Keith Giffen interview

Hey.

It's been a while.

Aside from a very busy period in my life and at work, I've been missing Doom Patrol. There hasn't been much to say about this wonderful series that hasn't already been said at Doompedia, other blogs, or on websites. And not much news on the horizon, aside from an upcoming, out-of-continuity appearance in Tiny Titans (courtesy of My Greatest Adventure).

However, today, Keith Giffen has had more exposure than what he received for Doom Patrol in the last 2 years! His OMAC series has been the focus of interviews at Newsarama and Comic Book Resources, including the following snippet (the only one) about Doom Patrol:

Nrama: I also wanted to ask you about the cancellation of Doom Patrol, because I really loved that book.

Giffen: Well, you seem to be the only one. No, I'm kidding. I know a lot of fans loved the book and I obviously enjoyed doing it, but I'm really excited about what I'm doing now.

Nrama: Your fans have voiced a lot of concern about the fact you're not writing anything for DC, especially now that Doom Patrol is gone.

Giffen: Oh, no, they shouldn't worry. I haven't walked away from writing. I'm not really able to talk about any of that right now, but you'll be hearing about a couple things coming from me as a writer at DC.

In other news, I've been very fortunate to win the following items off eBay (something I never thought I'd own, living in Australia):

A pretty lucky deal for me, and at a great price. Now if only I can track down the DC Universe figures of Robotman and Negative Man............

More on Doom Patrol #22..........

Before you do anything else........... Read this.

It's a blog post, by tamaranorbust, from the DC Message Boards. If you're a fan of Doom Patrol, then you'll love this article. An absolute pleasure to read!

Tam also mentions my Doom Patrol iPetition, which is approaching 500 signatures. Can we get there? Make sure you've signed it (no donations required), and let your DP-reading friends know, as well! 500 signatures would be a great achievement, and hopefully one that DC will take notice of!

And for some more reviews of the final issue of Doom Patrol, enjoy the following:

- Comic Book Resources (Doug Zawisza gave it 3.5/5)

- Multiversity Comics (9/10)

- Comic Vine (4.5/5)

The final issue.........

Well, it's finally here. The issue we've been dreading. But without a doubt, I can say that Giffen went out the best way he could - with a laugh.

The issue wrapped up what I'll probably look back on as my favourite Doom Patrol run ever. It had the original characters, humour, characterisation, action, weirdness and all the other things that have developed from Arnold Drake's original vision.

It also had the laugh-out-loud moment of the year, with Ambush Bug having a private conversation with Veronica Cale/Mr Somebody about Flash-something........ I honestly can't think of a funnier moment from Giffen's run.

I won't say much in the way of spoilers - but check the issue out for yourself. And based on that rather open ending, it looks like Doom Patrol may not be that far away in the future. Here's hoping.

Congratulations to all involved, for a wonderful, interesting, hilarious and entertaining comic series!

(And don't forget to check out Mart's review at Too Dangerous For A Girl!).

Doom Patrol #22 preview!

Here it is - the final issue!

Comic Book Resources has a preview up already. (Great to see Crazy Jane and Danny again!)

Another review of #21

Hey guys - it's been a while. Not much Doom Patrol news floating around, with the final issue looming. Here's hoping they go out with a bang! Or not...........

Here's a great review from regular DP-reviewer, DangerMart:

Too Dangerous For A Girl!

Reviews of Doom Patrol #21

In the last week, I've read three excellent reviews of Doom Patrol #21, the Robotman spotlight. The reviewers clearly 'get' the issue, and understand how Robotman's drive is connected to the Doom Patrol in all it's incarnations. So please have a look at:

- Comic Book Resources (Doug Zawisza) - 4 out of 5 stars

- Comics Bulletin (Shawn Hill) - 4 out of 5 bullets

-  Weekly Comic Book Review (Minhquan Nguyen) - B+

And if you haven't signed the petition to bring back the Doom Patrol, you'll find it at:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethedp/

(If it asks for a donation, that is purely optional, and to do with iPetitions - not this particular petition).

Third and final Doom Patrol TPB.......

