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While I was not the biggest fan of issue #1 of Harbinger, the second issue gave me something that I was ready to fall in love with.  Sure, we’re only two issues in, but a high water mark was definitely set in terms of action, dialogue (especially knowing when to be funny) and story progression. While I am still a tad skeptical as to whether or not Harbinger will be a winner, issue 3 definitely keeps up the momentum from what we experienced previously.

There is no denying that Peter is truly in the thick of something that he never has experienced before.  Now that he is under the roof of the Harada Corporation, Peter is forced to stop running and must discover what his powers mean and how they will affect the fate of the world.  With many young and old Psiotic’s under one roof, Peter’s life becomes a little too “high school cafeteria drama” for my tastes, but it effectively notes the disparity between what he is already capable of and what he still needs to learn. 

Peter by no means comes off as being shut in, but Dysart in this book almost feels like he is trying to fast track your emotional attachment for him by invading his memories.  Peter’s need to control has been noted early on in this series, so it comes as no surprise when he reacts to the utter lack of control he is granted by all those operating under Harada.  While Peter seems to be more than willing to go along with everything that is being asked of him, it almost feels like, at times, that he is too passive or even submissive for letting all of this happen to him.  Dysart wants to break down Peter before putting him back together, but I almost wish Peter would act as though he has a greater stake in his life.

While there are negatives, there are positives in Harbinger that are hard to overlook.  The readability and flow of the story is something that is undeniable; once you start reading it’s hard not to get sucked in.  Using established source material definitely has made the world feel alive and the characters are well realized.  The book has hints of comedy and error in it that is never overdone.  Levity is always needed and while I have problems with Peter, the story understands what it wants to be and I commend it for that.

While issue three doesn’t hit the same highs as #2, this is a series that is trending upwards.  It’s fun, it’s accessible and above all else, anybody playing the role of old man on a porch telling these damn new Harbinger readers how good it was back in their day surely have disappeared.  This new Harbinger is great and it definitely is here to stay.

HARBINGER #3 – ON SALE AUGUST 15th!
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by KHARI EVANS & LEWIS LAROSA
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (JUN121326)
Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JUN121327)