Damage, Vol. 1: Out of Control

This graphic novel collects the first six issues of DC's new Damage comics. The first issue was originally released in January 2018.

I'd never heard of Damage before, but this is a re-imagining of the character originally created back in 1994. Damage is a lot like the Incredible Hulk, though instead of a brilliant scientist, his secret identity is a soldier with dreams of becoming a hero.

Ethan Avery, a 21-year-old soldier, volunteers to take part in an experimental program. The goal: to create a super-weapon capable of taking out enemies without losing any lives. The program succeeds, allowing Ethan to become the unstoppable monster known as Damage.

There's a catch, though. Ethan can only become Damage for an hour at a time, and needs to recharge for a day between each transformation. Damage also has its own personality, fighting with Ethan for control of their body.

There was a lot of action in this. Every volume had Damage going on a rampage for an hour. He takes on superheroes, supervillains, and the military. As cool as this was, I would have enjoyed more non-fighting scenes. There are hints of a larger story within the DC universe throughout, which I found more interesting than the action.

Overall, the graphic novel was an enjoyable read, though I won't be in a rush to pick up the next volume.

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