The Authority (Vol. 2)

(WildStorm, 2003-2004)
™ and ©2003 DC Comics

WildStorm has finally brought back one of its more lucrative series, but this may be a case of too little, too late. Sure, there’s an Earth–smashing threat to deal with and ultra–violence galore, but is the soul there? DC seems to think that simply putting Midnighter, Apollo, and their cohorts together makes a great story.

When Ellis and Neary left The Authority, many people dropped the title like a Mexican dinner. Soon after, Millar and Quitely had them eating crow, as the duo crafted a series that was arguably superior to the original. Both Millar and Ennis have moved on to stellar heights, but there’s none of the initial excitement contained in this latest incarnation. In all fairness, did you really expect this title to blow you away? Maybe it has run its course. The original series served as a satire of the exploitative, over–the–top antics of crazed vigilantes that dominated the mid–90s comics shelves. For the most part, those dark days are gone. They’ve been replaced, by and large, by well–crafted and intelligent stories, heralding a new Golden Age in super–hero comics that hasn’t been seen in four decades. This title sticks out like a sore thumb amongst its more mature counterparts. Having said that, there are a few interesting moments. The most notable is the notion that “normal” people wouldn’t allow super–powered sociopaths to rule their world. If this aspect is played up, there may be hope for the series, after all. Otherwise, it’s about as fresh as a Cadbury Egg in November.

— Scott Semet

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