From the July 2011 solicitations:

DOOM PATROL: FIRE AWAY TP
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and BRIAN KEENE
Art by MATTHEW CLARK, RON RANDALL, KEITH GIFFEN and AL MILGROM
Cover by MATTHEW CLARK
In this latest DOOM PATROL volume collecting issues #14-21, the team’s leader, Niles Caulder, experiments on a captured Kryptonian in hopes of gaining superpowers of his own. And the first battle he faces – is against his own team!
On sale AUGUST 24
232 pg, FC, $19.99 US

** With that page count (232 pages), I'm assuming this will also collect #22, the final issue, and possibly the Secret Six crossover issue, as well**

DC COMICS PRESENTS: METAL MEN #1
Written by KEITH GIFFEN, J.M. DEMATTEIS and BOB HANEY
Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE, TIM LEVINS and others
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE
Collected from DOOM PATROL #1-7, don’t miss the Metal Men’s adventures against The Clique, living mannequins, an ancient god, at the Department of Motor Vehicles and more. Plus, from SILVER AGE: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #1, the team meets Batman, Green Arrow
and Black Canary!
On sale JULY 20
96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

Doom Patrol #21 review

And then there was one.

One issue of Doom Patrol to go, that is. In what has turned out to be one of my favourite comic runs ever (alongside Morrison's X-Men, Preacher, Sandman, Y:The Last Man), I can't help but feel a bit deflated reading this issue, knowing that it's nearly the end. I love the spotlight issues, and the first two were definitely five-star issues, in my opinion.

This issue didn't feel quite as encompassing as Larry's, or as defining as Rita's spotlight. But it did give a sense of sympathy for Cliff, and demonstrated his sense of belonging. Each main era of the Doom Patrol is once again outlined, thanks to the stylish pencils of Matthew Clark (and Ron Randall), and Giffen adds touches to Cliff's origin that show us what *really* happened behind the scenes. 

Cliff's visits to Super-Hip over the years also provide a broader scope to Cliff's life. He clearly was out there, tormenting over whether 'one more run' with the Doom Patrol would be worth it. And it's great to see that, in the absence of Larry and Rita, he had someone he could trust. The antithesis of that, is represented by General Immortus' current involvement. Clearly, he is not to be trusted, but it's hard to argue with an ancient guy who is willing to help out, if only to serve his admitted needs. 

I know I'll be re-reading this issue many times, as with all of the spotlights, in particular. I can only hope that the final issue will deliver a satisfying ending to a wonderful comic series.

4.5/5 

Doom Patrol #21 preview

Check out the first few pages of the Robotman spotlight, courtesy of Newsarama!

Dan Didio says..........

From the C2E2 convention:

"Some of the things we've done, is we've actually cancelled a bunch of books that were on the cusp and weren't working as well for us because we wanted to basically have people focus on what we feel matters most right now , the changes that take place in the Flashpoint universe."

Well......that's disappointing. So Doom Patrol was 'on the cusp', and perhaps not yet in cancellation territory. This is supported by the recent increase in sales due to the Secret Six crossover. However, in order for us, the fans, to focus on Didio's new 'project', he's going to take Doom Patrol (and other series) away, so that our favourite comic doesn't interfere in our spending on Flashpoint. What about what matters to the fans?

I'm not sure if Didio is aware of how that came across, but if anything, it's put me OFF Flashpoint. A year ago, I was buying about 7 DC Comics monthly. Once Flashpoint hits, the only DC Comics I'll be still buying are Green Lantern and Thunder Agents (which has had lower sales than Doom Patrol).

But there is a positive from C2E2 - Matthew Clark has moved to Marvel onto a new Ghost Rider series! GR is my favourite Marvel character by far, and I was very disappointed when the last ongoing, by Jason Aaron, was cancelled. Nevertheless, Rob Williams and Matthew Clark are bringing back hell on wheels - Congratulations, Matthew!! Looking forward to see some full issues of EmCee artwork! See Newsarama for the interview.

More on Doom Patrol #20.........

Fellow Doom Patrol blogger, Doug Zawisza, has given Doom Patrol #20, 4 out of 5 stars in his latest review at Comic Book Resources!

If you've come across any other reviews of Doom Patrol #20, or would like to add your own, just let me know!

Doom Patrol #20 review

Things are moving too quickly.

We only have TWO more issues of Doom Patrol left to enjoy. And it's truly a shame that DC are cancelling one of their most consistent, intelligent and humorous comics.

The latest issue sees the individual members of the Doom Patrol reaching out to other super-heroes for support and somewhere to live. The reception is less than warm, as recent incidents on Oolong Island have seen the Doom Patrol regarded as 'dangerous goods' in the eyes of the superhuman community.

