Another Matthew Clark teaser!

Same as the previous one, but the newly inked version, courtesy of Matthew Clark:

Doom Patrol wallpaper?

Here are a couple of Doom Patrol backgrounds I came across on the internet, featuring the modern incarnation of the team: 

I also have a few wallpapers of previous incarnations that I can include if anyone would like them. If you have any of your own that you'd like me to post, just e-mail me!

A Matthew Clark tease..........

Merry Xmas to those of you on the other side of the globe, still celebrating - here's a teaser from Matthew Clark!

Doom Patrol at Xmas!

Well, just in time for Christmas, the DC App store has been updated with the DC Holiday Special '09, featuring a short Doom Patrol story called "The Christmas of Doom". It can be downloaded through your iPhone/iPad, or through the DC App store online. And while you're there, why don't you grab Doom Patrol #4 & #5, from the Blackest Night crossover? The links are:

• DC Holiday Special '09
• Doom Patrol #4
• Doom Patrol #5

I'd also like to wish you all a Merry Xmas, and thank you for supporting DOOMPEDIA throughout the year. I'll still be updating over Xmas & New Year, so check back often. Here's a little Xmas laugh to leave you all with, in typical Negative Man fashion:

Best wishes and thanks..........

I can't express how blown away I was by the following message, at the DC Doom Patrol Message Boards:

"Because it's overdue......"

Needless to say, I'm very grateful to Keith Giffen (and the DP crew) for all the fantastic work they've given us in 2010, and I very much look forward to reading your Doom Patrol well into the future. 

Ever since the Morrison run, my interest in Doom Patrol waned with each series. When the Giffen series was announced, I was mildly excited that DC was giving it another try - but not particularly optimistic. Before #1 was released, I'd never even considered DOOMPEDIA. But I was so completely hooked after the first few issues, that this blog was born, and will be 1-year old on the 8th of January, 2011. 

So thankyou very much to Keith Giffen (and Matthew Clark, Ron Randall et al) - it's been an absolute pleasure promoting your comic any way that I can!

Here's to 2011, and another year of Doom Patrol!

Doom Patrol #20 - the covers process

Courtesy of Matthew Clark, here's the process he took for creating the amazing cover to #20. Firstly, the rough layouts of potential covers:

There are some absolutely fantastic options there - I personally would've loved any of those covers. Any chance of a variant? 

Here's the pencilled version of the chosen cover:

The inked version:

And the final pre-coloured version, with added waves:

Many thanks to Matthew Clark, for all the fantastic work he puts into this series!

Doom Patrol #20 - March 2011

Looks like the Doom Patrol are heading out into the DC Universe - and featuring another excellent cover by Matthew Clark:

DOOM PATROL #20
Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by MATTHEW CLARK & RON RANDALL
Cover by MATTHEW CLARK

All super hero teams with a high-tech headquarters please take one step forward…not so fast, Doom Patrol! When Cliff, Larry and Rita are evicted from Oolong Island, they discover the rest of the super hero community is less than welcoming.

Cliff's spotlight coming soon?

Could this be the cover (or picture from) an upcoming spotlight on Robotman?

Doom Patrol or the Aristocrats??

A DC board poster, tamaranorbust, has provided an interesting theory on how the Aristocrats are like doppelgangers of the Doom Patrol:

OK look at pg 7 where Duke Byron Boswick II is writing a letter, the page starts at the top with 'in closing let me reiterate.' He looks a lot like the Chief there.

P 14-15 the big spread in the ballroom, with Duchess Victoria - and across the room Rita is standing opposite her - it's not quite a mirror image

Byron Boswick II the 'lady killer' may be the opposite of Larry

And on p 21, Duchess Victoria has a manservant whose stance resembles Cliff. Compare pages 21 and 24 - they both have an X on their foreheads.

I also think the fact that Immortus showed up is a red flag. He tells the DP that the aristocrats, left on their own, will never die, just like him - so they've become a family of hitmen, as Cliff puts it. But that's precisely the Patrol's problem. They keep dying, but they can't die, so they become a family of heroes, now muscle for Cale.  

An interesting theory - feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section!

Doom Patrol TPB news!

