Comic Review: Stronghold #1

Stronghold #1

Aftershock Comics

Writer: Phil Hester

Artist: Ryan Kelly and Dee Cunniffe

Stronghold is the newest book written by Phil Hester, best known for his work on Green Arrow and The Coffin. Amidst a Truman Show-style setup, insurance underwriter Michael Grey discovers he has superpowers. It’s the only notable event in an unassuming life even he finds dull. However, the organization that controls his life, the cult-like Stronghold, isn’t doing it for ratings. The truths of his origin must be kept a secret to preserve the world as we know it.  But Stronghold member Claire has grown too attached to their captive/deity. And that moment of humanity might be it for the rest of Earth. Stronghold #1 leaves the reader with a lot of questions but in a way that builds excitement for the next issue.

In the era of decompressed books, Stronghold is the most substantial single issue I’ve read in a while. Opening with Michael becoming aware of his powers for the first time, the events spiral out from there. Hester wastes no time establishing the protagonists and circumstances but does so without showing too much. Stronghold #1 fits some more organic plotting in there too. Despite the bizarre setup, Michael is an engaging protagonist. Though he’s being deeply unsatisfied with his normal life, he’s not ready to embrace his miraculous powers. The issue also hints that Michael might realize more about his apocalyptic origins than he’s consciously aware of.

In contrast is Claire, who knows exactly what’s going on but isn’t too happy with it. Most of the issue is told from her perspective. Claire feels a bit more “comic hero” than Michael does and consequently, she isn’t quite as interesting. However, her sympathy towards Michael despite the consequences for her own life, and that of all humanity is a great hook. Stronghold #1 sets up the situation so that she and the other Stronghold members know exactly what’s happening. But since the reader doesn’t, it creates a sense of mystery in an organic way. This handling provides the book with a lot of storytelling opportunities, though it has yet to capitalize on them.

Ryan Kelly’s art mixes the bizarre and mundane fairly seamlessly. That makes his work perfectly suited for Stronghold and its premise. He does a good job with faces, as besides being unique they all display a good range of emotion. Unfortunately, Dee Cunniffe’s colors don’t work with Kelly’s art as well as they could. The bright, flat palette suits the more bizarre sequences but clashes with the more grounded sequences. Even then, it’s more than adequate and doesn’t take too much away from Kelly’s art. Stronghold #1 offers a lot in its first issue and manages to leave you wanting more.