🆕 New Man #1–4 (1996) – A Retro Superhero Saga
🎭 Genre
Superhero, Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
New Man blends classic superhero tropes with a gritty ‘90s aesthetic, featuring moral ambiguity, internal conflict, and government conspiracies. The tone combines high-octane action with introspective storytelling.
🦸♂️ Main Characters
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New Man (Tommy Powell): A genetically enhanced super-soldier wrestling with his identity and past.
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Project: New Man Scientists: Shadowy figures responsible for creating Tommy’s powers through experimental procedures.
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Monica: A mysterious woman tied to Tommy’s past who holds secrets that could shatter everything he knows.
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Warden: A brutal government enforcer trying to bring New Man back into the fold—dead or alive.
✍️ Writer
Steve Keeter
Keeter delivered a story focused on internal conflict and personal evolution rather than simple heroics, giving the book a unique, character-driven edge.
🎨 Artist
Chris Dreier
Dreier’s sharp linework and bold, exaggerated anatomy give the series a rugged '90s flair, enhancing both action sequences and emotional scenes.
📝 Editor
Mark Propst
Propst ensured visual consistency and a coherent narrative flow across the four issues, preserving the raw energy of the script and artwork.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Publisher: EF Graphics
Brand: Independent
As part of the indie boom of the 1990s, New Man stood out by offering a grounded take on superhero fiction without the constraints of mainstream publishers like Marvel or DC.
📅 Release Year
1996
Launched during a decade of experimentation in comics, New Man reflected the era’s fascination with anti-heroes, government control, and bioengineering.
📖 Brief Plot Summary
Tommy Powell, once an ordinary man, becomes the subject of a covert military experiment known as "Project: New Man." Gifted—or cursed—with enhanced strength and speed, Tommy escapes the lab and sets out to reclaim his stolen life. But freedom comes at a cost. Hunted by government agents and haunted by flashbacks of a life he never chose, New Man must decide whether to embrace his power or destroy it.
As his memories unravel, he discovers Monica—someone from his past who might hold the truth behind his transformation. Meanwhile, the sinister Warden closes in, determined to eliminate Tommy before the project is exposed. The result is a gritty, emotional chase through identity, ethics, and the price of playing god. 🧬💥
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"Origins of Power": A deep dive into Tommy’s past and the true nature of the genetic experimentation that created him.
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"Man vs. Machine": New Man must face off against a mechanized version of a failed prototype—Project Echo—testing his strength and will.
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"Beneath the Surface": A psychological battle as Tommy begins to question whether he’s truly free or still being manipulated.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Mind Control Conspiracy 🧠: Some fans speculate that New Man's escape and moral dilemmas are orchestrated simulations—suggesting he never actually left the lab.
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Clones vs. Originals 🤯: A theory posits that Monica is a clone implanted with memories to manipulate Tommy's decisions, linking her to Project Echo.
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Project: Legacy 🧬: Readers theorize that New Man is just one of several test subjects, hinting at a larger universe of enhanced beings.
📝 Review Summary
New Man #1–4 delivers an intense, self-contained narrative with a refreshingly human protagonist. The writing explores themes of identity, morality, and power, steering clear of the over-the-top clichés common in the era. The art, though rooted in '90s indie style, stands out for its expressive characters and dynamic fight scenes. While some elements feel raw or unpolished, the emotional depth and pacing carry the series beyond expectations.
⭐ Art: 7.5/10
⭐ Story: 8/10
⭐ Character Depth: 8.5/10
This mini-series is a hidden gem for fans of grounded superhero tales with a psychological edge. 🦸♂️🧠
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