But an old......acquaintance.....reaches out to them. And I don't mean Super-Hip (from Doom Patrol Vol.1 #104!). I'll let you read the issue, but it follows on from something Giffen hinted online nearly a year ago. And it's going to lead to some very entertaining conclusions in #22 (after the Robotman spotlight in #21).

Giffen masterfully takes the characters from scene to scene, without feeling forced, and clearly demonstrates their unfortunate standing in the community. Clark and Randall on art work fluidly together, although in a few panels, it's hard to tell who is speaking (Rita/Gar) or being hit by the Porcelain Doll. Minor issues, given the overall quality of another fantastic issue of Doom Patrol.

Next issue is "Cliffhanger". In more ways than one. I can't wait. - 4.5/5

Doom Patrol #20 preview!

Check out a 5-page preview of DOOM PATROL #20, courtesy of Comic Book Resources!

Remembering Robotman.......

Well, as he used to be, courtesy of Matthew Clark:

Keeping up with the Doom Podtrol?

I'm sad to say that I haven't been. Murray, who runs the Doom Podtrol Podcast doesn't brag enough about the great work he does with constant podcasts! I thought I'd only missed a few, but they're already up to #16!!

If you want to check it out for the first time, or you're just behind like myself, check out the Doom Podtrol!

Doom Patrol: Then and Now..........

Being a reasonably long-time Doom Patrol fan, I often find myself reflecting back on the original team, in comparison with their current, modern versions.

Robotman: Back in the original run, I found Cliff to be almost interchangeable with the Thing (from FF), in terms of his personality, speech patterns, and general behaviour. I don't see him as a rip-off of the character - moreso just a character created in a similar vein, with a headstrong personality and a big metal heart.

Nowadays, whilst his speech pattern is more similar to the Thing's, he's branched out as more of a 'human' character. He makes mistakes, he says/does the wrong thing (as does any character infused with human traits) but behind it all, he really is an everyman, and always willing to stand by his friends. I've never been a fan of the 'tough guy' stereotype in comic teams, but Cliff is different. He's been through a lot, and is still willing to save the day.

Negative Man: I was never particularly drawn to Larry in the original run. He was different, a bit odd, quite aloof, but still inherently likeable. I was impressed by his later incarnation of Rebis, although one could argue that they didn't share any common traits aside from the bandages.

The modern Larry is one of my favourite characters ever. By turning up the personality of the original version, and maintaining his affection for the other members, Larry has become the team clown, who just can't stop joking. I see elements of the Human Torch in the original version, and possibly Spider-Man in this incarnation, which is befitting of a guy who is made up of several bodies and personalities (over time).

Elasti-Woman: In previous appearances, Rita was usually the damsel in distress, and there wasn't much to differentiate her from other females at the time. She was a likeable character, though I never really understood her attraction for the arrogance of Mento.

Modern Rita is a flawed, human, emotional character who has five times more depth than most of the female characters in comics. She has been through a lot, and is not afraid to reflect that in her personality. Whilst she is finally learning to hold onto the family that she has, Rita still has a way to go in being happy with the 'person' that she is. Her spotlight issue is always a pleasure to re-read.

How does everyone else compare the original versions with the modern incarnations?

Their Greatest Adventure - Save the DP!

Regular Doom Patrol reviewer, Dangermart, has put together a very interesting article promoting the movement to Save the Doom Patrol - check it out at Dangermart! Mart has been a wonderful support of this comic with his honest and accurate reviews, and hopefully this comic will be around long enough to create some more positive output from his blog!

What else can you do to help save the Doom Patrol?

Sign the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethedp/

Contact DC: http://www.dccomics.com/sites/dcletterspage/

Most frequently relaunched comics?

Newsarama has an interesting article about the most frequently relaunched comics, including this snippet on Doom Patrol:

"DC’s team of superpowered misfits led by an older man in a wheelchair actually pre-dated Marvel’s X-Men by a couple of months, though while Uncanny X-Men has been going strong for 532 issues and counting, Doom Patrol hasn’t had the same luck. The first volume took over the numbering of the intriguingly titled My Greatest Adventure in 1964, lasting until #124. The team got a new ongoing in 1987, which Grant Morrison took over and thoroughly Morrison-ified starting with issue #19, leading to the comic becoming part of DC’s mature readers line, Vertigo. Two short-lived DC proper series followed in 2001 (from John Arcudi and Tan Eng Huat) and 2004 (by John Byrne), leading to the current Keith Giffen-written series, which is ending with May’s issue #22. Can a sixth volume be far behind?" 

