Set in a small American town in 1989, troubled teen Duncan discovers preppy Madison has superpowers – but only when she’s anxious/agitated. They bond over their shared secret superpowers (Duncan can kill with his mind) and then Madison does something which means they have to leave town – and never go home ohmigawd just like the title!! …
The initial scene isn’t very convincing once you get to know Madison’s character: she goes with dumb football star for a feel-up session in his pickup. But, despite being Queen Prep, she’s written as independently minded and not at all given to peer pressure. She doesn’t even seem to like jocks. So what was she doing in that scene? Seems mighty convenient to meet Duncan and set up their friendship and the series story…
Teens with superpowers isn’t a new idea and We Can Never Go Home doesn’t exactly feel fresh. It doesn’t help that the majority of this comic is taken up with high school stereotypes – the jocks beating on the nerds while the preppy cows sit around judging everyone and talking about the prom. Ugh, spare me the Americana bullshit! The final scene that means Duncan and Madison Can Never Go Home feels as contrived as the first. Is it set in 1989 so that Duncan can make Madison a mix tape? Hmm...
Josh Hood’s art is very strong and, while the dialogue is snappy, writers Matthew Rosenberg and Patrick Kindlon’s plotting leaves a lot to be desired. The concept, the story and the characters are simply not exciting and I had a hard time making it to the end of this unenjoyable single comic. Maybe the series picks up later, especially as the high school stereotypes look to be left behind now, but I’m not encouraged to find out.
We Can Never Go Home #1
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