Stealth #1 is a haunting and heartbreaking story about fading legacy, packed in a well-crafted and gorgeously-illustrated superhero comic. It’s rare for a book with flying men fighting ne'er-do-wells to realistically examine the flicking flame of the American Dream, and what it means for a community when it’s snuffed out (if it was ever truly ablaze in the first place). It’s a nihilistic line of thinking which can lead down some dark paths if ushered along by an irresponsible creative team. Luckily, writer Mike Costa (Resistance) and artist Nate Bellegarde (Nowhere Men) explore big question with compassion.

Created by Robert Kirkman and Mark Silvestri, Stealth #1 is probably the best socially aware debut Image Comics has released in 2020 as of this writing. Focusing on a young man named Tony, who is dealing the crumbling infrastructure of his hometown of Detroit, Mich., as well as the decline of his father’s mental cognition. He’s at war on two fronts with few resources to combat either nightmarish force, which are each presented as very real facts of life for so many people.

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Stealth #1 asks, "At what point should we stop fighting?" If the big reveal in the final act of this first issue is any indication, the answer to that question is “never.” As long as there are good people trying to do the right thing, there is never an absence of hope.

The secondary plot of this comic centers around the titular masked superhero and their exploits, which are met with varied responses from the community and local media, which only complicates the idea of action versus inaction in dire times. There is no easy answer when it comes to the idea of superheroes, as they are not governed by the people they protect -- at least, not directly.

Costa’s script is gangbusters. From the interwoven narrative themes to the honest portrayal of a major metropolitan area on the brink, it truly is a masterclass in graphic storytelling. Sure, the aforementioned big reveal might be a tad too obvious for some, but it’s no less satisfying. Costa knocks down everything he sets up and then some. The characters are well realized, even if they only get a few panels to stake their claim as important cogs in a broken machine. Stealth #1 isn’t “preachy” or self-aggrandizing. It’s simply blunt in the best kind of way. This bluntness almost has a cruel edge to it, especially when we focus on Tony having to adapt to his father’s failing metal state. It’s simply heartbreaking.

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Bellegarde’s art is stunning. At first, his clean line work and the exaggerated facial expressions stand in stark contrast to the decline of Detroit. Readers may expect more of a Robocop grit from an aesthetic standpoint, but the world is viewed through the superhero lens of optimism. It’s only when acts of violence explode on the page that readers see the seams of American Dream. These disparate visual cues make Stealth #1 standout. It’s an artistic tactic Ryan Ottley frequently implemented during his tenure as the artist for Invincible (which was written by Stealth co-creator Robert Kirkman). At first glance it looks to be just another fun superhero yarn, but when things get real, they become horrifically grim.

Stealth #1 is simply wonderful. There’s really no other way to say it. From its smart, heartfelt and ultimately devastating story to its gorgeous and shocking artwork, this is a book for any discerning comic reader looking to find their next obsession. Here’s hoping this book finds its audience and fast.  It’s important, immediate and champions everything we love about superheroes while still holding them accountable for their actions.

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