The Madness #1 Advance Review

Legendary writer J. Michael Straczynski teams with superstar artist ACO for a tale of bloody vengeance in AWA’s ‘The Madness’

It’s true what they say. There really isn’t any honor among thieves.

And just like that, Sarah Ross, a.k.a. The Raven, comes crashing into our lives.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. See, Sarah is just like the rest of us. If the rest of us had superhuman abilities, that is. And while she’s definitely enjoyed the fruits of her DNA, probably a bit too much some might add, she simply wants to live a normal life. But what exactly is normal? I’m sure we all have our own interpretation. But to Sarah, it begins with the companionship of a loving marriage while raising a growing family in their happy home. The so-called American Dream. And she will use those abilities, her ability to fly, the super strength, tough skin, super speed, and who knows what else to achieve her dream.

Unfortunately, it’s a shame Sarah can only use one of her superhuman abilities at a time though. It’s like they say, with great power comes great vulnerability. Or something like that.

‘The Madness’ features a creative dream team made of…perfection

Now if by saying this creative team, that’s led by legendary writer J. Michael Straczynski (You may have heard of him. If not, your preferred web browser will blow your mind!) and artist ACO isn’t enough, I’d be compelled to tell you that The Madness also features the inks of David Lorenzo, colors of Marcelo Maiolo and Sal Cipriano lettering. You can’t spell “This is one team that dares to be compared” without “perfection”. And an f. You have to add the f. Otherwise, perection…

Then there’s those variant covers. O. M. G! They must be seen to be believed! Editor’s note: you can see the full cover gallery below!

The Madness #1 holds no punches. Literally. Straczynski’s writing is action packed, perfectly paced and gripping. Impeccable to say the least. I was immediately drawn in, which segues me into ACO’s contributions. When the empathy and intensity of the art compliments the writing, like it does here, what you get is a work of art that’s so mesmerizing you can’t help but understand what this series has in-store for us—and the rest of its published competition.

Hopefully, the creative team behind *The Madness* doesn’t permanently retire after this series kicks the crap out of its competitors though. And as we know, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition.

The Plot

“In The Madness, Sarah Ross has been using her power as a thief, stealing from the rich and…well, keeping it. Until the day she stole from the wrong person, a highly placed official who pressures the government to assassinate her. The plot, aided by so-called “good” superheroes sponsored by the government, misses her but wipes out her family. Driven mad by grief, and laser-focused on revenge for the murder of her family, Sarah and a hidden side of her personality – an imaginary friend who may be more real than she believes – goes after these superpowered operatives determined to take her revenge, at any cost.”

First off, credit to AWA for that synopsis. When it’s already done right there’s really no need to deter from that. Secondly… Wow! What? I need a moment to process. Our own personal Robin Hood has everything she’s ever dreamed of so deviously stripped away that it awakens a hidden, darker side of her that is out for revenge at any cost?! Mind. Blown.

Can we really blame her though? Sure, stealing is stealing and she shouldn’t have done that. We’re not here to condone or pass judgment though. We’re here for the story. So, let’s stay focused. For an organization to solely care only for their schemes, so much so, that they lose their humanity and disregard innocent lives? Now that’s crossing the line! And that’s also politics.

Final Thoughts

To say I enjoyed the premiere issue of The Madness would be putting it mildly. A compelling story with captivating art brought together by inks, colors and letters that will blow your mind! Who am I kidding? This isn’t a review anymore. It’s evolved well past that. This has become my own personal stage for promoting a new favorite series. Fanboy status? Check.

Speaking of check, be sure to do that just below for all the details I know my editor will so graciously provide, so you too, can get in on all the hype that is The Madness #1! Editor’s note: as a matter of fact, you’re right Jeff! You can find preview pages, cover gallery and ordering details below!

The Madness #1 is coming to a comic book shop near you August 9th! FOC is Monday July 17th!