Tweet
Released by: Image Comics
Released on: March 26, 2014
Det. Riley is investigating the recent and only recorded death of a member of Protectors, Inc., a group of super-powered humans who have no super-villain counterparts, super-rich and beautiful people without a whole lot to do..
Riley manages - with Angel's help - to meet with the Protectors, albeit briefly, in a Chicago baseball stadium. There's Mr. America, The Pulse, Lady Justice, The Black Mask, and then The Shrike and The Predator, all in attendance. But they're a silent bunch as Riley questions how even one of them - who all seem to be indestructible - could be killed, much less accusing any of them. They aren't much help and only provide Riley with more hints than anything else before leaving - all except The Black Mask, who remains behind to offer up a theory about The Patriot, the first one to show super powers, the one who was never a member of their group, the one no one has seen in over 50 years. He hints that Riley should track down the Huntsman's secret home by getting into Angel's good graces so Riley's a bit confused/overwhelmed but at least he has a plan of action.
Meanwhile, the coroner calls Lt. Ruiz who's investigating the mysterious bodies that have been found in the area around flashes of light. The coroner doesn't have much useful for him yet as he awaits more test results to return. As he's alone, late at night at his office, the coroner finally begins to put some pieces together - just as the power goes out in the building and he's face to face with a mysterious super-powered killer…
This is a neat take on the genre, not as brooding or heavy as The Watchmen but featuring the same type of reality and circumstances from that series. J. Michael Straczynski's story moves along lightly but at a good clip; likewise, the artwork from Gordon Purcell is big and brassy, all befitting a story about superheroes and the real stories/lives behind them.
