With the successful re-launch of beloved American super hero Captain Midnight in 2013 and earlier this year, Dark Horse comics decided to expand its universe and as a result, “Skyman” is back.
In spite of being relatively unknown to moist readers, the first volume of the series, “The Right Stuff,” features a full-throttle pace and some cool fights.
Like Captain Midnight, whose origins can be traced back to 1938, Skyman was first introduced in “Big Shot Comics†#1 in 1940. He was later reintroduced in the new “Captain Midnight†series.
Dark Horse comics gives a fresh take on the Skyman character in “The Right Stuff,” one that shares few similiarities with the original character. We see the original Skyman replaced with a strong and brave African-American character. The series tackles issues of racism and loyalty.
The new series, written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, tells of a new Skyman the U.S. government recruited to replace the old disgraced Skyman. The story begins with the old Skyman sitting drunk in a bar and harassing patrons. He soon attacks a African-American bartender and screams racial slurs. After this event is caught on tape and is broadcast to the world, the US government steps in to create a new Skyman. We are then introduced to the Skyman project which has a group of men who are trained to become the next Skyman. None of the men are chosen because they are all white and General Abernathy believes the only way the world would accept a new Skyman is if he was African-American.
General Abernathy has his men kidnap Eric Reid, an Air Force Captain, who lost his crew and ability to walk when his plane went down in Afghanistan. Reid is then made to be the new Skyman and uses the power of the Skyman belt and helmet to take back to the sky. Reid is a strong and brave character. When faced with moral issues, he chooses to what is right. These qualities were the reason he was chosen in the first place as the new Skyman, but the government did not anticipate him joining Captain Midnight.
The first trade sets up the story well. What the government is really up to is not known the Reid and he slowly learns they can not be trusted. Reid’s back story makes him a likable hero who is brave and wants to prove himself after his unfortunate accident. Reid does seem naive however and is very trusting despite being kidnapped and forced to become Skyman.
The final fight scene is action-packed as well and features solid art. Reid’s abilities and quick thinking are shown as well as his ability to fight along side Captain Midnight.
Overall, with plenty of conflict and an engaging main character, he first issue was exciting and Dark Horse comics seems to have another winner on it’s hands. “Skyman†has much potential and can be a great companion comic for the “Captain Midnight†series.
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