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Image Comics review 4/26/23 – The Ambassadors #3, Local Man #3, Torrent #3

Jeffrey Lyles , , , , , , , ,
The Ambassadors #3

ambassadors #3

Mark Millar has continually provided some exciting and wickedly fun original concepts in the last few years. The Ambassadors is already shaping up to be one of the best offerings.

The idea of a superhero lottery system is very clever and Millar’s format of each issue basically serving as the origin story for each ambassador along with a specific artist has been ingenious.

This issue focuses on a hotel clerk Yasmine Gauvin writing Choon-He Chung to be France’s ambassador. Yasmine explains her concern for her son, Jean-Luc, who’s bullied at school — a subplot that feels especially relevant these days — and isn’t respecting her. She wants to be a hero to provide a positive role model for Jean-Luc.

Fast forward a few weeks and Yasmine’s wish was granted. She’s got powers and is one of the rare superheroes on Earth. And she’s sharing the responsibilities of representing France with Jean-Luc as her sidekick, Paris. Any homages to Batman and Robin clearly seem intentional and done with a loving appreciation for the inspiration.

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Millar also explains more of how the ambassadors power sets work. While all the ambassadors have access to the various power sets, if one is using a power at a specific moment it’s off the board for the others. This was a smart way to avoid power redundancies while ensuring every member just doesn’t use the most powerful skill sets.

Travis Charest provides the art this issue. It feels like it’s been way too long since he’s been on a title. Charest made an immediate mark when he arrived on the scene in the late 90s. The following years have been generous as his art looks even more refined and at higher level of his already impressive work.

The characters look amazingly realistic, with precise details like hair texture, wrinkles and clothing resembling photographs more than drawings. Charest has been away from the spotlight too long and this issue was a great reintroduction to his massive talent. Dave Stewart’s color work was sensational and a fantastic pairing with Charest’s art style.

There’s a few mysteries brewing like the courting of the Ambassadors by Choon-He’s ex-husband and the figure who previously thought he was the world’s only hero and isn’t happy about sharing the spotlight.

Ambassadors is overflowing with potential. It’s got a great concept that’s being realized properly and the rotating artist approach has made each issue feel special. This is already becoming one of Image’s top titles and one that’s definitely worth catching up to enjoy the ride.

Rating: 10 out of 10

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