Authority

Continued from Stormwatch. 1-12 written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Brian Hitch & Paul Neary. 13-29 written by Mark Millar and drawn by Frank Quitely, Chris Weston, Art Adams, and Gary Erskine, with a four-issue fill-in arc written by Tom Peyer and drawn by Dustin Nguyen and Richard Friend. Issue 21 was a Monarchy intro story, and was collected in the Monarchy trade.

Volume 1 (1999)

1 Relentless (1-8; contains arcs "The Circle" and "Shiftships"). [From DC Comics: After witnessing the demise of most of her StormWatch teammates, Jenny Sparks wants to create a new super hero team dedicated to protecting Earth against threats of a global scale. Joined by former StormWatch members Jack Hawksmoor and Shen Li-Min, Jenny recruits four new members, the Doctor, the Engineer, Apollo, and the Midnighter forming the ultra-powerful Authority. Collected in this edition are their first two missions, battling a nation of super-powered terrorists and stopping an invasion from a parallel world.]

2 Under New Management (9-16; contains arcs "Outer Dark" and "The Nativity). [This collection, annoyingly, contains the last arc of the Ellis-Hitch run, and the first arc of the Millar run. From DC Comics: In this second collection of Authority stories, the team faces its greatest challenge when a godlike invader returns to Earth after eons of banishment. Fueled by a fury for revenge and destruction, the alien is only narrowly defeated by the Authority. But in victory, the team pays the ultimate price as their leader Jenny Sparks is killed during the battle. With no time to regroup, the leaderless Authority then must take on a super genius and his legion of paranormal soldiers as they attempt to kidnap the infant Spirit of the Twenty First Century.]

3 Earth Inferno & Other Stories (17-20, Annual 2000; contains arc "Earth Inferno"). [From DC Comics: The Authority's most outrageous tales are collected together in this third trade paperback. In the primary story of this edition, the Authority team must devise a way to fight the Earth after a renegade doctor bent on genocide puts a mad plan in action that has the planet itself rebelling against its inhabitants. Next, the team must fight against some former friends who have returned from the dead with a murderous agenda as well as tackle an insane ex-hero who is more powerful than all of them combined.]

4 Transfer of Power (22-29; contains arcs "Brave New World" and "Transfer of Power"). ["Transfer of Power" was a fill-in arc commissioned after one issue of "Brave New World" had appeared to buy time when Frank Quitely abruptly left the book in mid-issue to draw the New X-Men. It concerns a replacement Authority group created by the government. "Brave New World" resumed after "Transfer" ended, but was disrupted again when Quitely's replacement, Art Adams, quit in disgust after two issues, due to what he considered heavy-handed censorship by DC. This time, the book was merely delayed. From DC Comics: Just when the Authority is at the height of their power, in the blink of an eye they are shattered and defeated. Taking their place is a new team with the same powers, looking vaguely similar, but possessing none of the original team's empathy, kindness, and humanity. How could this happen? And what was the fate of the original team's members? All questions are answered in this fourth trade paperback collecting THE AUTHORITY #22-29.]

The Absolute Authority

Beautifully-printed oversized & slipcased hardcover collections.

Absolute Authority 1 (1-12; contains arcs "The Circle," "Shiftships," and "Outer Dark"). [From DC Comics: The first year of WildStorm Productions' groundbreaking title is collected in THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY Volume One, a massive 320-page slipcased, oversized hardcover edition reprinting THE AUTHORITY #1-12, the complete run by writer and co-creator Warren Ellis and artists Bryan Hitch & Paul Neary. THE AUTHORITY is hard-hitting, high-octane action with dizzying velocity. The story of seven super-powered individuals who vow to make the world a better place, making their own rules, answering to nobody, and taking no prisoners. THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY is brimming with extra behind-the-scenes looks at the book's creative process, including a full script by Warren Ellis, plus design and supplementary material provided by the entire creative team. Experience the Authority in a bold new way.] Old Book of the Week 11/10/04

