Action Lab Danger Zone 2017
Written & Lettered by Dave Dwonch
Illustrated by Arturo Mesa
Coloured by Geraldo Filho
During the assault on Chimera’s hidden base, Anthony Zane’s parents were revealed as the international terrorists Madame Mavara and the Laughing Skull. In her escape, Mavara shot Anthony in the face while the Laughing Skull was apprehended by the Infinite Seven. Now, Anthony clings to life in a coma….
Have you ever read an issue of a series and said yeah this is where everything changes? While it may have been the events of last issue that are forcing this change upon Anthony it’s really how he deals with what happened that matters more. This is the issue Anthony wakes up, takes back control of his life and decides what kind of man he’s going to be moving forward. We actually see the actions that create who he is going to become.
What Dave manages to do with the characterisation here alongside the story development is extremely good stuff. From the get go it seemed a bit far fetched when Anthony bested Smash Brannigan and then went and took the whole seriously. I mean he’s kind of a loser, insecure and self-conscious and all the things that say he’ll never make it living this life or in this business. So what we see in these pages here will make you redefine how you see Anthony and that’s some damn fine, strong writing people.
The interiors here are fantastic contrast to the story itself. I mean it kind of has this all-ages feel to it that completely goes against type. It’s delightful, emotional and all kinds of expressive when it comes to delivering to us how the characters feel. The way page layouts are utilised through their angles and perspective are extremely well done. We all know i’d like more backgrounds in use because when they are do wonders in fleshing out the scene of each panel.
Just like the Little Engine that Could or the Ant who thought he could move that Rubber Tree Plant Anthony is doing what we would have thought impossible. He’s allowed all these circumstances to make him stronger rather than wallow in what could have been the worst downward spiral of his young life. I mean after what he’s been through it was either or right and well he wouldn’t be the star of this series if he didn’t rise up.
So the actions that we see here that both Anthony and Melanie take are going to show us their new roles moving forward. Let’s face it ever since he’s disappeared Melanie has become something of a detective and a thorn in the side of this secret organisation and what her future holds well that’s up in the air but I have this sneaky suspicion that regardless of what happened this issue her future is going to be extremely interesting.
This was an unexpected delight from its first issue onward. The way the story has gone and unfolded through plot twists and some of the expected has been extremely entertaining to witness. It’s surprise gems like this one that make branching out and reading such a plethora of books from various companies worthwhile.