The Programme (Vol. 1)

A promising start to a two-part collection, this was a very fun little read. Peter Milligan is a decent writer, and he manages to generate an interesting story whilst the art of C.P Smith is really quite interesting, by which I mean it brings to mind the sixties due to it's almost psychedelic colour schemes in some places. 

Plot Summary:

The Cold War is over, and with the U.S.A established as the dominant power in the world, peace seems secure. However, in a forgotten state of the former USSR, a secret weapon of the former Soviet Army

has been activated - a genetically modified superhuman soldier. As the creature begins to lay waste to the U.S army there, the government desperately seeks out a way to stop it; a long-forgotten American equivalent to the Russian being. Enter our main character, Max, a failed folk-rock singer and bar owner. Can this unlikely superhero defend his country?

Dramatis Personnae:
Max
Spirit of Lenin (that's the villain, by the way)
Pravda (another villain)
Stalingrad (The third villain)
Revolution (the fourth villain)
Special Agent Chivers
Special Agent Blake
Professor Korovin

Verdict:
Although not a great comic series, The Programme is still quite enjoyable, with some good character buildup and decent storytelling. Max, as the protagonist, is likeable and easy to identify with; he's essentially the representation of the average Joe, a guy who finds the motives of his country hard to understand or like, but still has a streak of patriotism. He's introduced well, in the setting of a psychiatrist's lounge trying to solve a minor issue, and develops into a reluctant but ultimately determined national hero.
The villains, too, are well-thought out and developed. At first, the Spirit of Lenin is shown through the eyes of the American public and Army, as a monster whose actions are psychopathic at best. However, as he "rescues" his comrades from their hiding areas, Milligan explores the other side of the Cold War; how the Russians viewed it all. As a result, the villains become, well, not exactly likeable but at least understandable.
Overall, then, the plot so far is good, the character development is good and it all ends on a cliffhanger that really makes you want to get the next part of the collection. Good job, then.

Rating: 7/10