‘Heroes: Godsend #1’ Review (Titan Comics)
Written by Joey Falco | Art by Roy Allan Martinez | Published by Titan Comics | Format: Paperback, 32pp
Once again we delve into the Heroes Reborn universe, where this time around we take a look at the character of Farah Nazan. For those that came in late Titan Comics are publishing several mini-series based on characters from the TV show Heroes Reborn. In a kind of creative synergy, the comics are designed to add a bit more personality, background and depth to characters we have seen on screen, so all stories are canon and slot in to the show storylines. The first mini focused on the street vigilante El Vengador, and although I enjoyed the concept and the thinking behind it, it never really completely worked for me. Maybe second time’s the charm.
So just who is Farah Nazan? Farah is an American Muslim of Pakistani descent, who by the time of the show is a tough as nails former soldier, but as we first see her here is a young student yet to manifest any abilities. However, the events of 9/11 and the death of both her parents in the Twin Towers, plus the rise of violent anti-Muslim sentiment, see her suddenly manifest camouflage abilities, literally the power to turn invisible. We also see in flashback that although previously very western in outlook, she had returned to Pakistan, unwillingly, in the past and been trained by her uncle Omar in ancient techniques practiced by a warrior sect called the Lashkari. After 9/11 she realised that with her fighting abilities and camouflage powers she had to help people in need. As one grateful person put it, ‘you are a Godsend’.
It all flows nicely enough, Farah is a likeable lead character, and tying her origin to 9/11 and the beginning of anti-Muslim sentiment is a good touch. Elements though did feel a little forced, such as the fact she not only developed camouflage abilities but already had the fighting skills of an ancient warrior sect. Save some abilities for other characters please! Rather like the first Heroes Reborn mini-series, it all just felt a little by the numbers, very safe, very conventional superhero material.
Ultimately Heroes: Godsend has the same flaws the TV show has, in that when Heroes first appeared on TV it felt fresh and different because there was nothing to compare against. TV has moved on, and now Heroes looks outdated and conventional in comparisons to shows like Daredevil and The Flash, who use real heroes with history and recognition, not just archetypes. Unfortunately it is not a problem the comic can rid itself of, so it needs outstanding writing and storytelling to convince you to try it. I felt the writing here was decent, but not good enough to elevate the book to the level it needs to be. The art was good, flowed nicely, and had a nice enough level of detail in character and locales without it ever feeling as though the artist was pushing themselves too much.
If you have watched the show you know Farah is a very important character in the Heroes universe, so she is certainly worthy of some spotlight, and this was a fair introduction. I just felt it lacked some energy, some creative drive to really launch the character, really make us root for her and find out how she gets from this place to her situation in the show. Still worth a look though.
Let’s hope it picks up a little more next issue.
*** 3/5
Heroes: Godsend #1 is out now from Titan Comics.
