Freedom Fighters has been a great read as it balances politics, superheroes, and a dark dystopian future for America well. The Nazi regime has taken over America and the saviors are not only a superhero team, but every damn one of us. We’re in it together, but with Uncle Sam back, can we possibly win against the Overman?!
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
The Freedom Fighters are at last reunited, and Uncle Sam is leading the way to victory. But just as defeat of the Nazi regime seems in sight, Hitler II has one more trick up his sleeve…and this one is Kryptonian. It’s Overman versus the Freedom Fighters in the slugfest to end all slugfests, and this shock ending will leave you breathless!
Why does this matter?
This issue focuses in on the Overman, who is very much a Superman surrogate. When Superman works for the Nazi regime do we have any hope at all? Find out here!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
This looks familiar.
Credit: DC Comics
The Overman serves as a kind of nuclear arms race weapon in this issue, reminding us of how the bad guys can win if they gain an edge with a powerful enough weapon. Robert Venditti does a good job giving us quick flashbacks as to how this character entered the war and who he currently is as he attacks the Freedom Fighters. It’s a scary proposition not unlike the nuclear bomb was, as he is powerful enough to defeat all enemies with ease. It’s an unfair advantage, which puts the progress our heroes have made so far into question. How can they possibly win against a force like him?
As we learn about the Uberman this issue, Eddy Barrows continues to deliver on the framing and layout design. The heroes spend a good deal of time hoping Uncle Sam even wakes up which is entertaining and interesting thanks to the art design. There is plenty of action too and it’s high octane stuff. When Overman enters the scene there’s a frightening full-page splash of the character looking at our heroes, eyes ready to shoot lasers, that’s quite haunting. An evil Superman is a very scary thing.
This issue does a great job establishing the steep odds levied against the Freedom Fighters. It’s a reminder they really can’t stop this super-man and the battle may only be won if all Americans stand up and fight. The underlying theme of patriotism and togetherness being a superpower in itself is at work and it’ll be fun to see how Venditti and Barrows continue to tease that out.
They are screwed.
Credit: DC Comics
It can’t be perfect, can it?
It’ll be interesting to read this series in one sitting as the focus shifts quite dramatically from issue to issue. One issue might be nearly devoted to the Nazi side of things, this issue Overman, and another Uncle Sam. It’s not a huge negative in the grand scheme of things, but it can throw off the focus of the book. I keep saying this, but the Freedom Fighters themselves continue to be not quite fleshed out.
Is it good?
Another fantastic issue that plays around with the idea of the Nazi regime taking over America and only a few heroes standing in the way of the American spirit dying off completely. This issue introduces a Superman-type character that adds an entertaining new enemy to the fold.
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