About Heroes

Writer: Matt Fraction
Art: Barry Kitson

I first heard about this title at HeroesCon during a round-table/Marvel House of Ideas panel. In general it sounded interesting enough and hey Fraction was gonna write it with Kitson penciling WOO. Well last week the first issue of the Order hit shelves and to be honest....it was actually pretty good.

The Initiative banner at the top of this title's cover already had me guarded, just seeing that thing makes me wanna twitch a little. I believe after reading this first issue though, that Fraction and Kitson have actually churned out something of substance from the crap fest that was Civil War.

The story starts out interviewing the point man for California's "initiative" team. Henry Hellrung. Narration of sorts follows throughout the issue as it flows with another part of the story. Basically the blend of this narration with an ongoing battle between The Order and it's first super-villain. I don't wanna say too much more other then, the status quo for heroes is a bit stricter with Tony overseeing things and with Fraction at the helm, you better damn well be ready for some curve balls in story.

Matt Fraction (Casanova/Punisher: War Journal/The Immortal Iron-Fist) brings his unique style to this title and keeps the reader engaged. Fraction gives moments of brief darkness sans The Boys whilst still keeping it light and the pacing tight. Barry Kitson's penciling is a nice match for this story, looking like a fusion of sorts between his Empire style and Legion of Super-Heroes style.

Ok, so I have said what's good about this title, where's the bad right. Well the one thing that keeps this title from being better is summed up in one word...Humor. The book strays once or twice into this area but, not enough. I almost feel at times as though Fraction wants to make it a little lighter in mood, but decides against it, which I find unfortunate.

Overall, the writing and penciling is enough this first issue to get me interested... well that and the HUGE ASS ROBOT!! What? Big robots are cool people, come on, it's like a gorilla with a machine gun, a zombie ninja, it's just cool.

Seriously though, The Order isn't half bad, just ignore the "Initiative" banner at the top and you should be alright. B-