Read the full article at Newsarama!

Doom Patrol #19 review!

Before I tell you how great #19 was, did you see the mention that the iPetition received at Bleeding Cool?! While Rich Johnston was reasonably happy with the latest issue, he respectfully plugged the "Save the Doom Patrol" petition - thanks very much, Rich!

Onto #19, the second half of the Secret Six crossover - and it was absolutely thrilling! The Doom Patrol FINALLY get their 'revenge' on the Six (Eight?!), all the while retaining their trademark humour and innovative use of powers. Elasti-Woman had more than one memorable moment in this issue, and the selflessness with which she undertook her task highlighted what a noble character Rita is, putty or not.

And finally, another appearance from Danny the..... Bungalow! I have the feeling that the Bug was only onboard these two issues to even up the odds a bit, and not as an actual member, but would anyone else here put up their hands for a Giffen-scribed "Adventures of Ambush Bug and Danny the Bungalow" mini-series?? Whatever happened to Jeanette must've been quite amusing, from indoors!

Nice to see Bumblebee get some shots at Bane, and Larry's arch-nemesis coming in to save the day - who would've ever thought it?!

The art was consistently good, as always. I'm definitely looking forward to Matthew Clark's Robotman spotlight, especially after some of his fabulous panels in this issue. 4.5/5

Doom Patrol, in 3 issues time, we will miss you............. that is.......unless............you all sign the "Save the Doom Patrol" iPetition and let DC know how you feel by writing directly to them!

Thanks very much for all the support so far!

More support for Doom Patrol!

The iPetition is progressing nicely, with the hope that the cancellation could at least be staved off til Giffen can finish his wonderful run on Doom Patrol. If you haven't signed the iPetition yet, you'll find it at:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethedp/  

Also, make sure you send an e-mail to DC's Letters page at:

http://www.dccomics.com/sites/dcletterspage/ 

Let DC know how you feel about losing your favourite title! Keep it calm, keep it cool, but let's ask for at least Giffen's run to be complete. 

Thankyou for all your support, Doom Patrol fans! 

Doom Patrol #19 preview!

On a lighter note from yesterday's disappointing news, here's a preview of Doom Patrol #19, courtesy of Newsarama!

Save the Doom Patrol - an iPetition.

If you're a fan of Giffen's Doom Patrol, I'd like your help.

I've set up an iPetition at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethedp/ with the intention of trying to help keep this title afloat a bit longer, at least until Keith and Matthew can finish the story that they have intended to tell from the start.

As Keith once said - they'd have to pry Doom Patrol from his cold, dead fingers. Therefore, his 'life' is in our hands. 

Please sign the petition, and encourage any Doom Patrol-loving friends that you have, to sign it as well. Hopefully, DC will see the intense level of support that this comic book has. It's worked for Spider-Girl several times. I believe it's worked for other mainstream comics, as well. So we can only give it a go - but as I said - I need your help.

Please sign the iPetition to "Save the Doom Patrol" once more!

Doom Patrol #22 - final issue.........

Sad news today. Here's the solicit for the final issue:
DOOM PATROL #22


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


It’s all been building to this! To retake Oolong Island, The Doom Patrol must face a pan-galactic array of foes, old and new alike. Hanging in the balance is the fate of the team, the island – and maybe even the world!


FINAL ISSUE
Not much else to say at this stage. Very disappointing news. And with the 3rd TPB covering up to #21, will we even see the final issue reprinted? Hopefully DC will find a spot for Doom Patrol once Flashpoint is over......

Bad news..........

From bleedingcool.com:

At ComicsPro, DC people talked about the cancellation of a number of DC titles to make way for the Flashpoint mini-series on the publishing slate.

Some we knew were cancelled, like the Batbooks Azrael, Batman Streets Of Gotham and Batman Confidential.

One we'd just learned of, Outsiders, reverting to Batman And The Outsiders for its final issue in May.

And some we didn’t, like Freedom Fighters, Doom Patrol, Rebels and JSA All Stars.

What happens to the books or the creators after Flashpoint concludes, I don’t know. Expect confirmation of cancellations in the upcoming May solicitations.

