The Center Holds # 1
Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: M.D. “Doc” Bright
Colorist: Josh Burcham
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Cover Date: February 2026
Rating: 07/10
This week, I will examine issue number one of “The Center Holds” from BOOM! Studios. This new series unites comic legends Larry Hama—renowned for “Wolverine” and “G.I. Joe”—and the late M.D. Bright, in his final work, created a distinctive superhero epic.
In a world where superheroes are ubiquitous, heroes are mandated to join a union or face significant financial liabilities for the damages incurred during battles. The Superheroes’ Union features a team comprising the ingenious Scyber, psychic Lakshmi, the enigmatic Keeper, and prodigious child Nekkotron, as they combat villains and bureaucratic obstacles. Although balancing damage mitigation with life-saving efforts is already challenging, they grapple with ongoing threats from emerging villains. Employing a blend of melodrama and superhero narrative, the series introduces a satirical perspective that offers an engaging twist; however, Larry Hama’s script may feel burdensome due to dense dialogue and underdeveloped characters, with only Scyber’s background providing notable interest—underscoring its potential to attract fans. Despite Hama’s proven talent as a dynamic writer, this comic appears to be a work in progress, with frantic pacing and bureaucratic storytelling that diminish its appeal over time. The most notable aspect remains M.D. Bright’s magnificent artwork, which showcases his versatility and infuses the series with a blend of classic and modern aesthetics, is truly spectacular and a testament to his talent, which will be fondly missed. Although the concept is neither particularly groundbreaking nor innovative within its intended audience, “The Center Holds” diverges from spectacle-driven narratives, instead presenting a somewhat realistic portrayal of superheroes from a capitalist perspective, which forms the central tension of the series. However, it becomes particularly compelling in its exploration of character backstories.
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