“Yesterday’s” Comic> Prime #11

Or “Prime goes full 90s when he was already 3/4th 90s”.

Prime #11

Malibu Comics/Ultraverse (April, 1994)

“Heroes Of Sunset Strip”

WRITERS: Gerald Jones & Len Strazewski

ARTIST: Norm Breyfogle

COLORIST: Keith Conroy & Violent Hues

LETTERER: Tim Eldred

EDITOR: Hank Kanalz

We finally learn Prime’s backstory, but not before the new attitude Prime gets into a barfight when he’s unknowingly dragged into a spat between Hollywood lovers. Spending the night out, he finally returns home, but angry at pretty much everybody. Kevin’s dad finally tells him how he and his mom agreed to be part of Dr. Gross’ project, not realizing it was the same super-soldier project his then-boss Samuels was funding, to help them conceive a child. When he learned Kevin was Prime, Russell made the mistake of contacting Samuels. Though he believes Samuels dead after Firearm reported so, Russell wants answers in the hopes of freeing his son, and leaves to find those answers. Days pass without Kevin becoming Prime, but now he may be ready to resume his new version of his alter ego, and leave home for good with the hopes of being Prime permanently.

What they got right: We finally have an origin for Prime (and a starting point for Elven as she has the same powers, just used for magic instead of superheroing). It’s not a terrible one to build a story off of. After everything that’s happened, you can’t blame the 13 year old for being so upset at everyone, believing everyone is lying to him and not having any allies to talk to.

What they got wrong: Except for Mantra. Maybe he’ll go to her (or him depending on which persona you’re talking about) for advice later but right now he could use someone other than Firearm for a role model, which Firearm himself would probably tell him.

What I think overall: The story is getting interesting for something running face-first into the 90s. Curious to see where it goes.