Absolute Authority 2 (13-20, 22, 27-29; contains arcs "The Nativity," "Earth Inferno," and "Brave New World"). [From DC Comics:Now, relive writer Mark Millar’s 12-issue run on THE AUTHORITY in a brand—new way with THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY Volume Two — a massive, 304-page slipcased, oversized (8 1/8" x 12 1/4") hardcover edition that collects THE AUTHORITY #13-20, 22, and 27-29. Featuring art by Frank Quitely, Arthur Adams, Chris Weston, Gary Erskine, and more, plus a cover by Quitely, this handsome volume is a must-have for any fan of THE AUTHORITY! From deposing monarchs to magazine covers…from the heights of popularity to the bottom of the barrel, Millar's THE AUTHORITY reached new levels of entertainment, featuring super-hero iconoclast Jenny Sparks, the Spirit of the 20th Century, along with King of the Cities Jack Hawksmoor, the nanite-infused Engineer, winged Swift, the reality-altering Doctor, and the genetically enhanced duo of Apollo and Midnighter. Plus, this volume also includes an introduction by comics legend Howard Chaykin, several widescreen pin-ups, and more bonus material sure to thrill any fan!.]

Volume 2 (2003)

Wildstorm's Eye of the Storm imprint. See also the new Stormwatch series, which is in part a reaction to/against Volume 1 of The Authority; the Authority guest-stars (in a very bad light) in issues 4-6.

5 Harsh Realities (0-5; w Robbie Morrison; a Dwayne Turner, Tan Eng Huat, Sal Regla, Sandra Hope). [From DC Comics: The Authority was formed to fight the fights that no one else could. To set wrongs to right. To build a finer world. Now, further exploits of this controversial team are collected in THE AUTHORITY: HARSH REALITIES, a 144-page Eye of the Stormtrade paperback featuring the explosive first story arc of the new ongoing series (presented in issues #1-4) as well as the stand-alone issues #0 and 5! In this explosive collection, writer Robbie Morrison and artists Dwayne Turner, Tan Eng Huat, Sal Regla, and Sandra Hope put our heroes through some of their most fiendish adventures yet. From a rogue dimension bent on destroying the planet as part of an elaborate gamble, to an interdimensional corporation that has been strip-mining other realities, the Authority have their hands full like never before!]

6 Fractured Worlds (6-10; w Robbie Morrison; a Dwayne Turner, Sal Regla, Sandra Hope). [From DC Comics: A finer world has been the Authority's goal from the very beginning, one they fought for time and time again versus domestic and inter-dimensional foes. Could the greatest threat to this dream actually be faith in a higher power? And, following the extraordinary events of the Coup d'Etat, The Authority takes their "finer world" ideal to another level, as they assume total control of the United States. They find that it is much more difficult they could ever have imagined!]

Volume 3 (2004)

Another re-launch, this one a 12-issue series entitled "The Authority: Revolution". Can you say "Absolute Authority: Revolution"? I knew you could. 11-15 of the second series have not been collected.

7 Revolution 1 (1-6; w Ed Brubaker; a Dustin Nguyen & Richard Friend). [From DC Comics: A new collection featuring the first 6 issues of the explosive maxiseries! The Authority has settled into its role as governing body of the U.S. But with many unhappy Americans and a powerful foe working behind-the-scenes, can a second American Revolution be far behind?] Book of the Week 8/24/05: The Authority began as a de/re-construction of Stormwatch and super-heroes in general, with a brilliant year-long run by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch. The follow-up by Mark Millar was marred by bad judgement in artists, delays, fill-ins, and editorial interference, and while exhibiting flashes of brilliance, ultimately petered out. The second series was simply ordinary, and thus fell far short of fans' expectations; and just as it was becoming interesting, it was derailed by the ill-conceived Coup-d'État crossover, which seems to have driven a stake through the heart of the entire Wildstorm Universe. But with Ed Brubaker and Dustin Nguyen's Revolution, the series regains its vitality as the team (and the world) comes to terms with the Authority's coup. The characters are finely-honed again, and the story actually goes somewhere. If you abandoned The Authority during its doldrums, now is the time to come back.

