front page  ·  comicbook reviews  ·  interviews  ·  comics  ·  merchandise  ·  contact us  ·  newsfeed: rss xml

Beowulf #1 "Gods and Monsters" Book Released: 20 April 2005 Review posted: 22 April 2005 Writer: Brian Augustyn Artist: Dub Letters: Dave Lanphear Colors: Pierre Andre Dery Publisher: Speakeasy Comics  3.00 out of 5 Stars Reviewed by J. W. De Bolt Jr.

If you're going to create a hero, you'll probably use an archetype, whether you know it or not. So, why not skip the middlemen and draw from the first superhero story in the English language? In the original Beowulf, the warrior chief was the strongest man around. He volunteered to help King Hrothgar rid the land of Grendel, who preyed

If you're going to create a hero, you'll probably use an archetype, whether you know it or not.

on Hrothgar's people at night. Being a hero, Beowulf decided to fight Grendel in hand-to-hand combat.

As it turns out, the mighty Beowulf did not actually perish in the seventh century but has lived on until today. The issue opens up with an exciting recounting of a World War I veteran's experience and how he witnessed a mysterious super-strong man who helped out his squadron when the Germans attacked them. He has spotted this man over the years. His grandchildren don't believe him.

However, now that he has been introduced, we see that Beowulf now helps out the police department as an expert on “freaks.” These are people who somehow develop super powers, and there seems to be a vastly increasing incidence of people gaining such powers. These freaks are not looked upon as heroes by the public and often end up getting themselves killed a la the Frankenstein monster — just trying to do good, but misunderstood.

The issue is well written, with a good dose of incidental humor to ease the drama of the story line.

Beowulf, wisely, hides his abilities and keeps a low profile, but still seems to want to do what is right. His task in this premiere issue is to deal with Carl Hanson, who wants to use his newfound powers as “Powerhouse.” After stopping a jewel heist, Hanson is trapped in a GummyToys Store, surrounded by policeman itching to shoot. Beowulf attempts to pacify the situation but is hampered by a man who says he's from Homeland Security. This antagonist seems to be a thorn in Beowulf's side.

The issue is well written, with a good dose of incidental humor to ease the drama of the story line. The overall serious tone, though, seems all the darker in contrast. The artwork is washed with a blue tone for the beginning flashback scene; this intensifies the action in the dark and rainy trenches of France. The contemporary part of the tale switches to a yellow wash for daytime and preponderantly maroon at night. Not always fully rendered, the background tends to be atmospheric.

Although unremarkable, except for the use of Beowulf as a character, the tale is entertaining and does leave one wanting to know more about the main character and about a world where unwanted superheroes keep popping up.