The Patriots #1

The Patriots #1 was published in 2005 by Image Comics, emerging during a period when independent publishers were increasingly exploring deconstructionist takes on the superhero genre. Created by writer Kevin McCarthy and illustrator Guillermo Ortego, the series was designed as a gritty, politically charged narrative that challenged traditional notions of heroism and patriotism within a modern, cynical landscape. It sought to present a grounded look at how super-powered individuals might be weaponized or manipulated by governmental structures.

The creative team intended for the series to serve as a stark commentary on contemporary socio-political tensions, utilizing a dark aesthetic to reinforce the gravity of its subject matter. Upon its debut, the title was received as a focused, high-concept entry in the Image stable, noted by critics for its ambitious attempt to marry complex character dynamics with a fast-paced, noir-inspired visual style that stood apart from the more mainstream capes-and-tights publications of the mid-2000s.