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MIDLIFE (OR HOW TO HERO AT FIFTY) #1 by Brian Buccellato, Stefano Simeone, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou via IMAGE COMICS
It seems as the word “Superhero” has been around since the dawn of time.
Thinking back to when heroes debuted in the late 1930’s/early 1940’s with characters like the Phantom, Namor the Sub-Mariner and Superman being associated with the term. Yet, over the years, those heroes seem like they have never aged a day. To be “forever young” is a quality all its’ own.
It is something readers have grown with thinking their heroes will never “grow up” and age like normal everyday people. However, there is a brand new series that proves a hero isn’t defined by their age but by the actions they take.
MIDLIFE (OR HOW TO HERO AT FIFTY) #1 by Brian Buccellato, Stefano Simeone and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou presents the story of RUBEN KWAN, a 50-year old firefighter that finds out that his life only just beginning at this age. Knowing the track record from these creators (Buccellato – The Flash, NO/ONE, and the upcoming Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong; Simeone – Radiant Black and The Last Days Of Black Hammer to name a few from both), this story was going to be something special and one review wasn’t going to be enough.
That’s why for this review, it’s a N.I. Bullpen group discussion with Matt from Hops Geek News, Marty Stoked, and yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/NI Comics EIC) breaking down this debut chapter:
WHAT DID EVERYONE THINK OF THE STORY AND WRITING?
***POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Ken: Buccellato brings a fresh take to the idea of superheroes. From the opening pages, Ruben is shown as someone lost in his thoughts. This ranges from the legacy his father left and him filling the shadows to where he is now both professionally and personally at the half century mark. The conversations he has with the various supporting characters keeps the story very grounded and relatable.
Readers can instantly relate to “normal” frustrations over work and relationships. The dialogue will throw some readers into thinking this isn’t a superhero book. That’s a great skill with Buccellato’s writing because when the “origin” moment hits, it will leave no doubt about how life begins again for the man fighting a midlife crisis.
Marty: In new books I’m always looking for something original that I haven’t come across before and this book has it! For those of us, like myself, who are on the older side of comic readers it’s great to get a book that really speaks to that generation. The interactions and dialogue between the main characters is very authentic and similar to how my friends and I interact with each other. This was one of the drivers that fully immersed me into the story right from the start!
Matt: the story starts out with a fiery passion of dreams of heroism and Brian really grips at your heart strings throughout. It’s a relatable story about a middle aged man stuck in the mud to which by the end you’ll be screaming with joy.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE DEAD LUCKY!
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE ART, COLORING AND LETTERING!
Ken: Simeone and Otsmane-Elhaou bring to life the many phases of Ruben’s life. The opening pages show the 1997 feel with him coping with the legacy. The present time showcases how adult life has molded the man he is today. The interactions of a routine day are an easy hit with readers. Simeone hits the marks displaying Ruben’s feelings of self-doubt and failure.
This is given a great counter punch heading into the final act. With Otsmane-Elhaou’s letters haunting the scenes, the build towards the final page is spectacular. Speaking of the final page, it’s a final page panel that sets the course for life starting again.
Marty: Stefano Simone’s art style really pushes the tone and emotion which is a critical driver to this whole story. The way that he draws the facial expressions helps provide that extra level of feeling that helps readers understand what these characters are going through.
The slight color palette change that happened throughout the phases of the book was a nice way to help readers understand the flow of events, making the story easy to follow. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s letters provide that extra punch at just the right times to give readers that “oh crap moment”!
Matt: The art: the art had a very warm and expressive feel to it which brings you into this almost somber story of triumph. You could feel the emotions in each page which draws the reader in even further with every page
MORE FROM BRIAN BUCCELLATO!
WHATS THE OVERALL GRADE ON MIDLIFE (OR HOW TO HERO AT FIFTY) #1
Ken: 9 out of 10 easy! The complexity of Father Time and what he deals is the driving point to Ruben Kwan’s daily life. Buccellato, Simeone and Otsmane-Elhaou mix in the familiarity of everyday life with the possibility of starting life over again. One of the best stories I’ve read this year. Don’t miss this on New Comic Book Day.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN
Marty: 9 out of 10 This book has everything I want in the first issue! Interesting concept, great story, amazing art, colors and letters, easily to follow and highly relatable! This creative team has an absolute gem on their hands and I can’t wait to see where this story goes! A must pull!
Want More Reviews From martystoked? Click HERE
Matt: This comic is a must read especially for those dads who feel stuck in the translations of life. It checks all the boxes for a great comic with the story and art. Readers seriously need to check this out. 4.5/5 cigars