Minor Threats is a new dark and twisted superhero series published by Dark Horse Comics. After Kid Dusk, sidekick to Twilight City’s premier crime-fighting vigilante, is murdered by the Stickman, the superhero team of the Continuum has turned the streets into a police state hunting down the sadistic villain. This book embraces its genre with open arms. It’s a superhero book, but it approaches it from a uniquely visceral angle. Written by Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum, with art by Scott Hepburn, colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Nate Piekos, Minor Threats #3 levels up the absurdity while exploring potent themes.
A small group of D-list villains has been on the hunt for Stickman, led by Frankie Follis, aka Playtime. After saving Playtime, the group follows up on a promising lead. While the hilariously incompetent gaggle of scoundrels searches for their target, the reader learns more about Scalpel. Each issue focuses on a new member of the crew, expanding on the characters in meaningful ways. Scalpel’s history adds nuance and context to her actions, and her narration provides biting remarks about what’s unfolding on each page.
Oswalt and Blum build the world of the series wonderfully. Minor Threats is a love letter to the history of comics, and every new location and character is introduced in stride. The book doesn’t stop to over-explain things, and it doesn’t need to. Readers are along for the ride, and it’s a ludicrously great one. There are poignant character moments next to ridiculous comic premises, all wrapped in violence and excitement.
Hepburn’s art is spectacular across the entire issue. It has a classic comic book aesthetic while feeling modern and uniquely grounded. Panel layouts are dynamic, and the action lands with extreme levels of power. There is an interdimensional time-traveling sequence midway through the issue that is truly a sight to behold. It’s wacky, ominous, and meta. Character designs are rendered excellently, easily distinguishing every member of the cast, and emotions are displayed with care.
Herring’s colors are another highlight of Minor Threats. This book is bright in all the right ways. To be blunt, it’s just pure fun to look at. Different time periods are colored using slightly different techniques, and the previously mentioned interdimensional trip is colored to perfection, using every shade imaginable. Herring effectively uses different levels of detail to separate the background and foreground. Piekos letters are another exceptional element of Minor Threats. The style of text fits the tone of the book brilliantly.
Minor Threats is a thrilling read and fun exploration of a new superhero universe. The love its creators have for the genre is obvious on each page. In a market that can be oversaturated with superhero material, this series stands strong as a worthwhile addition to comic stands. It doesn’t shy away from mature themes and content, but it never stops being fun in the process. With Minor Threats #3, Oswalt, Blum, and the rest of the creative team deliver a heartfelt and exceptional issue.
