Dynamite Entertainment 2017
Written by David Avallone
Illustrated by Dave Acosta
Coloured by Morgan Hickman
Lettered by Taylor Esposito
It was a time of unspeakable evil, and a time of incorruptible heroes. The world danced on the precipice of Apocalypse, and into the dawn of a new epoch of wonders. Fascism and Democracy were slowly rising to meet one another in the greatest clash history had ever known. It was the crucible of mankind, and all would be judged. It was an age of dreams, and an age of nightmares. It was the time of DOC SAVAGE.
We all know that Fashion is recycled, just look at what’s hot on the runway and see how far back it goes. So why shouldn’t that be true when it comes to comic books? Well it kind of is as there are only so many new, unique and different superheroes you can create anymore but that is a discussion for another time and place. What i’m talking about is right here with Doc Savage. Honestly i’m thankful that David has decided he isn’t going to try and update this but instead left it in the past where the characters belong but with fresh new stories that allow readers a chance to get to know the legend that he is.
Okay so this story is fun for a number of reasons which include but are not limited to the fact that Savage isn’t the man of bronze yet and that Pat’s girlfriend is Amelia Earhart the aviatrix. The history that’s here is spectacular, from the inventions of Savage and his partners to the real life people they encounter everything about what David is doing here screams alternate history and it’s done in such a way that reminds me of the old serial’s that would appear movies. Oh and if you have no idea about those serial’s then you really need to check out the past and what it’s led to.
Dave’s work is something I really found myself liking when he did the Chastity series for Dynamite. Now i’m always thrilled to see when he has new work coming out. His linework, attention to detail and eye for storytelling are so strong and pleasing to the eye. Oh yes and he is one of those who uses backgrounds to their fullest giving the reader a much more well rounded look at the scene and what’s going on. The utilisation of page layouts through angles and perspective help the flow of the story move nicely.
So this issue gives us a firm look at the villain of the story as well as introduces us to Pat’s girlfriend officially and possibly setting the stage for her future disappearance. David gives us a look at John Sunlight and much like the Admiral the explanation of who he is and what he represents is perfect for those who are new to the franchise and an excellent recap for those who have read his adventures. That’s another thing Dynamite does is that somehow these stories while remaining incredibly true to their long standing history are simultaneously new reader friendly as well.
This is a classic adventure of a classic hero and his group of friends and allies that reminds us no man is an Island and takes a village to get things done. Or in other words, your friends are your family and they are there for you every step of the way.