Many Free Comic Book Day issues are samplers that introduce already-existing properties to new readers. Others are reprints of recent comics, or short stories introducing potential new readers to major upcoming storylines. Ignition isn’t any of these--instead, it’s a single new story built to introduce a brand new line of interconnected comics titles.

The story by Mark Waid starts in media res during not one but three different stories. First, we meet Dr. Cecelia Cobbina, who uses some sort of heightened perception to first try to defuse and then to end a stickup gone very wrong. Then we meet a couple in Shanghai with magnetic abilities trying to escape a mysterious foe. Last, we meet an Alex Jones type radio personality who gets some comeuppance from some mysterious teens. There isn’t much in the way of plot here, but the world building and characters are interesting enough to leave the reader wanting more. The art by Phil Briones, with colors by Leonardo Paciarotti and lettering by Dave Lanphear and Troy Peteri, is solid; very moody, with stylized photorealism reminiscent of Bryan Hitch.

This book serves as a preview for not one but three different upcoming series: Ignition, written by Kwanza Osajyefo and Mark Waid with art by Phil Briones and Leonardo Paciarotti, following six teenagers who gain superpowers after surviving a mass shooting; Strangelands, written by Mags Visaggio and Darcie Little Badger with art by Koi Pham, following the magnetic couple; and Omni, written by Cheryl Lynn Eaton with art by Ariela Kristantina and Bryan Valenza, about a doctor with the ability to think at the speed of light. All three ongoing series launch in June.

The main story is a compelling introduction to Humanoids’ new superhero universe. The book also includes short previews for other Humanoids offerings, including Meyer, The Big Country, and Nicnevin and the Bloody Queen.

Grade: B+