Booksteve Reviews: Super Ego

I'm actually not sure what this is exactly. It's an advance copy of an upcoming book that appears to collect a 4 issue comic series...only I can find no mention of such a series anywhere.

So, taking the book simply on its own, like it. In a way, it's yet another WATCHMEN-like deconstructionist look at superheroes but there's more to it than that. The overall central plot has enough genuine twists and unexpected moments to maintain one's interest throughout, as well as an ending that can either lead into something or stand fairly strongly on its own.

As far as the creators--never heard of 'em. Once you get past Glenn Fabry's almost MAD-like cover image (him I've heard of) the work is credited to Caio Oliveira and Lucas Marangon, both of whom have credits when I look them up but they're new to me. I like their styles, though, with more than a hint of Eisnerian creativity in the layouts.

Cover aside, this is NOT a funny story, although there is some humor. It is not a grim and gritty story, although there is some gore and violence. Neither is it a dull reflection on the psychology of superheroing as seen in several books already.

What it IS, is a well-told story with a beginning, a middle and an end, populated with memorable, almost recognizable characters and a willingness to look at things a little differently than the reader might expect. To say more would give away too much.

If you are a superhero fan, particularly a longtime one like myself, you'll GET and appreciate SUPER EGO. And at $14.99, it's actually less than 4 $3.99 comics!
Booksteve recommends!