The Web #1

This was a fun little issue. The Web isn't going to revolutionize the way we think about super-hero comics, but it is a solid book. The Web is a likeable hero with a decent supporting cast forming around him. Based on the one-shot and this first issue, it seems that John Raymond's family will be ongoing players in the book. I love the approach of having them be a mix of money-grubbers and kinder folks. We've seen the rich playboy heroes like John before, but I'm not sure we've seen their extended families. Angela Robinson sets up a nice love interest right away too, it seems John's former flame had rebounded to his now-dead brother. So I'm sure as they work through the investigation of David Raymond's life, the two will be drawn back together.

There isn't as much media grand-standing in this issue as there was in the one-shot, but that's ok, since the Web is more driven to seek revenge for his brother. I do hope those more vain tendencies do crop up again, that's what made the one-shot so interesting.

Roger Robinson is a fantastic artist. His dark pencils actually make that weird yellow and green suit look awesome. The action scenes are laid out very nicely and while the villains are generic now, I'm sure when given the chance any "name" villains will look great. Good stuff.

The Hangman backup was enjoyable too. John Rozum wisely continues using flashbacks to Civil War times to show the roots of the character, but quickly flashes to the present where Hangman is trying to scare some scumbags straight. I like that the Hangman isn't necessarily a killer, since he spends this whole issue just warning people to turn away from their evil ways.

As a whole, this Red Circle book is a strong package.

Good