Wildguard Casting Call (2003) #1-A

by Todd Nauck

The cameras are rolling for the auditions of a new made-for-TV WildGuard. Hundreds of superheroes will try out, but only five will have what it takes to make the team... if they survive! Join a host of heroes through the agony of competition and unforeseen dangers, as they hope to be selected by a panel of judges, including the mysterious Producer X.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

Unknown Binding

First published February 9, 2005

Reviews

[Martin Maenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't get many independent comics these days, but one that I never miss is Todd Nauck's Wildguard. Published by Image Comics, this book first appeared as a six part mini-series back in 2004. What sets it apart from any other debuting super-team book? How about the concept of a team being picked based on a reality show open-call process? Yup, that's what Wildguard did - take one part Survivor/American Idol and throw in capes and spandex, and you've got a fun concept.

I actually picked up the entire first arc as part of the Wildguard: Casting Call trade paperback. I knew Todd's artwork from his working on DC's Young Justice. Here, Todd was doing both the writing and art, delivering a one-two creative punch. This book is all his vision and it is outstanding. Around this same time, a one-shot called Wildguard: Fire Power came out. He also started a "where are they now?" back-up feature with a couple pages of popular heroes that didn't make the final team cut.

In 2005, he followed the first mini up with the two part Wildguard: Fool's Gold. Not only did he explore the new team first working together but also other elements of their world. This was also the time Todd started putting up a weekly web-comic on his site Wildguard.com.

Those web-comics made print this summer in the three-part Wildguard Insider. Not only were all the web-comics printed, but Todd and his other friends added some all new lead material and a number of "where are they now?" segments as well.

[Mikey The Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun! Reality show of superheroes, this was a slam dunk of an idea and it was executed so well! Wildguard potential members were so diverse and full of character! I’d absolutely recommend this one!

[cauldronofevil · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading “Idolized” I wanted to re-read Wildguard which I really liked and was disappointed that there wasn’t more of.

Of course, the amazing artwork by Todd Nauck.

The Arrival starts out telling you that 500 contenders are going to compete to become a TV created super-team called Wildguard.

Some typical vapid hosts are faking excitement about who will be the final five on the show.

They talk about a super-heroine named Four who gained fame as a hero and as a TV star.

They also mention that an already existing superhero team - the Ultra Mega Super Five - are defending the coast from a giant attacking robot.

We are briefly introduced to several contestants. Two that stand out are Fire Chick who told to change her name by Red Rover.

Another is Wannabe who aspires to become the next Four.

Snapback is a stretching hero accompanied by his obnoxious girlfriend.

We a couple of candidates audition in front of the judges. One a producer who has successfully produced several superhero related TV projects and a former superhero.

The auditions are amusing and show mostly terrible superheroes.

Later the giant robot that was fought earlier crashes into the studio. The Ultra Mega Super Five ask the contestants to help out by keeping an eye on it until the authorities get here and then fly away.

But after they go an army of flying armored robots/henchmen explode out of the robot to attack and the contestants find themselves in an action situation immediately.

This was a fun start and an interesting idea. It definitely made me want to see what happened next.

5 stars and a keeper.

[Billy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Todd needs to get the other series collected.

[Kris Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good, fun, lighthearted stuff by Todd Nauck.

[Scott A. Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun lighthearted superhero book in the vein of shows like American Idol.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So upset a new book didn't debut out of this.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great. Think X Factor for superheroes. It was very funny, with characters based on heroes from other publishers and cartoons. A very good, light read that plays with the comic book hero conventions.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on how reality TV would treat superheroes. Good art and story. Recommended

[Jdetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved Todd Nauck's art, and his writing isn't bad either. This isn't a terribly original idea, but it's well executed and fun.