NOW's first new comic book in a decade gets mixed reaction.(Chicago Tribune)

Byline: Robert K. Elder

CHICAGO _ Chicago's NOW Comics _ which brought readers "The Green Hornet," "Speed Racer" and "The Real Ghostbusters" _ launched its first new comic in a decade two weeks ago with "Vespers," a graphic novel about a pop star with mystical powers, written and illustrated by founding publisher Tony C. Caputo.

"Vespers," says Caputo, 42, will be driven by real world concerns and temptations. "It's time for this kind of thing. I want readers to learn something, but I also want it to touch their hearts."

He also wants to revive a publishing brand that soared high for a half-decade before collapsing into recriminations and two bankruptcies.

"The first time around, I let it get to the point where I wasn't in control. It got too big," Caputo says.

But while it grew, opening up mainstream exposure to a generation of Chicago artists and writers, it also created a lot of animosity among some who viewed NOW practices as exploitation of young creative types.

Some of the rancor has yet to dissipate.

"It's the best sign for the industry _ that it's doing well _ when somebody like this is trying to get back into it. When money is finally flowing …