After The Cape, Issue #1

Reviewed by Von Jared Omo
June 18, 2007

Author: Jim Valentino, Howard Wong Artist(s): Marco Rudy Publisher: Image Comics Website: Click Here Review Rating: Recommended

After the Cape, issue #1 introduces the life of Ethan, also known as Captain Gravity, who has the power to levitate and levitate others as well. Ethan tries to be a good father and husband while also trying to be a good superhero. However, Ethan gets kicked out of the superhero group he is a part of due to his alcoholism. In a desperate attempt to give his wife and children the life they deserve, Ethan decides to use his powers for crime as he robs banks with two other criminals. When Ethan robs a bank for the last time with his accomplices, he claims that he should get half of the stolen money instead of splitting it equally among the three of them, which creates conflict. After Ethan hurts one of the criminals, the two of them decide that Ethan is out of the group; Ethan walks away with half of the money they stole. Back at home, he tells his wife Ellie that she can quit her two jobs and lies to her by telling her that he recently received a promotion at the warehouse where he works. A phone call ruins the moment as a stranger tells Ethan that he and his accomplices require his power in order to commit a crime. He tells Ethan that if he refuses, his wife’s life may be at stake. It is later revealed that this stranger is the new leader of Ethan’s ex-accomplices. Just as Ethan believed his days of crime were over, he is forced to commit yet another crime.

The story of After the Cape introduces the main character not through his positive characteristics, but through his flaws. It is soon obvious that Ethan is not your everyday superhero. The story does not show Ethan, the hero, as a righteous person, but as a person who has made many mistakes in his lifetime and tries to make the wrong things in his life right again. Ethan is torn apart between the man he is and the man he wants to be. As for the visuals, it somewhat has a Sin City vibe to it, as it is drawn in black and white. The dialogue contains mature content which may only be suitable for adults.

The idea of focusing the story on a hero who has many flaws may be favorable to some and may be rejected by others. As the story progresses, the character development of Ethan may be somewhat entertaining to the readers based on their view of Ethan. Unfortunately, the illustrations could be better, as well as the dialogue. Although this is just the first issue, the comic has potential to become successful if they work on the visuals and decide where to take Ethan.