Human Defense Corps

(DC, 2003)
™ and © DC Comics

Narrated by Specialist First Class Montgomery Kelly, Human Defense Corps #1 is a clearly written, nicely drawn account of the first mission of a newly formed branch of the military. The HDC, which consists of the bravest of America’s best and brightest, is responsible for keeping Earth safe from hostile aliens. Their first night of the mission is strictly reconnaissance (aliens are apparently aiding rebel forces in Bulgravia), but things go awry, when nervous soldiers begin firing at rebel guerrillas. The action from this point on only intensifies.

The story plays out logically and believably, and the narration and accompanying scenes give readers a good idea of who Kelly is and what makes him tick. He’s brave (if imperfect), he’s honorable (even though he hits on a married woman), and he wants to fight alongside soldiers who are as capable and as motivated as he.

This issue is a fine example of military SF entertainment. Fans of the genre in other media (such as film and fiction) who normally don’t read comic books would do well to give this issue a look.

— Brett Weiss

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