Dark Reign Hood #1 (OF 5)

Wow, this was unexpected. The Hood: Dark Reign is essentially an attempt to pick up some of the story threads left behind by Brian K. Vaughan. In fact, pencilling chores are handled by Kyle Holtz, who served as BKV's collaborater and co-creator on the original The Hood mini (these days, Hotz works mainly on Christian material, according to Wikipedia [which is never ever wrong about anything ever]).

Hotz and writer Jeff Parker stay true to Bendis-era elements, such as The Hood's relationship with Madam Masque, and his struggle with Dormammu. But they also play up Vaughan-era material that's been largely minimized or ignored. They remind us that The Hood is, at heart, a street-level criminal, but they also remind us that he started out as a fairly good-hearted guy, who hated the idea of killing someone.

But the thing I probably like most about this book is the supporting cast. Parker and Hotz give ample space to The Hood's live-in-girlfriend/baby-mama, and to his cousin/best-friend/top-lieutenant John King, who has been criminally underused of late.

Finally, the last page features a character reveal that will bring joy to the heart of any Brian K. Vaughan fan. Overall, a very cool book. Bring on issue 2.