DCU Comic Book Reviews

DOOM PATROL #2

Black Is (Theoretically) Black

November 2009

Written by Keith Giffen

Pencils by Matthew Clark

Inks by Livesay

Covers by Matthew Clark

Synopsis

On Oolong Island, Dusty informs President Veronica Cale of the failed mission on the part of Doom Patrol.  Meanwhile, Dr. Niles Caulder informs the team of their next mission.  He has been contacted by a black hole that has developed sentience.  In Germany, the sentient black hole has managed to take over and control the employees of the Vulcan Supercollider.  Later, Doom Patrol arrive at the factory where the encounter the sentient black hole, who tells them he is curious about humans and plans to use as humans as specimens for its research.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

For the first issue, I really though the inability to fully grasp the story was partly due to the complicated history of Doom Patrol and the manner in which Giffen seemingly threw the reader into the middle of the story without any preamble.  After reading this issue, I am beginning to think the problem in getting into the story is either Clark’s art or Giffen’s writing or a combination of both.  I had a hard time with this issue.  Maybe it is just me, but there are a number of scenes that I couldn’t follow what was happening.  I had a hard time following what is supposed to be going on.  Take for instance page 7 where Rita exclaims, “I hate that.”  Well, what does she hate?  All we see is Doom Patrol landing on the previous page, but since we don’t see from where or how high, it is impossible to understand what Rita is referring to.  Then on the top of page 11 when Cliff shoots Dr. Ackerman then exclaims, “what th’ hell?”  Now, what is the reference to?  The attack?  Because he had to shoot Dr. Ackerman?  And why would he do that?  Doesn’t matter, I suppose, because the moment is forgotten.  That is the same scene in which Rita and Larry are talking to each other despite the fact the others are in the frame as well; it took me a moment to figure out they referring to Larry’s disappearing during the fight and it had nothing to do with Dr. Ackerman’s guided tour.  Anyway, the issue just doesn’t flow smoothly for me, with scenes or conversations that don’t make sense.  Hopefully, things will change with the next issue. 

A Day In The Life

Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis

Art by Kevin Maguire

Synopsis

In space, Gold, Tina, and Copper are sent to fix a television satellite.  In Illinois, Dr. Magnus is monitoring the situation when he is pulled away by the arrival of a neighbor, who is upset at the presence of the Metal Men.  When Magnus, returns he discovers the Metal Men botched the repairs, destroying the satellite.  Because there was no television that night, the tv show Douglas Robot Hunter is canceled. 

Review

In contrast to the first feature, this was straightforward, easily understand and a heck of a lot of fun.  From the hilarious credits page to the interactions between the robots (and the continually dismissal of Copper) and to the end with the actor, I really, really enjoyed this feature.  This is good stuff nd easily better than the main feature. 

Looking at this compared to Doom Patrol, I have to wonder if Giffen does better with the writing because he has DeMatteis as co-writer or because it is broad slapstick and not the humorless action we got in the first feature. 

 

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