When I first created my play-by-mail superhero roleplaying game, HeroPress, back in the 80s, it was a reaction to Villains & Vigilantes' players - including myself - who railed on the random character generation system when they only got a single superpower.The introduction to the original HeroPress Players Guide said something about: "Just think for a minute, if YOU could really fly? Would you moan that you couldn't shoot frickin' laser beams out your eyes as well?" And this was, kind of, the point of the game - that it was supposed to be about real people, in the real world, dealing with the discovery of their metahuman potential. Not unlike the increasingly brilliant TV show Heroes, which is stirring up a global storm.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the imagination or maturity to steer people away from the colourful lycra, so, even with the best will in the world, the game ended up a clone of the DC/Marvel titles around at the time.
Another aspect of HeroPress that I prided myself on, and turned out to be quite prescient of current trends, is my belief in the true "impact" of superpowers e.g. using superstrength to punch someone in the face is probably going to cave their face in or rip their head off! Superpowered fights should be bloody and ultraviolent! Not only does Heroes show this, but also The Ultimates from Marvel, now concluding its second arc of stories.
A controversial comic at the best of times, especially with Mark Millar's penchant for hardhitting and shocking stories, Grand Theft America built to a wonderfully OTT climax with Norse gods battling in the streets of New York, traitors getting their comeuppance and 'heroes' having to face the consequences of their actions.
Some people have slagged this title for its violence and unique take on classic characters, but I personally can't get enough of this realism in comics. Sure, I don't want it in every single line I read - but as a flagship in Marvel's fantastic 'alternate' universe, The Ultimates is a beautiful and thought-provoking read for the open-minded.
This issues marks the end of Millar and Bryan Hitch's run, but I don't think I have to worry about any drop in quality as the reins are being taken over by Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira.
If only I was writing HeroPress these days! Of course now, it would just be a pale imitation of Heroes and The Ultimates. But thinking about it, that wouldn't be such a bad thing!
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