Global Frequency, Vol. 2: Detonation Radio

Global Frequency #2

by Warren Ellis (Writer)

From Warren Ellis, the creative dynamo behind such acclaimed titles as Transmetropolitan and The Authority, comes volume one in a stunning new Titan graphic novel series! Global Frequency is a latticework of 1001 scientists, soldiers and specialists in every field imaginable, woven into a net to stop every terrorist with a nuke, government weapons programme gone rogue or alien computer virus, Seeing, hearing, touching and battling all evil, it is Mankind's collective consciousness and immune system. Drawn by a dream team of amazing artists, Global Frequency is the all-knowing, all-powerful blanket to smother our darkest fears and worst nightmares!

Collecting: Global Frequency 7-12

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Thriller

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Warren Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels like TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE and the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN, as well as the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR. His newest book is the novella NORMAL, from FSG Originals, listed as one of Amazon’s Best 100 Books Of 2016.

The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. He is currently developing his graphic novel sequence with Jason Howard, TREES, for television, in concert with HardySonBaker and NBCU, and continues to work as a screenwriter and producer in film and television, represented by Angela Cheng Caplan and Cheng Caplan Company. He is the creator, writer and co-producer of the Netflix series CASTLEVANIA, recently renewed for its third season, and of the recently-announced Netflix series HEAVEN’S FOREST.

He’s written extensively for VICE, WIRED UK and Reuters on technological and cultural matters, and given keynote speeches and lectures at events like dConstruct, ThingsCon, Improving Reality, SxSW, How The Light Gets In, Haunted Machines and Cognitive Cities.

Warren Ellis has recently developed and curated the revival of the Wildstorm creative library for DC Entertainment with the series THE WILD STORM, and is currently working on the serialising of new graphic novel works TREES: THREE FATES and INJECTION at Image Comics, and the serialised graphic novel THE BATMAN’S GRAVE for DC Comics, while working as a Consulting Producer on another television series.

A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.

Recognitions include the NUIG Literary and Debating Society’s President’s Medal for service to freedom of speech, the EAGLE AWARDS Roll Of Honour for lifetime achievement in the field of comics & graphic novels, the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire 2010, the Sidewise Award for Alternate History and the International Horror Guild Award for illustrated narrative. He is a Patron of Humanists UK. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Essex.

Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway.

Reviews

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I liked these a bit better, overall, than those of the first volume.

[Ben Comeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Global Frequency: Detonation Radio is the second comic of the Global Frequency series. The comics consist of multiple short stories of how the Global Frequency agents solve potentially world ending problems. One includes stopping a nuclear bomb from taking out a country and another includes a carbon spear that is being shot out of the sky to potentially destroy the whole planet. The art style is very graphic and almost gory in the comic. (It is heavily action based). I don’t think this comic was as good as the first one I read but it was definitely still interesting. Most of the agents in the story tend to be very likable because they have strong morals and want the best for the planet. The characters don’t have much room to grow because they already know all of the agent protocols but they are definitely changed after each mission. This is because they are usually traumatizing and very risky. If your into action comics or high adrenaline stories this is a good thing to read. However some parts can be very violent/graphic.

[Ma'Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

These short stories emphasize the science in science fiction. I read Warren Ellis' Orbiter the day before reading Global Frequency, and I feel it lent some understanding of Ellis' passion for non-militarized, manned space flight.

Both volumes combined developed in me a sense of appreciation and intrigue in the repeat characters, as well as a respect for Ellis' plotlines. This series didn't thrill me or challenge me nearly as much as Transmetropolitan, but reminded me why I enjoyed watching the made-for-television episodes of The Ghost in the Shell years ago.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I probably liked this second volume better. In the first volume the stories felt very separate, and while they're still separate here, there was more of a feeling of connection. This is probably because two of the stories involve threats to Miranda Zero and Aleph, so the organization feels more a part of the world. One of the agents even returns for a second story in this book, though in a minor way. The only story I didn't care for in this volume was "Superviolence". It was pretty much just two pain-resistant guys beating the crap out of each other.

[Lewis Manalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I not read this sooner? As a person who grew up before the huge cross-title "events" became the mainstay of comic books, I really appreciate the stories that are contained in one issue, let alone a title you can start reading smack in the middle of the series.

Scary, science-y ideas and ultraviolence aside (though they are awesome) these fast-paced stories are simply well-written and fun. Anyone who reads comics should check them out.

