Review by Frank Plowright

The Resistance begins as J. Michael Straczynski’s response to the global coronavirus pandemic. The claim is that it was created beforehand, but it was certainly refined as the world coped with infection, and opens with six panels of differing responses as to its origins. The fictional XV1N1 virus, though, is far more lethal and contagious than covid-19, throwing the entire world into panic and revolution.

Straczynski’s shorthand extrapolation of what might have happened is so well conceived and so compellingly rolled out over the opening chapter, that it’s almost disappointing that right at the end a bunch of people with superpowers are introduced. Any expectations of the project being derailed, though, are quickly dispelled as Straczynski keeps The Resistance resolutely about the politics and the people. Nations have taken extreme measures as millions have died, but plenty of survivors have the means to fight back.

From that premise Straczynski generates a whole line of graphic novels, some written by him and some by others, exploring different aspects of a new world. It’s seen in microcosm here after the background is introduced, a delightfully cynical third chapter considering how a marketing agency might approach superheroes.

There’s no doubting Mike Deodato’s artistic talent, but he has a technique frequently used on AWA/Upshot titles involving what seems to be creating a page and then overlaying white panel borders. It’s oddly unsettling and doesn’t do him any favours, but thankfully it’s a style confined to political discussions. More conventional layouts apply to other scenes. It might be thought that after so many years at the top of his game that Deodato had little more to offer, which is why it’s worth stopping to admire the consummate skill visible on every single page.

Just as covid had a global effect, so does XV1N1, except the difference is that it behaves like no other virus, and so while the authorities of assorted nations might attempt to bluff, they don’t understand it. This isn’t our Earth or our politicians, but they behave in ways we’ll find familiar, restricting freedom, meaning the super-powered people who emerge have a far more pronounced political agenda than your usual superhero. Cleverly, in the USA at least, they also have political wisdom behind them, and Straczynski shows why that makes a difference.

Although there’s a story here, almost as many pages are occupied by set-up for further events, which may prove irritating. However, good set-up is good set-up and you’ll want to return for Uprising. Moths is also recommended, as while it’s a very different exploration of super powers, small moments give deeper meaning to some events here. This is also included in its entirety in Resistance: Origins.