It really is tough to find a good job these days.
Prototype #10
Malibu Comics/Ultraverse (May, 1994)
“Turf War”
WRITERS: Len Strazewski & Tom Mason
PENCILER: Roger Robinson
INKER: Scott Reed
COLORING: Keith Conroy & Violent Hues
LETTERER: Patrick Owsley
EDITOR: Roland Mann
Terrordyne takes over, and destroys the head of, the Statue Of Liberty. The newest Prototype is ready to go but Leland is (I think) waiting for Mr. Pratt’s synthetic Ultra codenamed the Manhattan Project, but he’s not quite done yet. Aladdin takes the opportunity to get Bob out there as their armored Ultra, Ranger. Ranger chases off the two big boys and captures the rest, freeing the hostages. Later, Jimmy tries approaching Bob for help. but Bob is still upset about losing the Prototype gig and punches the kid, setting off Jimmy’s uncontrolled powers again.
What they got right: I like Ranger’s new design and the idea of an armored “arms race” between the different Ultraverse factions. Ranger’s armor is also really cool in function.
What they got wrong: The cover fight doesn’t happen, unless you count Bob punching Jimmy in one panel. Terrordyne is a very basic fictional terrorist group, not very interesting, and just an excuse to show Ranger off. I’m not sure referencing the World Trade Center bombing (referring to the first attempt from below the Twin Towers because the more remembered attack was still years off) works for me. Trying to tie this into the real world too much just feels strange in a world with superheroes and supervillains. I don’t understand why Leland kept the new Prototype out of events except either for the other project or simply because the plot needed to focus on Ranger.
What I think overall: I know I had more to say in the negative, but the positives are cool enough to make up for it. There just wasn’t as much to list. I’m still invested in where this story is going. There are some good ideas, but how they were used will determine how good the series is overall.
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