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After the Cape #1
Posted 19 Jun 2007
Writer: Jim Valentino (Writer/Plot), Howard Wong (Creator/Dialogue)
Artist: Marco Rudy
Publisher: Image Comics
5.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by John L. Daniels, Jr.
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After an extensive day of work, some of us do various things to
wind down from the hustle and bustle of the workday. Some people jog,
some walk, some read a publication. Others cook the evening meal and
relax with a nice comfortable bubble bath or shower.
Then there is that percentage of people that must have a libation,
a cocktail or two, maybe three or four, to unwind. They also may hang
out with a group of friends and go to a weekly or daily happy hour,
talk a little shop and go home. Many of the latter drink alcohol at
improper moments and maybe too frequently, and should stay home. The
problem of alcoholism surfaces in the common life of many individuals.
The situation makes it hard for them to accomplish their daily work or
responsibilities co-workers, families, and sometimes teammates.
This is the scenario of the main character in the Image Comics
Shadowline publication After the Cape. Captain Gravity (no
affiliation with the Penny-Farthing Press character) is a member of a
superhero team. He is having a war with his alcoholism. Yes, even
heroes have to resist the pressures of staying sober to defend the
world against villains. This story explores the hazards of a hero
falling from grace and his alternatives to reclaim his dignity. Jim
Valentino and Howard Wong, along with the artistry of Mark Rudy
present this powerful story.
After reading this first issue of a three-part run, I felt for this
character, with all his turmoil and deceptions he undertakes while
abusing alcohol. The story and dialogue were excellent and moving.
Maybe some of us have felt the backlash of abuse in some way. Maybe in
our lives we have experienced seeing some of our heroes fall.
Ethan’s secret identity is Captain Gravity. How will this hero
overcome the common obstacles of this disease? Read the Shadowline and
Image Comics production of After the Cape. This excellent new
miniseries should be the first of many great titles under Jim
Valentino’s Shadowline imprint.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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