Review - Idolized #0

Being a superhero is more than just having some unique ability or power that gives you an advantage in life. Something that makes it easier for them to get by. Or something that gets ratings and has the capacity to either make or destroy a life. Cue Superhero Idol #0 from Aspen Comics.

The title is written by David Schwartz, illustrated by Micah Gunnell, colored by David Curiel and lettered by Josh Reed.

There's a show called Superhero Idol and its premise is simple. Each year (presumably), people with superpowers compete to become the one chosen to be the newest member of the Powered Protectors.

This works out well because everyone in the world of Idolized has superpowers. It's just that some people are lazy and content with just a desk job as opposed to aspiring for so much more.

Leslie is one of those hoping for more. Using the superhero name Joule, Leslie fought her way through the ranks of Superhero Idol and actually won it, joining the Powered Protectors in their do-gooding ways. Her membership put her on a collision course with Stasis, a man with a penchant for doing bad.

Zero issues are always hard to gauge. You can't add in too much because then it's just a number one, but if you add in too little it's perceived as a waste. Schwartz manages to find a happy medium in Idolized #0, providing just enough backstory to let you know the setting.

Joule's powers stem from electricity and she suffered what is clearly quite a precipitous fall from grace, only the reader doesn't know why. And that's not even the main part of this issue. Another part is devoted to detailing Superhero Idol, while another part is devoted to establishing Stasis as the main villain.

Schwartz does a great job balancing all three and presenting the complete story needed to get you all set for the full series. The Superhero Idol part is a little formulaic, only because at this point everyone has an idea how American Idol works, but other than that the entire issue is solid.

Gunnell's art is strong. The issue is rife with superheroes and they have a classic superhero feel to them. The full-page panel introduction of the Powered Protectors is something of a throwback to older comics. This page is rich in color too, thanks to Curiel's talents.

Joule is illustrated in two distinct ways as well. One way, she's illustrated as just a girl on her parents' couch, watching TV in a hoodie. The other way she's illustrated as Joule, a superhero who wrecks shop until a downfall of sorts.

Idolized #0 look's to be an interesting series. It's similar to that of America's Got Powers and Superbia in a way. Not to say that any one of those series ripped the others off, but there's a trend in comics where superheroes are being depicted as everyday people.

It's a fresh look at superheroes and reality television and it works. Joule's story is interesting and it'll be fun as a reader to find out what really happened. And why is she seeking vengeance against Stasis?

Idolized #0 will be in stores June 27. Check out the comic's Facebook page < ahref="https://www.facebook.com/IdolizedComic" target="_blank">here.

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