Comic book review
Written by Martin Eden
Art by Martin Eden
www.spandexcomic.com
Release date Out now

A team of gay superheroes unite to fight evil and their own personal demons…

Martin Eden’s Spandex is a sly and witty take on the superhero genre that combines adult storylines with bright, immediate storytelling and well-rounded characters.

Beginning with an extremely tongue in cheek action scene involving a 50-foot lesbian, the narrative doesn’t let up as we’re plunged into the world of Spandex. The art is exuberant in style, peppered with in-jokes and distinctive, highly original heroes. The protagonists’ powers range from fairly typical (flight and strength) to weird and mysterious (superheroine Diva’s alter-ego). Despite the themes of the comic, things never become too camp, and the characters are always recognisable, even during the visually busy action scenes.

Whereas many contemporary comic book heroes are dark and brooding, the protagonists of Spandex are real people who just happen to have superpowers. There are dark ideas covered, but they’re mixed with a winning humour, because life isn’t always as oppressive and difficult as some comic creators would have us believe.

Bonus material at the end of the comic offers a short story, an engaging commentary on the characters and a tantalising preview of adventures to come.

Critics often blather about the next big thing in comic books. This is it. Let’s hope the next part comes out soon… Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 9/10
Thought provoking, funny and highly original.