Supremely Plodding

From the bootlegged Marvel solicits for February:

SUPREME POWER #15

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

Pencils & Cover by GARY FRANK

What does the most powerful being on the planet do when he finds out he’s been manipulated and that his whole life is practically a lie? How will Hyperion react — and what does that mean for the rest of humanity —and the government that’s organized these deceitful machinations? Another pulse-pounding issue from the architects of the Supremeverse!

I'm sorry; did I miss the issue where Hyperion forgives his government masters for lying to him? It must have been after he invaded that Army base in #9 and confronted the General responsible for his upbringing. Otherwise, why would this glacially-paced series be asking the same questions six issues later? Ye gods.

It's hard to imagine a better argument against decompressed linear storytelling than Supreme Power. Which would you rather read -- a story about a twisted Justice League which has ended up ruling the Earth, and you learn its history in flashbacks; or a series which spends so much time establishing its setting and characters that you're not quite sure what its premise even is?

But why should I spend more of my precious words on this when I can just let the second SP paperback's Amazon listing (which sounds like it came from Marvel) do the talking?

The heroes have arrived. You've watched them grow. You've learned their secrets. And now, you're about to see them change the world... for better or for worse! When a god-like Hyperion discovers that his whole life has actually been an elaborate government-made lie, his reaction could mean the end of the Earth! Do the world's other super-powered beings have any chance at stopping Hyperion if the truth sends him over the edge? Collects SUPREME POWER #6-12.

This isn't just "writing for the trade," it's writing the same plot as the trade. Good grief. And Marvel wants $2.99 for the monthly issues, because Heaven forbid you might miss something important.