Coming in August 2011:

DOOM PATROL: FIRE AWAY TP

Writers: Keith Giffen and Brian Keene
Artists: Matthew Clark, Ron Randall and Al Milgrom
Collects: DOOM PATROL #14-21
$19.99 US

Preview of Doom Patrol #18 (Jan 2011)

It's only a one-panel preview, but here it is, drawn AND inked by Matthew Clark:

More reviews of #17!

I've come across a couple of positive reviews of #17 on the net at Dangermart and Comic Book Resources (written by fellow Doom Patroller, Doug Zawisza!). Enjoy!

Giffen & Simone interview!

Newsarama has put together an interview with Keith Giffen & Gail Simone, regarding the Doom Patrol/Secret Six crossover. Highlights relating to Doom Patrol are below:

Nrama: Keith, what else is coming up in Doom Patrol?

Giffen: Well, the Front Men are going to return, and we’re going to put the Doom Patrol through their paces. Everyone thinks, "Oh, the Chief's going to come back in a couple of issues, and is going to be sorely disappointed. No, we are really going to explore the Doom Patrol’s life post chief. They'll find out how much they need or possibly don’t need the man.

And they'll move out into the DCU and start rubbing up against some of the other heroes as we try to establish just where their place in the DCU is.

Nrama: Keith, I've just got to follow up on your comment about how the team will rub up against other heroes. Any idea who else they might encounter besides the Secret Six?

Giffen: Oh, we'll have quite a few people showing up when it makes sense. For example, I think a Gar Logan encounter is long overdue. And these are the sort of things where there won't even be official team-ups, where I dot the i’s and cross t’s with dozens of different writers. It'll be, sort of, "Hi, we’re the Doom Patrol. Hi, we don’t care."

And of course we’re building up to the climactic show down between the Doom Patrol and Mr. Somebody and the Front Men.

We are also bringing Rigoro Mortis back. I think we’re kind of tossing a grenade into the mix of the story here. He’s going to change one Doom Patrol member’s life forever.

And hopefully we’ll have a bit of fun along the away.

Check out the entire interview at Newsarama!

New direction for the Doom Patrol!

Here are some pictures of Matthew Clark's brand new designs for a "new direction" of the Doom Patrol - courtesy of the artist!

Doom Patrol #17 sketches!

Courtesy of Matthew Clark, here are some b&w sketches from Doom Patrol #17:

Doom Patrol #17 review

Definitely a change of pace for Doom Patrol, with the recent action scenes being replaced by character-building and relationship-development. It's definitely a welcome change, as the team certainly needs time to discuss the change in their status quo, with Veronica Cale replacing the Chief as their 'boss'. This new setup is not appreciated by the Doom Patrol, who question whether they were anyone's property to begin with.

As for the Aristocrats, you'd almost think they were created by Grant Morrison! Keith Giffen serves up one of the strangest families ever, with a guest appearance by original Doom Patrol enemy, General Immortus - who I don't think we've seen the last of! They're an........ interesting family, and one that Giffen is definitely having fun with. 

And Bumblebee returns to active status this issue, probably seeing more action than any other member. She is a welcome (re)addition to the team, and I look forward to seeing what happens with her next. Whilst she has waited in the background while Giffen focused on the main three, it's now time for another character to have their moment to shine - now if only we can get her a DP logo belt......

Matthew Clark, as always, shares some delightful artwork with us. However, I feel that, at times, Ron Randall's pencilling was not as detailed as usual, which detracted in a few of the early pages. 

Overall, another enjoyable issue! 4/5

Doom Patrol #17 preview!

A 5-page preview of Doom Patrol #17 is up at Newsarama, featuring another hilarious intro page, and the introduction of the Aristocrats!

Larry exposed!

Courtesy of Matthew Clark, here's a picture of Larry (Negative Man) exposed, in an upcoming issue! We saw a peek in the recent issue - are there big changes ahead for Larry Trainor?

Doom Patrol in February 2011

We get DOUBLE Doom Patrol in February next year, featuring the rematch with the Secret Six!

