Solar: Man of the Atom #2 Review

Solar: Man of the Atom #2 - Dynamite Comics - Available 5/21/14

In the stunning wake of Issue One's shocking climax...where is SOLAR? What will massive doses of unstable radiation do to his family? And even if they survive, what horrors are lurking in the stars? It's cosmic-fueled fantasy from the hit team of FRANK BARBIERE (Five Ghosts) and JOE BENNETT (Iron Man)!

 The aftermath of issue one has the Seleski kids picking up the pieces both figuratively and literally. The explosion has Colin looking for remains of his dad and trying to stabilize the business while Erica is recovering from her exposure to enormous amounts of radiation. This reimagined Gold Key book, Solar: Man of the Atom #2, is off and running with more intrigue and backstory.


The issue is very Erica-centric as she copes with her recovery although the doctors say she's perfectly unaffected from the exposure. Her vivid dreams have her reliving moments of her childhood. Husband Dave is there at her bedside the entire time but things aren't as normal as they seem. 

Frank Barbiere consistently writes great set-ups as he ratchets up the suspense in a book. It's no different here on Solar (who we see very little of) and even with supporting characters like Erica there's no shortage of interesting and nuanced storytelling going on. It all ramps up at the end like a good thriller should and now we're more invested in someone other than just the titular character. 

Joe Bennett again does great work laying out great scenes with varied panels and the brilliant colors from Juan Doe add the right contrast at the just the right time. Barbiere's action keep both guys busy and it just builds to a crescendo by page 32. This classic story is fresh and modern again that will have you waiting impatiently for the next issue.