Meltdown Graphic Novel Review

Meltdown Vitals

Title
Meltdown

Writer:
David B. Schwartz

Artist:
Sean Wang

Colors:
GURU-eFX

Content:
Meltdown is a teen plus rated book for violence, adult situations, and adult topics.

Publisher:
Image Comics

Introduction:

Imagine that you are a superhero, what do you think you would feel about your job? Elation? Pride? Joy? For the superhero The Flare, being a superhero is none of these things, and it’s burning him up from the inside. “Meltdown” tells the story of the last days of The Flare, as he discovers that the very powers that have made him a hero in the eyes of others is going to kill him quite soon. What unfolds is a realistic character in a comic book world and how one man seeks vengeance and ultimately redemption for his acts.

Story:

“Meltdown” tells the story of Cal, a young latino man with the powers over flame, allowing him to fly, shoot fire, sense heat, and more. Due to increasing energy from the deteriorating ozone layer, his powers have reached a critical level, burning him up and will eventually destroy him. He decides to finish some old scores and right some wrongs, but in the end discovers what it means to be a real hero.

From the press release:

“'Meltdown' tells the story of a reluctant hero whose own powers are killing him; eating him alive; melting him down from within. He’s only got 7 days left to put his life in order, and to make amends for all of his regrets.”

Review:

This comic book and now graphic novel has a lot going for it. From a story perspective, it is really solid, with the main character being a very fleshed out and realistic character. Most people view being a superhero with rose colored glasses, that is, they have a very romanticized and happy view of that world. But what if you felt forced into being a superhero, making low pay and getting all the terrible jobs that comes with being the new guy on the team. What if your powers kept you from the people and things you loved? Would it change your viewpoing? It certainly does for The Flare.

The story takes us through the ups and downs of this heroes life. He makes good and bad choices, just like all of us. Sometimes his temper rises up, causing catastrophic damage, and other times he is the stalwart hero, totally in control. I would think that would describe many of us if we had superpowers. The world should watch out for grumpy heroes who are tired and irritable when they haven’t had enough to eat or sleep and worry about paying the rent.

The covers and interior art are very well done, and completely lend to the gritty storyline. There was one thing that artist Sean Wang did, especially when it was a flashback scene or one he wanted to convey a happy atmosphere, and that was to use a more cartoony style to the artwork. I must say, it actually bothered me at first and I found it a little jarring. I had heard that creator and writer David B. Schwartz had to find another artist during the creation process, and I wondered if this was the result.

It turns out that the art was all from one single artist, Sean Wang. Now that I have had time to digest the comic, story, and art, I totally understand why they did what they did and it is more impressive that Wang was able to pull off two completely different styles. Like I said, it may be confusing at first, but I think you will get used to it and understand why they did what they did.

In the end, this is an incredible first run from writer Scwartz and artist Wang. It is a complicated and adult story without turning to typical adult ploys. I really liked the story and art and think it is a comic that is definitely worth checking out by itself. With the extras that are included though, it is spectacular.

The Extras:

The thing that really sets this graphic novel apart from many others is the extras that are packed into it. There are over forty pages of material. Here is what is included in this comic:

• Introduction by Robert Kirkman.
• Original Series Pitch.
• Character Design – Great read for artists out there.
• Cover Design – Fabulous cover creation process of artist Chris Bachalo.
• Logo Design
• Creator Commentary – Schwartz and Wang go through the entire script DVD commentary style.
• Six Pinups

As you can see, this is a fantastic amount of extras. The design process is really explored and will really be of interest to many of you wanting to create your own comics. The amount of work that must have gone into the process is staggering.

Conclusion:

By itself, “Meltdown,” is a great story and worth picking up to read in and of itself. With the amazing amount of extras though, this graphic novel is definitely worth it. There is a ton of insight in the creation process which should interest and delight comic fans of all types. This just goes to show you what you can accomplish if you have a dream, work hard for it, and get talented people to share in the process. Hat’s off to David B. Schwartz, Sean Wang, and the rest of the Meltdown crew.