Comic Review - Stormwatch Volume 4: A Finer World

This, for me, is probably the low point of Ellis' Stormwatch. The basic problem is that Ellis is clearly bored of writing the book. On the one hand, fair play, if you're bored you're bored. On the other, why keep writing it? It also doesn't make for a spectacular SW collection. Both of the stories contained within do have their merits, don't get me wrong, it's just that if you've got here on the back of the tight SW characterisation of the previous three books, you're going to be disappointed by this one.


The opening three-parter "A Finer World" focuses largely on a previously secret Stormwatch team. They're a bit of a nod towards Planetary, as this team is a clear analogue of the JLA. The two surviving members of this team - Apollo and The Midnighter - assume centre stage for this story, fighting misuse of the Engineer's Nevada Garden (from "Change or Die"). The rest of Stormwatch don't get much of a look-in besides Jackson and Christine. While the two new characters are enthralling, as is their back story (which both adds and detracts from Bendix's madness; on the one hand, it shows that he didn't start following his agenda overnight but on the other something about him having all these hidden resources and agendas doesn't sit with his earlier presentation) but it just doesn't feel like a Stormwatch series. It's clear Ellis is more interested in the new pair, and has an eye on the forthcoming Authority. As an origin for Apollo and The Midnighter it's a great story but it's also a clear sign Ellis was utterly bored with the book.

The second story "The Bleed", is also more interesting for its' relationship with the Authority, rather than as a Stormwatch story, dealing as it does with the introduction of the Bleed, the space between universes that the Carrier travels through in the later series. However the concept's explored via a rather average parallel universe setting. Like most alternative universes, once you've been through once spotting people in the background (the Stormwatch team in this world includes members of the WildCATs, Gen 13 and so on) and seeing who's doing who's job, it's pretty dull. There's some respectable characterisation in there and as usual some terrific ideas, but it all feels so uninvolved, especially as The Bleed isn't a charismatic alternate lead. 

About the only interesting thread is that it's increasingly obvious Jackson lacks authority as the Weatherman and seems somewhat out of his depth.There's still enough going on here to justify buying the thing if you're an Ellis fan, though your appreciation will be tainted by when exactly you access the book. If as I did you read it in order, before The Authority, it'll come as a disappointment. However, I suppose if you were working backwards from The Authority and looking at SW as a prequel, it'd sit a little bit easier.