Although created to be an amalgamation of an adventure anthology and a superhero comic, the weird tone of Doom Patrol and the absurd characters set it apart from DC’s other titles. As the years have rolled on, talents like Grant Morrison and Rachel Pollack have only added to its otherwordly reputation. Recently, the Lazarus Planet event has thrown the known universe into a scramble as metagenes have started activating in unsuspecting people, creating an overabundance of metahumans with no place to seek shelter. Thus, comes the Doom Patrol with a new look and a new leader to help save the uncanny mutants from misfortune. Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 features writing from Dennis Culver, artwork from Chris Burnham, colors by Brian Reber, and lettering from Pat Brosseau.
Robotman, Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, and the latest addition to the team, Beast Girl, are led by Jane’s The Chief persona. The Doom Patrol finds themselves in Gotham City, as a metahuman situation has suddenly gone out of control. Chief gives the team directions to contain the situation when Trainor discovers that the metahuman in question is a being of pure negative energy. Whoever it is, they want to be mean! Elsewhere in Mont Blanc, Switzerland, The Brain and Monsieur Mallah fight off hordes of an undead army as they inch closer and closer to the lair of the villainous General Immortus.
Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 opens with two hooks. But the main focus remains on the team’s unfortunate adventure in Gotham, pitting them against an overwhelming antagonist. Culver uses the moments between the action to show the individuality of each character, making their interaction colorful despite the stressful work environment. The same can be said about Brain and Mallah in their scenes. The two narratives do not clash in style, as the hectic nature of the events keeps the book pushing through rapid developments. Culver makes good use of the Lazarus event to create the core of the conflict. However, the book feels relatively tame, considering the Doom Patrol’s history and the current state of the DC Universe.
Artist Chris Burnham’s penchant for using rugged lines and plenty of ink matches the brisk start to the series perfectly. His bold contour lines separate the characters from the surrounding mess as he deliberately draws Gotham as a cesspool of a city, adding a comedic touch through the expressions of the unamused citizens. Even violent scenes play out like family-friendly programming. Colorist Brian Reber brings an energetic vibe to Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1, as green ionizing beams and pink coagulated masses clash against brightly lit panels. Following Reber’s cue, Pat Brosseau goes on a rampage with his yellow and red onomatopoeias that seem like a natural fit in this environment, whether it is a metahuman brawl in the streets or a battle with mindless zombies.
Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 wastes no time getting to the fisticuffs, lighting up the issue with an action-packed display. And joining in on the fun, apart from the Doom Patrol, are Gotham City’s sworn protectors. The exchanges between the two underline a major issue that the recent emergence of metahuman mutants has created, creating a tale that places its faith in humanity and scoffs at inhumane practices. That said, the main component missing from this book is the madcap humor between teammates, with Robotman’s deliveries feeling a bit dry. But credit where credit is due, the zany adventures make Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 something to look out for, especially with a certain gun-toting chrome dome searching for the misfits.
Leave a Reply