Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Comics Review: DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN #1

DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN  #1  (Ahoy Comics, November 6, 2019 release date)  Tom Peyer: Writer.  Peter Krause: Art.  Andy Troy: Colorist.  Rob Steen: Letters.  Jamal Igle: Cover Artist. 

I’ve been looking forward to this continuation of the satiric super-hero series THE WRONG EARTH, the initial debut title from new publisher Ahoy Comics from September 2018.  You can read my March 26th review of the first story arc published in trade paperback here: https://popculturepodium.blogspot.com/2019/03/pre-order-picks-for-may-2019-part-2.html

THE WRONG EARTH dealt with the existence of two similar super-heroes on two different versions of our planet.  They both were costumed versions of a dragonfly, and both fought crime in Fortune City (which bears some resemblance to Gotham City). Dragonflyman, the Earth Alpha version, was a throwback to a more innocent ear of super-heroes with all-pure, all-noble purpose.  Dragonfly, the Earth Omega version, was more gritty and brutal, a vigilante of sorts who often worked in defiance of a corrupt police department.  The primary conflict in THE WRONG EARTH was the switching of each superhero into the other’s version of Earth and the ensuing conflicts as they tried to adjust to a different world. The series ended with a teaser that hinted at more universes beyond Earth Alpha and Earth Omega. 

  Whether or not we’ll learn more about that in DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN remains to be seen. Rather than a continuation of THE WRONG EARTH, the new series is a prequel, a flashback to earlier times that allows us a glimpse into how each hero operated within their home versions of Fortune City and how they interacted with their sidekick, Stinger. Both versions of Stinger play second fiddle, with the Stinger of Earth Omega really taking his lumps from the condescending Dragonfly. 


DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN is still a fun series, and definitely worth a look - - especially for fans of both the wholesome and dark versions of superheroes. However, it’s doesn’t have as much magic for me as THE WRONG EARTH. The new series is more of a straight up super-hero adventure story than before. At least the often satiric and always tongue-in-cheek amusing style of writer Tom Peyer is still present. 

  Both Dragonfly and Dragonflyman are in pursuit of the villain Devil Man, who has a cadre of sidekicks (a la the 1960’s Batman tv show) on Earth Alpha and more demonic minions (shades of Denny O’Neil) on Earth Omega. Both villains manage to compromise the core of Dragonfly/Dragonflyman and turn them into threats as the issue ends. 

   As with all Ahoy titles, the issue is rounded out with several illustrated text pieces of varying quality and interest. “Not Required Reading: The K-T Boundary” written by Matt Brady with illustrations by Joe Orsak is a nonfiction geology lesson with a concise summary/update on the last days of the dinosaurs.  “Franklin Vs The Minotaur” by Tyrone Finch with art by Shawn Crystal is a fable-like tale where the designer of a famous corn maze takes ill.  His replacement designs more of a labyrinth than a typical maze, and this quickly becomes a habitat for a Minotaur.  “British Sports Explained” by frequent contributor Kek-W and artist Joe Orsak is a wacky and inventive explanation of cricket, rugby, polo, and beard-swapping.


RATING SYSTEM

 STORY: There’s enough promise here of a good story that I’m wiling to give this set-up issue a chance and see how Issue #2 advances the plot. 2 POINTS
ART:  The art doesn’t have the same sparkle as Jamal Igle’s work on THE WRONG EARTH, but it’s still above average with some good scenes. The coloring and letter team help make the transition between the two Earths clearly defined.  2 POINTS
COVER: Ah, more Jamal Igle art.  2 POINTS
READ AGAIN? I picked up a few things I missed on the first go-around. 1 POINT.
RECOMMEND? I don’t like this as much as the prior series, but it’s still different enough from the standard superhero fare to deserve a look. 0.5 POINTS.
TOTAL RATING: 7.5 OUT OF A POSSIBLE 10 POINTS.  

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