Before I review the actual issue, we need to talk about two things; National Comics and Kid Eternity. National Comics used to be an anthology series back in the forties, and DC's current approach at reviving this old title is to do a series of One Shot stories to showcase some older or more obscure characters. This is the first in the series and it re-introduces the character Kid Eternity to the new DC Universe.
Last time anybody really saw Kid Eternity in the spotlight was in Grant Morrison's mini-series titled Kid Eternity, and later his own ongoing with the same name as well. Well written and a little loony and wonderfully dark, definitely worth a look. Previously Kid Eternity's powers used to be that he could call upon dead spirits to get help. His name was unknown and he would go by the name of Kid Eternity until he later found out his real name of Christopher Freeman, brother of Freddy Freeman (Captain Marvel Jr. and later actually Captain Marvel). Boom! That's what he was, and I could go into more detail, but you can do that yourself. let's get to the actual book at hand.
This issue does a great job at starting on square one. We're introduced to Christopher Freeman, a coroner for the police department, he's a bit of slacker and only gets to keep his job due to his deceased father's reputation. His powers are different this time around, rather than calling on the spirits of the deceased by speaking their name he has to make physical contact and pull their spirit out of limbo, at that point the spirit walks around on our plane visible only to Kid Eternity (A.K.A. Christopher Freeman). He then talks to them to figure out how they were killed... and that's the basics of the story.
The writing is fantastic, Lemire does a great job as normal with some great dialogue between the dead and Chris. His introduction of the character is also well done, we get a good feel to his personality while also getting a great understanding as to why he is the way he is. The rest of the cast is also well written, we get a good feel to everyone and I feel like they all get some sort of character development rather than getting some stock personalities.
The art is good too. Solid artwork by Cully Hammer and Derec Donovan. The art really sets the tone, realistic allowing for the bit of fantasy of having ghosts around. Fantastic use of shadows in my opinion (in other words, they didn't go overboard on having too many shadows and darks around), but more than anything, I was really pleased with the faces on the characters, no two characters felt similar.
Definitely worth a look. If this is what DC wants to do with National Comics and Kid Eternity, then I have no problems with it. A great read, I felt like I got more out of this issue than I get out of most television shows.
I give this issue a 4 out 5.
A great introduction to a old character with a new twist. The writing and art work well together, and I really enjoyed it, even if it didn't keep me on the edge of my seat.
Two Questions though: Why didn't he (or anyone else for this matter) call himself Kid Eternity? I couldn't have made the connection of the name and characted if I didn't already know enough about him. ALSO! Why did he wear red glasses, what purpose did they serve?
National Comics: Eternity is published by DC Comics in Single Issue format at 3.99.
All Images used in this review are property of DC Comics. In other words, I don't own these images.
P.S. I get the feeling that DC wants to do a sort of Pilot Season (a la Top Cow) where they decided who gets to keep a title depending on the reception and sales of the issue.
Drinking Game Alert! Take a shot everytime I mention "Kid Eternity" take a double shot whenever I use "Eternity" or "Kid" separately.
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