In the 853rd century, the DEO polices metahumans, much as they in the 20th century.  Only, the DEO has gotten much better and field teams investigate and apprehend metahuman criminals, while one Chase agent questions the system.  

Well, CHASE is over now.  I'll bet you didn't buy it, either, did you?  Well, good for you.  Thanks to your casual indifference one of the most interesting, different and stylish DC series of this decade was cancelled, after only ten amazing issues.  I hope you're happy.  

This issue isn't nearly as awful as I expected it to be, as the exclusion of the past  Chase (the one we've followed through thick and thin for nine issues) is nowhere to be seen.  However, her presence has been felt very strongly in the future.  I was surprised to see that "Chase" was no longer one person's surname, but rather, a level within the DEO.  Most interesting to me, however, was the idea that Chase agents were naturally curious and inquisitive and questioning sorts, much like our own Chase.  That was a neat bit.  

This was probably the absolute best DC One Mil tie-in produced yet.  As much as I would have loved to see another issue of our own Chase, Johnson and Williams's vision of the future is fantastically bleak and a delightful counter-point to the Silver Age cheeriness shown in other tie-ins.  This future is more along the lines of _Blade Runner_ or _Total Recall_ and I enjoyed it immensely.  The use of the super-power icons (images which grant the user certain powers) here, as a substance that must be heavily policed (a la 20th century drugs) was far more interesting than the lame, faux-Silver Age usage in ACTION COMICS #1000000.  

Speaking of the icons, the sheer number and variety of them was astounding.  I recognized Liberty Belle (!), Blue Devil, Ambush Bug, Booster Gold (I think), Captain Marvel (Shazam), and even Chase's own power.  Very cool stuff.  

Also, the confrontation between the DEO agents and suspected black market icon dealer Chito Dewayne was brilliant.  The DEO agents horror at discovering what Chito's life was like without the instantaneous access to information (via HeadNet, a telepathic network similar to the Internet) was interesting, as it revealed just how important information has become to them.  Very interesting.  

Artistically, Williams is a genius.  This book has more atmosphere than any book I've ever read, and the page/panel design of this issue was nothing short of brilliant.  It definitely stands out from the rest of the One Mil herd.  In addition, each character has a distinct look and the backgrounds are filled with lush buildings and landscapes and other denizens of the future, combining to make a truly eye-popping visual masterpiece.  

My sole complaint with this issue is that it didn't feature "our" Chase, the character which made me follow this book in the first place.  As interesting as this story was, I would also have liked to see Chase and the present-day DEO dealing with the Hourman virus and the Justice Legion A.  Ah, perhaps a story for another day . . .  

So . . . what should you do now ?  Now you should go out and buy CHASE 1-9 and 1000000, enjoy them, and kick yourself for not picking them up when it was still being published.  Then start writing DC and demand Cameron Chase's imminent return !  
  

Score:  A   
  

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