WRITER: NOEL CLARKE

ARTIST: JOSHUA CASSARA

PUBLISHER: TITAN COMICS

RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 9

Imagine Alphas meets The Ultimates meets Heroes (season 1) and somewhere in there you get The Troop. A very well executed comic book that combines action, intrigue and suspense. And really does leave the reader wanting more.

I was a bit skeptical of a comic written by an actor going into it, let me just say I was wrong to have doubts. Noel Clarke is not only a talented actor (Doctor Who, Star Trek: Into Darkness) but a brilliant writer as well. And yes he has written the screenplays for both Kidulthood and Adulthood, but most writers will tell you writing for comics is a different beast. I feel Mr. Clarke must have been a fan of the medium before writing this story, because every beat is masterfully done.

The story is about a group of super powered individuals on the run from a shadowy government organization. Every character on the team has a tragic back story which is used to introduce each of them into the story. It’s these dark back stories that is the emotional core of the story. These characters are all brought together by a mysterious father figure whose intentions may not be as noble as they seem.

One of the things I find fascinating about this first issue is we don’t even learn everyone’s name. Yet you don’t feel as if anything is missing. Mr. Clarke doesn’t waste a lot of time revealing every little detail about the characters as he introduces them, but what you need to know about the characters for what is going on in the story at this point you know. Which only leaves you intrigued and wanting more fascinating and it only by the end of the first issue.

The book also has underling tone of mysticism. There is a religious element that is hinted to with in the story from both the teams benefactor and the people hunting the team. The speak of a prophecy that is about to come true. As a person that was raised Catholic find these kinds of twists and it only servers to draw more into the story. Again no major details are give, just a taste to entice you.

If I had on criticism for this book it would be about the nudity. Yes this is a dark and gritty story and is very violent and graphic at times. But a little past the 1/2 way point in the book one of the main female characters is shown fully naked and not in a scene that moves the story forward. In my opinion in 2015 it feels outdated and out of place. Almost in a dirty trick way to make the book more mature. To that I saw Mr. Clarke the writing is so strong you don’t need to add this, trust in your story.

All in all this is a very strong first issue and definitely worth the read. If Mr Clarke delivers on the promise of this first issue in the series this is one to keep your eyes on.

I give the Troop #1 8 out of 10 capes