Writing by Jeff Lemire; Art by Dean Ormston; Coloring by Dave Stewart; Cover art by Jeff Lemire
Black Hammer #1 follows superheros thought to be dead after their heroic battle to save Spiral City. Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, Madame Dragonfly, and Barbalien all were once well-known heroes, but now they are just a memory. They supposedly lost their lives protecting their city and the citizens that reside there, but now someone at the newspaper, The Global Planet, believes these supposedly fallen heroes are still alive. Will she prove her theory as fact? If she is successful, what does that mean for our heroes?
Black Hammer #1 will entice readers, but that may have something to do with its familiar story structure. To clarify, Black Hammer’s initial concept of ‘retired’ superheroes is similar to that of Watchmen or even the Disney film, The Incredibles; however, this time their retirement does not seem to be the result of public disapproval or outcry. Instead, one of the characters makes it sound as if it was a decision they all grudgingly agreed upon as a group.
The familiar concept prompts certain questions for readers: why did these heroes feel obligated to disappear from the public eye? What negative repercussions were these heroes trying to avoid? What would happen if their existence was discovered now?
Unfortunately for this group, these questions will most likely be answered in the coming issues. That Global Planet reporter is determined to find them, and I cannot help but wonder if it is to find closure because of a personal loss. Only time will tell. In the meantime, this comic easily draws readers in with its initially vague set up. By painting the background slowly, the issue piques readers’ interest while allowing the characters to show off their personalities. They can subtly explain their current woes in a natural, conversational fashion as well.
There is a seriousness to the work, but it is counterbalanced by the humorous and rather unique circumstances woven within certain character storylines. For instance, one the main characters, Golden Gail provides some snarky, humorous comments throughout the piece. Gail’s blunt and outspoken ways are contrasted by her current physical appearance. For some yet-to-be explained reason, the once monstrous Golden Gail is now a nine year old girl with the mouth of a sailor and a strong smoking habit; let us just say that the aggressive mannerisms and innocent facade make Gail’s actions comical to watch.
Visually, the work is well done too. The art is gritty, eye-catching, and at times terrifying. Take the sheriff of the small farming town. The visual portrayal Ormston and Stewart give readers perfectly captures the malice and jealousy this character has already displayed. In fact, all of the character have displayed ample emotion and personality within their expressions. It truly livens up the characters. Overall, I am looking forward to seeing more of the Black Hammer series. The story is definitely there and the art is stellar.