The Gen13 comic series had a couple things going for it -- two of them notably exposed through the oft-torn costume of team leader Caitlin Fairchild -- but the series ultimately fizzled and lost reader interest. Rather than build on the title's strengths and improve the stories, WildStorm opted to kill off the entire team (except for Fairchild, who was much too cheesecakey to die) and start fresh with a new batch of teens.

Enter September Song, an ill-conceived notion from day one. First, the book introduces us to Quick-Step, an appealing young heroine on the run, then kills her dead before the issue ends. Sigh. Then we meet the new gang, but none of them seem all that interesting -- certainly not worth naming them or listing their lame and/or derivative powers. Then Fairchild returns, but minus the cheesecake factor; she dresses conservatively now, passing her torn costume abilities on to one of the new gang members.

September Song collects about half of the short-lived series. If you enjoy seeing a handful of teens suddenly get powers and react predictably while forming a team, this book is for you. If you like bewildering storylines and costumes that mystically appear out of nowhere, run to get your own copy. Otherwise, stick with the once and future Gen13 team, which if nothing else has Fairchild front and center.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
2 September 2006