Comic Book Review - The Ambassadors #1

Rob Reviews The Ambassadors #1…

With both The Magic Circle 4, and Nemesis Reloaded already on comic book shelves, comic book maestro Mark Millar is back with yet another series. This time Millar heads back into superhero territory as he drags us on a tour de force across an opening issue that starts strong, and doesn’t let go of its tempo.

So, strap yourself in as I take a somewhat spoiler free look at The Ambassadors.

Much like Millar’s previous works, The Ambassadors takes it’s superhero setting into a totally unexpected direction. Straight from its opening page, you’re never quite sure of were you’ll end up. Yet come it’s conclusion, the fragile status quo of this new universe has been forever changed.

In setting up this new universe, we’re given quite a bit of exposition as to how the world is in its current state. During the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union attempted to create their own super powered being. While Uncle Sam managed to win this “war” by faking their superhuman, it turns out that South Korean doctor, Choon-he has actually achieved this impossible task. During quite a memorable world-wide broadcast Choon-he not only reveals these superpowers, she also expresses an interest in giving them to others too. In an effort to unite mankind she asks for special individuals from each county to be granted these gifts. Not only would they then act as ambassadors for their country, they would also form a team to protect humanity from any threat.

Unlike Millar’s other work, The Ambassadors has quite a slow and methodical opening. While it’s distinctively Millarworld by design, it’s not as full-on as say Nemesis or Magic Circle. This slight change of approach does mean that we’re able to properly fall into this world, and shows just how much Millar is a master of his craft. Across the issue were given great insight into Choon-he’s reasoning, while slowly teasing future situations. It’s all presented in a way that also doesn’t necessarily paint Dr Choon as a benevolent “good guy”, and come the issues end the line of good and bad get a heck more blurry. What also makes the writing of this issue interesting is that it very much parodies the opening to Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. This inspiration is more prevalent as the genome structure unlocked by Choon-he is wanted by everyone - much like Wonka’s chocolate recipes - and that she wants to share it with some special individuals.

Artwork comes from long time collaborator Frank Quietly, who’s previously worked with Mark Millar on Jupiters Legacy, and The Authority. As such it comes as no surprise that we’re on for a visual treat - and what a treat it is! Quietly’s distinct art style blends with the script in a perfect way that allows the loud and quiet moments to hit the reader. The opening scene with the inverted truck is a great example of this. While it captures the characters powers, it’s close-up presentation offers zero context as to what’s happening until it’s revealed on the next page.

Each page also oozes with atmosphere that gives great representation to their respective locals. The dusty Mexican town featured in the opening does wonders in giving off an isolated feeling, that in turn helps sell the situation it finds itself in. Likewise, Choon-he’s presentation has a very distinctive use of red colour that ensures both the audience - and the readers - attention are completely on her. With a very strong opening for art work, I’m very interested in seeing what Quietly produces in upcoming issues.

As comic book openings go, The Ambassadors is the perfect example of an opening done right. Mark Millar does a grand job in introducing us to the journey, while keeping the final destination a guarded secret. Already we’re seeing that things are not quite as they seem, and come the issues finale, the already fragile world peace is even more cracked. Throw in page after page of stunning artwork by Frank Quietly, and The Ambassadors is already shaping up to be that one comic everyone should read in 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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

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