Grounded #2

You’ll remember I really liked the first issue of GROUNDED and this second issue is a strong follow-up - in fact it was one of the few comics I bought last month that got better with the second read. It was one of maybe three that even deserved a second read.

The premise with GROUNDED is fairly simple: Jonathan Shepherd is the son of the world’s greatest superhero but he has no powers of his own. Once his dad’s secret identity is exposed he’s shipped off to “The High” a high school for budding superheroes. Yes, it sounds like Sky High, and no, it’s nothing like that. The first issue gave us Jonathan’s backstory and culminated with his dad taking him to The High. The second begins to explore The High and its rather unique students and staff.

On first pass I read issue two as a series of vignettes designed to set the stage for Jonathan’s experiences at The High but not really addressing any particular storyline – rather than forwarding a specific plot the book seemed to be headed more towards situational material. Thankfully I read it twice. Part of the fun of a series like this is seeing how the author explores the established archetypes and the standard superhero mythos, and Mark Sable does that with gusto, but the greater plot is afoot as Sable deftly stirs in a few hints that GROUNDED is going to be more than another capes and cowls deconstruction. No spoliers here, but I respect the fact that GROUNDED doesn't hit us over the head with large, blunt plot devices - even though that would have been perfectly in tune with the superhero storytelling 1A.   

Paul Azaceta’s art continues to serve the story well – particularly in how he draws kids actually looking like kids not short, skinny 30-year-olds. Giving the flashback sequences the faded comic book look is a nice touch (among many) and, silly as it may seem, I like the way certain character's word balloons are decorated; it’s largely fallen out of vogue but this book shows how it can be used as a reinforcing character trait.

I’m going to let GROUNDED get a few more issues under its belt before I review it again but Sable’s on the right track and I think this is quickly becoming a must read for anyone with a taste for the superhero genre.

Comments

[Zilla]

i keep wanting to grab this but haven't gotten around to it yet... i think i'll try and pick up 1 and 2 today... thanks boss.

[Zilla]

kurt i did end up picking up grounded 1 and 2 and really enjoyed them both. the premise isn't really "new" but there is enough of a twist on it that it's entertaining... i'm def going to latch onto this for a time (is it a mini or an ongoing?). #3 should be interesting me thinks...

[Kurt]

Just took a peak on Mark Sable's GROUNDED forum and this is apparently a six issue mini. If it sells well and there's time there could be future mini's to follow.