Subject To Change #1
writer- Mark McCracken
artist- Nick Foster
Subject To Change #1 was released by
Divine Authority Comics in July of 2012. It focuses on relationships
between average folk and super powered individuals, and the dynamic
they face when getting together. The book is fully black and white
with a color cover that pays homage to John Romita Sr.'s famous
Amazing Spider-Man #42. Obviously, the creators at Divine Authority
know their mainstream comics, but they have no interest in putting
Subject To Change in the same game as the
Even though this is Subject To Change's
first issue, the writer gives us a run down of what happened
previously. As in the mainstream comics, Divine Authority ties their
titles into one constant universe. The “previously” box explains
that Eric is a wannabe superhero going by the name Nightside.
Nightside was recruited by a hero group, which is where he met his
new boyfriend, Metaphormer. I know that, from the sounds of things,
it seems like Subject To Change is trying to be one of those romance
comics from the early years of the industry. In some ways it is.
But it does bring romance, good old fashion goofing off, and
super-heroics into the Divine Authority Universe in a very
lighthearted enjoyable way. We can thank Mark McCracken's
sensibilities for that, and his natural ability to tell a good story.
I'm not going to tell you too much
about the story in Issue #1, but I will say that the title Subject To
Change is perfect. We don't get a very good example of Nightside's
ability, but it sounds like he has the power to change into demonic
forms, displaying whatever skills are appropriate. His new squeeze,
Chris also changes shape. As Metaphormer, he's able to look and
sound like anybody he's already seen. In another part of town,
Eric's best friend, Carla, is dating a girl named Kelly. Kelly
doesn't appear to have super powers, that is until she transforms
into either of the other two people she shares a body with. Kelly,
Fiona, and Julie are all, in a way, the same person. At various
times, the dominant persona might transform into another, yielding
mind, memory, and figure to whoever's next. Sound confusing?
It is,
but only enough so that you find yourself wanting to figure it out.
This is clever storytelling.
The EiC makes a good point in the blurb
on the back cover. When it comes to debauchery and shenanigans,
Subject To Change is really just another form of what we've been
reading in comics for years. McCracken and Foster just found a
different way to give it to us. I find it refreshing.
The art in Subject To Change is ok.
It's simple and lacking the definition and detail that I like. I
don't like thinking that since a book is a small independent title,
it shouldn't be held to the same standards of mainstream comics. I
think it should. I see no reason small press artists shouldn't draw
like Ryan Sook , Jim Lee, Stuart Immonen, or even Jae Lee. With that
attitude I look at Nick Foster's soft comical, lighthearted style,
and I mostly enjoy it, but there's some growth in skill that needs to
take place. He's no doubt working on perfecting his craft and I'd
really like to see where he's at in ten or fifteen years. Subject To
Change is obviously a labour of love for these guys, and I'm sure
that if McCracken and Foster are up for the challenge, this book is
going to get the exposure they need and get them noticed in a big way
by comic book readers and the industry in general.
Check the gang at Divine Authority out on their Facebook page at Divine Authority Comics or at Divine Authority online.
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