By Mark Wheatley & Marc Hempel (Vertigo)
ISBN 1-56389-163-8
This lost classic from the early days of the Vertigo imprint is still one of their best and most innovative. The always excellent Wheatley and Hempel here relate a tale of love and horror in a dazzling variety of novel narrative and graphic techniques, but never let the experimentation obscure the storytelling as they explore the remarkable life of Chase Darrow, a girl with a big secret.
This pretty but unremarkable lass is, literally, irresistible to men, and deeply unhappy with the situation. She’s simply not the kind of girl to take advantage of her quirky attractiveness, and besides, if she becomes physically intimate with anyone, her body draws all the life-energy out of them. If she isn’t very careful they will swiftly age and die.
So compelling is she however, that even knowing the risks men willingly sacrifice themselves for her – and to her. Moreover her growing need for them – both physically and emotionally, is driving her to the brink of suicide. When her latest flame burns out too publicly to conceal, she is forced to flee, pursued by the US Government (which knows more about her origins than she does) in the form of their manufactured and heavily merchandised Public Superhero “The Manâ€.
Her pursuit, capture and escape are fast-paced and thrilling, but the real meat of the tale is the superb characterisation of the many and various fully rounded participants. How this insurmountable dilemma spirals to a logical and powerful conclusion is a adult fan’s delight – this thoughtful drama has lots of nudity and sex so if you’re easily offended don’t read it – and a lot of what you’re reading now owes thanks to this ground breaking series.
With edged barbs at spin-doctors, the media, Government intrusion and a thoroughly modern take on love and life, this cynical, savvy, blackly comic satire is compelling, thrilling and deeply moving. Those who first read it as a four part mini-series might be interested to discover that the creators revised the original, perhaps obscurist ending for this compilation. A great treat for modern lovers.
© 1990 Mark Wheatley and Marc Hempel. All Rights Reserved.