Guarding the Globe vol. 1: Under Siege

The concept behind this spin-off from “Invincible” was simple:  While the title character was out in space fighting “The Viltrumite War” we’d get to see what the other superheroes, and professional behind-the-scenes-string-puller Cecil Steadman, were doing to maintain order on Earth.  Co-written by series creator Robert Kirkman and Benito Cereno, with art by talented newcomer Ransom Getty, it had all the makings of a surefire success.  Then, for reasons that have yet to be made public, the six-issue mini-series went through a series of delays that almost made serialization of the Millar/Hitch run of “The Ultimates” (yes, I really do like using that as a touchstone for this kind of thing) look timely by comparison.  The ongoing series by writer Phil Hester and artist Todd Nauck will hopefully improve on that and give us more of the twists and surprises we’ve come to expect from the parent title.

Though there is plenty to appreciate about this collection, the majority of the superhero action here is too formulaic for its own good.  While the first few issues are mostly self-contained affairs concerned with “gathering the team,” helping fight off an attack on Atlantis, and taking on Gorgg the Stonehenge Monster, there is an uber-plot in the background.  Set, leader of the supervillain organization known as The Order has also been bolstering his ranks as part of his own plans against “The Citizen.”  Naturally, things culminate in a giant fight between the two groups in the ruins of Paris which… is resolved through a fairly unsatisfying anti-climax.  I can understand the need for a giant threat to establish the team and the need for it, but the one here lacks detail and even a shred of originality.

Fortunately, what the book lacks in storytelling, it makes up for in character.  Though readers of “Invincible” will be familiar with a lot of the cast here, there are several new characters created specifically for this title.  Yeti, Kaboomerang, and Best Tiger are some of the standouts and the ones I’d most like to see more of.  It’s also a credit to Kirkman and Cereno that they’re so effective in establishing the personality for all of the new people with a minimum of space and lines.  The familiar faces also come off equally well, though special mention must be made of Brit.  He’s had his own  mini-series before this (which I haven’t read), but his grizzled, ordinary guy demeanor provides a great contrast to the rest of the cast and ensures that things always remain relatable.

Artwise, the title is a mixed bag as the multiple inkers employed on the first five issues are clearly and distractingly visible.  Sometimes Getty’s art has a cleanness to it that is in line with — you guessed it — regular “Invincible” artist Ryan Ottley.  Other times, it’s overwhelmed by grittiness, and this can change from page-to-page.  Usually when multiple inkers are employed in this fashion it’s the sign of a rush to meet deadlines.  In this case, you’re left with the feeling that someone got tired of waiting for Getty to finish and found ways to just get the issues out.  Considering the last issue was done by a different artist, Kris Anka — who has a less-detailed but still very superhero-friendly style, I’m willing to bet that’s what happened.

Anyway, this volume isn’t an essential read unless you’re a Kirkman/”Invincible” completist.  There’s a great cast here that can sustain a team book, but the story here isn’t worthy of them at all.  Here’s hoping that Hester and Nauck will be able to deliver just that in the ongoing title.