Doctor Mid-Nite

Rating:
Summary: A great, modern hero with a classic 40's Mystery Men flavour
Review: Doctor Pieter Cross was a scientific genius and surgeon, who used his great wealth and talent to help those who fell through the cracks of society, providing aid for the homeless, clean needles for abusers and condoms for prostitutes. He was known to his friends and foes alike as "The Midnight Doctor". This was until a terrible accident took away his sight and forced him to take on a new identity to protect his city from those that would prey upon it.

Its a premise that is very reminiscent of the Mystery Men (Superheroes) of the 30's and 40's such as The Shadow or The Batman and of course the original hero who this character assumed the name of, Doctor Mid-Nite. That's where the similarities end. This is an thrilling and engrossing tale written by Matt Wagner (Mage, Grendel, Sandman Mystery Theatre) and fully painted by John K Snyder III (Grendel).

The Characterisation of the eponymous Hero and supporting cast is excellent - Everyone is described perfectly and an Empathic connection is created immediately - You feel for the characters, you worry when they are in danger and you celebrate when they are successful in their endeavours. Wagner's story can only be described as Fantastic and Snyder's artwork, while not as easy on the eyes as Alex Ross' painted work or Stephen Sadowski's pencils, creates a dark and shadowy atmosphere and adds to the feel of Wagner's tale.

I strongly recommend this. I can honestly say that Pieter Cross is one of the greatest things since Sliced Bread.