Advance Review: ‘Torrent’ Vol. 1 TPB Tells A Familiar, But Enjoyable, Revenge Story
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
Collecting the first five issues of Torrent, this trade paperback illustrates the main character’s transformation from fun-loving hero to revenge-seeking vigilante. It’s not the most original story, but it’s a strong one with some good artwork.
Overall
8.5/10Michelle Metcalf starts off Torrent at the top of the world.
She’s a superhero named Crackerjack who seems to be largely devoid of the typical problems that comic book crimefighters face. She’s in a stable relationship. He son adores her and her alter ego. And would-be sidekicks are lining up to fight on her side.
Then the bottom falls out, and Michelle’s world falls into ruins. She goes full-on Punisher, seeking revenge in the worst possible way against the baddies who took her happiness from her. In the process, she turns from a happy-go-lucky hero to hellbent-on-payback vigilante. No one who tries to get in her way last long, including low-level scum who she’s quick to kill. That includes the Praetorians – this world’s version of the Avengers or Justice League.
Writer Marc Guggenheim has written a tragic, yet relatable character. How far would any of us go if pushed beyond our limits, the series asks? The answer, it seems, is pretty darn far. In the process, Guggenheim has examined the nature of revenge versus justice, though the real answer to that question will have to come in future chapters of this story. Don’t look for a lot of surprises from a script perspective. Michelle is laser focused and isn’t about to have a sudden change of heart.
Artist Justin Greenwood gives readers what they want – lots of action scenes – but don’t expect elaborate backgrounds. He focuses on the fight at hand, and not too much more. His fights are bloody – sometimes evoking Invincible, but never gory.
Colorist Rico Renzi brings the panels to life, whether through palette changes for time shifts (lighter colors for flashbacks to the good old days and darker hues to indicate the current predicament) or to indicate the difference between fight scenes and Crackjack’s infrequent cooldowns.
There’s a lot more of Michelle’s story to tell, but this trade paperback collecting the first story arc is a strong start to that larger tale.
Torrent Vol. 1 TPB will be available for purchase on September 13, 2023.