Not really the news we'd like to be hearing, especially knowing that Doom Patrol has been setting up for several more storylines. Hopefully this is one of those times where Rich Johnston is wrong, or where Doom Patrol is being set up for a relaunch/anthology title.

Should know more soon with the May solicits.........

Doom Patrol #20 update

After next week's Doom Patrol #19, the following issue, #20, will be delayed from 2nd March, until 9th March.

Black Lantern Dorothy Spinner?!

Jude DeLuca from the DC Boards had the following sketch drawn up by artist Joe Prado:

Very interesting work - Thanks Jude! I wonder how Cliff Steele would've handled confronting this version of Dorothy...........

And while we're preparing for next week's issue of Doom Patrol (vs Secret Six), Gail Simone took part in an interview with MTV Geek, where she discusses getting the voices for the Doom Patrollers, and how the Secret Six would fare against other DC teams!

More reviews of Secret Six #30 (feat. Doom Patrol)!

Plenty of positive reviews around the 'net, for Secret Six #30. Check them out at:

• Comic Book Resources - 4/5 stars
• Too Dangerous For A Girl
• A Comic Book (ABC) Blog - 90%
• Bleeding Cool
• Weekly Comic Book Review - B-
• Comics Alliance
• IGN Comics - 8/10
  

Secret Six #30 and a Doomed preview.......

About Secret Six #30: I quite enjoyed this issue. I've been looking forward to it for a long time, and have started reading Secret Six TPBs to gain a better grasp of the characters. I felt Gail Simone was quite true to everything that I'd previously read, and had quite a good handle on the Doom Patrol.

As a Doom Patrol fan, first and foremost, I was hoping for more of them, though I do understand that this IS the Secret Six's comic, and they're entitled to their own plot development. The next half of the crossover should shine more light on our freaky heroes.

Art-wise, Caliafore reminded me of Matthew Clark's detailed work, and Gail Simone seemingly channelled Giffen with some of her jokes. She certainly seemed to enjoy writing Ambush Bug, but his appearance does make me wonder: is he an actual member now, or still a hangabout?

Definitely looking forward to the next half of the crossover. Previews mentioned that a member of the Six will leave........... will they be joining the Doom Patrol?

And on a side-note, here's a sketch from an upcoming issue of Doom Patrol, by artist Matthew Clark! Remember these guys?!

Secret Six crossover!

Hi everyone - all is well and safe on this side of the world. We've survived two cyclones in a week (and massive flooding several weeks earlier, down south), but we're hopefully on the mend.


I hope you all enjoyed the Secret Six crossover issue, from this week. I haven't had a chance to buy it yet, as most of the shops are still closed here (including the comic shop). Dangermart, as always, has an excellent review, claiming it's a must-buy crossover issue, with some excellent art, and great writing from Gail Simone.


You'll find another positive review at IGN, giving the issue 8 out of 10!

Cyclone warning

We are currently bracing for Cyclone Yasi to hit the coast of North Queensland. I'll be in touch someday soon, hopefully. Best wishes,

Petar

Matthew Clark tidbits......

Matthew Clark has posted a pic of a scientist making an upcoming appearance in Doom Patrol:

And he also had the following to say about his fantastic Robotman spotlight issue (#21):

"OK if you look closely the one colored Black is the 70's version, and if you look just below Cliffs tattooed arm you can see the shoulder from the Arcudi run, the Robotman Black version is colored wrong as it was wearing the Jacket

So we have original, 70's, Lightle, Case (both) Arcudi, Byrne, John's, and mine breaking out of the human shell."

Reviews of #18 & more........

Following on from last week's reviews of #18, here are two more courtesy of Comics Bulletin (3.5/5) and Weekly Comic Book Review (B+)!

I recently came across some comments from Matthew Clark regarding his designs of Negative Man and Crazy Jane - here's what Matthew had to say about Larry's outfit:

"My first thoughts were of a sci-fi looking pilot. Which I believe make it into the first trade. I knew that his new look needed to say pilot, test pilot, or airman. I kept thinking as I was watching documentaries on WW1 and WW2 the overall look really worked for me specifically WW1 they were less uniforms and more rebels. So that's the reason for the look plus I wanted him to to at least from a quick look people to pilot. I though about a current jet pilot look but Hall/GL really has that look and didn't want to step on toes."

