No Hero asks an intriguing question, how badly do you want to be a Super Hero?

From this simple premise comes Warren Ellis’ tale of Joshua Carver, a young man that just wanted to find the bad guys and punch their lights out. No Hero is intense, visceral and intriguing.  The story pulls you in with horrific violence and an extra ordinary psychedelic trip.

In 1966 a group of super-humans began showing up to do good all over the world.  Carrick Masterson, their voice, assured the public this was in the name of justice and good will.

Joshua Carver is training to become a Superhero, a member of the Front Line.  The super-humans (Front Line) were created by FX7, engineered by Carrick Masterson.  We come in during Joshua’s quest to get Carrick’s attention.  Once Josh is brought in, we are introduced to the stoic Masterson, a man who’s careful planning keeps the Front Line alive and a force to be reckoned with.  For fun, read Aleister Crowley’s Wikipedia page ahead of time.

If you have ever liked anything by Alan Moore you will like this book.  We jump around a lot in time, sometimes in the 60’s and 70’s, sometimes present day.  When you step back and look at the parallels you will see a strong underlying theme.

That’s really the crux of the piece, it’s a layered story.  It’s more than just the question of how badly you want to be a super human, it’s about right and wrong.  Josh sports a shirt on the covers that defiantly declares Law is not Justice, and this is a strong theme prevalent throughout.  What is law to the men and women powerful enough to control everything?

Juan Jose Ryp takes the helm on the art, creating a book that is a pleasure to stare at.  The colors feel true, and it really helps with the sense of immersion.  Ryp renders the characters realistically, the violence is graphic and causes you to pause and take it in.  Violent two page spreads of absolute carnage, and a particularly gruesome scene ripped right out of the first Mortal Kombat game. (RIP)

Ryp may be one of the strongest artistic talents coming out of Avatar these days (seriously, why are they still letting Mike Wolfer pick up a pen!?).  No Hero, as it is collected in this trade paperback, is more than just your average deconstruction of the super being.  It’s about one man’s choice to do what he thinks is right.  By the end will you agree with him?

I’m Rich, and this is the first time Comics Impacted me this year.

Richard Bashara
Rich@ComicImpact.com