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!