Book: Manhunter volume #1: Street Justice (issues #1-5) by Marc Andreyko with illustrations by Jesus Saiz, ink by Jimmy Palmiotti, color by Steve Buccellato and letters by Phil Balsman, Jared K. Fletcher and Pat Brosseau
Cover Art by Jae Lee with June Chung
Edition: Trade Paperback
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Prosecutor Kate Spencer never set out to be the vigilante Manhunter but when she lost the case against the villain Copperhead it brought about a change for her. Copperhead had been on trial for murdering, severely injuring and digesting several people. His lawyer was able to convince the jury that a genetic anomaly was the cause of Copperhead's murderous behavior. He was found not guilty and would temporarily reside at the Metahuman Research Facility in Death Valley, CA.
As he was being transported to the facility, Copperhead escaped but not before brutally killing the guards. While still at work, Kate heard about the escape and came up with a spur of the moment idea to go after him. Dressed in a red costume and carrying a specialized staff, Kate tracked down Copperhead which ended with a deadly result.
Kate taking on the task to fight crime outside of the courtroom has given her a new found sense of purpose. But being an unconventional hero has it downside with it adding more trouble to her personal life with her son Ramsey accidentally getting hurt after he found Manhunter's staff.
Her take down of Copperhead had the villain Shadow Thief seeking revenge and their first encounter didn't work out in her favor. She was left with a bruised ego and a damaged weapon. Needing a little technical assistance she roped a former low level villain who is now a protected witness going by the name Dylan Battle into helping her.
He made some interesting improvements to her suit and weapon but will it be enough to take down Shadow Thief. She was hoping to get the chance before the Justice League found the shadowy villain.
This is one of those books where I wished I had read it sooner. It's great yet brutal. How can I best describe Kate Spencer? Well, she's rather abrasive and the thing is she doesn't care. She's tough and believes in justice and she's willing as the Manhunter to go against the rules and the law to achieve it. Her personal life is difficult, Kate and her ex-husband Peter don't get along and although she loves her son he doesn't seem to be a top priority. And following the accident she is reconsidering what's best for her son.
The writing and illustration for these five issues are fantastic, the book has a darker edge as it follows Kate Spencer whose life is completely wrapped up in her work. And even more so once she becomes Los Angeles' newest vigilante. There is surprisingly some humor in this that's very funny as it plays out in such a grim setting.
I really like this and I will be continuing on with the series. I have to see when I can get the second volume.
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