The trend to depict superheroes in mature, realistic settings has spawned many graphic novels, TV shows, and movies. Perhaps it's a reaction to the stigma of comics being a so-called kids' medium. But giving heroes political and girlfriend problems isn't always a sure-fire formula for entertaining adults. As outspoken artist Evan Dorkin is known to rant, sometimes you just want to see ridiculous characters in colorful costumes beat the stuffing out of each other.

Austin Grossman somehow gets it right. His characters have real life burdens: job interviews, tabloid scandals, deciding where to eat lunch. Fatale is a bionic woman grappling with the anxieties of joining an established team called the Champions. (Am I good enough? Do they want me just as the token cyborg? Do I have a chance of getting busy with that superstud Blackwolf?) The Champions' nemesis Doctor Impossible has plenty of his own neuroses, which sometimes muddle up his ingenious plots to take over the world. Grossman balances the heady stuff with the kind of action and bizarre encounters comic fans expect. When not tearing up city streets, characters think back on mind-bending and humorous adventures. Familiar contrivances are questioned, such as why do magic-wielding villains only show up when Mr. Mystic is conveniently around to deal with them? It's a fun exploration of incredible beings in a credible world that thankfully doesn't take itself too seriously.

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