The new Ray shows glimmers of greatness.
When I initially heard about The Ray revamp, I was disappointed to see that Ray Terrill who spent two decades trying to break out of the C list was not being given the opportunity to shine once again; but rather a new character would be filling the 40's legacy character's shoes. That being said, if I trusted anybody to create this new Ray it would be Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray who had been doing such an excellent job of writing the previous Ray in their three volumes of Uncle Sam and The Freedom Fighters.
Unfortunately issue one came across as far too much of a sitcom and did little to endear me to this California slacker and his wacky yet stereotypic cast of supporting characters. Furthermore, I found out the next issue would be about meeting his girlfriend's parents? I almost tuned out right there!
I must say I am glad I did not, because Ray #2 really amps up the energy. The way this new Ray uses his powers to mislead his girlfriend's parents is not only uniquely amusing but showcases his abilities in a great way. It also feels like a genuine mistake a young-adult might make.
This issue gives more exciting and energetic action scenes against mutated sea life than the last issue did. And in the world of superhero comics, that is always a plus. While I still feel the previous incarnation of the Ray a more interesting character with a lot more depth to his origins, I can't wait to see where this limited series will go next. Especially now that our main villain is set to take the stage.
