Review: Sovereigns #0
Never ones to let other companies failures stop them, Dynamite rolls out another re-iteration of some Gold Key characters of old, this time in their popular zero issue teaser format. So this week we have the welcome(?) return of Turok, Magnus and Doctor Spektor, in an anthology style of storytelling.
First up is Sovereigns, written by Ray Fawkes with art by Johnny Desjardins. There is quite a lot of implied storytelling in this first chapter with two different timeframes to consider, along with the start of the over-reaching arc, as well an acting as an introduction piece to King Turok. With Ray Fawkes you know that there will be a level of quality on show and here he doesn’t disappoint, even if he is on full “setup” mode with signs and portents abound. Desjardins art is probably the strongest of all the artists on show, with a style that borders on the grandiose, with bold lines and strong character designs.
Next up, with the greatest departure from his last appearance is Magnus, written by Kyle Higgins with art by Jorge Fornes. This time around Magnus is a girl who rather than fighting robots, saves their psyche, their electric soul so that they can continue to dream of electric sheep. Of the tales on show, this one piqued my interest the most with its two separate world views.  Frones does a good job of trying to change his art to accommodate the changes, but the real key here is the colors by Chris O’Halloran.
Third up, is another appearance of Turok in a style that is as recognizable as the Magnus story is different. Written by Chuck Wendig, with art by Alvaro Sarraseca this story shows Turok in true dinosaur hunter mode, even if the dinosaurs aren’t quite what you would expect. It’s a snippet, a true teaser from Wendig. Sarraseca does well with the shortened page count, fitting in plenty of action to re-introduce Turok and his motivations.
Batting clean up is Doctor Spektor, written by Aubrey Sitterson with art by Dylan Burnett. It seems that here, Spektor is somewhat down on his luck, borrowing rent money, very much leading a hand to mouth existence, before a deposit in this begging pot hints at the arc and hopefully more action than a three-piece street band trying to turn a buck. This story has a certain charm and seems to possess a level of disassociation from the other stories. Sitterson’s Spektor isn’t a hero in the traditional sense, although he does fit the mystic waiting for a vision well. Burnett’s art is quirky in comparison to the rest of the art in the book, as well it should being as it features a character that, regardless of the magic elements, is probably the most relatable.
As I have said before, Dynamite are having something of a renaissance; the quality if their books is beyond compare, even if at time they can over play their hand. This book is a great way for readers, old and new, to get to know some of the classic characters of yesteryear, presented with style and vigour.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Writer: Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins, Aubrey Sitterson, Chuck Wendig
Art: Johnny Desjardins
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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