Following on from Atomic Robo from Red 5, the new publishers on the block, Midknight captures the same energy as it's robotic hero. Centering on a husband and wife crime fighting team who clearly enjoy their extra-curricular activities, the book is filled with humour and...um...zest. Created by Tom and Terri Hodges, with script by Paul Ens and art by Tom this is another in Red 5's line of accessible, fun comics. The first issue brings us up to speed quickly while also managing to throw in some great action. David D'Ville is a handsome young doctor in an emergency room. Hs wife Tarilyn is a pretty young assistant district attorney. So far it may seem like these characters are cast aways from "The Young and the Restless" or some other glamourous soap opera, where everyone is attractive and young and have well paid respectable jobs. Nobody is ever a homely lass who scrubs toilets for a meagre living in those shows. (Well, I guess we don't look to pop culture for ugly people. I can always find that in my mirror every morning before my first coffee.)

This is a romp, like Atomic Robo. It has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek (not that you could tell with those masks) It reminded me somewhat of the cheesy Batman TV show of the 1960s. I know, us fanboys dare not speak of it, but at least it was harmless fun and suitable for the youngens. When danger rears its ugly head, or in this case its also-attractive head, the D'Villes swiftly change in to Midknight and Knightingale. They possess no superpowers, but like the original Dynamic Duo, plenty of athleticism and the latest in evil busting gadgets. This ish starts well, at a hockey game, with a nifty cameo from two Jay and Silent Bob look-a-likes in the second panel. Then a woman gets hit in the face with a puck, and a bunch of green hooded goons invade waving guns and demanding the patrons empty their pockets and wallets. It's the Blood Union Gang! Sounds like a rap group from the 80s, but what do I know? Then after some assistance from the D'Ville's nanny, Ms Rizzo the do gooder love birds attempt to chase the Gang and find themselves fending off ordinary people who have suddenly gone crazy. Being the first part of the "Break of Day" arc this is a good intro in to the world of Midknight, with plenty of running, dodging and fighting. Tom Hodges' pencils are reminiscent of the great Bruce Timm's animated style. It gets the job done and fits well with this light hearted superhero book. The last page is a nifty run down by Hodges of the long development of this title. It's just as entertaining as the preceding story. If you want simple adventures jump on board. Red 5 deliver yet again to the crowd seeking fun stories but without the need for endless trivia that The Big Two's books often require.

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