The Authority - A new breed of superhero for the new millenium, The Authority are a team of ruthless superhumans who've realized that the most expedient way to deal with supervillians is to brutally murder them. Don't expect to see your favorite villain back for a rematch in a few issues because they've probably been reduced to a gory heap of entrails. And when you run out of supervillains? Go proactive, making the Earth a better place by rooting out human rights violators and brutally murdering them, too! This makes for some of the most visually interesting and darkly funny combat sequences ever to be seen in the pages of a comic book.

What really makes this title stand out, however, is the attention to generally underdeveloped story areas. For example, the superhero as a media celebrity, juggling public opinion as well as a secret identity. And then there's the fact that not everyone with super powers is going to be an overgrown boyscout. The Authority may be the only superhero team with an openly gay couple rubbing elbows with an omnipotent heroin addict. The creators of this title wanted to cover new ground, not just rehash the "good guy vs. bad guy" archetype, and i would say they've succeeded. Put this one on your "must read" list.

Links to The Authority fan site
A Higher Authority
The Carrier - Headquarters for The Authority
The - Authority
Sequential Tart Interview with Mark Millar