Although their fellow Wildstorm writers have chosen to cut their heroes a break after the chaotic starts to the World’s End scenario, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are obviously determined to bring more trouble to The Authority’s door. Returning to aid the Midnighter’s party of refugees, Swift finds herself caught by the supernatural weather plaguing the now-desolate Earth. Meanwhile, it seems that the remains of the Authority aren’t the only post-humans seeking to make their mark on the ruins of UnLondon…

Abnett and Lanning develop the new Authority in a logical fashion, by presenting them with the most basic crisis: a challenge to their territory. The plotting here is exemplary, with the injured Swift given the perfect reason for remaining an observer while the power of the opposing gang is demonstrated to the readers. There’s a commendable faithfulness to the book’s new tone in selecting such an uncomplicated challenge for the team. Despite this grounding, the writers still find room to include more sci-fi high concepts in the shape of the Soulstorms, adding to the Warhol Virus seen last issue. It’s these little touches of imagination which give the book consistency with its previous incarnations, despite the complete inversion of setting. Where once the wonders of shiftships and spaceflight were a source of awe, now each fantastical addition to the world brings only horror. Simon Coleby’s ink-heavy art adds to the feeling of dread, and is a perfect match for the title.

Pointedly refusing to expand their pared-down cast from last issue, the book’s real triumph is managing to make its heroes feel like separate people, without artificially generating tension within the team. This is a group of characters the readership has come to know every well, exposed to an unprecedented situation. Each has a completely feasible viewpoint, which leads them to interact with their fellows in line with their agendas. The interaction feels real rather than forced or expositionary, and although the reader inevitably finds themselves siding with Swift and the Midnighter’s determination to take the initiative, their less driven compatriots manage to avoid irritating.

The only niggle is a small point of characterisation, but one that still manages to irritate. Swift’s Buddhist upbringing and beliefs have been an established part of the character for years, and her frequent blasphemy in the Christian tradition feels more than a little odd. Her exclamation of horror at Eidolon’s presence in UnLondon (”Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.“) should be a shocking breakdown from a battle-hardened veteran, but instead merely jars the reader out of the issue. Abnett & Lanning have generally handled The Authority’s retreat from mature-reader territory well, but a more in-character solution to the limitations on swearing is called for.

Tags: Andy Lanning, Dan Abnett, Simon Coleby, The Authority
Publisher: Wildstorm