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/