[Michael Emond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book a lot. This series is my favourite one from one of my top three comic book writers (Alan Moore and Frank Miller are the other two). What do I love about it? It has a snazzy premise - there is a secret organization that is there to save the world and it has 1001 agents in the field at any time that can be called upon at any time to save the world, or a lot of the people in that world. Miranda Zero is the person in charge, Aleph is the gal who runs the communication hub and coordinates everyone and that's all you need to know. Every mission is different. The agents they use on the missions are different (although they can reoccur) and this premise allows Ellis to use his big creative brain to make up any fun mission stories he wants. Some end happy, some don't, but they are all interesting. Also - there is a different artist for each issue so that is also fun to see.

In this (second) volume of stories we do get two more personal stories - one where Miranda is captured and they have to find her (they have one hour to find her) and one where the central headquarters is invaded and Aleph has to defend it on her own. But the other 4 are typical missions - the last one being a biggie where all hands are on deck and is a nice grand finale to the series. It could easily have gone on and on but a) Ellis has a lot of series he works on and some don't get finished (re: Fell, and Injection) b) Ellis did some things questionable things in his personal life and has (as far as I can tell) stopped writing comics. To clarify - I am not saying "questionable things" to minimize what he did but because I don't know the full details of what he did and just know it seems to have gotten him banned from the industry and/or forced him into moving away from it.

Also - I could so easily see this as an amazing TV (streaming) series in the right hands. I know they did a pilot with Michelle Forbes years ago (perfect casting for Miranda BTW) but it wasn't picked up.

Regardless - I love this series and it is probably one of my most read graphic novels (or TPB collection to be more accurate) up there with Watchmen, Batman: Year one and V for Vendetta.

[Drew Canole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first volume. This one has Lee Bermejo doing an issue which is a standout. Gene Ha's issue is also exceptionally well drawn.

There's an issue were Aleph's headquarters gets invaded. It was nice to see the Global Frequency have personal stakes in a story. I wish there was more of that... although I understand the premise isn't really about that.

Each of these stories, as Warren Ellis hints at in his proposal, are mini Mission Impossible movies. We get a Macguffin, usually a group of white elitist terrorists threatening to blow something up, Aleph contacts a couple people close to the action and they use their special skills to prevent distaster. One of the issues has a Parkour expert running at top speed to track down an Ebola Bomb in London.

Great premise for a monthly series. I especially liked Ellis using different artists and attempting to bring out their best qualities with his writing.

[Andrew Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think overall this volume was better. The stories kept upping the ante and how can you go wrong with the first issue contained featuring art by none other than Simon "Biz" Bisley?
Guess you can tell which issue I enjoyed the most! 😂

"Aleph" aka Issue 11 was quite refreshing as well featuring the often "office bound tech support" heroine herself taking centre stage. Definitely not a "boss bitch", just a tech wiz using her great assest to it's maximum potential.

A part of me wishes there was more but maybe it's best not to overdo it and leave it at just the perfect point.

[RND · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why oh why didn't this series continue? I could've easily consumed 5 more years of this book. Even though this is a re-read session, having repurchased books I know I already own, they don't feel dated except for the fact that the Frequency phone is a huge brick of a not-smartphone and they still called drones UAVs. Moar!

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe too much gore in some stories, but a really creative approach to the "smart people save the world" sci-fi thriller graphic novel genre (is that a real thing?). I pretty much read both Vol 1 and 2 on a long day of plane rides and enjoyed the ideas, the characters, and the art. As long as you can stand (or overlook) the gore, this is a fun read.

[Rafhael Jaques · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than Vol 1.

[Krishnakumar Mohanasundaram · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concluding six one shots of the series... As the first six, these are short, action packed and quirky stand-alones that do well...

[Stephane · Rating 3 out of 5]

See review of Vol. 1. It is the same thing, except with more edgy art, and slightly less interesting ideas.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellis takes everything he did in vol. 1 and just turns up the heat. Artist essentially being showcased with fantastic single issue stories. Highly recommended.

[Chris Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Craic!
Twighlight Zone meets 24 at a 7/11.

[Ninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger than the first with a lot of great stories including backstory on Aleph / Global Frequency, and a biosecurity situation. A couple of write-offs like the Frenchman ("Superviolence"), but otherwise great, though for some reason the fact that it's a collection of short stories was pushing me to nudge this back down to a 4...

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm personally in love with pretty much everything Warren Ellis has ever written; from his critically acclaimed novel "Crooked Little Vein" to his many forays into original graphic novel material - I really think that his two Global Frequency books are some of his best stuff ever. And that's saying something.