DOOM PATROL #19

Written by KEITH GIFFEN

Art by MATTHEW CLARK and RON RANDALL

Cover by MATTHEW CLARK

It's part 1 of the 2-part Doom Patrol vs. Secret Six rematch you've all been waiting for! (Well, some of you. Well, Robotman seemed pretty heated up about it, anyway...) The battle starts here, and then continues over in SECRET SIX #30, also on sale this month!

SECRET SIX #30
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by J. CALAFIORE
Cover by CLIFF CHIANG

The battle between the Secret Six and the Doom Patrol continues from this month's DOOM PATROL #19! Last month, the Secret Six faced Luthor, but this month, they go pedal-to-the-metal against the only team as messed up as the Six themselves - the Doom Patrol! You don't want to miss this issue as a Sixer leaves the team forever!

Five reasons why.............

Five reasons why we need an animated Doom Patrol series! Check it out here!

More reviews of Doom Patrol #16!

While we're still thrilled by the latest issue, here's some other reviews from around the 'net:

- Too Dangerous For A Girl gave #16 a very positive review, and

- Comic Book Resources interviewer (and DP blogger!), Doug Zawisza, gave the issue 3.5 out of 5.  

If you come across any other online reviews, let me know!

Doom Patrol #16 review

We've waited Keene-ly for months and what they've Giffen us is something different, yet thoroughly entertaining (all jokes TM Larry Trainor 2010).

Brian Keene and Keith Giffen have treated us to a once-off collaboration that fits seemlessly into the current run, whilst setting the stage for some future developments. The alternate versions of our heroes are striking doppelgangers and their impact is certainly felt, amongst the citizens of Delta City, as well as within the Doom Patrol itself. Tensions ride high, in the absence of the Chief, and issues of trust, personal stability and self-confidence are welling up within the team itself. Nothing is smooth-sailing, and it makes them (and the readers) wonder if they really were better off with the Chief.

Giffen's artwork, reminiscent of a 90s style, suited the story very well, and this was highlighted by Al Milgrom's inks. I'd certainly be happy to see more artwork from Giffen in this series, without taking away from the monthly joys of Clark and Randall.

There seems to be some undercurrents of insecurity brewing within the Doom Patrol. Keene has established this well, and hopefully Giffen will follow up with next issue's visit to the Aristocrats. Overall, a very entertaining 'guest' issue, which progressed the ongoing story smoothly. Hopefully we'll see some more visits from Brian Keene in the future!

4.5/5

Doom Patrol #16 preview

Newsarama has an early preview of Doom Patrol #16, by Brian Keene and Keith Giffen. Check it out here!

Brian Keene (Doom Patrol #16) interview! - Part 2

AND NOW.......Part Two of the Brian Keene interview:

Q: Going back to Doom Patrol, Keith recently mentioned in an interview that your "change of pace" issue would relate to Ted Bruder/Fast Forward/Negative Man II, formerly of the Arcudi Doom Patrol. What drew you to this character in particular, and what's he been up to since the Arcudi run? 

A: I loved the Arcudi run. I’ve never understood why it didn’t catch on. The characters were quirky—maybe not as bizarre as we’ve come to expect from Doom Patrol members—but certainly unique. Of them all, my favorite was Ted. I loved his cynicism and his worldview. It was wonderful characterization on Arcudi’s part. Ted was a character that stepped off the page. He stood out from others. He wasn’t necessarily a guy you’d like in real-life, but he was certainly the type of fictional anti-hero you could get behind. 

As for what he’s been up to… well, let’s just say Ted has fallen on hard times. He’d lost his powers at the end of the Arcudi run, due to the meds he was taking. Now those powers are out of control. He doesn’t just see into the future or into alternate realities anymore. He travels to them. And quite often, the things he finds there follow him back to our Earth.

Q: Speaking of that run, readers have noted it's lack of original team members. Do you feel the Doom Patrol works best with it's original members involved, with mostly new and strange faces, or a combination (and why)?

A: As a fan, I prefer both. Yes, Cliff should always be present. To not have him there is akin to not having The Thing in the Fantastic Four or Superman in the Justice League. And I’ve got a soft spot for Larry and Rita. But I think newer characters like Crazy Jane and Danny the Street/Brick are just as engaging and vital to the overall mythos. I think they key is the bizarre factor. Would Nightwing make a good cast addition? Probably not. But Ambush Bug fits right in.

