Comic Review: Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 (Top Cow Productions) by Adam P.

Interesting Superheroes Knock the Snot Out of Each Other Well, Top Cow is nothing if not confident; boldly proclaiming that the five-issue Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer limited series will be “Summer’s Hottest Event Series!” Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 is written by comic book living legend Mark Waid, and drawn with flair and finesse by Kenneth Rocafort. The issue starts off with a two-page cleavage-riddled infomercial of sorts for a cell phone of the future. At any rate, it sets the tone for the rest of this technology-laden story. Next up we see the interrogation of a bona fide obese superhero. It is utterly validating to see a tremendously overweight super-guy. In fact I think we need more of 'em. I betcha that in reality, many who ended up with superpowers, wouldn't even bother working out, and would end up like this guy. The interrogation produces a two-page origin story of Mark Waid's co-creation, the Hunter-Killers. The summary of their creation is the pinnacle of the issue, and resounds as strongly as other tales that have sought to redefine the genesis of super-powered beings. In this case, a man named Morningstar created a race of super-beings, dubbed the “Ultra-sapiens”, by tattooing regular folk with a special substance called technoderm, which granted them awesome powers. The interrogation sequence ends with a typical Waidian twist, but not before some clever foreshadowing. Morningstar has now dispatched a reassembled team of ultra-sapiens to track down the rest of their brethren, who dispersed about a generation ago. We catch up with them about to launch a surprise attack into Cyberforce's underground seaside base. What ensues is an eight-page fight sequence that can be rendered less confusing by constant reference to the teams squaring off on the front cover. Each member is gradually introduced, and gets a chance to showcase their super-powers. Rocafort renders the human body beautifully, and adds lots of neat accessories which actually look believable. He's not afraid to break panel borders, and the colouring by Sunny Gho adapts extremely well when the superpowers are manifested. Overall, it's a very satisfying read and should appeal to those who hunger to see superheroes with a little twist. Waid's writing is top notch, as usual, and Top Cow, once again, does not disappoint with the artwork. The book is also a good jumping off point for those unfamiliar with this universe. 8/10 Adam P. Review Co-Editor