By Larry Jorash — New takes on old superheroes are fairly common in direct market comics these days, and we’ve certainly seen a variety of them in the past decade or so. You’ve got an entire universe of superhero homages with Black Hammer, a twist-heavy subversion with Invincible, and more. Meanwhile, books like The Boys want to upend the genre all together. It’s all interesting, and today sees the release of a new entry in this trend with The Frontiersman #1 by writer Patrick Kindlon, artist Marco Ferrari, and team.

The idea of consequences has always been a fascinating topic when it relates to superheroes. Stories must always find a balance between suspended disbelief and entertainment. Kindlon tackles this idea in quite a unique way by applying tricky morality of the present moment to his story almost immediately. Our retired, titular hero, the Frontiersman, is approached by activists to stand for an environmental cause, and he quickly ascertains that he has been turned into a pawn within a greater corporate and scandalous game of metaphorical chess. Solving this crisis will take more than fisticuffs. And while this may sound like a Mike Grell-era Green Arrow plot, our story goes topsy turvy when Frontiersman… isn’t fully against the shady games afoot. In fact, after some contemplation he seems rather intrigued by them, wanting to face them head on with his own sense of what’s right.

One thing that cannot be disputed about Frontiersman #1 is that the color work and watercolors are just beautiful, to say the least. Deep colors and rich shades negate any sort of bald and white space. Marco Ferrari has a genuine understanding of proper lighting effects and shadow patterns. His human figures tend to be assorted and different; straying from any kind of cookie-cutter style. Most importantly, we feel the true emotion on the page as characters converse, betray, and battle one another. If there’s any reason to grab this book it’s almost assuredly for Marco Ferrari’s inks.

Overall: Frontiersman #1 is a fun and fresh take on the superhero genre that works subtly. Readers who enjoy witty banter and conversational wit will be satisfied here. It’s also topical in a way that is likely to appeal to fans of superhero work such as the books written by Tom Taylor. This one will make you think. 8/10

REVIEW: Frontiersman #1

Frontiersman #1
Writer: Patrick Kindlon
Artist: Marco Ferrari
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
PATIENCE! CONVICTION! REVENGE! PATRICK KINDLON & MARCO FERRARI return with an all-new ONGOING SERIES! Classic Green Arrow-style adventure blends with the thoughtfulness of Concrete in a superhero odyssey for mature but uncynical readers! Frontiersman is coaxed out of retirement by an environmentalist group, only to find that being a spokesperson makes him a target for old and new enemies alike! For the superhero reader looking for more…
More Info: Frontiersman #1

Read more great comic book reviews here!

Larry Jorash (He/Him) resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)