Comic Book Review - Heroes Reborn #1

Rob reviews Heroes Reborn #1...

Alternative realities isn't a new concept when it comes to comic books. The setting offers a way to tell a different story about an often well-established character. For instance, the recent Megatropolis story in the Judge Dredd Megazine has been a success due to it being done 'right'. The Marvel Universe is no stranger to an alt-reality tale either. From Captain America joining HYDRA, to the entire Ultimates Universe, Marvel has been there and done that. 

This time around it's different. Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness team up to bring us Heroes Reborn, an ambitious tale that takes us to a reality where the Avengers don't exist and a menagerie of new heroes and villains have taken their place. Aaron and McGuinness use this opening issue to establish their new status quo. Heroes Reborn is an entirely new take on the Marvel Universe. While this opening issue does a good job in establishing its new world and possible future threads, it doesn't do much to set up the present...

Blade is the central character in this 7-part miniseries. The 'Daywalker' has awoken on an Earth that he does not recognise, and is unfamiliar to his own. As Blade adjusts to this new reality we're given some great insight into its history. With the Avengers never forming it's over to the Squadron Supreme. The Hulk is currently trapped in the Negative Zone and Tony Stark continues to be his pre-Iron Man "Iron Monger" - and an alcoholic self. And for Dr Doom...well check out the image below! 

If anything, this first issue is highly entertaining and does just enough for you to want more. McGuinness has created a wonderful 'freak show' of heroes that ooze a grand sense of energy with some brilliant art to show it all off. While Aaron's script is still warming up we've still got some great sequences. Blade's speech is a real highlight and highlights the characters rich history. The 'incident' with a young, BMX riding Robbie Rayes is also particularly cringe-worthy - for Blade. Aaron has filled this opening with plenty of such instances, and as I said earlier - it's highly entertaining. 

Heroes Reborn is off to a somewhat great start. It's full of grand exposure to its new and bizarre cast of characters. There are some nods to the DCU too, with the Squadron Supreme being a mirror image of the Justice League. Blade is an interesting choice to guide us through this world and using the vampire not only highlights an often overlooked character but also allows us "old fans" to rediscover a favourite. 

Now, what Blade film was best? 

Rating 8/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev