Captain Action #1 (Season Two)

I've mentioned before that I'm a fan of the original Captain Action toy (yep, I had one of those, lost somewhere in my misty childhood) and I loved the '60s comic book - but aside from one issue of the recent team-up with the Phantom, I haven't been following the new Moonstone comic.

It's apparently been successful, since it is back for a "Season 2." But since I haven't been reading it, I admit that the story leaves me a bit lost.

Written by Steven Grant, we find Captain Action's grown son (who apparently has the same abilities) using his powers of instant disguise to take the place of President Obama - but he quickly abdicates the post and seeks out his father, the original Captain Action.

They soon find themselves under attack by some Russian super-agents, and mayhem ensues.

I'm new to the series, but for all the world it feels like the '90s Valiant Comics - lots of action, a slightly confused plot, some interesting subplots swirling around, and a sudden ending to the story (but not a cliffhanger).

Part of the reason for that "feel" is the art by Manuel Martin - it's very much the Valiant kind of right-down-the-middle, not too flashy but reasonably solid superhero action. He just needs some more practice to iron out a few panels with some rough anatomy. But there's a lot of potential there.

The comic also features a back-up story with Action Boy that doesn't really go anywhere - it's just a glimpse of his tortured days as a kid in school.

I wish I could give this a stronger recommendation - I love the character and I think there's a lot of potential here, but they're not there yet.

Grade: C+

(By the way, full disclosure requires that I admit that I'm reviewing this comic from a pdf supplied by the publisher, Moonstone.)