Sidekick #7 Review

Does the series continue to soar? Or should we prepare for a crash-landing? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

Flyboy has learned the truth: his former partner and mentor The Red Cowl faked his death…a discovery that has shattered Barry Chase all the way down to his soul. Allied now with Julia Moonglow, he seeks revenge on the man who he revered and deserted him. But before he can pursue vengeance, he has to get past a new hero in town, sent to reel him in for his recent dangerous behavior. How far will Flyboy go to get past this obstacle…and will he ever be the same afterward?

It’s refreshing to see that the creative people over at Joe’s Comics have attacked the dysfunctional pseudo real world superhero through the perspective of a sidekick. And by that strategy they’ve crafted a diabolical transition that’s taken our former lackey to a whole new level as he embraces his inner darkness.

J. Michael Straczynski continues to pen his creation and he does so by demonstrating the current level of his literary skill. It would be easy to say that what The Red Cowl has done tore Flyboy to pieces, but through the knowledge of his idol’s actions our protagonist underwent another metamorphosis. He’s become a being consumed with one purpose: justice. And he will see his former friend brought to bare for his crimes.

The illustrations offer up line work that’s chock-full of depth, as Tom Mandrake once again uses his pencils to give visual spice to the written word. Each page is lavished with intricacies that hold to the modern age while embracing the long history of comics. Add in the colors by Hifi and the entire display feels like a solid foundation for all the dark layers just bubbling to the surface.

Sidekick #7 is a quality release that certainly deserves a spot on your pull-list. The creative team crafts a continuing yarn that’s simply full of substance with just enough shock value to keep even the most discerning fanboy or fangirl hooked for more. Highly recommended.