The Terrifics #7
Joe Bainbridge
Recap
The issue opens in Millennium City, showing hero Tom Strong facing off against one of his enemies Saveen. Attacking the city in a mech suit and battling for the Reich he is bested by Strong. He attacks again turning everyone in the city into ghosts after spending time on the planet of the poltergeists. But Tom also spent time on the planet and created an antidote against the substance. Once again, Saveen was bested. Tom checks in on his daughter who is staying on the island of Attabar Teru, but he is greeted by the cry for help by his love, Dhalua. While in crisis, Tom is attacked by Doctor Dread.
Back at the Stagg Mansion, Rex is completely cured of his condition but is still bound to the others. Mr Terrific accuses Stagg of working with Doctor Dread, as he activated the War wheel and gave Algon the Orb of Ra, both of which lay in Staggs underground warehouse. Terrific also locates Strong's dimension and gives Rex a gun with which to defend himself when off on missions.
Entering Strong's building, they come across his AI aide, Pneuman, who is covered in branches.Upon contact they become ensnared and are teleported to the Forest of Eternity.
Review
Lemire finally builds on the story of Tom Strong that they have pretty much put on hold since issue 1. He is very much the Superman of his earth (but of course is human), and he has knowledge of pretty much everything. Lemire’s depiction of the character is mildly amusing as he seems like the kind of character to have the solution to everything and he is a cartoonish depiction of a superhero. With the arrival of dread, however, this very much changes. Lemire is building up Dr. Dread to be a serious villain by doing this. However, by doing this he puts the titular heroes to the back and has a brief panel of Plastic Man looking at a text from his (ex?)-girlfriend. The relationship between Rex and his girlfriend looks like it will build over the next few issues if he doesn’t get his powers back.
Dale Eaglesham’s art is consistent, as in it’s always the same and there’s nothing that really makes him stand out from the rest of the artists apart from his drawings of Plastic man which unfortunately are better than the actual Plastic Man solo run right now. Hopefully with new worlds to explore there will be opportunities for his art to truly flourish.
Final Thoughts
As Lemire advances his story and finally takes the Terrifics to a place that has a bit more plot and a little less fun, he creates an interesting story that keeps the reader engaged with help from Dale Eaglesham. As the story continues I want to see what is in store for Tom Strong and what he means to Dr. Dread.
The Terrifics #7 Strongest Man Alive
- Writing - 7.5/107.5/10
- Storyline - 7.1/107.1/10
- Art - 6.5/106.5/10
- Color - 7.4/107.4/10
- Cover Art - 7.1/107.1/10