Mighty Man serial tacklesgender, power, corruption

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This chronic feature lets me review what's recently passed my bloodshot pupils. So pull up a chair, break out the sarcasm filter and welcome to:

Mr. Zad's comic critique

'Mighty Man No. 1'

Trade paperback (Image Comics, $7.95)

Image Comics

publisher Erik Larsen compiles the 10-part serial that ran in the back of his famous Savage Dragon comic-book series to give fans 80 pages of gender-bending superhero action.

The story of the world's mightiest man, Bobby Berman, who passes on his powers to unsuspecting nurse Ann Stevens shortly before his death, leaves a woman transformed into the macho male superhero Mighty Man.

However, Berman's bully grandson Billy wants his inheritance (the Mighty Man mantle), and that leads to ugliness for Ann.

The serial covers not only some of her adventures, including a showdown with Billy and his acquiring of superpowers, but also the origins of Mighty Man and a bit about the elder Berman's life as he fought in World War II while covering the war as a 15-year-old reportercq; both fought and reportedmage to Mr. Larsen's penciling style to deliver distinct illustrations in a watered-down version of Jack Kirby at his best.

Words to buy by: Mr. Larsen's comfortable mix of mockery and appreciation of the superhero genre makes for required reading.