The Deadbeat
Reviewed by Dane Dravor
The Deadbeat
Writer/Artist: Jeremy Massie
Publisher: Alterna Comics
Cover Price: $6.95
Release Month and Year: 06/2009
Pages: 112
Reviewed by: Dane Dravor
Publisher Summary:
A humorous and poignant 'slice of super life' graphic novel, THE DEADBEAT revolves around a down-on-his-luck former superhero and his long-lost daughter. As tempers flare and they come to terms with one another, they realize that the events that drove a wedge between them years ago were just the tip of the iceberg.
Review:
Jeremy Massie shows us that even the greatest of super heroes can make bad choices when faced with tragedy. Through a tongue and cheek vision of the super hero genre, we follow a fallen hero who demonstrates that just because you have strength and power doesn't mean you always show strength of character. Embarking on a new chapter in his life when his daughter, thought lost forever, turns up with powers of her own and a life scarred by his lack of responsibility, is now having to learn to make her own choices and the consequences that go along with them.
Super heroes who misuse their powers or neglect their responsibilities is nothing new to the super hero genre, just pick up almost any Dark Horse or Marvel title and you'll probably find that. That being said I liked Massie's spin on it, his satirizing approach to the characters and the genre is well done without feeling too campy with a plot that has a real back bone to it. His fallen hero is very relatable leading you to develop sympathy for the tragic loss in his life as well as irritation and anger for the fact that he dug the hole he is in himself. Which of course directly affects the kind of life and issues his daughter grows up with and carries in her life. Their interaction and emotion behind it feels real and unforced supporting the straight-forward language of the script, making them feel like ordinary people who just happen to have extraordinary powers.
Massie's artistic style for this project harkens back to a more classic style of comic art, reminding me of something you might see in a Sunday serial. I found this escape from the high gloss and polish that you find in most main stream works refreshing, drawing attention to the story being told and not the latest digital effects available. I am definitely interested in seeing where Massie takes this project and I look forward to reading more. I would also encourage anyone who enjoys a good satire to pick it up and judge for your self.
Rating the Issue
Overall: 7
| Story Concept: 7 Plot: 8 Dialogue: 7 |
Art |
Importance |
Take A Look Inside
Reviewer Bio
Name: Xane and Dane Dravor
email: Housemorbid@hotmail.com
Been reading comics: for over 20 years.
Review Bio: A brother and sister team who are endeavoring to make our mark on the world through art. We adore comics, graphic novels and all things where our two favorite things (art and words), come together. We like things on the darker side and the twists that can come in the stories told in comics and graphic novels, like they can be told no where else.
Favorites: This changes almost daily, but right now - BPRD, Daredevil - the 10th anniversary written by Kevin Smith, Hellboy - weird tales. 30 Days of Night, Wormwood Gentleman Corpse, Marvel Zombies... the list goes on and on. We don't really have any end all be all favorites.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/housemorbid & http://www.housemorbidltd.etsy.com
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