Draped in Finesse

If you’re into Black indie superhero comics that deal directly with racial and social issues, One Nation might catch your interest, but be ready for a mixed bag.

The series kicks off with strong symbolism: Paragon, a superpowered Black man draped in the U.S. flag, enters the public eye during the Gulf War. His story follows the usual Superman beats, complete with an origin flashback, government interest, and public tension. While this structure isn’t bad on its own, One Nation doesn’t do much to set itself apart narratively. The message is clear, but the delivery lacks finesse.

The art is solid overall.  The creator Jason Reeves is a masterful illustrator who’s work is best featured in the action-heavy war scenes in issue one.  However, the lettering, especially in the first issue, is weak. The story pacing is choppy, flipping between long-winded exposition dumps and extended fight scenes with zero stakes. 

Team Work, Dream Work

By Issue 3, the book shifts into building a team and teasing a larger villain.  Reeves also pulls in a stellar creative team with writers Alverne Ball and Robert Jeffrey II.  Artist Mario Torrisi continues Jason Reeves’ polished storytelling.   Although the execution feels rushed at times, a few new characters, like Stronghold from another 133art book, bring some intrigue (shout out to Greg Anderson-Elysée).  The team-up angle, though a bit undercooked, brings a “To me my X-Men” vibe, as each team member handles their respective challenges in their own unique way.  Issue 4 leans harder into real-world politics, kicking off with a BLM protest and continuing the social focus, but again, the story struggles to balance message with momentum.

In Paragon We Trust

All that said, Paragon is still an interesting enough character to carry a comic series on his shoulders. The creators have taken the time to flesh him out on the page, making him the most developed and compelling hero in the book. With the right supporting cast, and perhaps a mentorship dynamic with an older hero from the 133art universe, there’s real potential for him to grow and shine in future issues.

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