In my recent review of FLASH: REBIRTH #1, I expressed my distaste for a title that resurrects characters from the dead or non-existence. I followed up reading it with the first three issues of the INCOGNITO series written by Ed Brubaker with art by Sean Phillips. It would take too long to list all of these guys accomplishments so here’s a short list: Ed Brubaker has received multiple Eisner and Harvey awards for his work in the small-press, as well as for his run on mainstream titles CAPTAIN AMERICA and DAREDEVIL, and is currently working on the ongoing series IMMORTAL IRON FIST. Brubaker recently received a good amount of press as writer of the Death of Captain America story arc. Sean Philips has also received an Eisner award for his work on CRIMINAL, and has worked on SLEEPER,WILD C. A. T. S., HELLBLAZER, and MARVEL ZOMBIES.
Published under ICON comics, a Marvel imprint for creator-owned titles, INCOGNITO has a pulp comic feel with the character possessing superpowers. The main story is about a criminal, now in witness protection, forced to live a normal life while secretly using his powers at night. The artwork has a darker, gritty look, often without color, or with a minimal amount of color. Most panels have a different shades of the same color, like looking through either purple or red glasses. The characters have a distinctive look; they have sharp, clean looks, paired with expressive faces. The overall look fits a series that focuses on the thoughts of main character and the results of his actions.
Issue # 1 starts with us meeting Zack (main character) and him beating the shit out of some muggers. Not what you would normally find an ex-con doing. Through his narration we find out Zack’s been living a meaningless life for the last couple of years under witness protection, forced to take drugs that suppresses his powers. As well we also get a bit of back story on his life and abilities and how he gets his powers back.
Issue # 2 deals with the rising threat of being caught by his parole officer for using his powers, and the fact that his former boss now knows that Zack is alive and provided the testimony that put him on death row (although Zack doesn’t know this yet). Zack continues to save people in trouble, although he clearly hates them for being so stupid in the first place. We are also introduced to more of the back story and characters in his dark past.
Issue # 3 deals has Zack dealing with being blackmailed by his friend and now being hunted by former associates who want him dead for the testimony he provided that landed his former boss on death row.
These comics grab a hold of you and don’t let go; you feel for a guy you shouldn’t care for at all. Following the story in each comic, there is a look back on one of the pulp comic heroes from way back when. In the first three issues of INCOGNITO, there are profiles on The Shadow, Doc Savage and The Spider . The INCOGNITO ongoing series has a similar feel to crime comics and film noir. If you’re looking for something different than the mainstream superhero comics, you have to pick up this series. First prints might be hard to find, but the first and second issues are collected in a reprint titled INCOGNITO MUST-HAVE. Its worth the search.
