Reviewer: James Hatton
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Gabriel Benson
Art & Cover by: Jeff Amano
Created by: Jeff Amano
Publisher: Beckett Comics
I at first was unaware that this was a five issue mini, and that makes me sad. Why? Because it took until issue #3 for our character to find his placement in the world. We’ve watched the accident that turned him into the see-through hero Fade. We’ve seen him recognize that his wife supports him in all he does. We’ve seen him learn what not to do..
Now, what happens when she’s in trouble?
Story!
I will admit right off the bat that I missed something that is probably vital to the story. It seems Fade has lost his hand – due to some mishap with a dog. I’m not exactly sure what this portends at first, but it seems kind of important. Anyway, that’s not the bulk of the story.
Somewhere along the way of John becoming Fade, he made the mistake of leaving some important detail at a crime scene. Important enough that now his girlfriend is in trouble – picked up by kidknappers who will without a doubt go and cause her no end of harm in the name of evil, John goes after them.
The rest is standard fare action from beginning to end. Not to say that it’s bad – it’s not. The action sequence is quite well done, especially using Fade’s powers to the fullest extent – but when it comes down to it, it’s an action sequence. A car chase, which generally doesn’t do so well in comics, but Amano & Benson do it well.
With one issue left, there is the moment at the end that is going to define this entire book. Grace is on the brink of death – what will Fade do? Without knowing it, Beckett from the title to the end has led you to this moment. The last issue will encompass their message, and given how well written this book has been up until now – I’m sure that there is indeed a message.
Art!
The cover needs mention, as it is probably the most distinctive, distracting, and intriguing covers on the comic shelves this past week. Flat blue with Fade’s logo on front. The end. It’s merit is how glaringly obvious it is – it’s flaw is that you have no idea what the title of the book is. For some, I’m sure this made it a grab, for others, I’m sure it was ignored. Either way, go Beckett for trying something different.
Internally, the Jeff Amano art is distinctive, but for as much as it has become the staple of this book, it still throws you off. It’s so non-standard from comics. Beckett is one of the few publishers that takes up your shelf space that truly has that distinctive ‘Indy’ feel.
Overall!
If you’ve been on since the beginning, you’ve been waiting for this issue – when the bond between Fade & Grace is put under fire. You knew it was coming – how could it not? So what happens when a superhero has to balance out his personal life with his superhero life? Ask Peter Parker. What happens when the only thing in the world that matters to this man is his wife? Ask Fade.
