Review: Stealth – Vol. 1
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Created By: Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri
Written By: Mike Costa
Art by: Nate Bellegarde
Colors By: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Review By: Kendra HaleÂ
Summary
When first reading the premise of Stealth, it caught my attention immediately. A concept that you don’t see every day and it revolves around what I personally do for my day job. Certainly hard to say no to something that unique and relatable. Add in the creators and Stealth had me hook, line, and sinker.Â
Stealth is a superhero who has given decades of his life to help others. Not only in the suit, but also as a firefighter in the city of Detroit. But lately, something has been off, his mind isn’t the same. Things he is so sure of seeing with his eyes aren’t real. What seem like thugs are in fact cops, and in one heady and heated moment… his son Tony. Tony, a longtime journalist, now is not only dealing with the health issues of his Father, but the secrets his Father has been keeping. Worse than that, Stealth’s greatest adversary has noticed something is off and is coming for the failing hero.
PositivesÂ
This is both a beautiful and heart breaking way of showing exactly what it is for someone to have Alzheimer’s/ Dementia. Showcasing the greatest enemy to be that of the mind. Yes, of course, there is action and villainy. A great villain at that. The way this team was able to give a full and complete story, in 6 issues, that is not only compelling, but also relatable, is genius. Mike Costa is able to give us several narration points, each of them solid in tone. The artwork by Nate Bellgrande and colors by Tamra Bonvillain are gorgeously rendered and eye catching, to say the very least.Â
I want to say a huge thank you to Sal Cipriano, for the story would not have been the same without your lettering. The moments where Dan/Stealth is doing his damnedest to hold onto his memories were beautifully done. Also worth mentioning is a moment on page 46 where Alby is looking at the villain who has placed his hand on Alby’s shoulder. Given what he has literally just witnessed his boss do with that hand, his facial reaction is absolutely justified but still hilarious. Brava.Â
Negatives
Honestly the only negative I found with this story was just that I wanted the ending to be explained so much more. It was a bit confusing trying to figure it out. I don’t know if it was because it was all coming to a close so fast or because it was a lot to understand, but I just wish that the interaction and what was happening was more clear for such an emotional climax.Â
Verdict
Overall, I adored this read and enjoyed it very much. It is hard watching someone you love as they lose what gives them their spark. This book serves to showcase that very well. A superhero who has dedicated themselves to justice and standing for the weak caught in the loop of his mind as he consistently tries to solve the first big case time and time again… it’s heavy and beautiful. Â
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