Which he does, unsurprisingly. What is surprising is the way he cleans up after the events of the last few issues, combining his new super-powers with gifts given him by his parents to allow everyone a second chance. The final pages of the book see the Ray enjoy some downtime with Chanti before saving San Diego office workers from human bombs. And the mini-series ends with the Ray receiving an offer to join a certain government organisation.
Bravo to writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, and artists Jamal Igle and Rich Perrotta, for a thoroughly entertaining introduction to the latest incarnation of The Ray. Lucien and his friends and family have been great company and little by little we've seen what our hero can do with his light abilities. His biggest display of power here motivates a bombastic spread from Igle illustrating just what the Ray can do when he's running on instinct.
The rest of the artwork's none too shabby either; I've still not warmed to the hero's visual, but I do love the energy with which it's drawn. And the supporting characters have a humanity that's rare in comics, being seemingly captured rather than posed. Their naturalism matches the easy dialogue of Gray and Palmiotti. Deserved nods, too, to colourist Guy Major and letterer Dave Sharpe for sterling contributions.
I've no real complaints about this issue, just a headscratcher: why is there a credit stating 'The Ray created by Jack C Harris and Joe Quesada'? A Ray, sure, but not this one. And the last Ray wasn't exactly the original, so it's not as if DC can claim Ray Terrill was the source of all Rays. It seems someone had a good agent.
I hope this book has sold enough to bring us, if not an ongoing, an occasional mini-series or special. Lucien is a likeable character with an interesting set-up and I'd like to get to know him better before he's lost among the hubbub of the New 52.
Whatever happens, though, I've had four issues of refreshingly modern superhero fun, and that's nothing to sniff at.
I enjoyed this mini-series. Lucien is a refreshing character and the book has diversity in race which is cool too see becuase it isn't common in comics. Hopefully they make it an on-going< I wouldn't mind adding it to my sub.
ReplyDeleteI agree,Lucien deserves a regular showcase, he brings something new to the DC mix.
DeleteAw, no -- I missed this at the store today! I'll have to pick it up next week.
ReplyDeleteRing them up, reserve it!
DeleteI'm still hoping they bring back Ray Terrill.
ReplyDeleteI'd like that. Lucien could change his name to Lightray.
DeleteOh, hang on ...
I agree....Ray Terrill was one of my favorite characters. I still pull the original mini out now and again to read it. He had a cool visual and story. Not to say I am not enjoying this mini, but I'd much prefer the previous Ray.
ReplyDeleteBTW, great review. I actually check your site nearly every morning before i start work (along with a couple others) to read your thoughts. Keep it up. :-)
Cheers for the kind words, John. I'd be upset were we never to see Ray T again, I loved watching him grow into the role.
DeleteYeah, Ray Terrill would be nice, but Lucien's something new that's worked in the new 52 so let's go forward, people!
ReplyDeleteThat last page - the job offer... anyone see a Freedom Fighters mini in the offing? Please make it so!
Well, there's me, obviously ;)
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the Ray #4 was DC hinting at his inclusion onto such teams as the JLI, or did I have a brain glitch and misunderstand what was exactly happening in the last couple panels?
ReplyDeleteI think the combination of the "I Want You" message and the original Ray's connection to the original team, not to mention Palmiotti & Gray having written them before, that they were hinting more at a new take on the Freedom Fighters rather than the JLI.
DeleteHere's hoping, anyway!
What Gary said, Anthony! (And me and Gary earlier!)
Delete