Dark Circle Comics 2015
Written by Ian Flynn
Penciled by Alitha Martinez
Inked by Rick Bryant
Coloured by Steve Downer
Now to be honest i’m normally not one to advocate Digital books, yes i’m old fashioned and I love holding them in my hands admiring the artwork and the feel of the paper but this only available digitally so if you want to dip your toes into digital comics or already do then this is something you should start with or add to your reading list. This is a one shot so no long term commitment, yet. It is great for new readers as we get a great comprehensive what’s come before which also serves as a reminder for long term readers catching you back up and getting you involved in the story right away.
I’m a huge fan of the New Crusaders for me what Ian is doing with them is phenomenal. The next generation is here and their parents or mentors are gone leaving only the Shield to train them and help lead somewhat normal lives. They are only high school students after all. It has that feel of the New Titans in that they are friends and family and have powers, that they need to learn how to work together, trust each other and help each other find their way. The characterization is really something to see I mean these kids have been through a lot in a short period of time and seeing the deal with the ramifications and still go out to fight the bad guys speaks volumes about them.
Alitha, Rick and Steve’s work on the interiors is fun to see. It’s bright and youthful and detailed and kind of just makes you feel good when looking at it. The attention to detail is superb and the fight scenes are marvelously portrayed plus the buildings, vehicles and the characters involved are all just so full of life. I’m really enjoying the page layouts that help the story flow through those fight scenes as well showcasing that action beautifully.
That we are seeing the kids start coming into their own without the Shield to lead them opening the door for Greg to demonstrate his leadership abilities is nice to see. Ian is managing to do some great stuff here exploring the kids powers and develop their personalities as well as seemingly keep the Brain Emperor front and center by using this former wrestler giving him powers and gauging the kids abilities. But not only that but getting them better and stronger as if he wants them to bond more and become more skilled so that when they do meet again it’s a true fight for him and his destruction of his hated foes children will be that much sweeter for him.
There is so much potential here and these kids have such a bright future ahead of them with these creators that we need to see more of them, hopefully moving forward in print like the other Dark Circle books such as the Black Hood. There’s a reason the resurgence at the Archie offices have been exploding they’ve got incredibly talented people working on books that resonate with their audiences and it seems their superhero line is finally ready to stand by side with the big boys.