So it is time to re-read this series for the third time! Mark is just a boy trying to be a superhero...but man is it complicated.

Mark Grayson finally gets his powers after waiting his whole life. His father is Omni-man, a very similar hero to Superman. So when Mark forms his own powers he wants to live up to his father's legacy. However, as we get into the series and watch as the Guardians of the Globe, the heroes of the world, get slaughtered in moments by a certain someone we know this series will take a darker turn quick.

It is really the last three issues that solidfied this series. The first 1-9 issues isn't bad at all. In fact it's solid if not a little typical. It is Kirkman both giving tribute to the older comics but also putting his own spin on it. The storylines themselves aren't the best but the dialogue is solid enough and Mark is extremely likeable. Some of the jokes are a bit outdated "This is SO Gay" line is especially cringe. However, this is 2002, and I won't sit here and lie and say no one was saying this back then. I know I was and growing up my best friend was gay.

But the real turning point is issue 11 followed by an explosive issue 12 with heartbreaking moments, and a slower but natural progression into the next phase with issue 13. What Kirkman does well is deliver a multi-layer story with so many well made storylines. From regular school days, work, becoming hero, working as a team, love story, and more.

While the beginning might be slow and turn a few people off the ending hook here for this ultimate collection helps boost the series a lot. The best part? It only gets BETTER from here on out. A 4 out of 5.



Old Review: From a 2 star comic at the start to a fucking 4. Amazing pick up, great twist (That don't feel forced) and wonderful character development.