I can remember the Tokamak Issues where his rings were compressing firestorm into nothingness. I think that was the source of my claustrophobia.

Gail Simone is one of the few writers in comics that can get me to consider any book, but I also remember being impressed with Joe Harris’ Slingers, and he seems like a good fit for this title. In fact, “political superhero horror” sounds right up my alley, and now that the pall Simone’s projected departure has cast has been alleviated by a prospect with potential, I may commit to the upcoming trade. I wasn’t going to jump on only to have Tom DeFalco or Scott Lobdell take over, y’know?

As for Stormwatch, Paul Cornell is out and Paul Jenkins in. I must admit that I’ve found the book to be increasingly frustrating, especially after looking at the stooopid preview pages at The Source yesterday. That book was becoming an obligation rather than a pleasure, and while I’m not sure about Jenkins on a super-team, maybe his Vertigo sensibilities will better recall Warren Ellis & company.

@Robert, hear hear about the “light” and “fun” aspects. Firestorm is a youth character and thus really should (at least in my opinion) have some fun aspects to him, whether it’s Ronnie or Jason or both or what-have-you. It also serves to contrast with the constant presence of nuclear power, and specifically the threat of thermonuclear death, which is part and parcel of Firestorm. Whether you like nuclear power or not, its serious stuff, so some lighter moments for relief are usually welcome.