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Heroes for Hire #1
Book Released: 23 August 2006
Posted 01 September 2006
Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Artist: William Tucci
Publisher: Marvel Comics
5.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Adam White
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I have a history of being a Heroes for Hire fan, enjoying the original Luke Cage stuff through even the not-so-hot
1990s era. I loved the recent Daughters of the Dragon miniseries by Palmiotti & Gray (these guys can seemingly do no
wrong) and was thrilled with the prospect of them continuing those adventures in an ongoing series; the bottom line is that
these guys deliver once again.
Palmiotti and Gray have become the best, most diverse writing team in comics; every new project of theirs has style,
class, and delivers entertainment thoroughout. Heroes for Hire continues that trend, picking up a while after
where DotD left off, with the team now sanctioned by the government despite their (wise) reservations about the
Registration Act. Palmiotti and Gray have gathered a team of great characters and put them to good use — Misty and
Colleen are characterized as best as they have ever been, and the inclusion of every other member of the team from Orca to
Humbug is well thought out and fun to read. Humbug especially shines, transformed from Z-grade villain into a hero who
has found fun in his new vocation and has a power finally being used to its full extent. I just can’t say enough good
things about Palmiotti and Gray, so let’s just admit that they rock and move on.
I knew of William Tucci from back in the day when he introduced Shi; granted, as that came about during the height
of the “Bad Girl” craze, I cared little for the book and really just avoided that stuff like
the plague. Tucci seemed to fade out of existence after that, apparently directing a film and doing various things, but he
has come back with a vengeance on Heroes for Hire. The characters look dynamic, the costumes are great, and the
action is fast but easily followed. Being the nitpicker that I am, I have a few reservations on his version of Colleen, but
other than that I love what he is doing with the book. I can’t wait to see Tucci grow again as an artist as he gets
back into the swing of things and helps this series be a heavy hitter for Marvel.
Heroes for Hire is pretty much everything I hoped it would be, providing laughs, thrills, mystery, and martial
arts. The series is fun without being dumb and cheeky without being vapid, and every member of the creative team gets high
marks for a top-notch job. Regardless of what genres or series you like, definitely check out Heroes for Hire because
you’ll get a kick out of it no matter what.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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