A review of Mark Waid's first foray into webcomics.
You can never judge a book by its cover, but it is still refreshing to see a title that gives a completely accurate description of what it holds.
Insufferable, by Mark Waid and Peter Krause, is not insufferable; rather it's the hero for which this comic is named who is so intolerable. It is the first word that would come to mind to describe the emotional reaction of such an unimaginable lead. Interestingly, he isn't even introduced until halfway through the story.
We open to an image of a kidnapper holding a child hostage. He is making an open broadcast to anyone who will listen; stating that despite "all of the trouble he has gone through" to make this easier, that there hasn't been enough money raised to meet the ransom for this girl's life. His broadcast is cut short as a hero named Nocturnus approaches in order to save the little girl. However, his tussle results in the building collapsing, which means that he needs to be saved by another super hero, who we learn later is his apprentice and former companion, Galahad.
What is so strong about this comic is how well it develops the characters. In just a few brief panels of dialogue, we are given more details and information about what kinds of people these characters are than some novels provide in several pages. We are shown the compassionate, intelligent and capable mentor. We are shown the arrogant corruption of a superhero and his apprentice. Even the police detective that we only meet at the very end brings more to the table than many pointless side characters from other offerings.
As for the story on a whole, the ending is what truly brings everything together. As the reader concludes the final panel, the fact that it is "to be continued" begs for the next issue to reach a conclusion.
Although
Insufferable was written as a comedy, it is very interesting and intelligent as a drama. The dialogue is natural and realistic, providing smooth conversation between each of the characters. The artwork is well done and the colors are vivid enough to never make it impossible to tell what is going on. Finally, the characters are so well done that readers are going to be chomping at the bits for the next issue to find out what happens to them.
Three stars out of four.
Insufferable can be read on Thrillbent.Written or Contributed by: Dan Buckley
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/reviews/comics-reviews/19361-webcomic-review-insufferable-by-mark-waid.html/
by LOLtron » Tue May 08, 2012 1:54 pm 
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