Doom Patrol 1 Featured Reviews 

“Doom Patrol” #1

By | September 15th, 2016
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

“Doom Patrol” #1 is the first title to come out of DC and Gerard Way’s joint imprint, Young Animal. From what I can gather, the imprint will specialize in giving a spotlight to DC’s weirder characters and stories. Just like Vertigo did for the company back in the day, Young Animal will exist on the fringes and at the very least, “Doom Patrol” succeeds in every way. But, just how well does it work as comic on its own?

There are no spoilers in this review.

Written by Gerard Way
Illustrated by Nick Derington

The atoms are buzzing. The daydreams crowd sentient streets, and the creative team has been warned, ‘Turn back now or suffer the mighty consequence of sheer, psycho-maniacal mayhem.’ Generation-arsonists unite-this is DOOM PATROL, and the God of the Super Heroes is bleeding on the floor. A blenderized reimagining of the ultimate series of the strange, DOOM PATROL combines elements from classic runs, new directions, and things that could not be. Our entry point is Casey Brinke, a young EMT on the graveyard shift to abstract enlightenment, with a past so odd that she’s not entirely sure what is real and what is not. Along with her partner, Sam Reynolds, the pair blaze a path through the city and its denizens, finding the only quiet that exists at 3am is the chaos of the brain. When the pair answer a hit-and-run call, they find themselves face to face with a familiar figure: Cliff Steele, AKA Robotman. ‘It gets weirder from here,’ writer Gerard Way had to say about the book, with artist Nick Derington gripping tightly on the wheel of the ambulance. The pair’s only communication? Shouting out of the open windows while at high velocity. Who needs a new roommate? Who names a cat ‘Lotion’? And when do we get to see all those muscles? Find your answers inside the pages of this comic book, as we set the stage for new beginnings, as well as the re-introduction of some classic DOOM PATROL characters, including Niles Caulder, Negative Man, Flex Mentallo, and Crazy Jane. The debut title of DC’s Young Animal line kicks off with a removable sticker on its cover: Pull back the gyro to reveal its secrets, but be warned-there is no turning back.

Well, that is quite possibly the longest solicit for a book I’ve ever read. The longest and the strangest, which is actually quite apt considering “Doom Patrol” #1 is certainly not the most straightforward of reads. That is not meant to be a criticism by the way, but just a fact, when the solicit says ‘be warned’, it’s not kidding. Over the course of 24 pages (discounting advertisements and previews), Gerard Way and artist Nick Derington attempt to set the tone, introduce the themes and elements and make a huge statement about what this book is going to be. And as far as I can tell, the book is basically going to prove that ‘weird’ not only still exists in the DC Universe, but that it is thriving.

There isn’t actually that much of a story, in terms of a clear, linear arc, over the course of the issue, yet a lot does happen. We open on EMT Casey Brinke and her colleague Sam Reynolds racing through some unknown city while trying to save somebody. This sets the tone for the rest of the issue as we dash from scene to scene, where other characters and hints of a bigger storyline are just visible enough for them to register and then they’re gone again. I would not be surprised if you are utterly bewildered by this issue, especially the first time you read it. However, there is something about this book that warrants you to read it again, and a third time, and I guess a fourth time too. It is always a good sign when a book makes you work for a story, considering it gives you enough to work it out for yourself as well as a satisfying payoff. I’m not entirely sure that Way has provided enough of either yet, but it does feel promising. Amongst all the disconnected scenes and elements of this book, there is an almost certainty of a grander plan. I think we’re in on something special and for now, I definitely think that’s worth sticking around for.

Continued below

I would certainly recommend picking up “Doom Patrol” #1, just for the sheer experience alone. There are some truly bonkers concepts to be found here, including an entire universe hidden in a gyro (pronounced like pyro) and the cutest human combustion I’ve ever seen. If you’ve been reading superhero comics for a while now, Way could be the most perfect antidote to the kind of monotonous storytelling that seems prevalent right now. It is in this that “Doom Patrol” really embraces its heritage. The core cast have always been seen as outsiders, both on and off the page and especially since Grant Morrison defining run on the title, it has become a go-to for the weird and stranger side of superhero comics,. You may not be aware, but Morrison is a massive influence on Gerard Way, taking up position as his de facto mentor, before picking this issue up I was expecting to see just a rehash of Morrison’s work. Thankfully, there is just enough of Morrison’s presence to delight fans of that run while still coming across wholly original. I think longtime fans of “Doom Patrol” and newcomers will be pleased reading this book.

The overall look of this issue works perfectly for the type of book Way is trying to make here. Artist Nick Derington has effortlessly visualised the more bizarre elements of Way’s script, but captured them in his own traditional, cartoonish way. The book is filled with bold and clear linework, while the panel structure is familiar and unobtrusive. However, the images he creates are off kilter and there is a subtle punkness to his aesthetic. This ties in strongly with the book’s subliminal mission statement. It seems Doom Patrol wants to dismantle traditional superhero books while trying to replicate them too. Both writer and artist have done well in balancing this ambiguity. Putting that aside for a second however, this is just a downright gorgeous book to look at.

Everything about this issue confirms to me just exactly what Way and Young Animal are going to be doing. Taking the stranger and weirder elements from the books we love and doing something genuinely interesting with the rather than it just being uncalculated. And while it is a case that “Doom Patrol” #1 does put style over substance, the original cover has a peel away gyro sticker, I feel like those stylistic elements are there for a reason. We may not know why for now, but I’m certainly looking forward to finding out. Even if it does mean reading it over and over again.

Final Verdict: 7.8 – Weird and wonderful. When it looks this good, who cares about getting lost?


Liam Budd

EMAIL | ARTICLES