 And Jane's:

"My take on Jane's re-emergence in DP is this (and this is just my thoughts) She was in paradise in Danny the World. When we reintroduce she was now homeless, and me being a silent film fan and keeping with the turn of the century designs. I went with a vagabond or tramp look like she just step out of the silent film. She's homeless and doesn't quite fit in to this world.

Again these are just my impressions as to why I've designed Jane as she appears in our book ."

Doom Patrol #21 preview

DOOM PATROL #21

Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art by MATTHEW CLARK
Cover by MATTHEW CLARK


In this spotlight issue, witness the past, present, and future of the Doom Patrol through the eyes of the only constant member of the team. Through all its reincarnations, through all his remodelings – you can’t have a Doom Patrol without Cliff “Robotman” Steele!


On sale APRIL 6

Doom Patrol #21??

The preview and cover will be coming later today....... keep an eye out for it here at DOOMPEDIA.........

(Fingers crossed that it's a Robotman spotlight!)

Secret Six crossover update!

Media Release -- The rematch between Doom Patrol and Secret Six has changed order, with part 1 of this 2-part epic now slated to run in SECRET SIX #30 and part 2 now set to appear in DOOM PATROL #19.

In SECRET SIX #30, written by Gail Simone with art by J. Calafiore and a cover by Cliff Chiang, the team go pedal-to-the-metal against the only team as messed up as the Six themselves - the Doom Patrol! Plus: a Sixer leaves the team forever!

In DOOM PATROL #19, the battle reaches its finale in a story written by Keith Giffen, with art by Matthew Clark and Ron Randall and a cover by Matthew Clark!

SECRET SIX #30 is scheduled to arrive in stores on February 2.

DOOM PATROL #19 is scheduled to arrive in stores on February 16.

Doomed updates!

Well, I'm back from my holiday - had an absolute ball - and I now own a complete collection of Grant Morrison Doom Patrol TPBs! Yes, I've already read the original issues several years ago, but I've kept them stored away as a future investment ever since. I've now read the first two Morrison TPBs in about 3 days, and I'm very much looking forward to revisiting the rest of those bizarre, but wonderful memories. 

Morrison's overall story is such a perfect complement to Keith Giffen's run. You can tell that the current Doom Patrollers are the same characters who fought the Scissormen, Red Jack and the Brotherhood of Dada, give or take a member or two. Both series are so enjoyable to read.

Speaking of Keith Giffen's run, the second TPB, "Brotherhood", is out, and can be purchased from your local comic store, or from Amazon. It contains #7-#13 of the Giffen/Clark run, and is well worth picking up for it's comparitively cheap price.

Also, I've finally had a chance to read #18, and found it very engaging, very humorous, and certainly impactful in relation to the future of the Doom Patrol. I've already included two excellent reviews from Doom Patrol fans Mart, and Steven Leitman below, so here's another positive review from Comic Book Resources, by Doug Zawisza, who runs the My Greatest Adventure blog!

That's it for now - more tomorrow! And don't forget to vote in the #18 poll!

Another reader review of Doom Patrol #18!

Many thanks to Steven Leitman for a detailed review of Doom Patrol #18:
==================================================

Even though they have traded President Cale for Niles Caulder with only a couple issues of this transition under way it’s already a better book. Something about the way the Chief was handled bothered me but I still can’t place my finger on it. I will also say that if Cale is going to be this active with the team she’ll quickly outlive her likeability as well.

The Aristocrats, no not the Disney movie it’s more along the lines of the infamous joke which dates back to Vaudeville days. If you’ve never heard of the joke then google it for I am not about to go into it here just suffice it to say that this translates it to the comic medium perfectly. It also gives us some new players on the block that well could be quite fun for some time to come.

It seems that this family is weird, twisted and fun, not to mention funny. The conversation they are having while cliff is standing there ready to pounce was genius. Who would have thought the Duchess was the one who so enjoyed hand to hand combat. When you’re immortal you have plenty of time to learn all you need to I suppose. Turns out she’s a darn good fighter as well this was fun to see.

Sigh Larry acts like this silly incompetent when in reality he’s really not. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of his personality spotlighted and learn why he acts the way he does. I have to admit I am intrigued to see more. He is able to use the houses security system to locate President Cale and just in the nick of time too. It’s always in the nick of time isn’t it. Anyway he also lets loose the Dukes experiments as he races to get to President Cale.

