Comic Book Review: No Hero story by Warren Ellis, art by Juan Jose Ryp
Forty-five years ago, the Levellers appeared in San Francisco, superhuman beings created by psychoactive chemicals. Led by maverick scientist Carrick Masterson, they were the world’s first superheroes. Decades later, the membership has changed, except the still-youthful Masterson, and they’re known as the Front Line. They’re still the only superheroes in the world, due to their proprietary empowerment process. And now two of them have died in as many days. It’s time to go recruiting! But is Josh Carver the perfect candidate, or is he, as he says himself, “no hero”?
This is one of Warren Ellis’ “big idea” limited series. In this case, the central idea is superhumans who start with the motive of changing the world for the better. Not to rule the world as such, but making it a nicer place to live in. Some of it is done openly, by being superheroes, but they’re not afraid to do dirty work behind the scenes to remove people who they feel are making the world worse. We don’t see too much of how the world has changed as a result, only hearing about events in the background. But one of the side effects is that the Front Line have made a lot of powerful enemies.
The story primarily follows Josh Carver as he is recruited into the Front Line. He’s figured out how to get their attention as a candidate, because he really wants to be superhuman. It’s not quite that simple, however, since the empowerment process is somewhat random in its effects, and there are a fair number of people who didn’t survive. (This has been kept from the public.) The process itself makes for some trippy art, and Josh undergoes significant change.
Meanwhile, the Front Line’s enemies pound them hard. As soon as they think they know who’s behind it, contradictory evidence shows up. Years of being the only superhumans have made the Front Line, and Masterson in particular, arrogant and unable to adapt to a foe that can truly fight back.
Content notes: Lots of gore, and discussion of rape.
I would have liked to have seen more of the early days of the Levellers, and information on whether they started more idealistic or were arrogant from the start. Still, there’s some intriguing ideas here. The ending is bleak.
Recommended for superhero fans who prefer the gloomier and gorier side of the field.
