Doctor Mirage #1 - discussion

[leonmallett]

I loved this. A great start for a character we had already had glimpses of, pulling a few dangling threads together while establishing a solid premise for the character and book. The art and writing worked very well together, and just based on the regular edition, Van Meter packed in a lot of ideas and concepts.

I thought the whole story was pitched perfectly in terms of mood and tone. In that it also highlighted my two main problems with Milligan's Shadowman run, which is a fair comparison I think since they occupy similar territory in the line of characters and books.

Firstly for me, Van Meter was able to draw together the few hints from previously as well as unexplained aspects (her costume as identified by previous posters) and add new context and sell it, make it feel right. For me Milligan was heavy-handed in trying to tack on various aspects to Jack, especially the addition of violent blackouts and the back-story that came out of nowhere.

The second thing is that I think Van Meter has evoked a sense of darkness, and of things that are dangerous in the dark places, but still instilled a sense of hope (the session with the widows at the beginning, Shan's own search for her dead love). Milligan's approach to Shadowman was very bleak, and predominantly nihilistic for me. I did not find that nihilism entertaining, there was no pay-off or balance to it.

It is easy and perhaps reckless to judge based on a single issue, but VEI have made a great pairing of creators with book here. And when they look to map out the VALIANT universe's future, I think they could do worse than make Van Meter the architect of the darker corners.

Great stuff.

[cray_ws]

I was really impressed with this first issue. I don't think I've ever read anything of Jen Van Meter, but I am a huge fan of her husband who I've read many books of his. So she's off to a great start here and I am really looking forward to seeing what she can do. I loved the art as it complimented the tone and theme of the book. The coloring was great in most parts, others it felt neglected. I am not really a supernatural fan, but thoroughly enjoyed Shadowman series, Peter Milligan's take was even more impressive.

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

So I read the issue when the SDCC "variant" came out, and I liked the issue well enough.
I just bought the Plus Edition from Mr. David Baron at LBCC and finally got around to reading it.

I have to say, the insert story of The Black Mask was incredible. So amazing how they captured an old timey comic book feel, dialogue and art. I loved the "cover" to the Black Mask story, showing a young Toyo, Gilad, and a character called the Aqua Mancer.
Now I REALLY want to see a Valiant Universe circa 1954! They could do it! They'd have enough characters to build out a "past" VEI universe as well. Gilad can be anywhere any time, and with Toyo, you already have 2 cornerstones! Plus, Black Mask and Aquamancer?

So so so glad I bought, and read the Plus Edition. Probably will for any comic they do that with from now on. It ads so much to the main story! Brilliant. Just brilliant.