Comic Review: Love and Capes: The Family Way (IDW Publishing)

It’s a joy to behold: the brand spanking new collection of Love and Capes! From IDW, this graphic novel / “was-a-six-issue-adventure” from Harvey-nominated creator Thom Zahler is well worth the gestation period!

A bit of time has passed. Super guy Mark and his wife Abby now have two kids: James and Hayley. The adventures now involve arranging babysitters, trying to make it through a bout of the flu, and oh, baby Hayley has started to demonstrate enormous powers! The art gallery is still a go, Abby’s corporate friend may be becoming a frenemy, and things aren’t as freewheeling as they used to be. Oh, and Darkblade and Amazonia have gone their separate ways, plus there seem to be a lot of Marks all of a sudden.

But if you are unfamiliar with Love and Capes, haven’t even picked up the odd FCBD issue of the title, here’s the deal: It’s a bit like Tom King’s take on Mister Miracle, but fewer panels to the page and a lighter tone. The super war combined with diaper changes. The big world and the smallness of the cozy suburban neighbourhood. All the love, the well-meaning intent of the friends, the monotony of the monogamy. But with a savvy script, excellent dialogue, and some great story beats.

Zahler has found new inspiration here, new material, and is now working with new drawing technology. But still turning out a top-notch product, easy to enjoy. Touching, tender, entertaining, and unique.

Bonus features include a ‘behind the scenes’ section from the author, plus a few sketches from artists such as Alan Davis and Andy Smith!

IDW, Love and Capes: The Family Way, $19.99 for 170 pages