Book of the Week

2-3-10

Holy Fuck! This book just keeps getting crazier! I wish all superhero books had this much excitement.

I mean, although The Siege is only halfway through, we all knew six months ago that it would end with Cap, Thor, and Iron Man getting back together to defeat the Dark Avengers. I could still be wrong, but I don't think that there's anyone here that wouldn't bet copious amounts of money on that statement.

This book could still has the potential to go in hundreds of directions. I wouldn't be surprised if the Dragon we read for 150 issues never returns. The book could easily be shift focus to the crazy dictator Dragon or even Malcolm, Dragon's son and be just as entertaining. Possibly even more so.

Savage Dragon moves the story forward the way that the big two are always pretending to. We now have a new Dragon that eats brains; a new Overlord who's a Cubs fan. How many series are this exciting 160+ issues in? Great job, Erik Larsen! Here's to 150 more!

Book of the Week

1-6-10

Savage Dragon is a book for that is for people who love comic books. Its not a something that will convert a non-reader, but people who are familiar with the genre and serial storytelling should be picking it up.

There's really no good jumping on point. Maybe issue 1, but it's not really necessary. Like the old Marvel Comics, you can jump on anywhere (maybe even this issue which is a Part 2) , feel like there's a lot of stuff you may not know, but enjoy it the same nonetheless.

Hell, I don't remember a lot of what's happened. It's been going on since 1992. There have been ups and downs, but after 160 issues (including the miniseries and zero issue),I'm in for the long haul. The book is episodic and long term plot lines are there to reward old readers as opposed to alienate new ones.

Erik Larsen knows the genre, and unlike Marvel or DC doesn't have to worry about keeping characters stagnant to sell movies and merch. The character is constantly evolving and...

SPOILER ALERT

...is not even in this issue. I mean, there are two Dragons in this issue, but one is a clone and the other is from an alternate universe. Our Dragon got offed six issues ago. Will he be back? Probably, but who knows? Larsen has gotten rid of core characters (and even core timelines) in the past. Whatever happens will serve the story.

Larsen will often try different art or storytelling methods. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't. This issue is one long fight sequence. It totally works. There's enough dialogue and plot throughout the banter to keep this issue interesting and move the story along. In fact, I didn't even realize that the whole issue was one fight until it was pointed out on the letters page.

I'm very happy with the way this book has picked up since Larsen stepped down from being the head of Image. Although, I do think he brought a lot of quality books and some prestige to the company, his own book suffered in scheduling, story, and art. Since he's gotten back up to speed, Savage Dragon it the best its been in years , and with this issue, it gets even better.