Glory

[E.J.]

Story by: Joe KeatingeArt By: Ross CampbellVariant Cover by:Rob Liefeld

Price: $2.99 Diamond ID: DEC110469 On Sale: February 15, 2012 Series: Glory

Synopsis:
ONCE AND FUTURE,” Part One
EXTREME’S ORIGINAL WARRIOR GODDESS RETURNS!
After missing for almost a decade, Glory’s whereabouts are uncovered by a lone reporter, but the globe-spanning conspiracy keeping her hidden from humanity could make her return more dangerous than anyone everanticipated! This first issue of an brand-new saga written by Eisner & Harvey-award winner JOE KEATINGE and illustrated by Wet Moon and Shadoweyes creator ROSS CAMPBELL sets up Glory’s future by expanding on her past in a way promising to shock long-time fans and excite all-new readers.

REVIEW: Once & Future (Part 1): The way it was.

This issue is full of surprises and even though it had been previewed heavily since the September before its release, I think that the biggest surprise was her proportions! WOW! She’s quite nearly a Wreck Shop Girl if I’ve ever seen one! And to see that in this era of comics being featured in a solo title is just plain AWESOME!
The issue opens to a discussion with Glory and her mother at respectful odds about Glory’s place in the Universe which then floats straight into a credits page that looks like something out of a movie. This is a great scene establishing Glory’s, tough as nails, character who commands her own destiny no matter what anyone says as she states “I’m READY for ANYTHING.”.
The very next page is Glory crushing a tank with a destructive swing! Brilliant! This is done to establish Glory’s presence during World War II. This is something that Rob did a bunch with his characters in the 90’s to give them some of that Golden Age appeal, ans I dig it! As she addresses a General of a U.S. Allied Platoon that she’s not on the side of the Allied forces stating “I’m not fighting with you for the sake of your Country. I’m here to do what I feel’s right.”, is bold and strong letting go of any notion that there any patriotic motivation to her heroics.
Then we meet Riley, in the modern era, who’s holding a Shadoweyes doll in the very second panel of her comic book existence! How Effin’ sweet is that!?! As we learn all about Riley and her dreanscape conneciton to Glory, we also learn that Glory has been missing and thought dead for years. Riley decides to find out what has happened to Glory and reveal it to the world.
Still in the World War II era, Glory meets Supreme on a captured beachfront where Supreme informs Glory of his distrust of her and she lets him have it in a  further demonstration of the strength of her character! She states “If anything you’ve AMUSED me. Finding anything to laugh about is rare during wartime.” WOW! Loved that!
The issue concludes with the introduction of another supporting cast member, Gloria West, who had shared a similar dreamlike experience with Glory at a different time from Riley though I get the sense that Gloria’s experience was more of a waking one than a Dream. Glory’s whereabouts are revealed and it isn’t good.

THE GOOD:

Ross Campbell’s Art! WOW what a stellar talent! His way of presenting Glory’s physical presence here is nothing short of impressive! I love the combination of her sweet face with that imposing body which makes for an endearing yet kick ass aesthetic that I think is very hard to pull off and Ross does it with style! I really admire that all of the characters look different and that they all don’t share the same face, Riley & Gloria are well defined by their physical differences as well as their personalities. This is something that I admire in a comic book illustrator and, again, Ross does it beautiful.
Joe Keatinge’s characterization of Glory is that of both a physically strong and emotionally tough woman with a presence that you can admire and support. I love the kind of character that is strong and interesting and I think that Joe has set up multiple levels of intrigue and wonder that will keep me coming back to the title to see what happens next!
This isn’t your ’90s Glory cheesecake at all, and not that the original series wasn’t balls to the wall but this is hardcore right down to the bulging biceps

THE BAD:

Nothing. From cover to cover this story is well plotted out with clear and concise characterizations that get deep enough into each character without overwhelming the story or taking the title away from the main character and the art and colors are complementary to that.

THE VERDICT: Perfect 10

Love it! Extreme is putting together some Pure Awesome here and I can’t wait for the next issue to see how things are developing. I have to admit that I’m a little biased about the character’s physical appeal. Proportions like these are not seen in mainstream comics and I applaud Liefeld, Keatinge, and Campbell for taking the chance and going hardcore in an industry that favors a more socially acceptable image of the female form!

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