Dark Circle Comics 2015
Written by Dean Haspiel & Mark Waid
Illustrated by Dean Haspiel
Coloured by Allen Passalaqua
There’s something special about this series and perhaps it’s Dean’s unique take on the interiors as well what contributes to the writing making it all seem so in synch. Not as serious as the Black Hood but not quite a comedy either it’s that rare hybrid where it’s funny and yet serious at the same time. I’m enjoying this immensely it’s kind of what you’d like to think of when you go back to the fun and silly Justice League era only reigned in much better.
I love the dialogue of the phone call between husband and wife before he action starts. It’s good solid characterization and it’s fun to see I mean the whole family that fights crime is more likely to stay together? Well it’s an idea don’t ya know. I have to say the transition from talking to his wife to being attacked by a bevy of beauty’s was well played gentlemen. Though seriously that this didn’t raise a red flag for him did make me laugh.
Ghost Fox, the son, is up out and about ready to stay on guard not returning home again until he can face his first arch nemesis, or villain who comes along. It’s kind of fun to see this kind of exuberance from someone wearing a costume. Still training is good an all but it doesn’t really prepare for the reality of your first fight and when Pneumo shows us thinking he’s his dad well it’s gonna be a tight first fight for the kid.
I find it interesting that both villains are both gross and fun. Madam Satan is hideous looking but her concept and idea execution is fantastic will Pneumo looks like someone from He-Man have that contrast which we love and makes them definitely stand out and be memorable.
The side by side, or in this case page by page, father and son fight is nicely done for the few pages that it’s done. Until the moment the Fox pontificating the lack of practical superpowers is caught by Madam Satan by the maggots exiting the suction cups and it’s that honest grossed out moment that needed more focus and that’s where the side by side fight stops it’s a natural progression of the storytelling and the moment you need to see it to completion it’s well done.
Though Madam Satan has proven that she’s able to separate much of her body into tentacles that can reform her visage so what happens to her here isn’t really the end of her. While Pneumo seems to be getting the better of Ghost Fox and he thinks the finishing blow is coming this is where we see mom step in.
Like father like son right both are almost accidental heroes men, well boys, in costume playing grownup games and it all seems to work out somehow. Though i’m not sure if Paul passed out from his fight with Madam Satan and the aftermath of that is unclear or if he’s got some form of narcolepsy it does leave him vulnerable to the rest of rogues gallery after the bounty on his head.