Q: The newest incarnation of the team focuses primarily on the originals - what are your thoughts on the Giffen/Clark run?

A: Like I said, as a fan, I’ve loved it. Consistently one of the best monthly titles DC produces, aside from the Vertigo titles.

Q: So Brian, what can you tell us about #16? What does Brian Keene have in store for the Doom Patrol?

A: A fill-in issue that builds upon the first 15 issues and lays the groundwork for some things to come. I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll just do some random word association: Feral Rita, Nazi Larry, Steampunk Cliff, Homeless Ted, Mountie Ambush Bug and the Number Seventeen. That last part is important. What are the other Sixteen?

There are no pelicans in this issue, however…

Q: What can you share about Doom Patrol doppelgangers Feral Rita, Nazi Larry and Steampunk Cliff?

A: They all come from alternate reality futures, and they all spell bad news for our heroes.

Q: Some word association to finish off:

- Rita

I’d do her.

- Cliff

Kicks ass.

- Larry

Is more sane than we think.

- The Chief

Is really still that severed head from Grant Morrison’s run, and the current incarnation is a phony (my opinion only).

- Keith Giffen

Kicks more ass than Cliff.

- Brian Keene

Is very tired.

- Grant Morrison's run

Genius.

- John Arcudi's run

Fun.

- John Byrne's run

Not so much.

- Doom Patrol #16!

Buy two copies, and keep the series alive!

Brian, thankyou so much for your time and all the efforts you've put into Doom Patrol (so far). Best of luck with your upcoming novels and we hope to see you back in the Doom Patrol arena sometime in the future!

Thanks to you as well, my friend, and to your readers, too!

Brian Keene (Doom Patrol #16) interview! - Part 1

Hey everyone - Brian Keene, horror writer & DP #16 scribe, has very kindly participated in an interview - exclusive to DOOMPEDIA! This is a huge honour, and I'm very grateful to Brian for his time. Enjoy the interview - Part 2 will be up over the weekend!
=======================================================

Q: Brian, how and when did you first become a fan of Doom Patrol?

A: The same way I suspect most people my age did – during their initial appearance in the 80’s version of The New Teen Titans. I was instantly captivated by them, and perhaps even more so by their villains—especially The Brain and Monsieur Mallah (I’m a sucker for talking monkeys).

After that, I haunted the back issue bins and tracked down every issue of The Doom Patrol that I could find. It’s remained one of my consistent favorites, no matter which incarnation or series (with the exception of the John Byrne run, which I didn’t much care for).

Q: What led to the very enviable gig of getting to actually write an issue with Keith Giffen?

A: Mutual admiration. I’ve been a fan of Keith’s work for years, and he’s a fan of my novels. We talk quite often. During one conversation, I mentioned that I wanted to do more comics and less novels. At the time, I’d done some work for Marvel, Antarctic Press and a few other indies. Keith convinced DC to let me pitch something, and I came in with two ideas for Doom Patrol. One of them involved a sentient oil slick that’s devouring the Gulf of Mexico. The other idea was the one that ultimately appears in issue #16.

Q: How did you find working with Keith (or indeed, co-writing in general)?

A: Truthfully, I was a little nervous. Haven’t felt that way about a project in years, but I wanted to nail this one, you know? But Keith was great. He offered advice, ideas and criticism in equal measure, all of it fair and accurate. Let’s be honest—yes, the book is the Doom Patrol, but it’s also Keith’s Doom Patrol. It has his indelible stamp on every issue. He wasn’t afraid to let me play in the world and plotlines he’s created, but he also wasn’t afraid to tell me when I was getting carried away. The man is a pro, in every sense of the word. I wish there were more like him.

Q: Given Keith's art chores for the issue, is the writing split evenly between both of you, or is there a different process in place? How does it work?