Karen and Rita are with the boy and he’s a momma’s boy to boot. Rita is a tad violent in this issue when dealing the boy. We don’t really see as much of Karen as I was hoping for. She needs to be a full member of this team not just a fringe one. She’s smart, capable and would make a good addition to the team and yes restore her to full size eventually.

So Cale and the Duke (heh yeah not John Wayne) are in her cell when his experiments interrupt and well start attacking. Now these things aren’t quite dead yet apparently so I wouldn’t say they were zombies but they are close. They seem to be attacking both of them even though Cale is in cuffs.

So Larry saves Cale then two run into the gang and Rita grows to giant size and they escape all the while Cale is bitching. They just saved her ungrateful ass she needs to learn a little respect for others.

So what we learned from all this is that Cale has made some powerful enemies and is going to need the DP to keep her alive. The Aristrocrats are going to be a delightful addition to the DCU. And next issue will guest star the Secret Six.

Keith is doing one hell of a job with the writing on this series. Matthew Clark with Ron Randall do superb pencil work, I couldn’t tell which one did which pages so bravo gentlemen. With John Livesay inking and Guy Major doing colours this book remains one of the most enjoyable each and every month.

Even though i want more Karen i still give this a 5/5 rating.
=======================================

Thanks again, Steven. And don't forget to check out Mart's review from the other day, as well as his blog: "Too Dangerous For A Girl!"

DP #18 - reader review!

Here's an excellent review of Doom Patrol #18, courtesy of Martin, sub-editor of The Scotsman, from Edinburgh - and blogger of Dangermart! Many thanks, Mart!
================================
DOOM PATROL #18 REVIEW

The Doom Patrol do well out of DC's Icons cover promotion, with an eye-popping design from Matthew Clark, beautifully coloured by Guy Major. It's especially good to see Bumblebee gliding into the foreground, now that she's an official member. And who knew the dp belt buckle would work so well as an 'icon'?

Inside, the confrontation with immortal psychos The Aristocrats continues from last issue, with the Patrol fighting on several fronts. Robotman faces a surprisingly combat-ready Duchess, Elasti-Woman and Bumblebee take on the less-fearsome Byron III, while Negative Man tries to rescue Oolong Island president Veronica Cale from the torture chair of patriarch Duke Byron II. Along the way, Bumblebee is shocked at how badly Elasti-Woman beats Byron II, we learn why Cale has been targeted by North Korea, and Larry's gaming skills come in as handy as his pilot background. Then there's the reason Byron and family hate the Patrol, and a conclusion that's not an ending - there are a trio of juicy plot danglers.

Oh, and there's another charming and clever recap page, with the Patrol rendered as fridge magnets (Lord knows, as comic book characters go they have sticking power).
Keith Giffen's script is everything we've come to expect - clear, witty, full of character and incident (even if some of the latter is a tad grislier than I'd like). I love the Aristos' ever-so-polite speech patterns, and Larry singing a snatch of Stephen Sondheim.
Pencillers Matthew Clark and Ron Randall add to the drama with their in-yer-face artwork, sharply inked by John Livesay and elegantly coloured by Guy Major. Pat Brosseau's letters make everything nice and readable, and editors Simona Martore and Elisabeth V Gehrlein deserve credit for first class talent wrangling.

In all, another fine issue of this superb series - let's hope the "collect 'em all!" cover promotion and next month's Secret Six crossover brings more readers on board to appreciate it.

4.5/5

Doom Patrol #18 reviews??

Hey guys - I'll be on holiday for a little while, with limited access. Which means I may not get to read Doom Patrol #18 anytime soon.

In the meantime, if any of you would like to do a brief review of the issue, and give it a mark (out of 5, maybe?), I'd be happy to post your reviews on DOOMPEDIA! Just e-mail me a brief review, and I'll do my best to post it as soon as possible!

And check out the inked version of Cliff cracking up, from an upcoming issue!

 

Doom Patrol #19 delayed

Doom Patrol #19 will be delayed a week, from the 2nd February, to the 9th February.

Given that this is part of the DP/Secret Six crossover, and the Secret Six issue was due to be released on the 2nd Feb as well, I assume this delay is just to separate 'part 1' from 'part 2', to avoid people reading the issues in the wrong order. 

At least it gives us two separate weeks of Doom Patrol in February!