Stormwatch Vol 04: A Finer World

Like new condition. Reasonable price- but shipping and handling added 30% more to the final price- so not so great a deal. This book is a must read before starting to read "The Authority" comic books or graphic novels. Graphic violence and language. Would not let anybody under 16 read "The Authority". This book introduces us to the team that starts "The Authority" comic books or graphic novels.

After the legendary "Change or Die" volume, it begins to feel like Ellis has little idea where to go next. The intensity and sense of earth-shattering plot developments begins to fade noticeably at the beginning of this volume, but Ellis keeps the characterization high (especially for Jackson King), and introduces Midnighter and Apollo, two of Ellis' greatest inventions to date. Though their characterization isn't fully developed yet, these first appearances are critical in understanding who these core members of The Authority are and who they will become. We also get a partial origin for the pair, which is a little too vague for my taste. This aren't the best Stormwatch stories of all, but they do handle the team quite nicely, and the historic introduction of Midnighter and Apollo makes this volume a must read for fans of The Authority. The second part of this volume is what really makes it kick, though. The "Bleed" storyline is one of the more thrilling and dramatic installments of Ellis' Stormwatch. Though certain aspects of the story feel a bit far-fetched (Stormwatch invents a process for making molecules behave like video cameras in a previously unknown parallel dimension), the plot, drama, characterization, and overall execution are first rate. Ellis leaves us with many unanswered questions at the end, but I think this works quite well. You can't do without this volume. Midnighter, Apollo, and one amazing storyline after. Truly a must read.

The fourth TPB for Warren Ellis' run on Stormwatch lays the ground work for Ellis' creation of The Authority. Clearly, the main draw of this book is the focus on future Authority members Apollo and Midnighter. However, the TPB is quality on its own standing.The first story arc (A finer World) details the creation and introduction of Apollo and Midnighter. The first two issues deal primarily with the introduction of these two (complete with flashbacks to a failed Stormwatch mission, of which the two were part of a clear dig at DC's Justice League of America) and some characterization of the current Stormwatch team. The third issue features a whirlwind of action, and some screwing around with morals on the part of Ellis. The second arc (Bleed) introduces the idea of multiple realities that would become a focal point for The Authority. It features an alternate Earth, complete with Alternate Stormwatch. Characters from all the Wildstorm titles make appearences, with the whole shinbag being led by Jack Hawksmore. Overall, the story is a fun ride, but there is not much continuation with the main series.Which brings me to my only complaint. You can tell that Ellis is bored with Stormwatch- the most action the team has is one page where Hellstrike and Farenheit drop from the sky. Other than that minor quabble, however, this is a great volume. Hitch's art is dead on all the time, and as always, Ellis is a genius. I recomend this volume to anyone who is a fan of the Authority, Ellis, or comics in general.

Unlike so many comics writers, who seem to want to avoid stirring up a fuss by mentioning taboo subjects like politics, Ellis gleefully uses the stories in his STORMWATCH volumes to unload a truckload of mad ideas and anger-fuelled power trips upon his unsuspecting audience. That anger is what makes his work, in any genre, so compelling: he truly believes that we, as humans, are squandering our wonderful potential to be so much more than we currently are. The stories in STORMWATCH, especially in this volume and in its predecessor CHANGE OR DIE, all serve to hammer home this point with breezy humor and a refreshing bit of ultraviolence.

Let me preface this review by saying that I'm a big fan of Stormwatch; I think this title does more to make super-heroes realistic and interesting ( human, one might say) than any other comic series. I have been told that the initial Stormwatch comics were not especially well done, but I doubt that anyone will be disappointed with the graphic novels (A Finer World and Change or Die) because they are compendiums of later issues of Stormwatch. Each has wonderful art and an intelligent story-line, a rare combination for any comic. Now, enough with the praise, on to a description. A Finer World compiles several complete stories from the Stormwatch series, set in the Image universe ( those who are not familiar with the series shouldn't worry, all necessary info is presented in the book). It takes place chronologically after Change or Die, but one doesn't need to read them in order ( I didn't). The book is divided into two main stories. The first deals with the struggle of two super-powered-beings who have had to seperate themselves from society in order to preserve their moral identity, but who come into increasing conflict with the Stormwatch crew (Stormwatch is a sort of U.N. for super-beings) because of thier haunting past and a terrifying reality. The second story deals with an alternate reality in which only Stormwatch can prevent a deadly (and chillingly familiar) alien menance from destroying all of humanity; but the ultimate act of heroism requires the ultimate sacrifice, and all of Stormwatch will be called upon to make it. If I seem long-winded in my commentary, I am sorry, but I want to do this fabulous book justice. Stormwatch is the finest comic series I have read, and any who read A Finer World or Change or Die will realize why.