Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Incognito: Bad Influences #1
Icon Comics (Marvel Comics)
Brubaker & Phillips
The second mini series of Incognito starts off with this issue as we get reacquainted with the lead character, Zack. Zack is now a good guy. Well, I guess more accurately he's someone who should be in witness protection, but because he doesn't want to give up his powers he's being put to work. This issue is a terrific introduction to this small universe and a couple of the characters in it. You get a great mix of noir and pulp with perfect art to back it up.
Zack recounts his past year since he was allowed to keep his powers and work for the "other side". The recap moves fairly quickly and actually helps to show off some of the types of the threats he and his organization are tasked with fighting. What's interesting is that these confrontations could have each taken up their own couple of issues dragging this story into maxi series territory. Instead each one gets one panel and ends up becoming a footnote in the story.
Eventually Zack finds himself in some hot water with an old villain. Actually the old villain mistakes Zack for his old nemesis, mostly because Zack is a clone of him. This creates a problem because now someone is aware of Zack and who is with as an organization.
The comic book opens up a bunch of subplots as well to keep the story jumping in many different directions. Zack has some issues with one of his bosses. Zack has himself a love interest in high command. Zack also finds himself being evaluated by a shrink at the request of his organization. This issue opens a lot for subsequent stories.
As usual Phillips delivers the perfect backdrop for this kind of story. Noir is supposed to provide a series of seedy and unlikable characters that find the underworld to be their preferred home. Phillips' art is dark and moody capturing the essence of the story. I could see some strange anatomy nuisances in some of the characters but that's being picky.
Incognito has a lot to live up to because of the success of Criminal. Since this title is set in a world where super powers are possible the bar is set that much higher to reach. Brubaker moves his story in unpredictable directions and this issue only helps to open the possible threads. Add in that the comic book is twenty four pages of story plus an essay about a forgotten hero from the pulp days by Jess Nevins and you have yourself a very entertaining read. I would recommend picking this up even if you haven't read the first mini series. You may find yourself getting sucked in.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