Books one and two are essentially the same, format-wise. the Global Frequency is a group of 1,001 agents - worldwide - that each have a very special set of skills. The point of this 'agency', headed by a woman named Miranda Zero, is to save the fucking world. The best part about these books is that each TPB (trade paperback - graphic novel - whatever) gives you at least a half-dozen really quick snapshot stories and they are all amazing. A satellite meant for wiping out the world's human population to a more manageable size goes haywire and needs to taken out before it completes it's task? Global Frequency calls on the exact agents it needs in order to do what is needed. An alien contagion threatens to spread throughout the globe unless someone can quickly research and discover a way to stop it? Miranda Zero is already on her vid-phone calling the people necessary.

Many times it's interesting just who these 'agents' are and why. While some of them are up to the task and ready to jump into whatever the situation is, there are also times where these agents are reluctant, unwilling, sometimes even angry that they are being called on. However when it comes to saving lives, they take the job for fear of having bodies on their conscience. The agents are anyone from the typical covert operatives and military-trained killers to the surprisingly ordinary roles of detectives, mathematicians, and doctors. You'll never know type of skill-sets the next task that the Global Frequency takes on requires, so Miranda has an amazing array of people on her contact list.

The stories themselves are also so, so so excellently written. I've never been on the edge of my seat more when reading a TPB. I love each and every character because they are all so well written. I'm blown away by each situation that comes up. HOW does Ellis come up with all of these great scenarios in which to stick all of these great characters?! Even the dialog is great, and you wouldn't think it would/could be written by an old fuddy-dud from the UK.

Ellis is my hero. And I'm ridiculously upset that 1) there are only 2 Global Frequency books, and 2) no one is paying this man to write more of them. If no one else, Mr Ellis please look me up because I will personally fund the next one.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of what was in the first book, which is to say that it was fast paced and enjoyable, though it often strained credibility. There is more tendency in these stories to examine the characters than in the previous volume I felt. In particular two stories focus on Miranda Zero and Aleph the only recurring characters.

Detonation: a terrorist attempts to trigger war between Germany and the UK, but agents hunt down him and his cronies. His philosophy that war leads to development is flawed but sadly common; war is, weirdly, an opiate of sorts that brings a sort of pleasure in purpose and hate, but which stifles progress.

(Untitled?): Miranda Zero is kidnapped by a white power group that objects to her work and Global Frequency has one hour to find and save her. Nice and fast with lots of hyper-competent people, the trademark of this series.

(Untitled 2?): an agent who wants to be retired and whose only skills are surviving and staying sane is sent into a cutting-edge biotech hospital and finds the doctors are insane from a chemical leak and have made horrible melds of patients; an airstrike is called in.

Superviolence: the title says it all; pretty much just a brutal, knock-down, limb-mangling fight between a Global Frequency agent, the Frenchman, and an assassin named Lionel Wellfare, both masters of self enhancement through bio-feedback. Enjoyably brutal.

Aleph: a brief scene shows Aleph's recruitment by Miranda Zero. In the present when a team tries to break in to Global Frequency's central command she takes them out.

Harpoon: a computer glitch activates a satellite weapon which will destroy Chicago, part of a whole shadowy doctrine which could be used to destroy 88% of humanity. There are lots of neat details here, but the premise is kind of dumb; killing 88% of humanity would probably very quickly lead to a 99% reduction of humanity, if not outright extinction. The manufacturing basis of our technological society is way too globally interconnected. The people who would want to do this would not have the connection to implement it, and the people who would implement it would be working entirely against their own interests.

[Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Issue 7 - Dang, I keep forgetting how graphic Ellis's work can get. The violence is a bit unsettling. But still a good story. The sacrifices some of these characters make are so inspiring.

Issue 8 - Loved it. Glad to see the stakes raised with Zero.

Issue 9 - Wow. Just, wow. Takashi was such an amazing character. Loved the new type of beginning...and the sad ending...

Issue 10 - Don't think I much liked this one. Wasn't too interesting with just one bloody fight. Couldn't tell the two guys apart and so I wasn't sure who to root for. And at first, I thought the whole fight scene was a flashback to show us how ruthless the Frenchman was, but I guess it wasn't. And I also don't know why the Frenchman hated Wellfare. Ah well, one bad one in twelve is okay.

Issue 11 - Liked this one. Nice to see where Aleph came from and nice to see Central compromised. I wonder what's possibly left for the finale.

