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Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1
Writer: Dennis Culver
Artist: Chris Burnham
Color Artist: Brian Reber
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Reviewed by Davydh Tidey
Summary
Metahumans! Degeneracy! and… Batman? The boys are back in town in Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1, and they’re bringing the weird!
Positives
I hate this town.
– Robotman
I’ve been waiting for the Doom Patrol to come back since the end of the Gerard Way/Nick Derington run, and there’s only so much of the gap the (admittedly, amazing) Doom Patrol TV show could fill. This issue did not disappoint in the slightest and the wait was officially worth it, ladies and gents.
As highlighted in Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate, the Doom Patrol has a new mission; help all the meta-humans affected by the Lazarus Rain, because who else could possibly understand? As highlighted by the Chief herself; the Justice League has only one metahuman member, so how are they supposed to understand their struggles?
Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 takes the team in such a great direction. They’ve always been the protectors of the weirdos, and now there are more and more of them sprouting up, thanks to this event. There’s absolutely nowhere better for them to be than the front lines. Dennis Culver does a great job reflecting this in his writing, showing that problems can be solved with words and a helping hand, just as well as when fighting it out. He’s clearly taken inspiration from the iconic runs before him, and the TV show, to make the ultimate versions of all these characters.
Also, the little reveal at the end about their newest member? Gold. Solid gold.
Chris Burnham and Brian Reber. I feel like I don’t need to say anything else. Burnham’s solid, thick line work paired with Reber’s intense colors make for an absolute spectacle, and I’m loving the new designs for the characters. I have to give thanks to Dennis Culver again for that, as he helped design the new looks, but Burnham and Reber have brought them to life in astonishing fashion.
Negatives
No good has ever come out of a cell in Arkham.
– Chief
I’m sure it will be revealed in due time, but what happened to Niles Caulder?
I realize the last run ended with all the DP members absolutely detesting him, but I’d at least like to know where he is and what he’s doing. Again, I’m sure we’ll find out, as he’s mentioned in this issue, but it feels like it’s pulling focus a little from the team themselves with that question hanging over their heads.
It’s an ultimately small gripe, the issue is still incredible, but my curiosity knows no bounds!
Verdict
Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 brings our weirdos back to the forefront, and they’re more focused than ever before. Their new Chief cracks the whip hard and brings them together into an effective, cohesive superhero team. For once.
I can’t wait for the next one! Seriously, DC hit me up with the next one. Please. This is life and death.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
