REVIEW: Damage #12

Damage, the titular character in this book by DC Comics, can best be described as an amalgam of Hour-Man, The All American Boy and The Hulk.  Similar to the Hulk in that he is viewed as an out of control monster, he is hunted by the government and the world’s heroes.  While the government wants to regain control of their asset, the heroes of the world seek to contain him and his immense ability to do damage when in the throes of his powers.  Like The All American Boy; Damage, Ethan Avery, was recruited into a government program and granted powers in a military experiment.  These powers manifest for one hour each day drawing the inevitable comparisons to Hour-Man of  Justice Society of America fame.

The issue opens on young Avery watching Superman fighting Kalibak on television.  This scene takes place some time in the past and it is apparent that Ethan Avery has aspirations to be a hero in the mold of his idol, Superman.  Flash forward to the present and Avery, in his altered form as Damage, is in combat with Superman and the rest of the Justice League.  Unable to control himself when he transforms; he is confronted by Superman, Flash, Vixen, Green Lantern and Green Arrow.  Superman is keen to avoid injuring Damage, having been convinced by Wonder Woman there is a man inside the raging beast.  However, after going toe to toe with Superman for the better part of twenty minutes it appears that one or the other may be seriously hurt.  It is then that Batman arrives on the scene and he delivers Deadman.  Possessing Damage, Deadman manages to calm the beast until he transforms back into Ethan Avery.  Deadman, having been in Avery’s head, explains the situation to the Justice League.  Although they are sympathetic, the league recognizes the potential danger that Damage represents and resolve to keep him in their custody until they can solve the problem

I enjoyed this book immensely.  Damage contains elements of many recognizable figures from the comics but combines them into something new.  The added element of the Justice League and many iconic DC figures makes this book an even better read.  The story is fairly straightforward but the concept is inventive and I hope that they continue Damage’s story going forward.  I want to know more.  The artwork is classic and executed well, the inking and color executed professionally.  All in all this is a very attractive book with a good story.  I don’t know that any of the parts are ‘excellent’ but as a whole they come together to form a very good book, one I would definitely read again.

Writing – 4 of 5 Stars
Art – 4 of 5 Stars

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Storytellers – Aaron Lopresti, Robert Venditti
Inker – Matt Ryan
Colors – Hi-Fi
Letters – Tom Napolitano