Matthew Clark (3) (1970–)

A pretty good book about the triggering of two unknowing sleeper agents inside the Teen Titans and Outsiders teams of young super heroes. My main complaint is the ridiculous suspension of disbelief required for how both of them neglect to kill anyone on their teams when first triggered and catching them unawares, easily overpowering their teammates, only to then return with the express purpose of killing them once they've regrouped and prepared for it. I suppose there was no way around that, but it could surely have been handled in a way where it was easier, especially in the Teen Titans case, to buy it. Oh well. Otherwise a quick, fun read with some satisfyingly potent emotional repercussions.… (meer)

Merideth says: The decendants of a genetic experiment by an alien race makes their home on the moon in the kingdom of Attlian. Inhumans believe that genetics equal destiny, and as a rite of adulthood, young people are exposed to the Terrigen Mists, a substance that reshapes them into a specific career. One such young man, San, is certain that he will be a warrior like his father, and is devastated when he emerges as a talented but physically weak artist. However, San is one of 5 young Inhumans chosen to to participate in a cultural exchange with Earth, and to attend a Wisconsin university. However, anti-Inhuman sentiment is strong, and save the perpetually upbeat Alaris, none of the Inhumans are excited about their assignment either.

This book was better than I expected it to be, however, I wasn't expecting much. Clark's pencils are expressive, and well-colored by Dave Kemp and the strong artwork carries a mediocre story straight out of a teen mass-market paperback. McKeever pulls the equivalent of a bait-and switch, by opening with the story of San. A warrior trapped the body of an artist, San has the potential to be a rich and compelling character. However, as soon as San's conflict is established, McKeever pulls the action to wacky campus hijinks. Nothing particularly surprising or original happens in the final 2/3s of this book, and reminds me of a particularly banal WB drama. (cross-posted from MeriJenBen)… (meer)