Customer Reviews

Midnighter, Vol. 1: Killing Machine

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yeah, I get that it's fun to cut loose and take liberties with the whole super-hero genre, and that many writers (and readers) enjoy exploring the idea of what these guys would really be like if they were as violent as they are made out to be. I enjoyed the "Authority" books for a while (and then got bored) but I checked out this solo Midnighter/Batman parody out, just to see what they'd done with the character.

I was disappointed to find that this was just an excuse to indulge in a hyperviolent, gratuitously graphic, yucko headbashing bloodfest... Like a DC Vertigo book, but more explicit. The plotline didn't seem particularly mature or interesting; just an excuse to wallow in violence.

Others might disagree, but I didn't think this was worth reading.

If you enjoyed the Kev books, you'll get a kick out of Ennis' run on MIDNIGHTER. While this run was controversial for its hyperbolic intro ("not a lover, not a father, not a friend"), it quickly gets down to brass tacks with Ennis' usual zany characters, sarcastic dialogue, and situations which quickly spin out of control.

Ennis creates a gem in Bonnie, the genetically engineered, tough-as-nails police sergeant who ends a confrontation with the Midnighter by running him over with her cruiser. Despite the initial friction, the two eventually bond. It's a great moment, and another illustration of Ennis' strengths as a writer.

The only weak part of this collection is a one-shot story by Ennis set in feudal Japan. As many have noted, he seems to have written the story with almost no research. I have a slight background in Japanese culture from several years of intensive study of the Japanese language, and even I can spot enormous mistakes. Many fans have referred to this issue as a "guilty pleasure" for this reason. Personally, I could have done without it altogether.

Fortunately, the "Killing Machine" storyline is almost perfect. I enjoyed the hell out of the action and humor. This volume was well worth the price of admission, and then some.

The go back and kill Hitler story.

Or, an excuse for Ennis' brand of black humour and much head demolishing. The Mignighter is captured by a man who has found a loophole in the Door teleport process, and wants him to go back in time and get rid of the Fuhrer earlier in his career, or the implanted bomb in his chest will be detonated.

When sent back, he runs into some enhanced Time Police that further complicates things, as does his boredom with the Authority sitting around and not doing much - criticism of DC for screwing this title up perhaps?

For the guy who says its "hyper-violent"... first off, its Ennis. What did you expect? second, the "hyper-violence" is nothing compared to other titles he has worked on (there are only a few scenes of violence.) Please.. go back to superman or whatever it is you are used to reading and forget about reading anything by Ennis if you are sensitive.

On another note, this is a decent series. The story is so-so. Cool action, time-traveling and some bloodshed.

.. from the combat scenes to the humour and one-liners, great stuff. Nicely drawn, though without the same feel of actual motion that you get from (say) Carlos Ezquerra, but still very good. I remember when reading the Kev ( Authority ) books that I'd like a more detailed Midnighter book, and got it in spades here. Could have done without the Japanese samurai thing at the end, I thought that was rather weak, but it was 'free' I suppose. It's labelled "#1", but was published in 2008 and it's now 2010. Not sure if there's going to be a #2 since I only buy graphic novels, not the original comics ( no spines on them for shelf perusal and too flimsy ) . Fingers crossed though...