Wildguard #1 Review
I wrote this a long time ago.
In “Wildguard: Casting Call”, the superhero genre was given the American Idol treatment. As the story went, a casting call was sounded for the young super-talents. Each would compete with one another in front the cameras. Five would be chosen to form the Wildguard. The first four members would be chosen by the producers of the show (or, in this case, by the writer), while fifth and final member would be chosen by the viewing public (or, in this case, the readers). The six issue mini-series by Image Comics was popular enough to warrant a continuing series. Thus, we have “Wildguard: Firepower”.
The members of the Wildguard are pretty standard fare. First is Ignacia, a female flame-thrower whose biggest worry during the casting call was “she couldn’t even fly”. Second is Red Rover, a man with doglike senses and amazing strength. Red Rover’s look reminds me of a scruffy Tick in riding pants. Third is Snapback, perhaps the least interesting hero I have ever encountered. Snapback has stretch powers and a mullet and comes from down there Texas-ways. The fourth member chosen by the writers was Lily Hammer, a Scandinavian beaut with a Thor-sized mallet.
The readership went their own direction in choosing Freezerburn. One of his arms can emit flames, while the other can emit ice jets. This was an interesting chose, since this gave the team two flame-based heroes. Perhaps this indicates why writers don’t take their readers’ advice very often.
The first issue of “Firepower” deals with the redundant powers. Ignacia wonders why she’s on the team, since Freezerburn has both her powers and ice-based talents. Ignacia is not alone. Freezerburn is asked the same question by a fan. And, as one media member scoffs, Ignacia can’t even fly.
Meanwhile, Red Rover uses the HQ’s media center to update his knowledge of supervillains. Lily Hammer does little but preen for a media helicopter. And Snapback is surprised by his wife, a pushy hick who wants to move onto the base and work in the team’s media relations. She also wants a costume.
In the end, Ignacia saves the day. Freezerburn fights a throwaway villain and nearly burns down a building with a bunch of civilians in it. Ignacia uses her powers to stop the fire, something Freezerburn presumably cannot do. Wildguard producer and team leader, Four, chastises Freezerburn for his recklessness. Later, Four tells Ignacia she chose the pyrokinetic because of her heart, not her powers.
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