Stealth #2 Review
Writer: Mike Costa
Artist: Nate Bellegarde
Colours: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Stealth has such a unique concept to it. The idea of a superhero growing old and developing some form of mental illness, presumably dementia or some variation of it, is a fantastic concept and a great way to look at a tough subject through a different lense. The first issue had Stealth confused and attacking the police in broad daylight and, perhaps more horrifyingly, attacking his son Tony. This second issue deals with the consequences and greater ramifications that this has, both for Stealth, and Tony’s relationship with his dad Daniel.
It doesn’t skirt around the violence that Daniel perpetrated at the end of the first issue. Tony was beaten black and blue and looks worse for wear in this issue. Mike Costa does a fantastic job of dealing head on with subject matters which can be a bit taboo like mental health issues, and domestic violence. It’s bleak reading at times but fantastically written and stands apart from other comics, especially superhero comics.
Now that the basic plot and subject matters of Stealth have been established Costa also takes a bit of time to tell us the origin of the suit, and fill us in a little on Stealth’s backstory. While nothing overly original it’s entertaining, and more about helping the reader understand Stealth than progressing the story any further. And just in case you thought this series didn’t have enough on its plate Costa also introduces us to the supervillain of the tale as well. A lot is going on in this issue but it’s handled deftly and doesn’t feel like it’s being crammed in.
Nate Bellegarde does a great job with the art. He’s just as comfortable drawing Stealth’s superhero antics as he is showing us the state of Tony after his beating at the end of the last issue. All of the side characters that he draws, who may only appear for a panel or two, are quite distinctive and look like real people. And the emotions he draws on Daniel's face when he sees the destruction he’s caused is so heartfelt.
Then there are Tamra Bonvillain’s colours. There are some panels that make brilliant use of silhouettes and shadows to bring Stealth’s action scenes to life, which tell us a lot about the kind of superhero he is. Then there are scenes with characters sitting in the dark, blazing fires, all of which are brought to life by her vibrant colours.
Stealth is a unique concept that doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matters. In a genre already saturated with superheroes, Stealth manages to find it’s own niche to fill and if the quality continues this is sure to be a recurring character for Image. Brilliant artwork helps bring the more emotional aspects of the story to life. An exciting read which is highly recommended.
Artist: Nate Bellegarde
Colours: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Stealth has such a unique concept to it. The idea of a superhero growing old and developing some form of mental illness, presumably dementia or some variation of it, is a fantastic concept and a great way to look at a tough subject through a different lense. The first issue had Stealth confused and attacking the police in broad daylight and, perhaps more horrifyingly, attacking his son Tony. This second issue deals with the consequences and greater ramifications that this has, both for Stealth, and Tony’s relationship with his dad Daniel.
It doesn’t skirt around the violence that Daniel perpetrated at the end of the first issue. Tony was beaten black and blue and looks worse for wear in this issue. Mike Costa does a fantastic job of dealing head on with subject matters which can be a bit taboo like mental health issues, and domestic violence. It’s bleak reading at times but fantastically written and stands apart from other comics, especially superhero comics.
Now that the basic plot and subject matters of Stealth have been established Costa also takes a bit of time to tell us the origin of the suit, and fill us in a little on Stealth’s backstory. While nothing overly original it’s entertaining, and more about helping the reader understand Stealth than progressing the story any further. And just in case you thought this series didn’t have enough on its plate Costa also introduces us to the supervillain of the tale as well. A lot is going on in this issue but it’s handled deftly and doesn’t feel like it’s being crammed in.
Nate Bellegarde does a great job with the art. He’s just as comfortable drawing Stealth’s superhero antics as he is showing us the state of Tony after his beating at the end of the last issue. All of the side characters that he draws, who may only appear for a panel or two, are quite distinctive and look like real people. And the emotions he draws on Daniel's face when he sees the destruction he’s caused is so heartfelt.
Then there are Tamra Bonvillain’s colours. There are some panels that make brilliant use of silhouettes and shadows to bring Stealth’s action scenes to life, which tell us a lot about the kind of superhero he is. Then there are scenes with characters sitting in the dark, blazing fires, all of which are brought to life by her vibrant colours.
Stealth is a unique concept that doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matters. In a genre already saturated with superheroes, Stealth manages to find it’s own niche to fill and if the quality continues this is sure to be a recurring character for Image. Brilliant artwork helps bring the more emotional aspects of the story to life. An exciting read which is highly recommended.
A Look Inside
