Review: Solar: Man of the Atom #2

Last boring issue Dr. Phil Seleski, a superhero/scientist who uses the power of the known universe to fight crime, went critical.   He exploded in front of his daughter Erica (a twin).  By exploded, I mean he went boom and not got angry and punched the wall. This issue gets down to a well-told and entertaining story mode.  Erica exhibits signs of trauma.  Although she’s not radioactive, the young woman suffers hallucinations and fainting spells.

Meanwhile in space, an alien vessel dispatches a probe down to the unsuspecting Earth below.  I think you can see where this is going.  Also, some men in radiation suits investigate the explosion site for loose change or something that will mean something later.

Solar02-Cov-Doe copy 2All the while Erica sees fleeting visions of her father.  Think of the scene in the Watchmen movie where Jon Osterman gets himself back together after being exposed to radiation that tore him apart.

After landing in a hospital after swooning while painting, Erica befriends a girl who doesn’t much like swearing.  BOOM.  The probe monster breaks through the wall and attacks Erica.  She fights back with some of the Solar power (I have been waiting to write that this entire review) and beats down the monster.

I like the turn the story took from the second issue.  Erica coming to grips with the Solar power makes for a much more interesting turn with a hero trying to figure out a cosmic power (like DC’s Firestorm from the 80s).  I want to see this develop where she accidently drops some formula while in a bad mood or suffering from cramps and level stuff with indignant determination.

The female with the cosmic power can be a great plot device.  With so many possibilities there, this could turn out to be a great story.  Issue two presented a unique perspective, and I only wonder if it will continue on this path.  Let’s hope it doesn’t devolve back into the cliché feel captured in issue 1.


Score: 4/5

Writer: Frank J. Barbiere Artist: Joe Bennett Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 5/21/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital