Firefox. She’s dressed in a skintight black outfit and can literally displace fire. Firefox talks like one of the long-winded classic super villains of days gone by. She’s kind of cool, but really generic. I don’t think Mr. Kesel has shown his full hand, knowing him he’s still got an ace up his sleeve. I don’t want to give much away, but Johnny’s apparent take down of the new baddie seemed too easy. I think someone else is pulling the strings here! With two more issues left in the arc, I’m pretty sure a couple of surprises are still waiting to unravel.
How many times can I say I like Skottie Young’s art? Cartoony caricatures with big cheesy grins are the norm here, but I really love it. Skottie’s pencils bear similarities to the work of Mike Wieringo and Humberto Ramos. It’s always hard with this style to do grim and gritty, but who cares, comics are supposed to be fun and the tone of HUMAN TORCH really fits Skottie’s hand. DC should steal Skottie away from Marvel, and hook him up with Mark Waid, who was recently fired from the papa FF book. Just thinking out loud but the pair together on a new SHAZAM (the real Captain Marvel) comic would really work for me.
I wasn’t sure how good HUMAN TORCH would be when it launched, but I really like where Karl Kesel’s going. If you’re looking for a good time, call… Sorry I was shamefully self-promoting again. Seriously, give this book a chance if you’re looking for some light, but fun reading.