Issue 12 - Of course, the finale would have a terrorist(?) threat for the entire earth. Large enough story, but didn't have a very large effect on me. I think it's because the comic was too short - I couldn't let the heaviness of the idea sink in deep enough, whereas one comic for one or two characters did the trick. Still very good and still sad that it's all done.

Overall - An excellent idea excellently written. It's only too bad that the series is so short. It could have gone in many different directions. I also sort of enjoyed seeing all of the different artwork, even though I wasn't fond of all of the artists.

[47Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is even more grim than the last. We get to see some kinks in the organization's security (their central base is attacked and their leader is captured), the immense amount of stress that the Global Frequency operatives go through (one of them calls it quits after an mission involving suicidal children went bust, but still answers the call) and their complete dedication to the task (operatives sacrificing their lives for the mission).

The same atmosphere is kept throughout the 12-issue run, so it's consistent from that point of view. If you like the first issue, you will like the whole comic and, really, it can reasily be read in one day. The artwork is of high quality even considering that each issue has a different artist. Again there is no overall story, just separate missions involving usually only a handful of operatives.

It would have been worth it to have a longer series that delves into the history of the organization, its leader, how the organization is allowed to exist and how it gained its worldwide status. I expect they would have had similarly powerful organizations opposing them and trying to hunt down their operatives. Unfortunately, this never came to pass and this is really the only downside to the 12-issue run - the fact that it's only a 12-issue run.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic follow up to the first volume. This volume is just as strong, if not a bit stronger than the previous one. Any book that spawns the battle cry "Deaht to the purple headed womb-broom!" is ok with me. You just CAN'T go wrong with Warren Ellis.

So basically the Global Frequency is a private organization that rescues the world from extreme disasters (usually involving fringe/extreme areas of science or fringe extremist groups) or defending itself against attacks from evil establishment bastards! Check this out if you like Warren Ellis and science/techno thrillers with a slight cyber-punk feel to it.

[Mikael Kuoppala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really get the first volume of “Global Frequency.” I thought it was too chaotic and aimless, and was too keen on being “cool” in the expense of content. I respect Warren Ellis so much though that I decided to give his creation another chance. “Detonation Radio” is an improvement. The characters get more attention, as well as the actual concept of the future this series depicts. Still, I felt like I was reading something that is somewhat entertaining but a bit pointless. But maybe it could still get good…

[Neville Ridley-smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Global Frequency promises so much and just doesn't deliver. Really the major disappointment are the stories - they go nowhere. It's like Ellis has all these ideas and starts writing a story until suddenly he's at the issue page limit and tries to quickly wrap things up and stops dead.
In order,
1: ugly art, average story
2: good art, decent story
3: incredible art, ok story
4: an interesting exercise but just messy and confusing - 20 pages of fisticuffs with no decent payoff
5: decent
6: great art, promising story but fizzles at the end and ultimately doesn't make any sense

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A network of 1,000 secret consultants and specialists work together to keep the world safe from terrorists, mad scientists and technology gone wrong.

One of my favorite things written by Warren Ellis, as he creates a framework that lets him tell all kinds of stories using a wide variety of characters. Some are straight forward adventure, some make you think and some are just slightly disturbing.

Shame the TV show never got past the pilot stage.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful. I think Ellis hit some more personal beats here that weren't quite as clearly present in the first volume, the story about the kinetic harpoons and Aleph, especially.

Only reason I knocked it down a star was for the saves and rescues always coming at the last *micro* second. Sometimes, yeah, things come down to the wire. But for the sake of realism, can we get some saves that come an hour before time is up?

[Tuulikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Especially enjoyed Harpoon, probably for Gene Ha's artwork, but the computer-y, science-y-ness was a little extreme the whole way through. The stories got me through a long waiting room stint, but they all rely on super competent individuals using perfectly applicable technology just in the nick of time.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little less strong than the first Global Frequency collection (I'd give this three-and-a-half if I could - some of these feel like retreads of ideas from the first volume, and the writing can be even more obnoxious), but still exciting and fun. The big standouts for me are the two untitled issues in the middle.

[Noah Soudrette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hesitated to pick this up since I was rather disappointed with volume one. I'm glad I bit the bullet. This is a vast improvement in terms of writing and art. If it wasn't for one story that's a bit of a clunker ("Superviolence"), this would be a five star book. Highly recommended.

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as strong as the first Global Frequency, but still fascinating; this one has a couple very cerebral issues as well as two all-out action issues. A great balance, and as always it leaves me wishing we'd gotten more of the Global Frequency.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, short series, but utterly motivating. I'm hoping for a follow-up someday...