Local Man (comics)

Local Man is an ongoing American comic book series published by Image Comics. Created by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs, the series blends superhero action with elements of mystery, small-town drama, and satire of the comics industry itself.

The core concept revolves around Jack Xaver, formerly known as Crossfire, a once-famous superhero accused of a horrific crime that caused the collapse of his superhero team, Third Shift. Having lost his reputation and powers, Jack returns to his mundane hometown of Farmington, Illinois, where he struggles to reintegrate into normal life while simultaneously dealing with the lingering consequences of his superhero past.

Each issue of Local Man typically presents two distinct storylines. One follows Jack's present-day struggles in Farmington, often involving mundane jobs, awkward social interactions, and attempts to clear his name. The other functions as a "lost issue" of Third Shift, presented in a different art style and mimicking the aesthetics of 1990s superhero comics. These flashbacks offer context for Jack's fall from grace and reveal the dynamics of the Third Shift team, progressively unveiling the events that led to their disbandment and the accusations against Jack.

The series is known for its metafictional commentary on the superhero genre, exploring themes of celebrity, accountability, nostalgia, and the contrast between the idealized world of comics and the complexities of real life. The rotating artistic teams for the "lost issue" segments allow for diverse interpretations of the 90s superhero aesthetic, ranging from homages to parodies. Local Man aims to subvert and analyze traditional superhero tropes while still delivering engaging storytelling and character development.