From legendary comics writer Larry Hama and the late great artist M.D. “Doc” Bright comes a superhero comic that feels like a timeless artifact of the medium with The Center Holds #1. Published by BOOM! Studios, this opening issue offers all of the inter-personal and societal politics that made comics of the late Bronze-Age era so memorable, but with a seasoned incisiveness that has been honed by its creators over decades of work. With a script that is as witty as it is sharp and some truly phenomenal visual work, The Center Holds is the most fun I’ve had with a superhero comic book in recent memory.
“A new superhero universe is born! In a world where superheroes have become commonplace, heroes are required to join a union or else face serious financial liability for the damage caused during battles. Enter the Superheroes’ Union: A team-up of genius Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the mysterious Keeper, and child prodigy Nekkotron, among others, as they battle villains and bureaucracy alike. And though the delicate balance of mitigating damage while saving lives is already tough enough, they’ve got their own worries with a constant stream of villains rising up to challenge them.”
Writing & Plot
Larry Hama’s script in The Center Holds #1 opens up with the comic’s big question: why do heroes do what they do? This book tests this question through the obstacles that the main superhero team – dubbed the Superheroes’ Union – faces in the late-stage capitalism era this comic takes place is. In what feels like equal parts Astro City and Robocop, Hama’s version of reality in Center Holds has the heroes teaming up not just due to their shared profession, but to protect themselves from financial issues. Hama maintains a light-hearted cynicism throughout the comic, never pulling away from the absurdity that these heroes both endure and are also partially responsible for. The cast of heroes is wildly diverse both in their powers and in their personal issues, bringing to mind comics like Justice League International and Busiek’s run on The Avengers, but with a distinct sharpness that makes this comic stand on its own as a modern relic. A huge part of what makes this issue work so well is Hama’s dialogue and narration. His descriptions and the questions he poses in the overhead narration boxes provide the perfect amount of exposition and context for not just the characters, but to reinforce the themes of the comic. Hama’s style of dialogue is a stellar blend of the melodrama we expect from superhero stories of the Bronze Age and a sort of modern satirical edge. There’s always some deeper layer to each character, and there’s always a new twist or complicated dimension to this ultra-capitalist world that has been crafted in The Center Holds. Hama is still in excellent form with his writing in this debut issue.
Art Direction
For those who may be unaware, this comic is the final work of the late great M.D. “Doc” Bright. I’m happy to be able to say that The Center Holds #1 stands tall with the rest of his legacy. His brand of detailed linework, hero and world design, and use of flat colors all make this a fantastic looking comic that comes off with a timeless visual aesthetic. Bright’s obvious Kirby influence comes out with many of his costume designs, especially with out main character Scyber. The members of the Superheroes’ Union all have designs clearly inspired by other mainstream characters, but the way Bright adds detail and color makes them fit into this new universe in a way that feels like a tasteful pastiche. Every surface in this comic shines with a futuristic neon-chrome sheen, from the glinting skyscrapers to the armor of the heroes. Bright’s sequential direction carries each moment in the comic along at a careful pace, letting each scene pass with a deliberate amount of focus based on what is happening in the panels. The action scenes hit with a sense of classic superhero comic weight, and the more character-focused moments flow more slowly to let words and expressions leave an impression with the reader. The comic’s opening pages are a little rough – due also in part to the script introducing us to a new world and a solid yet pretty by the numbers action sequence – but the further into the comic we go, the stronger the written and visual storytelling becomes. Again, this is largely due to how much attention the characters get and how Bright renders these complex scenes. Bright’s color art is another show of timeless technique, with the entire issue using that familiar flat yet vivid palette used in the comics of yesteryear. Every page pops with a refined style that also sets the tone for this thoughtful and commentative superhero book. The lettering is yet another classic technique, using the thin hand drawn font found in older comic books. Every visual element in The Center Holds is fantastic, pulling readers into this book that feels brand new yet somehow 40 years old at the same time.
Verdict
The Center Holds #1 is a stellar opening to this insightful and exciting new superhero series. While Larry Hama’s script takes a moment to get going, the overall thematic sense of weight and the focus on his characters makes every moment after the first few pages stand out. The visuals from the late legend Doc Bright are a phenomenal time capsule of comics artistry, using a style and technique that comes right out of the bronze age of superhero comics – and still holds up wonderfully with today’s books. Be sure to grab this debut issue when it hits shelves on February 11th!