I came up with the original plot. Keith and I re-worked it so that it fit into his current continuity (at the time, issue #8 had just hit the stands, so I had no idea about the return of Jost, Mr. Nobody, Rita’s secret origin, or anything else that’s happened recently). Then we did it “Marvel-style”—meaning he drew the pages, Al Milgrom inked them, and then I wrote the dialogue and everything else. First time I’ve worked Marvel-style. It’s harder than it sounds. Before this, I’d always written full scripts.

Q: Brian, you've also written for Marvel Comics and several independant companies in the recent past (Complete list HERE). What have been your most rewarding comic-writing experiences so far, and why?

A: Doom Patrol was a huge personal watermark for me, simply because of the chance to work with Keith and Al, both of whom have kept me entertained for years. The Superman story I wrote for this year’s DCU Halloween Special was fun, because it was an opportunity to contribute to the overall mythos of one of the world’s most enduring characters. And re-vamping Devil Slayer for Marvel was a real treat. I was a big fan of the original character, especially during his appearances in The Defenders.

Q: Are there any plans for you to write any more for the major comic companies?

A: Oh, yes. I’ve got several things in the pipeline. Sadly, I can’t talk about any of them yet. I’ve got more indie titles coming, as well, including a continuation of my Antarctic Press series The Last Zombie.

==========================

Part 2 will be up on the weekend, where Brian discusses his plans for Doom Patrol #16, Ted Bruder, "Mountie Ambush Bug" and his feelings about the Arcudi and John Byrne runs!

In the meantime, check out Brian's website at BrianKeene.com

Mystery picture.......

It seems Matthew Clark has been drawing "an ancient IMMORTal old guy" , who may be quite familiar with the Doom Patrol..............GENERALly speaking, of course.

Doom Patrol sales (Sept 2010)

Doom Patrol #14 sold 10,780 copies in September - only 98 less than #13 in August! Given how much other comics can drop from month to month, that's quite a positive. Let's hope it'll start turning upwards now! Here's a graph showing Doom Patrol sales since #1:

Brian Keene says..........

From the official website of Brian Keene, upcoming writer of Doom Patrol #16:

"And next month, Doom Patrol #16 hits the stands. It was plotted by myself and Keith Giffen, written by me, drawn by Keith, and inked by Al Milgrom. It is a stand-alone issue, meaning you can read it without ever having read an issue of Doom Patrol. However, for those of you who do read Doom Patrol, this issue also ties-in closely with the on-going story arc (and introduces a few things that will impact the series in forthcoming issues). It also has cannibalism, face-ripping, angst, and Ambush Bug. How can you go wrong?"

Doom Patrol #18 cover sketches!

Courtesy of DP artist, Matthew Clark, here are some sketches of the cover process for January's #18, including original ideas, pencils and inks:

Doom Patrol #18 preview - returning member?!

Hey guys - it looks like the DP may have a familiar face back in action in January (based on the cover)! Here's the preview:

DOOM PATROL #18

Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by MATTHEW CLARK and RON RANDALL
Cover by MATTHEW CLARK

The Doom Patrol just met The Aristocrats, and how better to follow a punchline than with some actual punching? The world's strangest Super Heroes face off with the world's most horrific family - and they've never had a fight like this before!

Giffen has also mentioned online that these villains (The Aristocrats) are some of his favourites! It's great to see the comic will be continuing past #18 (which, based on 6-issue arcs can sometimes be a wind-up point). Hopefully it'll be guaranteed to #24, and preferably, much further!

Reviews and links!

Came across a couple of excellent Doom Patrol #15 reviews on the 'net today, courtesy of theComics Bulletin (which rated the issue 4/5), and the Supergirl Comic Box Commentary (which gave it a B+)!

And don't forget to vote in the #15 poll, to the right - only a few days to go!

One final treat, if you haven't checked it out yet - Matthew Clark, our resident Doom Patrol artist, has set up his own website! Check it out: Matthew Clark Artist!

