Global Frequency: Planet Ablaze & Detonation Radio

I completely ignored Global Frequency during its monthly run. The title sounded too much like some sort of cell phone ad! I wasn't too far off, as wireless communication plays a large part in this series. Throw in my love/hate relationship with Warren Ellis' work. I really admire his writing, but can't stand his publishing schedules. I pretty much wait for his work to be presented as a trade paperback or graphic novel nowadays, so I can enjoy some semblance of a story arc without waiting years between issues. I got into Planetary through trades, so I thought I'd give Global Frequency a shot, especially because it's contained within just volumes, titled Planet Ablaze and Detonation Radio, respectively.

I'll admit, I wasn't expecting much at all. However, was I in for a surprise! I ended up discovering a great premise executed almost flawlessly.

Global Frequency is a worldwide team of 1001 specialists, where one or any number of members may be called in by Miranda Zero, head of Global Frequency, to solve any issue normal authorities can no longer handle. Each chapter is a standalone story featuring a different set of specialists, and the crisis is resolved within the framework of a single chapter. The only true reoccurring characters are Miranda, as she is the leader, and Aleph, the communications guru that monitors all that happens in the world from her informational hub and coordinates the members of Global Frequency.

Global Frequency is no where near a superhero title. It's more of an action adventure series with some science fiction overtones. Much more a cross between Mission: Impossible and X-Files then it is Fantastic Four or X-Men. Some may not care for it as such, as it's not singular character driven. It focuses on the team as a whole and their mission focus, which is where I found the brilliance of it. It's very hard to pull off a group dynamic, especially when some individuals are in the series for so short a time. Fortunately, Warren Ellis has become quite masterful with dialogue, so even though many characters are only in the series for a few panels, he provides enough wit and personality for them to drive the story along. He has also done some serious research, infusing current events, politics, and ideology into these stories, along with an international and culturally diverse cast, without falling into the average stereotypical trappings writing such characters could create.

Honestly, Global Frequency is almost perfect. It actually delivers what it promises: explosive storytelling. The only possible hiccup I found in the book was the art. A different artist is used for every chapter. As unique as this was, and as good as all the artists are individually, I first felt the book would be perfect with a singular artist and letting that person shine with differing styles or direction yet in retrospect the different artist for every issue works very well for this series and I'm glad they did it as it exposed me to more styles.

I have no problem admitting how wrong I was on my first impression of Global Frequency. It remains one of my favorite series. My big complaint is that there are no more Global Frequency stories being told. It's a great book that's easily accessible. No cell phone ad here! Just high octane action adventure for the 21st Century.