The second collection of Ellis Stormwatch run is more of the same: superhero action with a political vibe. The first three issues concentrate on one character each, first Jack Hawksmoor, then Jenny Sparks and finally Jackson King.
Of these three Jenny Sparks story is the most interesting, as she tells her long history that is reminiscent in style and content of the evolution of superhero comics in the 20th century. In just one issue Ellis manages to cover a whole century of art styles and approaches to story telling and yet he also manages to make a coherent story out of it that convincingly explains Sparks attitude and motivation.
In this collection it also becomes quite clear that Weatherman Henry Bendix has gone off the rails. Ellis already depicted him as cold-hearted bastard and control freak, but here it becomes clear that he’s crossed the line to full-grown villain. Yes, Bendix wants to make a better world, but only on his conditions, with every method available. He’s like the dark mirror image of many of Ellis more idealistic characters. He’s not one for mindless destruction or self-enrichment, but as the old saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
