Freak Force 2 cover by Vic Bridges & Karl Kesel

Freak Force, set in Larsen’s Dragon universe, was one of Image most consistent titles during the 90s (in terms of quality). The combination of Keith Giffen and Larsen’s writing made for a very fun read somewhat reminiscent of Giffen & Dematteis’ take on JLA/JLE but with a definitive, slightly more aggressive I’d say, Image flavor.

And of course there was Victor Bridges’ art which was appealing to anyone who likes classic storytelling. I mean I can’t think of any artist whose John Byrne influence is more evident than Bridges’. Many artists applied their own sensitivity to their Byrne influence or mixed it with others to reach a result of their own. Bridges barely did and never escaped Byrne’s shadow to great results (imho-as I realize I may make it sound like a crass swiper, which he was not).

Here we have two thirds of the team on the second cover with Super Patriot facing one of my favorite early Larsen-verse characters and villains: Mako (I guess every super hero universe needs its shark themed guy and I like them all ^^).

The ferocity of the villain and his aggressivity is superbly portrayed here. You really wouldn’t trade your reader place with the hero. The many many pointy teeth and saliva drops may have to do something with it.

The nice Karl Kesel inks finish to enhance the Byrnish flavor of the piece.