Translating Kryptonian in Doom Patrol #15

Courtesy of ComicBloc poster, Tenzel Kim, and CBR poster, Dubbilex, here are the Kryptonian translations from #15:

Page 3: "Here I come to save the day" and "Up up and away"

Page 5:"The will and the way"

Page 8: "Kneel before Caulder" and "Such fragile creatures"

Page 10: "It tickles"

Page 12: "The alpha and the omega"

Page 13: "Abominations" and "If an eye offend thee pluck it out"

Page 15: "The prodigal son"

Page 16: "Man of steel"

Page 17: "Home is where the heart is"

"The Last Patrol" - Brave and the Bold review

After finding out (ironically) that this episode actually screened in my own country almost a month ago, I've finally had an opportunity to watch this outstanding episode. The crew behind BATB successfully and respectfully integrated the Doom Patrol into their cartoon universe, and the characters were definitely true to their comic counterparts.

I particularly loved the inclusion of many Doom Patrol comic covers from the original run, as mini-adventures (2-3 seconds each!) - a wonderful touch. Also, it was a delight to see "posters" at the circus featuring none other than Beast Boy, Dorothy Spinner, Lodestone (Rhea), and Shasta the Living Mountain (from Doom Force)! The writers and animators clearly made a genuine effort here!

Story-wise, it was entertaining, and focused suitably on the Doom Patrol. Without spoiling too much, the ending was apt, and yet touching. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Doom Patrol on "Brave and the Bold" this week!!

Hey guys - I have fantastic news!

The Doom Patrol will star in "The Last Patrol", this week's episode of The Brave and the Bold:

"The outsider-heroes The Doom Patrol are pulled out of a hasty retirement when supervillains begin trying to assassinate them -- or perhaps re-unite them?"

Check out the full link (with videoclips and pictures!) at:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=28718

Doom Patrol #15 review (Spoilers!)

And just like that, everything has changed.

In the course of the Doom Patrol's long and varied history, there have been many monumental issues, including: their first appearance, their 'death' in the original run, Grant Morrison's first issue, the revelation that the Chief was behind the original accidents, and more.

This issue will most likely fit into that elite category, as a major turning point in the lives of the Doom Patrol.

The Chief, partly influenced by his additional Kryptonian DNA, has lost the plot. He is stock-piling weapons, and is prepared to (justly) rule the world. Thanks to a....... unique teleportation move involving Ambush Bug, the Doom Patrol face their mentor like never before. A sense of finality accompanies this issue (as with the previous): we learn that Cliff is on the last of his 'bodies' (as is Larry), and that Rita, despite being sentient goo, could still be incinerated quite easily. The safety protocols that the Chief maintained are no longer in place, and the mortality of the Doom Patrol is more present than ever.

As for the Chief, his status at the end of the issue allows the Doom Patrol to head into new territory, without his guidance, and without his influence. How successful that venture will be.......only time will tell. But it's nevertheless a changing point in the history of this team. Who will lead? Who will join? Who will die?

Only Giffen, Clark et al know. And despite the absence of the Chief, the Doom Patrol has never been in safer hands.

4.5 / 5

Robotman's new uniform?!

Until #15 arrives on shelves, here's a sneak look at Cliff's new outfit!

I think it looks pretty impressive, and matches well with Rita's uniform. Looks like Cliff is ready for combat!

Don't forget that DOOM PATROL #15 comes out this week!

Doom Patrol #15 preview - Cliff's new costume!

Hey guys, check out the 5-page preview of this week's #15, including a sneak peek at Cliff's new costume! It looks quite cool, and matches Rita's style really well. Enjoy the preview (and I've included a sketch from Matthew Clark below):

Doom Patrol #17 cover sketches

Courtesy of the ever-hardworking Matthew Clark, here are three progressive sketches of what eventually became the original and unique cover of Doom Patrol #17:

Doom Patrol: Brotherhood TPB in January!

As reported several months ago right here at DOOMPEDIA, there will be a 2nd Doom Patrol TPB released on January 12th:

DOOM PATROL: BROTHERHOOD TP
Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by MATTHEW CLARK, RON RANDALL and LIVESAY
Cover by MATTHEW CLARK
These new adventures find the Doom Patrol facing off against a pandimensional wrecking crew who have come to Oolong Island looking for something specific – and the Doom Patrol had better find it while there’s still an island left in these tales from issues #7-13 of their new series!

