Here’s an interesting little book. It’s called the Pro and is nothing like any other superhero-type book you have read. Yes, I know it’s a phrase overused time and time again. In this case, however, it kind of applies. You see, The Pro is a one-shot featuring the world’s first prostitute ever to become a superhero. No, I did not make that up. In fact, I’m rather quite surprised by this revelation… actually, anything come from the twisted mind of Garth Ennis hardly surprises me.
If you have read some of Ennis’ work, then you have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this one. The spoofing of a certain group of superheroes *cough* *cough* Justice League *cough* is rather ingenious and it’s good to see someone actually showing how worn and clichéd the goody-two-shoes superhero is. The art nicely complements the story and is well done. The one significant thing about this book is the profanity and sexual scenes featured. Yes, some other books have them, but those buttons must have pressed on some many times it got jammed. It gets to the point where you can’t go through one page without seeing at least one “four-lettered word” or some sort of sexual reference… I’m not going to go any further with this.
Um, what can I say? Writing’s good. The art is good. The only complaint I have had is that there is no warning that usually accompanies a book of this kind… you know, the one that says the book is for mature readers or something to that extent. Although that has nothing to do with the book’s content, I wouldn’t be surprised if some clean-cut kid picked up a copy of this book and was thoroughly disgusted with what’s inside… of course, the cover of a somewhat slutty super-hero should be warning enough. Actually my personal regret is that it’s only a one-shot, but that’s okay.
In the end, The Pro comes off as a great book if you can look past the profanity and stuff… actually, that’s pretty much what makes this book. After all, if a story about a prostitute with super-powers doesn’t have any swearing, it isn’t believable. Then again, the story isn’t that believable to begin with. Who cares? If you don’t mind the profanity and sexual slurs, then The Pro is a worthy addition to your collection.
Written by: Garth Ennis
Pencils by: Amanda Conner
Inks by: Jimmy Palmiotti
dtm666 