SAVAGE SHE-DRAGON #52 
Image Comics 
www.savagedragon.com
 
 
Writer/Artist:
Letterer:  
Colorist:   
Film Output:
Erik Larsen 
Chris Eliopoulos 
IHOC 
Quantum Colour FX
 
 
I was quite angry last week when I went to my comic store and they had run out of SSD #52.  But, a week later, it was more than worth the wait.  Easily one the best issues of SD/SSD thus far.  Who knew the book could be so good without its title character ?  

Herakles and the GodSquad confront not only She-Dragon, the entire Chicago Police Department and the Eternal Youths, but also the SOS and PowerHouse, Octopus and Openface.  Many characters are revelaed to be descendants of the Gods and, as such, are transported back to GodWorld.  Finally, there's a rather ... interesting confrontation between Zeek of the SOS and the GodSquad. Suffice to say, Herakles won't be arm-wrestling Thor (or anyone) for quite some time . . .  
 

As in almost every issue of SD, there's a lot of things going on.  However, unlke previous issues,where subplots were more numerous than the main plot, the main plot (Herakles and the GodSquad apprehending the errant offspring of the Gods) remains the focus of the book throughout.  

I loved the battle between Herakles and She-Dragon, as it showed just how much She-Dragon still has to learm about fighting.  I was a little disappointed that they Eternal Youths didn't have more to do, because at the end of last issue it seemed like they would figure into the conclusion of the GodSquad arc.  
 
The scenes with William and Rita, both during the GodSquad fight and also during their "midnight reandevouz" were quite interesting.  I'm curious as to whether the popular theory of Dragon's essence inhabiting William is the truth, of if it's a red herring placed by Larsen to throw us off.  I suspect that it's the latter.  

Finally, the scenes with PowerHouse and Co. and the SOS were magnificent.  I was shocked to learn that PowerHouse was a descendant of the Gods, and Octopus and Openface's completely non-plussed attitude toward their comrade's disappearance was brilliant.  I'm growing to like this pair of villains.  

The SOS scenes were simply fantastic.  The opening training sequence, was *extremely* X-Men-esque, and I had to smile at that, as well as the sight of Dart commanding the team from a booth, a la Xavier.  I'm glad that Dart still has a role within the SOS, too.  She's too interesting of a character to let fade into the background.  

And ... Zeek.  It seems that the questions regarding Zeek's strength level have been thoroughly answered.  Zeek IS the strongest one there is.  I think that the scenes of him ripping through the unsuspecting GodSquad were my favorites in the entire issue.  And the panel of ripping Herakles' arms off was completely unexpected.  Very, very violent, too.  Probably one of the most graphic panels ever to grace the pages of SD.  All in all, I have definitely gained a new respect for Zeek.  
 

Larsen's art does NOT disappoint.  I really love the energy present in every panel of his art.  Each panel is chock full of action or something going on. Of all the creators working today, I would say that Larsen has grasped the energy of Jack Kirby's art the best.  Design-wise, Larsen is on top of his game, too.  The GodSquad and the Eternal Youths all have very interesting visuals and none look the same.  The "booty" shots of She-Dragon were also hilarious.  

Finally, Chris Eliopoulos "Desperate Times" ... er "Further Adventures of Doofus" strip was a riot.  I haven't laughed that hard since I last read one of my "Bloom County" collections.  Hilarious stuff.  I hope he keeps it up forever.  Besides "Doonesbury," you won't find a funnier comic strip.  

You can't find a better bang for your funnybook dollar.  
 

Score:  A    
  

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First Impressions is TM & © Ross Binder, 1998
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