8 Revolution 2 (7-12; w Ed Brubaker; a Dustin Nguyen & Richard Friend). [From DC Comics: Former StormWatch Weatherman Henry Bendix has returned from the dead and is busy modeling the Earth to his unique vision. But what happened to "Earth's Last Line of Defense," the Authority? After the debacle in the nation's capital that led to the total destruction of Washington, D.C., they relinquished control of the United States and all but vanished years ago. How long can tyranny stand, before heroes will rise up? Can a teenage Jenny Quantum reunite the fractured team and make them heroes again - or has Bendix won the final battle?]

Kev (One-shot plus More Kev 1-5; w Garth Ennis; a Glen Fabry). [From DC Comics: Kev Hawkins is a Special Air Services corporal turned assassin, called in by the British government when they want someone removed. The Authority are Earth's last line of defense, known and feared across many galaxies and dimensions. Fan favorite writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, War Stories) and acclaimed artist Glenn Fabry (Global Frequency) take us on a ride that includes the possible destruction of all life on Earth as well as guns, aliens, explosions, a tiger and an orange. Hawkins' new assignment is to find and eliminate The Authority and, oddly enough, his task is easier doen than said. An awkward partnership is forged as they set out to save the planet from certain, alien doom. Can they succeed before The Midnighter uses Kev's head as a hood ornament for the Carrier? Later, Apollo and Midnighter are paired with their favorite homophobic SAS operative. Together they must help appease an alien armada bent on destruction and genocide that stands poised to assault the planet Earth.]

The Magnificent Kevin (5-issue mini; w Garth Ennis; a Carlos Ezquerra). [From DC Comics: The Boss has another lethal mission for Kev involving his least-favorite allies — the Authority — and it will lead Kev down the darkest path of his life!]

A Man Called Kev (5-issue mini; w Garth Ennis; a Carlos Ezquerra). [From DC Comics: After murdering his boss in a nasty government scheme, Kev Hawkins has been banished from the United Kingdom under pain of death. What does the world hold for a man with little life experience or job training beyond wetworks and assassination?]

1 Killing Machine (1-6; w Garth Ennis; a Chris Sprouse, Peter Snejbjerg, Glen Fabry, Karl Story). [From DC Comics: Midnighter must go back in time to kill one of history's greatest mass murderers - and he can't refuse due to the bomb in his chest! It's a race against - and through - time to complete the mission!]

Grifter/Midnighter (6-issue mini; w Chuck Dixon; a Ryan Benjamin). [From DC Comics: Grifter and Midnighter - two of the WildStorm Universe's titans - come together in this explosive volume collecting the miniseries by Chuck Dixon (Nightwing, Detective Comics) and Ryan Benjamin (TEEN TITANS)! These desperate, burned out, hair-trigger bad boys are set on a collision course that will either save the planet?or destroy it.] 1/9/08

One-Shots and minis

Authority/Lobo: Holiday Hell (Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special, The Authority/Lobo: Jingle Hell, The Authority/Lobo: Spring Break Massacre, stories from Wildstorm Winter Special; w Keith Giffen, Alan Grant, Tom Peyer, Will Pfeifer; a Simon Bisley, Henry Flint, Cary Nord, Scott Iwahashi). [From DC Comics: Christmas is a holiday filled with images of snow, hot cocoa, and a big man in a red suit… unless the Main Man gets involved. Chronicled in the Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special, when Lobo was contracted by the Easter Bunny to eliminate the competition, he brutally destroyed Santa's workshop and beheaded the big guy, laying waste to one of the most beloved characters of myth. But the story doesn't end there... When the Authority's Jenny Quantum, arguably the most powerful three-year-old in the universe, discovered this best-selling tome, she took it upon herself to punish Lobo for his actions against jolly old St. Nick. But bringing Lobo to the WildStorm Universe resulted in a throw-down of mythic proportions, as described in Jingle HellSpring Break Massacre. Will holidays ever be the same again?]

