With a few noticeable changes from the previous issue, Bionic Man #11 takes the series more slowly, offering personal development instead of high thrills action.

The official description from Dynamite:

After his epic battle with Hull, Steve Austin returns to his family’s farm to reconnect with his loved ones. How can he break the news of his bionic transformation to his family who believed him dead, especially when that information may cost him the life of his father? Also, just who or what is stalking Steve from the outskirts of the farm?

The big difference, noticeable to me, is the absence of Kevin Smiths name. Whilst the writing is certainly good, there is something that always feels missing. Smith made the last few issues feel like an all action movie; this feels like a forced attempt at a dull Smallville episode.

This issue, for instance, involves Steve Austin visiting home. His father is unwell, using a machine to support himself. In such a weak state, the contrast between him and the titular “Bionic Man” is more than obvious. This would perhaps be more intriguing a development if the relationship between machine and man wasn’t explored in the last issue. Granted, this issue takes it in a different approach, showing the vastly different quality of lives experienced by the two, but it suggests that this is going to be a theme constantly pushed in every issue.

Likewise, the issue itself offers a lot of personal development for Austin. It might not be the most exciting issue, as it focuses on family drama and issues, but its most likely a welcome break from the previous story arc. That said, it none the less feels like filler content. Besides two panels, showing the ominous “watcher” as obvious developments for the next plot arc, this issue simply allows readers to take a small break. This does, of course, give readers a chance to come aboard or get to grips with the series without Kevin Smith’s involvement, but it looks like the next issue might do that just as well, too.

Still, it can be forgiven for its faults, as all characters need a break between large action-extensive developments. It gives the title more realism, even if it does risk boring certain readers.

3.5/5