Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 is written by Mark Millar, illustrated by Matteo Buffagni, colored by Laura Martin, and lettered by Clem Robins. It’s published by Image Comics under the Millarworld imprint. Dr. Edison Crane is the self-proclaimed “smartest man in the world,” who prides himself on solving the problems that no one else can. One of these adventures featured him stopping an invasion from a parallel Earth. Now, he finds himself up against the mysterious Icarus Society — a group of individuals who claim to be smarter than he is.
The premise of Prodigy hooked me when I first read about it. A super-intelligent, suave Black hero who saved the day using his brain? It sounded like a cross between James Bond, Reed Richards, and Idris Elba — which also happens to be the perfect description of Edison. It’s also proof that Millar continues to develop high-concept ideas for comics, even as his entire comic book catalog has now fallen under the Netflix umbrella. In fact, a film version of Prodigy is in the works at the streamer, following adaptations of Jupiter’s Legacy and Super Crooks.
Throughout the issue, Edison continues to push his intellect in every way possible, and the same extends to Millar, who seems to be testing the limits of his imagination. Those tests include negotiating with the mad scientist Professor Tong who has a significant connection to the Icarus Society, escaping a kidnapping attempt, and even mundane tasks such as his own take on the great American novel. That first event not only kicks the events of the series into high gear but also contains Millar’s signature touch as Professor Tong has surgically replaced his own hands with that of a chimpanzee!
Another Millar staple that The Icarus Society features are the talents of a top-notch artist bringing Millar’s scripts to life. In this case, it’s Buffagni, who’s best known for his work on a string of Marvel titles, including X-Men and Star Wars: Age of Resistance. Buffagni draws Edison as the most confident person in a room, whether he’s conversing with heads of state or tied to a chair by his would-be kidnappers; his face is always set in a thoughtful pose, and he’s often clad in the finest clothes. The action sequences are also a major draw, with whole pages dedicated to Edison taking out rooms of people that outnumber him.
Buffagni is joined by Martin and Robins, with the latter having served as a letterer on other Millarworld books. Robins’ sound balloons are unique in that they often take the shape of the words they contain — especially when people scream in pain. Martin’s colors shift based on the various scenes. For example, when Edison enters the hospital where Professor Tong is holding his hostages in, it’s night — blue shadows cover everything, adding an ominous vibe to the proceedings. And when Edison goes rock climbing, the sun’s rays shine behind him, offering a truly majestic view.
Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 features the return of Edison Crane, with a story that rivals — and even exceeds — some of the biggest action movies ever put to the screen. Though Millar has had a career with mixed results, the Prodigy series is one of his most interesting creations and well worth a read.
Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.
Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1
TL;DR
Prodigy: The Icarus Society #1 features the return of Edison Crane, with a story that rivals — and even exceeds — some of the biggest action movies ever put to the screen. Though Millar has had a career with mixed results, the Prodigy series is one of his most interesting creations and well worth a read.
