The Finder is a Bad Idea one-shot by the makers of Monster Kill Squad. In it, we have a comic fan’s view of superheroes under a familiar lense. But is the presentation worth looking at for its own sake? Let’s find out.
As a bonus, we’ll be looking at the backup story Burger Time.
The Finder: Familiar Superhero Satire/Well Drawn Spy Thriller
Christos Gage is no stranger to how superheroes get celebrity treatment in the real world. You don’t work in successful series like Avengers Academy and Batman/Fortnite without seeing how it brings out the best and worst in their supporters. Gage makes a compelling villain that connects to fans disillusioned by something they love. It’s sadly uncommon for people to go back and forth on something like this. That is what’s at the heart of this one-shot; the debate between burning down the status quo or trying to change it from the inside.
The title character is an interesting stand-in for just about every C-List superhero. She might have a title, unique abilities, and sense of justice over fame; but she’s not marketable enough to enjoy the spotlight. But compared to her assignment the First Responder, she knows that being in the limelight isn’t worth it. The Finder chooses her humble clairvoyant abilities over flashy powerhouse sets that shorten her life.
That’s what puts the two heroes against their villain, The Adept who is slowly deteriorating. A fact all the more apparent with art by Tomas Giorello and colors by Diego Rodriguez. His trauma is a relatable one after seeing what happened to his love interest about to happen to him. But it’s his desperate methods to find a cure that make him a villain. Especially when he judges The Finder for taking vigilante actions in juxtaposition to his experiments on heroes against their will.
The Finder: Resolutions?
So with an A-plot like that; what’s to make this more memorable? Honestly, not much other than be better. The bigger conflict reflects a systemic problem that can’t be solved so easily. Superheroes and creatives are still driven to do what they do. But despite having the idea to change looming over everyone’s heads, readers have to question if it ever can be done. Because neither creators or superheroes have the power to do so.
Where Burger Time Relates
Then there’s the similar theme in the backup story Burger Time. Robert Venditti shows the full scope of what it means to extend fifteen minutes of fame. Along with Vincent Kings grotesque artwork, it shows the ugly reality of hustling with integrity.
Despite whatever good intentions go into the work, whether it’s a burger joint or a TV show to promote them, the grinding process whittles down authenticity. The stress on the old couple managing their busier-than-ever burger diner shows with red flames from the grill. Meanwhile the TV host and his crew who spotlighted them are recording everything from the diner’s rise to its fall. The worst part is, they don’t know that they’re continuing a real problem that affects restaurants. But combine this with the studio’s money and a lack of feedback to adjust their goal, it looks like nothing’s going to change.
What Did You Find?
Within The Finder and Burger Time is the balance between subversion and meta-commentary for a good story without being preachy. The main story might be a familiar one but it does have a good structure with character arcs. Combine this with the back-up and readers get a strong cohesive message. Final score 8/10.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.