Final Crisis Aftermath - Dance #2 - DC

This series is all a bit perplexing. But, it's original and interesting at the same time. We have this group of teen-aged Japanese super-heroes . . at least they want to be heroes, and they have powers. But everything that's going on here seems to center, and rotate around what's going on back in there homeland. The problem is . . nobody really know what that is . . yet. Rising Sun, from the Global Guardians, tries to get into his country, but . . "Tokyo is off-limits. Even to you honored Sun." And when our group tries to take a look at their country, through satellite images, they find that even those are being scrambled. Meanwhile, Shiny Happy Aquazon has decided to take the first step into commercialism and has decided to endorse a product. To bad that product happens to be a breathing induced mass-hypnotizer. But she didn't know that her first foray into commercialism would really be more about socialism. Luckily . . the rest of the team has her back. After arriving at the scene of the hysteria, they soon find out where this mind control oxygen is coming from, and soon find the source of the dastardly plan . . an amoeba who has named himself Brain Drain. But with teamwork, they break his grip on them and solve their first case. Joe Casey does an interesting job of presenting these new heroes. They're different and unique and seem to have a new perspective, and expectations, of this whole 'super-hero' game. But I think that's the point. In Final Crisis they just helped save the universe. Now they have to settle into everyday life in 'Las Vulgar'. That's their nick-name for their new home-town. So while they're trying to establish thier life, whomever is behind their new 'image' and commercialism, is trying hard to keep them from gaining any perspective on it. "This generation. They barely question their environment. As long as their pleasure centers are being adequately stimulated . . . getting them on TV is a good bet. One season and they won't even be able to discern reality . . .! Exactly what Mr. Itam and his backers want. Anything to keep the focus on them and not on their homeland." I also enjoy the way that Andre Coelho and Eduardo Pansica are presenting these characters visually. They're keeping things fresh and hip and full of bright colors. I mean, look at that cover. Personally, I think this will be the best of the 4 Aftermath mini-series. Unfortunately, it'll probably also be the least read.