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Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast stopping by way of the Nerd Initiative!
For this entry, we’re taking a look at a brand new series from Image Comics that reunites a fan favorite creative team on a new superhero story that is sure to have fans talking. Torrent #1 features the team behind Resurrection: MARC GUGGENHEIM (Arrow) and JUSTIN GREENWOOD (Future State: Gotham), along with RICO RENZI and KEITH WOOD to showcase what happens when a hero crosses a line they can’t go back from. There is much to break down from this debut, so let’s jump right in, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
This issue kicks off with Michelle Metcalf aka CRACKERJACK bloodied and bruised moving thru a hallway with multiple firearms strapped to her jacket. Metcalf is narrating of a simpler time before opening fire onto her enemies.
The book shifts to what appears to be a more heroic time for Crackerjack as she’s fending off a a daylight bank heist from some powered supervillains. Metcalf does have an “ally” in her fight as Slipstream makes his way into the battle. Slipstream thinks he’s the young speedster sidekick to Crackerjack but the feeling isn’t mutual. During their banter, one of the villains fires a laser blast at the pair injuring Slipstream’s leg. After disposing of the villains, Crackerjack gets Slipstream back to her hideout to attend to his wound.
After spraying it with some “proprietary technology” Crackerjack gives the orders to Slipstream NOT to do any crime-fighting for 48hrs to let the leg heal. Slipstream agrees and the pair splits up. Crackerjack returns to her family as Michelle to have dinner with her husband and young son.
However, Slipstream has doubts about his instructions to take it easy and heal. One bad decision later causes a domino effect to happen that no one can predict. What choice does Slipstream make? What are the ramifications of his actions? How does Michelle’s life turn from optimism to anger? Readers don’t wait long to see how fast her life unravels to leave a new mission in its’ wake. This is no ordinary superhero tale.
Guggenheim showcases how close of a line heroes walk before crossing over into a new persona. The beginnings of the book give a bold statement of how fast this can happen. Metcalf’s hero life starts out as a very light-hearten one that reflects traditional super hero themes. Ever the optimist, Metcalf does what she can to help Slipstream become a hero, whether she can tolerate him or not. Their dynamic is engaging to watch as he clearly is too stubborn in his youth to find his faults. This element of his character comes back in a big way to set forth Metcalf’s journey into being a vigilante. The story moves very quick but nothing is lost in its’ set-up. The final panel proves slowing down won’t be an option here (nor should it).
Greenwood and Renzi do an excellent job with the layout for this comic. When Metcalf is in her vigilante phases, the tone and feel is dark and brooding. When she was more heroic, the panels had a more energetic feel with brighter tones to help solidify that point. The initial set-up with her family brought out the emotional side of her character and made the events of the final act more impactful when they all unfolded. It paired up well with the fallout of Slipstream’s choices. There is much to enjoy from this book.
FINAL POINT: Torrent #1 gives readers an inside glimpse of how one bad choice can spiral a great hero into uncharted territory. Guggenheim, Greenwood and the team introduce the world of Michele Metcalf to the masses with an excellent story and sensational art. You definitely want to have this book on your radar for New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know what you thought of Torrent #1. Thanks for reading! Thanks to the team at the Nerd Initiative for allowing the post & thank YOU for reading!
