Idolized #4

This series started out as a clever idea - a superhero version of a reality TV show - but as Idolized draws close to the finale next issue, it's starting to strain a bit.

Each issue has ended on a cliffhanger, and this story picks up with the hero Joule plummeting to her doom while taking part in the final challenge.

The contestants are being forced to fight each other to determine the winner (the insurance costs on this show must be tremendous) - but the show has somehow neutralized their powers. Joule somehow survives the fall (which manages to shred her costume - in strategic spots, natch).

The fight is happening in the middle of a forest - I have no idea how the cameras are supposed to be able to keep up with all the action.

The winner must overcome the other players, and then they'll get fame, adulation and membership in The Protectors, a real superhero team. The team is not thrilled with being forced to make an inexperienced hero a member and insists she must be trained - and then turns around and sends her into battle with the team against a group of super-powered terrorists.

So there are some problems with the story by David Schwartz.

The art by Pasquale Qualano is quite good, emulating an Art Adams style. Some of the panel layouts are a bit tricky to follow, but overall it's solid work.

The issue also ends on a cliffhanger, but it's one that arrives out of nowhere and doesn't really work - it just feels tacked on.

Despite these gripes (and they're mostly picky ones), I'm enjoying the series and curious to see how it all wraps up next issue.

Grade: B-

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Idolized #3

Everyone knows that reality TV is mostly phony, right?

The producers manipulate the images presented, what stories we hear, which characters seem likable, which ones are annoying - you get the idea. They do this to try to create compelling characters you'll either love or hate, and this (they hope) will keep you coming back for more episodes.

(They can even manipulate the votes. Notice we never see exact totals - they just name a winner.)

That seamy underbelly is a rarely-seen side of the business - and one that we see a bit of in this issue of Idolized, which is an attempt to combine reality TV and superheroes. Young heroes are auditioning for a spot on an Avengers-like super team as they compete in the "Superhero Idol" TV show.

The character we're following is Joule, a young woman with energy powers who has a number of secrets she's hiding - and one nearly gets her booted from the show. It's a solid story with a plot that twists and turns as she runs into unexpected problems.

The story doesn't quite make the leap to exceptional - this one is a bit too much of a repeat of last issue, right down to the contrived cliffhanger.

Still, it's a solid issue, and especially for reality show fans, worth checking out.

Grade: B+

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Idolized #2

I wasn't sure how this series would hold up for me, given my general dislike for reality television.

But so far, Idolized is holding my attention.

That's mostly because the story by David Schwartz offers a good balance between reality TV dramatics, a mysterious motive that compels the woman known as Joule, and the brief glimpses of her future.

The only problem is that the lead character isn't particularly likable. She doesn't interact with the other contestants much, so we only get the driven part of her personality - it would be nice to know more.

But, contrarily, I do like the mystery aspect of her backstory - the slow reveal there is very effective. (Of course, it's possible to provide character without spoiling her mysterious past.)

I do like the art by Micah Gunnell and Pasquale Qualano - it's loaded with energy, animation and angst. Some nice design work, strong layouts and sharp character designs, too.

This series is walking a fine line between melodrama and superhero action, and it's a heck of a balancing act - one step too far in either direction and it all falls down.

But so far, it's very entertaining. Which is more than I can say for most actual reality TV shows.

Grade: B+

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Idolized #1

So-called "Reality TV" has been around for more than a decade now, and just like detective dramas and sitcoms, it's now (for good or ill) an integral part of national television.

I'm not a huge fan (though I admit to following Survivor in its early years and watching a season or two of American Idol), but it's not surprising to see the genre making its way into comics.

Idolized is the latest attempt to merge comics and American Idol, and so far - it's a solid effort.

It focuses on Joule, a beautiful young woman who lives in a world where superpowers are commonplace. She sees the TV show "Superhero Idol" as an opportunity - not for fame and money, but as a chance for revenge.

But are we getting her true story, or is this just a fabrication for the TV cameras? It's one of the things that can make or break a reality TV show, as the manufactured drama isn't nearly as interesting as the real thing. We're getting just enough of a look behind the scenes to wonder, but we'll have to watch as the mystery unfolds.

The story is written by David Schwartz, and it's very effective in setting up the series, and presenting the possibly-tragic origin of Joule. The art is by Micah Gunnell, with colors by David Curiel, and it's quite good - lively and animated, the style seems to owe a lot to Art Adams (who also provides the striking cover).

The series also offers a stunning photo cover, as model Rachel Clark provides a real-world look at Joule.

I ended this issue with the same opinion as I posted about issue #0: this is certainly off to an interesting start. Idolized may be one to watch.

Grade: A-

Idolized #0

It's not surprising that comics have tapped into reality television for new approaches to the idea of the superhero in the modern world.

But where most take a straightforward approach, the new comic Idolized promises something different.

That's evident in this #0 issue as we meet Joule, a beautiful woman who lives in a world where superpowers are commonplace.

When she sees an ad for the TV show "Superhero Idol," she is inspired. But she's not interested in fame and money - she sees this as a chance for revenge.

The preview gives us a look at how she fares - and even gives a dark look at the outcome.

The story is written by David Schwartz, and it does an excellent job teasing the series. The art is by Micah Gunnell, with colors by David Curiel, and it's quite good - lively and animated, a good mix between real-world events and superheroics.

I should admit that I'm not a big fan of reality TV, but this is certainly off to an interesting start. Idolized may be one to watch.

Grade: A-

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