Staff Pick (June 10): Magnus Robot Fighter #1 / Doctor Solar #2

Doctor Solar and Magnus Robot Fighter first debuted in the early 1960’s under Gold Key’s diverse line up of superhero and licensed comics. Both came from incredible creative pedigrees featuring the work of comic book legends Paul S. Newman and Russ Manning, respectively. Doctor Solar and Magnus Robot Fighter were unique heroes that left a big impression on the surging superhero market during the developing years of Marvel. Later, both characters were revitalized under the watchful eye of Jim Shooter and an upstart company that entered the industry in the early 1990s and immediately surged up the charts in popularity. Valliant re-introduced these classic characters to the comics mainstream after approximately twenty years in cold storage with several series that burned hot and fast for a short time. Since the Valliant era ended, however, these pioneering superheroes have been dormant…waiting for the right moment to explode back onto the scene.

This month, the folks at Dark Horse have split the atom and released the original architect of Valliant’s success by giving Jim Shooter the reins to tell Doctor Solar and Magnus Robot Fighter stories once again. Fans had their appetites whetted by an exclusive Free Comic Book Day offering in early May that revealed an exciting peek into these series. Everything from the pencils to the storytelling on these two new series looks sharp and crisp. This is an “ultimate” version of two new books that combine classic imaginative characters with a reverent and dynamic modern presentation. Of all the superhero books coming out this year, these may be the two I am personally most excited about reading. Fans from each historic incarnation of these characters will find something to really enjoy about the way in which they are being rebooted and reintroduced to comic book readers. Thanks to Dark Horse the power of the nuclear man and the furious fists of Earth’s last defender are unleashed anew into comics in August!

See PREVIEWS page #28 & 30