Publisher: S&T Comics
Story: Trevor Talbot & Scott Meier
Pencils & Inks: Peter Raymond
Colours & Letters: Jessica Jimerson

The first issue of Eclipse managed to overcome my initial doubts by providing a uniquely touching twist on the traditional superhero origin story.  The second issue continues that trend as we delve a little deeper into the chain of events which led to Keith Bruce becoming the costumed hero known as Eclipse, further expanding upon the complicated – and ultimately tragic – relationship between Keith and his autistic father.

However, as compelling and moving as the backstory undoubtedly is, this series is struggling slightly to gain any real traction in the present day.  The bulk of the narrative to this point has taken place in the past, making the here and now – with Eclipse seeking vengeance as a costumed vigilante – seem almost like an afterthought in the grand scheme of things.  Even the villain who is indirectly responsible for Eclipse’s creation comes across as a little flat, without any real defining qualities other than an overall meanness.

The real punch of this story, and the aspect which writers Meier and Talbot are clearly hanging their collective hats on, is the unique relationship that Keith has with his childlike, comic-loving father.  Once again the writing team manage to steer things just the right side of over-sentimentality, creating the necessary emotional impact without ever overdoing things.  It’s difficult not to feel for young Keith as the events of the issue unfold, and there’s definitely something of the ‘Uncle Ben’ in the way his own mistakes indirectly lead to the tragedy he suffers.

Artist Peter Raymond continues to do a solid job with the – albeit fleeting – action sequences, but the faces of his characters seem to be blending together somewhat, making it difficult to separate one teenage high schooler from the other.  His framing and page layouts are top notch, but the occasional wonky facial expression and an overall sense unevenness is beginning to distract somewhat from the story as a whole.

Overall, Eclipse is rapidly becoming a comicbook of two parts, with the riveting and well-realised backstory competing against the flat and somewhat generic present day.  I can’t help but think that with a little more focus on Eclipse as he is now, the story would have a lot more impact and I’d find myself far more invested in his quest for vengeance than I have been to this point.  That said, this is still an engaging read, and the ‘origin story’ portion of the book is more than enough to keep me reading.  I just feel like it could be so much more with just a few minor tweaks.

You can find out more about Eclipse on the official Eclipse – The Comic Facebook page.

The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson (aka Ceej)
Article Archive: Ceej Says