Doom Patrol #17 preview

Hey guys, here's the preview for Doom Patrol #17, due December 1st:

"A man walks into a talent agent's office. No, wait, that's not how this one goes; let's start again. A Robotman walks into a murderous family's moving castle. He witnesses mayhem, torture, bloody death, and a hell of a party. So what do you call an act like that? Join us as the Doom Patrol meets...The Aristocrats!"

That has to be the strangest preview and the creepiest cover yet!

More reviews of Doom Patrol #14!

I've come across some interesting Doom Patrol #14 reviews around the 'net. Check them out at:

- Too Dangerous For A Girl

- Comic Box Commentary

- Comic Book Resources

Enjoy the reading - and don't forget to vote in our #14 poll, to the right!

Doom Patrol #14 sketches

Thanks to Matthew Clark, here's some of his stunning DP #14 work, in b&w. The details in his pencil-work is amazing - definitely worth checking out, to see the pre-inked versions!

Doom Patrol #14 review

Oh my God. They killed ________!

After last issue, I was sure the next would have to be a letdown - even a minor one. Mind you, I've been thinking that every issue since the first few, and I haven't been disappointed yet. Although I knew, this had to be the issue that would break the streak. I mean, what could compare with Rita's spotlight and that powerful cliffhanger??

Howabout the death of a Doom Patrol original?

Now, you'd have to read the issue to find out if there's any resolution to the above, but I certainly never expected that to happen. No pre-publicity, only minor foreshadowing, and then BAM - gone. Next issue's follow-up will be very interesting, to say the least.

As for the Chief.......wow........ his nasty streak is unleashed in this issue, and dare I say: the Doom Patrol will never be the same again! This is the Chief we have always known. This is the Chief that Grant Morrison showed us in his true light. This is the Chief we may have forgotten about ever since that run. And we really find out his true feelings towards the Doom Patrol.

I know that, to a lot of people, a Doom Patrol without the Chief just wouldn't be the same, but after this issue, I'm hoping they'll just be around to survive without him. And in relation to members, it seems that Bumblebee is still involved with the team, but is yet to make a fully-fledged, in-uniform appearance with the originals. I'm curious to see if it will happen soon.

Well, if there was any letdown at all this issue, the artwork was sometimes a little scratchier and less detailed than usual. One page near the end of the book had practically blank faces on some of the characters. But this is a minor gripe, especially in the world of comic book deadlines.

Thankyou to all involved for maintaining this comic at such a high level of quality.

4.5/5

Doom Patrol #14 preview

Check out a 5-page preview of Doom Patrol #14 at Newsarama!

Brian Keene at Newsarama

Check out the new Brian Keene interview at Newsarama for some hints about his work on Doom Patrol #16 - the perfect complement to last week's Keith Giffen interview!

Who is your favourite member of the Doom Patrol??

You can answer that very question to the right, with the new poll! Choose between the three original active members, featured in the picture below:

Feral Rita, Nazi Larry and Steampunk Cliff?!?

Keith Giffen is at it again, sharing some of his brilliance around at Newsarama. Check out the interview there, focusing on him pencilling #16, and including the following (SPOILER-ISH) tidbits:

Giffen: It's basically, "Whatever happened to Fast Forward from Arcudi's Doom Patrol?" You know, the guy they jokingly called Negative Man because of his attitude?

It's sort of involves him and alternate realities and things that can come through doors that are open in alternate realities.

So we're having some fun with Doom Patrol doppelgangers. Feral Rita, and Nazi Larry, and Steampunk Cliff.

Mystery pic......

Here's an upcoming Doom Patrol picture, courtesy of Doom Patrol artist Matthew Clark.........

Random Doom .........

It's Friday, and here's a few interesting Doom Patrol links to get you through the weekend......

- The latest podcast at Doom Podtrol is up there, focusing on an early DP story, My Greatest Adventure #83!

- Here's a short, but excellent review of Doom Patrol #13, focusing on Rita, courtesy of Confessions of a Pop Culture addict.

- And a different interpretation of the Doom Patrol, courtesy of "Evilwabbit":

"Feral Rita" - #16 cover sketches

Courtesy of our very busy Doom Patrol artist, Matthew Clark, here's some cover sketches of Rita & "Feral Rita" from Keith Giffen & Brian Keene's upcoming #16 (November):