Review: CATALYST PRIME SUMMIT #14

Brax

6 years ago

No superhero“s journey would be complete without some series of events leading to the hero“s loss of their powers. This is, of course, always a temporary thing. But SUMMIT #14 finds Val finally figuring out how to re-trigger her superpower. She has the ability to emit plasma fusion from her hands ”“ at will. This happens to be a pretty super superpower. Moreover, writer, Amy Chu, takes advantage of every opportunity to connect the scientific dots of the thrilling series about a once human astronaut who has become an otherworldly super being.

“Final Countdown,”“ the final entry in Summit“s “Truth or Consequences”“ story arc opens with Val revisiting the Fermi Paradox. Named after Italian physicist, Enrico Fermi, his namesake paradox asks how it is possible that we are alone in the universe. In fact, it is unlikely that we are alone. It might just be that extraterrestrial life is just too far away from us. Or, they might just be too far advanced to bother with us at all — at least for now.

The Fermi Paradox is an interesting theme for the series. Summit, stars Val Resnick-Baker as the main protagonist, but this story arc brings together a compelling cadre of characters to uncover or discover a complex conspiracy. This conspiracy may ”“ or may not ”“ involve collusion between secret government agencies and aliens from another world. The answers to the paradox and Chu“s fantastic story lead us into the mind of a crazy ex-Marine named Tom.

It“s difficult to explain what Chu accomplishes through the character of Tom without spoiling the story of Summit #14 or the entire arc itself. Tom is both an archetype and stereotype. He“s a disgruntled former member of a super-secret strike team of which he is the sole survivor. But it“s his internet rants that begin to unravel the mysteries behind the “Truth or Consequences”“ storylines. They may even unpack some secrets beneath the surface of the entire Catalyst Prime superhero universe.

For all of his conservative comic relief, Tom still never overshadows Val/Summit and Val“s relationships to Dani and Fiona ”“ her young charge who they are searching for in this issue. It“s these relationships that retain the core energy of this fantastic book. Noble ”“ the kinetic energy “superman”“ of the Catalyst Prime universe ”“ guest stars in this issue as well. It“s an amazing lineup of characters exceptionally well written by Amy Chu with some stunning visuals provided by Marika Cresta. No disrespect to Noble, but Summit might actually be the flagship solo hero title of the Catalyst Prime/Lion Forge lineup. 4.5/5!

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(W) Amy Chu (A) Marika Cresta (CA) Jess Taylor