REVIEW: 'The Madness' #1 by J. Michael Straczynski, ACO, David Lorenzo, and Marcelo Maiolo

THE MADNESS #1

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Penciler: ACO

Inker: David Lorenzo

Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo

Letterer: Sal Cipriano

Cover Artist: ACO

Publisher: AWA

ON-SALE: Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

Legendary writer J. Michael Straczynski teams with superstar artist ACO for a tale of bloody vengeance.

In THE MADNESS, Sarah Ross has been using her power as a thief, stealing from the rich and...well, keeping it. Until the day she stole from the wrong person, a highly placed official who pressures the government to assassinate her. The plot, aided by so-called "good" superheroes sponsored by the government, misses her but wipes out her family. Driven mad by grief, and laser-focused on revenge for the murder of her family, Sarah and a hidden side of her personality - an imaginary friend who may be more real than she believes - goes after these superpowered operatives determined to take her revenge, at any cost.

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

J. Michael Straczynski is back with a vengeance. The new AWA limited series 'The Madness' with artists ACO, David Lorenzo, and Marcelo Maiolo is the work of a veteran writer who knows how to set up a great story and capture an audience. In all honesty, Straczynski never left because the prolific writer has been writing everything for over the last fifty years. Plays, columns, novels, textbooks, animation, television, movies, and of course, comics are all part of his long, award-winning resume. You'll have a hard time finding a more accomplished creator, not just in comics, but in entertainment in general. With his 'Babylon 5' still as popular as ever, an animated feature is on its way, and a return to Marvel with artist Jesus Saiz on a new run of 'Captain America' this Fall, Straczynski first bestows this exciting new series on us, and it a must-buy. 

Sometimes, heist story tropes can be as comforting as a homemade dish. Predictable flavor but somehow satisfies the appetite. The "one last job" is a big score for the super-powered Sarah who's a thief who steals from the rich and powerful and gives to herself. She can ride off into the sunset with her boyfriend and his kids with a ton of money in offshore accounts to last her the rest of her life. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, she stole riches from a powerful political ally of the US government and they want retribution. Enter the black ops of a G.I. superteam assigned to terminate Sarah. 

Straczynski blends a heist, superheroes, and revenge stories into one thrilling first issue that sets the stage for Sarah's vengeance with the rage and passion of 'Kill Bill' and 'John Wick.' It's all so seamless as Sarah's voiceover opens and closes the issue from two polar opposite perspectives. She's forever changed in some surprising ways. She survives the attempt on her life but her loved ones do not. She is devastated with grief, pain, and ultimately unyielding anger. Something snaps within her psyche and another persona is born. A persona that will stop at nothing to hold those responsible for what they've done. 

ACO, David Lorenzo, and Marcelo Maiolo put together a beautifully composed and cinematic experience through color, movement, design, and perspective. The way the "camera" swings around the action to capture explosions and Sarah's emergence from the fire is stunning. The integration of sound effects as part of the design instead as an after-effect fills the panel perfectly and adds impact. There's a cohesive vision between pencils, ink, and color that make the issue flow with purpose and confidence. It all leads to a shocking conclusion that revs up the tension and suspense. 

'The Madness' is an exceptional revenge thriller that remixes genres into one explosive first issue by a legendary writer and superstar art crew. It's the kind of issue that gets you pumped up for the next one making the wait intolerable. This is Straczynski is at his best with a story that hits all the right notes leaving readers wanting more. AWA has another hit on their hands.