Eoghann Mill Irving reviewed Edison Rex by Chris Roberson
Review of 'Edison Rex' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Edison Rex is a book for long time fans of superhero comics. It's not that it would be unreadable to others, but they would be missing out on some of the best parts.
Rex is a souped up Lex Luthor analog and when he defeats his Superman analog in a wonderfully goofy and silver age style trap, he concludes that he must now become the protector of earth. He does this not out of any selfless reasons, but out of pure ego.
And as a "hero" he acts pretty much like you'd expect a classic super villain to act. He's arrogant, thoughtless and only really looks at the end results.
Where many modern takes on superheroes have focused on making the characters more real and more human, Chris Roberson goes entirely the other way and completely embraces the Silver Age insanity. The characters have that pulp sensibility to them and …
Edison Rex is a book for long time fans of superhero comics. It's not that it would be unreadable to others, but they would be missing out on some of the best parts.
Rex is a souped up Lex Luthor analog and when he defeats his Superman analog in a wonderfully goofy and silver age style trap, he concludes that he must now become the protector of earth. He does this not out of any selfless reasons, but out of pure ego.
And as a "hero" he acts pretty much like you'd expect a classic super villain to act. He's arrogant, thoughtless and only really looks at the end results.
Where many modern takes on superheroes have focused on making the characters more real and more human, Chris Roberson goes entirely the other way and completely embraces the Silver Age insanity. The characters have that pulp sensibility to them and a lack of the self-awareness that tends to plague all modern writing.
Despite all his efforts Rex is still seen as a super villain by the world at large. And yet they still happily go to work for him, or attend his press conferences. And their proposed solution to him? Change city ordinances.
Dennis Culver's art support this with strong jawed, wide shouldered men and a cartooning style that emphasizes broad strokes over intricate details. Not to mention some great silver age style character designs.
And along the way we get nods not just to Superman and Lex Luthor but also Batman, the Fantastic Four, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bizzaro Superman, AIM and MODOK.
There's even an advert for Moistest Fruit Pies at the back of the book. And if you don't get that reference then that's exactly what I mean about the book being for long time fans.
I had a blast reading this. It's not going to change your world view on anything. It's not saying anything new about comics or superheroes. It's pure fun.