The Life and Times of Savior 28 #1 Review

The Life and Times of Savior 28 #1


A Kind of Eulogy


Written by: J.M. DeMatteis
Art by: Mike Cavallaro
Colors by: Andrew Covalt
Letters by: Neil Uyetake


J.M DeMatteis has been writing comics before I was even born. Given this, he certainly knows something about how to write them, honor them and deconstruct them. He manages all three things quite well in this first issue of his new six-issue miniseries.

The idea for the book originated in 1983 just after DeMatteis had killed off the Red Skull during his run on Captain America. He wanted to reinvent Cap as a “global peace activist,” a concept which then Marvel Editor in Chief Jim Shooter immediately shot down. Now decades later the idea has be reshaped with an original character and universe free of the trappings of an already established world that may have restricted the story had it featured Captain America.

The book opens with a fight, typical of any superhero book, something Matteis quickly points out. It’s clear from the start that he does not like or condone mindless fighting in comic books. A welcome relief as these fights usually hide whatever ideas, philosophies or central themes the creators might be interested in exploring.

The central character is Savior 28 a hero to America for the past sixty years, who gained his powers through a mysterious stone inserted into his body. Although by the time the story starts, he’s already dead. Everything is told by his old side-kick reflecting on who 28 was and why the world went from loving him to hating him.

This translates into a great story about a man first and a hero second. He’s a much more fallible character than you’d expect. He’s an alcoholic, a womanizer, a liar and a hero. He did everything wrong his whole life and when he finally does the right thing he’s crucified for it.

I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad that it’s only six issues as it has a lot of potential to deconstruct the genre. I wouldn’t go so far as to say “Watchmen,” and doubt it will ever reach that status. Regardless of its eventual importance it’s a great book that’s both refreshing and original.

The art is almost as strong as the words. Cavallaro and Covalt create a visual world defined by bright colors and iconic visuals. 28 is a mixture of characters like Superman and Captain America. His arch nemesis, 13, has distinct resemblance to Bizarro, an appropriate nod once you learn who he is. One of my favorite images features an alien, Uncle Sam and guy wearing a fez. A fun piece of art that acknowledges the over-the-top style featured in most of today’s books.

This is a denser read than most books today, but if you’re willing to invest your money and time into it, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
A-