Originally published on Patreon
Cyclone isn't a character that gets around much, but she's one that I really like. Her time with the Justice Society has shown her to be a fun, and often sweet, young woman who believes in doing the right thing and helping others; whilst also at times feeling uncertain of who she is, and if she's good enough. And whilst the versions of the characters being created for the new Black Adam film have been changed, this comic shows that those core traits are definitely present in this version of Cyclone.
The story begins years before, showing a young Maxine Hunkel growing up listening to stories about the Justice Society, drawing pictures of them, and putting herself in them as a hero alongside them. Jumping forward in time we meet Maxine, ow an adult, as she makes her way through town about her day.
When a huge, hulking figure starts trashing downtown, and putting people in danger, Maxine steps in to help using her wind powers. She manages to help subdue the assailant, who it turns out was a local boy, but does some property damage and gets the ire of the police in the process.
Following this, the community starts to look at Maxine differently, and demands answers from her. She's also approached by Hawkman, who tells her that he's putting a team together, reforming the Justice Society, and that he wants her to join. Not believing that she's good enough, Maxine refuses.
When Maxine comes across one of the cops from the day before, beating up a drug dealer for selling the drugs that changed the boy into a monster (drug he gave the dealer), Maxine steps in. The cop takes some of the drugs, becomes a huge creature, and Maxine has to battle him. Beating the cop, and proving to herself that she has what it takes, she agrees to join up with Hawkman.
I really liked this as an intro to Cyclone. It felt much less bogged down in details than the previous issue, with the focus being on Maxine and her character rather than behind the scenes machinations. And this Maxine has everything that the Earth 0 one has. She has a love for the heroes she grew up hearing about, and whilst wanting to help others she's unsure if she has what it takes. This issue perfectly encapsulates every important quality about the character incredibly quickly, and in natural ways that don't feel forced or contrived at all.
Maxine goes on a pretty decent story of self discovery over the course of this issue, and gets to take part in a couple of good action scenes that show off to readers the kinds of powers and abilities she has to draw upon. This series has been doing a good job at establishing these versions of the classic characters, and showing that whilst they may have some new spins on them they still are very much the characters we know and love. And as such, I'm very much looking forward to seeing them on the big screen.
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