For the flagship title, the linchpin of its new franchise, Dynamite has enlisted Kevin Smith to pen it - which is a no-brainer in many aspects but risky in others.
Smith's "Green Hornet" comic is an adaptation of his unproduced screenplay for the film.
That's good because it meant Dynamite did not have to worry about Smith's well-earned reputation for being ridiculously late handing in his comic-book scripts.
When you read the first issue, especially the first half, you will wonder why Smith's cinematic vision for the "Hornet" was rejected. There is the crisp, often humorous dialogue Smith is known for but also a kick-butt action scene, that looks both kinetic and polished, thanks in large part to Jonatha Lau's clean pencils and Ivan Nunes imbuing the book with gorgeous colors.
Smith does a great job having us feel the tension between the rival Japanese and Italian mafias before the Hornet makes his presence known.
One important note: Smith has taken a beating in some quarters for what some see as anti-Asian dialogue that plays into stereotypes by both the Italians toward the Yakuza and the Hornet to Kato. But Smith is simply placing the Hornet in the era from where he came. Plus, we're talking about mobsters - of course they're going to say crude things! And the Hornet's comments to Kato are typical buddy-movie stuff. People really need to relax on this front.
What Comics Guy feels Smith does have to apologize for is giving the Hornet an inconsistent voice.
One minute, he sounds like Batman, talking tough about "my city" and the next he is as flippant as Spider-Man.
Worse, Smith wants readers to think his story is so laugh-out-loud funny, he feels the need to have the Hornet tell people it is.