Human on the Inside (OGN; w John Ridley; a Ben Oliver). [From DC Comics: From acclaimed novelist and screenwriter John Ridley (Three Kings, Everybody Smokes in Hell) and hot new artist Ben Oliver (Puncture) comes the WildStorm event of the year! The Authority, Earth's last of defense, have performed God-like acts in their defense of the planet, whether defeating ancient gods or fending off interdimensional invasion forces. But these brave acts haven't always endeared them to many in power...particularly in the United States. The President, tired of being embarrassed by what he views as a bunch of costumed freaks, sets a plan in motion that could very well destroy the Authority from the inside...a plan so cunning and unexpected, it'll shake the Authority to their very core. And with an unexpected threat from the future on Earth's doorstep, if could very well mean global extinction.]

Jenny Sparks: The Secret History of the Authority (5-issue mini; w Mark Millar; a John McCrea & James Hodgkins). [From DC Comics: It is well known that the demise of the super group StormWatch led to the birth of their successors, the Authority. But until now the inner origins of how the most powerful team in the WildStorm Universe came together has never been revealed. Seen through the eyes of Jenny Sparks, "The Spirit of the Twentieth Century" and Authority team leader, we experience Jenny's first meetings with all of her teammates and learn how each encounter took place during pivotal points in Twentieth century history. From stealing mystical artifacts from the Nazis to working with government covert op teams during the '80s, the true beginnings of the Authority are finally told.]

Scorched Earth (One-shot; w Robbie Morrison; a Frazer Irving). [From DC Comics: WildStorm’s most powerful super-team, the Authority, has faced alien threats, rogue super-humans and even the Earth itself in its quest to protect the planet. But can even the powerhouse members of this group stop an oncoming supernova? The widescreen action and intense characterization you’ve come to expect from the Authority continues in THE AUTHORITY: SCORCHED EARTH a 48-page Eye of the Storm one-shot brought to you by writer Robbie Morrison and artist Frazer Irving. Both creators are best known for their phenomenal work on 2000AD and are on the fast track to comics stardom! Topping this one-shot is a gorgeous cover painted by Ashley Wood (AUTOMATIC KAFKA). In SCORCHED EARTH, the birth of a new being has caused the Sun to rapidly age, causing a potential supernova five billion years early! While the easy solution would be to kill the newborn entity, the consequences of such an action could spell doom for the entire solar system! Will the return of a long-forgotten ally turn the tide of battle? Will our heroes prevail against incredible odds? Or is mankind doomed to extinction? SCORCHED EARTH is a one-shot that will be on fire, as the story and its creators, Morrison and Irving are sure to be talked about for some time to come!]

Coup d'État (4-issue mini with issues for Authority [w Robbie Morrison; a Whilce Portacio], Sleeper [w Ed Brubaker; a Jim Lee], Stormwatch [w Micah Ian Wright; a Carlos d'Anda], and Wildcats [w Joe Casey; a Alé Garza]). [From DC Comics: Tao has tricked the U.S. government into committing an interdimensional atrocity, and only the Authority can save the planet! The crossover event that brought the Eye of the Storm universe to its knees is now available as a trade paperback that collects Coup D’état: The Authority, Coup D’état: Stormwatch, Coup D’état: Wildcats and Coup D’état: Sleeper. As an added bonus, this 112-page volume also includes pinups that appeared in Coup D’état: Afterword. When The Authority decides to take control of the situation — and the world — their actions send out shock waves that shake the foundation of the Eye of the Storm universe. Can Stormwatch: Team Achilles and the Wildcats coexist with the Authority under the new status quo?]

For more info, including a detailed analysis of the series, see The Continuity Pages: The Authority.