Dr Mirage: Second Lives #4 Discussion

[grendeljd]

If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue (and XO #45, and Bloodshot Reborn Annual 2016), please follow the link below.

I'm super excited to say we had a special guest on the show this week - none other than our very own Jay Fabares, aka missjay, came along to talk about her artwork in the second story of the Bloodshot annual!

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr57/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Thanks to any who listen in

[dornwolf]

No one wants to comment on this one? I'll just say up front I love how they've set up Alex as a future villain. We lack villains in the universe at the moment and I was kinda worried the direction that it was going to go.

[greg]

This is a weird thought, but stay with me...

The original Dr. Mirage story connected to Master Darque and the knowledge that Fred Bender had gained from earlier events (and Fred wanting more), leading directly to Fred becoming Dr. Eclipse using power supplied by Darque.

Alex gained knowledge from the events of this arc, and that final panel has just a hint of a Dr. Eclipse eye, or something similar. It's not likely that Dr. Eclipse can be used because it was a Solar-related villain, but a significantly changed version might be possible (maybe with a new name), but keeping the 100% Valiant connection to Darque and Dr. Mirage.

So, is Alex some Darque-powered new incarnation of Dr. Eclipse? But wait, I'm sure anyone reading this post will want to point out that Darque wasn't in this arc.

DeWalt and Hwen wanted to come back to the physical world using ancient knowledge from the Vita Segunda scrolls. Ancient knowledge of returning from death, like, knowledge from Lyceum? Then there was one line of dialogue in the #4 issue that seemed out of place. DeWalt knew the Mirages were doing something to counter his power, but he could smell an extra ingredient they didn't need... cedar. Why was there an extra ingredient? Why write that line? Why cedar?

The last time we saw Darque, he literally got turned into a tree.






P.S. The Darque of the Acclaim storylines was named 'Alex'.

[hunter_peterson]

This is a weird thought, but stay with me...

The original Dr. Mirage story connected to Master Darque and the knowledge that Fred Bender had gained from earlier events (and Fred wanting more), leading directly to Fred becoming Dr. Eclipse using power supplied by Darque.

Alex gained knowledge from the events of this arc, and that final panel has just a hint of a Dr. Eclipse eye, or something similar. It's not likely that Dr. Eclipse can be used because it was a Solar-related villain, but a significantly changed version might be possible (maybe with a new name), but keeping the 100% Valiant connection to Darque and Dr. Mirage.

So, is Alex some Darque-powered new incarnation of Dr. Eclipse? But wait, I'm sure anyone reading this post will want to point out that Darque wasn't in this arc.

DeWalt and Hwen wanted to come back to the physical world using ancient knowledge from the Vita Segunda scrolls. Ancient knowledge of returning from death, like, knowledge from Lyceum? Then there was one line of dialogue in the #4 issue that seemed out of place. DeWalt knew the Mirages were doing something to counter his power, but he could smell an extra ingredient they didn't need... cedar. Why was there an extra ingredient? Why write that line? Why cedar?

The last time we saw Darque, he literally got turned into a tree.






P.S. The Darque of the Acclaim storylines was named 'Alex'.

Solid theory.

I liked this issue a lot, but it was probably the weakest of the mini. Not really a knock on it, though. The art was gorgeous, of course. I especially loved the brightly colored scenes.

I wonder how long until we get more Doctor Mirage? And how this series sold in comparison to the first?

[agent_graves]

I like Shan, and hope to see more of her interacting with the rest of the Valiant U. But the inconsistent art in issues #3 & #4, really took me out of the story, which was aight, although I felt it needed more space, like, 6 issues, instead of 4....

[hunter_peterson]

It just occurred to me that if the assistant dude becomes a Doctor Eclipse type villain, his motivation will probably be to replace Hwen as the other half of the Doctors Mirage. Which would be creepy as hell, and be a good thing to see play out. Hopefully they spend some time setting it up first.

[Captain Craig]

A very great conclusion. With the way they exposition was lengthy for issue #2 & 3 I get what another said about this issue feeling a bit rushed. However, I feel the conclusion and final conflict was handled well and concisely.
I had forgotten about Acclaim's Darque being called Alex so that further intrigues me with how this series concluded.

These two minis have been some of the best arcs VEI has put out. I'd place them in a top 10 with no problem.
I'd love a Dr.Mirage ongoing but know the sales numbers have been low, low even by VEI's standards.

[jmatt]

These two minis have been some of the best arcs VEI has put out. I'd place them in a top 10 with no problem.

Just finished reading and agree completely: It's just great storytelling. Very good arc. I like that Clara chose to be the one to carry him into the scroll. Quite apropos.

[bygranddesign]

This was a VAST improvement over issue #3

The pacing was much better ... and the art was vintage RDLT. He really brought it on those splash pages. And the backup artist this time, Al B., was a much better compliment to RDLT. I think Al B. did some Bloodshot issues too - I like his work. I hope VEI uses him more as a fill in artist and one-shot issues. And the Barron brought it again. I think he is so under appreciated. He is true color artist.

This was a satisfying conclusion -- and i'm wondering what added supernatural powers Hwen will posses going forward because he was one with the ancient scrolls.

And I could definitely see Alex being VEI version of Fred Bender/Doctor Eclipse

they would need to come up with a different name -- but some arch nemesis is needed for Doctor Mirage. I hope there is another Mini in the works. Overall, JvM, has done a fantastic job creating this supernatural world -- I think another mini is definitely deserved.

[Shadowman99]

I thought the first 3 issues of this book were a little flat tbh, but this final issue of the arc was good Wrapped things up nicely I think.

It'll be interesting to see what comes as a result of some residual ghosty power being left behind in that actor bloke. Hey, speaking of which, if he got left with some, I wonder if March got left with any?