When I was 11, I was given a copy of the first Doc Savage novel, and have been a fan ever since. Sure, there was period when I thought the stories silly and beneath my oh-so-sophisticated tastes, but then I genuinely matured. I learned to accept them on their level, and have been entertained for most of my life.

So when I see an over-muscled man with a widow’s peak, aided by what appears to be an animal/man hybrid and a dapper gentleman wielding a walking stick, I can’t help but draw a parallel. But have Dixon and Nolan turned their creation into some sort of modern-day Man of Bronze, but without the moral compass? Well, that’s my assessment, but your mileage may vary.

In this issue of the ongoing saga, Bane seems intent on expanding his underworld holdings, even if it means horning in on enterprises under the control of Kobra. Kobra is a world-wide criminal empire on par with the League of Assassins for its overall creepiness. But that doesn’t seem to bother Bane. Going after its leader – a spoiled playboy who knows exactly how much authority he wields – is easy pickings to Bane.

I’ve enjoyed the two issues I’ve read so far, and it makes me wish I hadn’t missed the previous chapters. Perhaps when the trade paperback is released, I’ll take a look. It’s not my usual cup of orange pekoe, but then I’ve found so many mainstream comics unsatisfying these days, I’ve begun to think I need to choose the road less traveled.

Rating: 9/10