Review: CATALYST PRIME ASTONISHER #10

Astonisher is a centerpiece in the Catalyst Prime universe of superhero comics published by Lion Forge. It might also be one of the most complex superhero stories in comics today. Like other heroes in the Catalyst Prime neighborhood Astonisher“s powers derive from cosmic events that infuse ordinary human beings with extraordinary and sometimes extraterrestrial powers. “The Event”“ in question here is the catalyst for this world of Lion Forge“s most popular heroes and although Astonisher #10 is one of the more “heady”“ entries in this universe it is well worth the read ”“ just to see how well Priest plays in this particularly intricate superhero sandbox.

Astonisher #10 is written by Priest (formerly known as Christopher Priest), and he has mastered the intricacies of Astonisher“s god-like powers to traverse the astral plane, create altered states, enter the mind of any human being, and bend reality to his will. The story“s title ”“ “Soul Engine”“ ”“ refers to the innovative technology that allows Astonisher to manage his power and allows him to more skillfully deploy it in ways that suit him. He is not so much a superhero in the traditional sense. He doesn“t fight villains or address more mundane criminal activity.

He himself claims to be “above the moral imperative of good versus evil.”“ He has created a world within our world ”“ Copernaece ”“ named after Immanual Kant“s “Copernican Revolution.”“ While this allusion is sophisticated it is a seamless fit within the narrative of this series and this issue in particular. Kant borrows from Copernicus ”“ a philosophical astronomer ”“ in order to address the complex interface between the human mind and reality ”“ arguing that our perceptions of reality matter as much as the objective material reality itself. That Kant draws a philosophical analogy from astronomy makes Priest“s crafty allusion all the more resonant with Astonisher“s extraordinary powers and the role that outer space plays in the Catalyst Prime universe over all. This is heady stuff indeed.

There is more philosophical and existential substance to be considered in “Soul Engine,”“ but the comic works without taking time out of your reading experience to visit Google every other panel. Al Barrionuevo“s pencils are powerful and they are well enhanced by Matt Banning and Roberto Poggi“s inks, as well as Jamie Grant“s vivid coloring. The result is a book that is more than the sum of its parts ”“ when it needs to be. It can also just be a fun read about a guy with unbelievable powers who ultimately has to question the application of his will on the society he claims to be serving. Answers to these questions and the meaning of life itself are more than likely forthcoming in what might be the most intelligent superhero comic in circulation these days. 4/5.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Christopher Priest (A) Al Barrionuevo (CA) Jamie Grant, Jim Calafiore