LIFE AND TIMES OF SAVIOR 28 #2

Review by: edward

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Size: pages
Price: 3.99

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In The Life and Times of Saviour 28, writer J. M. DeMatteis, examines the seven decade old relationship between the superhero archetype, violence and American culture. Saviour 28 is a superhero in the vein of Captain America and Superman who realises the futility and concentric effect of violence after living a life appealed for hurting people.

Using the  ‘archetype’ of Saviour 28 DeMatteis has created an allegory of the birth, growth and symbiotic  relationship between American culture and the comic book industry. First appearing in 1939 after superpowers are given to him by a mysterious meteorite, Saviour 28 becomes an never-change, never aging presence in American society. Engaging in epic battles with the enemies of democracy, spawning other costumed heroes and winning the hearts of the people.

However using the ‘character’ of Saviour 28 or John Smith DeMatteis is examining the psychology of the superhero.  John Smith used alcohol to disengage from life and cloistered himself from reality after  hours of listening to radio dramas. Delusion helped John Smith accept the camp, pompousness and fanaticism of a fully fledged crime-fighting superhero. 

In a moment of clarity after the September 11 Attacks, this slightly deluded and unintelligent man has to struggle with the repercussions of a socially accepted  life of violence and the possibility that his existence has created the culture of aggression and fear. A life spelt destroying the lives of bystanders while repetitively and carelessly engaged in mindless fighting while turning a blind eye to the actual evil of society.

Despite the themes of the title, The Life and Times of Saviour 28 is not a heavy book, overly concerned with gravity of it’s story. Several instant of black humour occur when the ridiculousness of the character is explore. In this issue Saviour 28 causes the death of 56 people after refusing to kill one convicted murderer.

The art of Mike Cavallaro also has a light quality, similar to the cartoon-ish style of Jack Kriby or Darwyn Cooke. This traditional superhero art not only re-enforces the notion of Saviour 28’s historical importance, it is juxtaposed  to great effect with the humanity of the character when he is at his lowest points either compulsively drinking, experience a mental brake-down or attempting suicide.

I honestly think this title has the potential to be one of the great examinations and deconstructions of the superhero genre, in years to come this book could be held up along side the Dark Knight Returns or Watchmen. (maybe not) Seriously, read this. Intelligent. Entertaining. Good.

Story: 5 - Excellent
Art: 4 - Very Good

Comments

  1. fucking hell, i need to learn how to write like a non-retarded person

  2. I thought it was a good review. I’ll have to look for it in trade.

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