I've always wanted to get into Firestorm, but I don't know much about him aside from it takes two people to make the character "come alive." Frankly, everything about him confuses me, but I'm really interested in him. Does The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men have what it takes to impress new readers?
The Good
Lots of establishing characters and setting up the book. It's written solidly though, and highly enjoyable. It feels like they simplified the character of Firestorm a bit for this new run, where there are two of them instead of one, which is a bit less confusing for new readers like myself.
It's a good week for splash pages, and Yildiray Cinar has a few awesome ones. The best of Cinar's work has to be the two pager where we first meet the Firestorms. It's the type of art to get all giggly about. Aside from that, Steve Buccellato's colors are great on the splash pages. Other than that the art was solid but nothing amazing.
As always, Gail Simone is a solid writer. Personally, I wish she would have plotted this completely on her own because the pacing towards the end doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the book, but aside from that, great dialogue and great use of the word "sweet-cheeks."
The Bad
I didn't get excited until Firestorm(s) showed up. I was hoping the issue would have gotten to that faster. Let's face it, I was overly excited for the character and wanted to see him from page one. I found myself getting incredibly anxious and just wanting some cool Firestorm action. Maybe
Don't feel too keen on that last page reveal. I know it's the whole point of the book, but I'm the type of guy who liked Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops separate, not as one in a Megazord. I felt like that idea in this book was a bit rushed. They went from normal teens, to Firestorms, to Fury way too quickly. I have a feeling it will be better, overall, once we get into the next couple of issues though.
The Verdict
I'm down the middle on this one. Overall, I liked it, but I expected so much more. There's lots of set-up and establishing of characters, which is done very well, and the character has been a bit more simplified. Cinar's splash pages are fantastic and so are Buccellato's color work. Simone's writing is spot-on, but I wish she also did all the plotting. The end of the issue feels a bit rushed, and I felt like they waited to introduce Firestorm way too late. I recommend this book, but only because I feel it's only going to get better.