rating: ★★★

Along with the DC Comics “New 52” marketing relaunch, in the last few months there have also been miniseries that have introduced more faces to this new version of the universe of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. One such miniseries is The Ray, written by the team of Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, and with artwork by Jamal Igle (pencils), Rich Perrotta (inks) and Guy Major (colours). Currently on issue two out of six, the miniseries is worth a read.

The Ray follows the origin and exploits of Lucien Gates, an everyday California teen with a lifeguard job and new-age parents who gets hit with a blast from an experimental particle cannon. Being a comic book, instead of such an accident killing him, Lucien instead gains superpowers and is able to move at light speed, fire energy rays and disguise himself by manipulating light waves.

While Lucien deals with both his new abilities and the mutated sea life that is now attacking California, the reader is introduced to the villain of the story: Thaddeus Filmore. A sadistic documentary filmmaker who gained power from mystical forces, Thaddeus is determined to make the world into his latest snuff film, and Lucien has been cast as the tragic hero.

Art-wise, the comic is good but nothing special, and there are times when the artwork can feel stiff for a main character that travels at the speed of light, but the art team does a good job capturing the various expressions and ethnicities in the first two issues. This is helped by Guy Major on colours, who ties things together nicely with solid palettes and some clever use of a glow effect, reminding you that this is a character who fights with actual light as a weapon.

Gray and Palmiotti, on the other hand, work on bringing the personalities of these characters through to the reader, and they pull it off well. In the few appearances Thaddeus has had so far he comes across as a dark, powerful man who you do not want to cross paths with, and Lucien is a good-hearted hero despite some flaws and insecurities. The relationship with his parents is enjoyable and refreshing, where they not only know about and accept his new superhero role, but also give him advice on how to control his powers. The plot can seem rushed for some readers, and that can be a turnoff, but when there are only six issues to introduce this character, give him conflict and (hopefully) ensure a happy ending, this fault can be forgiven.

The Ray is currently a third of the way through its storyline, and while the story isn’t terribly groundbreaking, it’s a fun and refreshing read most people would enjoy. If you liked Gray and Palmiotti’s other work like Jonah Hex and Power Girl, you’ll probably like this series. If you’re new to comics, but would be interested in a story where there are no big-name heroes and the main character turns into light and fights mutant flying stingrays, The Ray is a great place to start.

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Image: Supplied