Torch #2 (OF 8)

I really enjoyed this issue. It is steeped in history, but one really doesn't have to know any of that history to follow the plot. Essentially, at the end of the last issue, the adult (but rather unseasoned) Toro attempted unsuccessfully to attack the Mad Thinker, who was working on a method to re-animate the original Human Torch as a weapon.

The current issue has a bit of science fiction, as the Mad Thinker analyzes the cell structure of the Torch and devises a method for android cell culture (believe it or not, the science is not that preposterous - imagine cells made up not of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, but rather of microscopic synthetic fuel cells). There is a subplot involving the source of Toro's power, a history of American Nazis, and the Thinker's disgruntled assistant.

Although this is not quite as refined as a great historical comic drama (like Brubaker might write), it is incredibly fun to read. The pacing was great, and the art was really supportive of the tenor of the story. The colors were especially bright and distinct, which is outside of the typical Marvel look.

I hope that the rest of this mini can keep up the excitement that this issue has generated. Heck, given Marvel's recent history with historical-based minis (I'm looking at you, The Twelve), I hope that this book reaches its conclusion.