It has been a couple of months since I have made a return to this land filled with superheroes and lawmen. And in that absence, I discovered that I missed it, alot. It has been one of those surprise hits for me that make reading comics so awesome. You know the kind of comic that breaks into some new territory and thoroughly entertains. Protectors Inc does just that. Written to absolute perfection by J Michael Straczynski and equally drawn to perfection by Gordon Purcell, this little bit of superhero story mixed in with some classic detective noir is just the ticket for readers who are looking for a change of pace from other comic offerings. Protectors Inc follows the investigation of Detective John Riley's as he works to unravel the mysterious death of The Huntsman, a man who previously was considered invisible. Add some other mysterious deaths and some questions regarding what it means to be a superhero and you get a suspenseful page turner that flows like the best mystery novels and comics all wrapped up into one neat little package.
For Issue #7, we get a breakthrough... and a bombshell regarding the supers as Riley investigates The Huntsman's dirigible home with the assistance of The Angel. It would appear that someone else is definitely interested in something of The Huntsman's, which narrows the suspects considerably as no one but the supers knew of this aerial abode. The breakthrough has something to do regarding the supers' powers and how they work that really needs to be read to enjoy. Just that alone would have made for a good issue. But this story doesn't stop there. Once back on the ground, Riley goes to check in on a strange murder of an associate, and he sees something that may change everything with the investigation. Put all these together and you have another classic run by Straczynski. The guy simply has a knack for this kind of thing and Protectors Inc offers a very nice showcase to a true writing talent.
Straczynski's pacing works well with Purcell's introspective art. The characters on the outside are all slick and glitzy. But when you look deeper in the eyes, that's where you see the element of the art. The eyes of everyone show vulnerability. It is an excellent effect that works to make this little detective tale one that keeps you guessing trying to to distinguish who are friends and who are foes.
As for now, it is still anyone's guess for who is responsible. But I know one thing for sure. J Michael Straczynski and Gordon Purcell are responsible for blowing up this little wonderful comic big time. They are bringing it and bringing it hard. And I know that I can't wait to see how all of this will play out.
Score: 4/5
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Artist: Gordon Purcell Publisher: Image/Joe’s Comics Price $2.99 Release Date: 7/2/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital