Mainstream American comics have often had numerous continuity snarls (X-Men), incomprehensible origins (Hawkman), retcons (One More Day), reboots (Flashpoint) and numerous other issues. Zack Dolan and Justin Piatt decided to do something about it and set out to create their own series that could hopefully sit on shelves alongside the comics that clearly influenced them. For this alone they should be commended. Far too often people just complain but refuse to do anything, but these guys saw a problem, resolved to try to fix it, and produced their own comic, Super!

However, good intentions do not necessarily make a good product. The comic needs to be able to stand on its own. And honestly? It’s pretty good. Really good, in fact. The art is crisp, the colouring nice, the dialogue (mostly) great (more on this in a second). It’s got an interesting cast of characters, from the overly-enthusiastic Max Archer to the Kamen Rider stand-in Fire Ant, all with their own faults and foibles, and all with fantastic designs. The main character, Blitz is particularly amazing. The setting is fun, littered with all sorts of background action that’ll bring a smile to your face. This comic understands superheroes at a fundamental level. You’ve got the one doing it for fun, for their legacy, for justice, the lone wolf, the Superman, all of these and more are introduced in smart and fun ways.

But there are some minor problems. The placement of word bubbles can get quite confusing, some speeches ramble on and on (this is remedied towards the mid-way point of the issue). These are all minor concerns that will be no doubt be remedied with time. For a first issue, and apparently Dolan and Piatt’s first comic, mistakes are to be expected, and worse mistakes are made by veterans.

I look forward to reading more of this. If you’re a fan of superheroes, you’ll be a fan of this. If you’re not a fan of superheroes, let this try to change your mind.

Justin Piatt is from “Unlikely Heroes Studios” a new comic publisher from Atlantic City NJ. His first issue of his comic monthly series “Super” hits stores and Comixology TODAY. That issue is 52 full color pages and will retail for 2.99 (after that, a monthly issue is planned for a few months and eventually will settle into every other month releases).

“Super! is an original superhero comic set in a universe where Supers are commonplace. It proudly goes against the dark, serious tone that’s over saturated the comic market throughout the past few years. Instead, it offers readers a fresh, fun experience, lampooning other comics while delivering a quality story of its own.” Justin Piatt, “Unlikely Heroes Studios”

Donal O’Connor