This book really seems to be turning into a hidden little gem, the kind of treat that I hadn't expected it to be.  The action in issue two is primarily focussed on an attack on a SPIDER base, but it's mainly all about character and filling in a few gaps in the THUNDER story.  It clarifies the fact that the agents are slowly being killed by the suits they wear, and that they are usually people very adept at certain sports and skills but with a big mistake to make up for.  In this case the spotlight falls on Henry Cosgei, a superb Kenyan runner who was banned for use of illegal substances.

What struck me most as I read this comic, is how much it felt like a Nick Spencer comic.  In an amazingly short period of time, Spencer has established a tone and style of writing a story that seems entirely individual which I think is quite a feat.  Don't get me wrong, everything he does seems distinct from the previous book, but I love the fact that he seems to be doing something original and unique that sets him apart from the pack.  There's a lot of character involved, a love of mixed timelines (a particular favourite of mine), a blending of "real world" elements with the superhero comic, a great script and something else intangible that just seems to tell you who the author is.

In the mean time I find myself just intrigued by what's going on here.  The two backroom characters Toby and Colleen feel a lot more fleshed out than the actual agents at the moment, which is an inetersting technique.  Of couse the use of more "human" characters as the reader's perspective is an old trope, but it's fascinating to find them so compelling and rich in character when the agents themselves are still largely blank slates.  Even Cosgei's character isn't fully realised in this issue as his story is mainly told in the third person and he still doesn't actually say a great deal.  I did love the use of the different "death visions" when Henry uses his power, and it makes the process of turning people into THUNDER AGENTS seem even more macabre.

Cafu's art is really strong.  It's detailed and yet kind of straightforward, telling the story really well.  It seemed to me, when looking at the Gary Frank cover, that there's actually quite a lot of Gary Frank in his work.  He does a nice job of registering different emotions and facial expressions, along with some fluid and exciting action work. 

THUNDER AGENTS was the ongoing title I really didn't need to add to an oversized weekly pile, but when the quality is this strong it's hard to say no.  It's a title worth supporting in issues as it's separate from the DCU proper and may end up falling by the wayside as a result.  That would be a crying shame I have to say.