DC Comics
Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape # 1 (of 6)
By Koppy McFad
May 16, 2009 - 22:21

DC Comics
Writer(s): Ivan Brandon
Penciller(s): Marcos Rudy
Inker(s): Mick Gray
Colourist(s): The Hories
Letterer(s): Sal Cipriano
Cover Artist(s): Scott Hampton
$2.99 US 32 pages



escape.jpg

Nemesis, DC Comics' master spy and master of disguise, awakes in a mysterious facility where he, Amanda Waller, Rick Flag and various other intelligence figures, are being held by a mysterious group.

It is a bit like "the Prisoner" TV show but instead of an island, they seem to be trapped in a windowless building where they are attended to by female androids and kept in line with illusions. The identity of the villains or their ultimate agenda, remains a mystery but it all appears tied into Jack Kirby's old O.M.A.C. comic, particularly the creepier parts.

Too much of the mystery goes unrevealed as the story is told entirely from Nemesis' viewpoint-- which means we see a lot of mysterious images that seem to make little sense as the character runs through blank-walled corridors. One thing that is clear is that Nemesis is trapped in a place where there is seemingly no escape. How does he get out of this place? And where is this place anyway?

While the first issue is intriguing, DC Comics should have used a stronger "hook." Last I checked, characters like Nemesis and Cameron Chase weren't exactly big names so their presence in this miniseries isn't going to make too many people rush out and buy it. The creators of this series also fail to link the miniseries with DC Comics' genuine big names. In fact, there seems to be little link to the FINAL CRISIS itself so the situation in the book doesn't really feel that urgent.

The characters are well-depicted though, with the human side of these intelligence professionals being showcased very well. The art is also a nice touch. The depiction of the prison facility, with its focus on the antiseptic metal and plastic fixtures contrasts well with the ragged humans stuck inside. The psychedelic illusion sequences are also remarkably well done.

DC Comics has crafted a solid mystery in this comic. It just has to give us a reason to keep reading.

 


Rating: 6.5/10

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