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Battle Hymn #1
Book Released: 23 February 2005
Review posted: 01 March 2005
Writer: B. Clay Moore
Artist: Jeremy Haun
Ink: Ande Parks
Colors: Dave Bryant
Publisher: Image Comics
3.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by John L. Daniels Jr.
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Over the past few years there has been a resurgence of titles that try to recapture the aura of the golden age of comics. Image Comics has published two titles in this vein. The first was Freedom Force, and the second is Battle Hymn. This title introduces the reader to a new and different (but very familiar) group of characters that are brought together to help defend the shores of the allies during World War II.
The story by B. Clay Moore is very well written, but it has all the nuances and familiarity of World War II team origins. I was expecting something a little different and more imaginative. The characters that were introduced were: Quinn Rey (an amphibian man), Nuclear Man (a robot made from nuclear energy), Zip (a speedster), Proud American (the name speaks for it self), and to round out the group, Mid-Nite Hour.
With the introduction of the team, I was reminded of The Invaders by Marvel in the ‘80's drawn by Frank Robbins (the original Invaders title was introduced in 1944). The original team was Captain America, The Human Torch, and The Sub-Mariner. The characters from Battle Hymn seem a close comparison, but they are presented in a different way.
The team derives from different backgrounds across the country and the world.
The strength of this title is the different personalities that Moore has presented to the reader. The main storyline concerns the government trying to get information on the mysterious Quinn Rey, and to assemble other members, no matter what the cost.
The artwork by Jeremy Haun and inking by Ande Parks was quite good, giving a realistic look. The backgrounds in the panels were minimal. The colors by Dave Bryant were monotone, and dark.
I'm curious to see how far this title will develop with the characters and how it can avoid becoming a repeat of earlier, similar titles. But if you like golden age comics, as I do, give this title a try. I give this comic book a 3.0 rating. It's a nice read, but I would like to have experienced a more original presentation of a new team.
—CCdC—
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