Dan Dare #4 – Review

By Garth Ennis (writer), Gary Erskine (art) Parasuraman A. (colors)

Dan Dare one of my favorite comics being produced right now. It’s full of science fiction, battles, explosions, and conspiracies. On top of that you’ve got Garth Ennis doing the story and Gary Erskine on art. Seriously, what’s not to like? I urge you to give this book a try. If you can find the back issues, get them. If you can’t find them, you can still pick this issue up and enjoy it (to a degree).

This issue starts off giving us some instant answers. We finally find out what’s happened to the AWOL President: He’s sold out the navy and Dan Dare to the enemy! Jocelyn Peabody digs into the heart of this conspiracy, realizing that time is running out. Meanwhile, Dan Dare and Digby continue to fight for their lives on Port Napier. Some of the subordinates, ready to give up, ask Dare if it’s time to euthanize the women and children. If they fall into enemy hands, they’ll face horrible atrocities. But Dare isn’t ready to give up. He honestly believes they can beat the overwhelming odds. Eventually, the battle is resolved, but not without a high cost.

What’s made this book so good is Garth Ennis’ ability to juggle multiple plot threads at the same time. He gives just enough of each subplot to keep us satisfied, while building character relationships, advancing the story, and blowing up stuff. Dan Dare, simply put, is the perfect model of how to tell a multi-facetted story. Other than last year’s Annihilation series by Marvel, I can’t think of a better “space” book being produced right now. (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes

Dan Dare #3 – Review

By: Garth Ennis (Writer), Gary Erskine (Pencils)

When you think of Garth Ennis you probably think of sick, twisted, ultra-violent tales from Preacher and The Punisher. Well, unknowingly to a lot of you, he’s one hell of a science fiction writer as well. Dan Dare is based off an old British comic book character, and if you like books like FEAR Agent, you’ll probably enjoy this one as well. It’s not as chaotic and fun as that book, but it offers a good dose of science fiction.

Dan Dare #3 builds on the momentum established from the previous issues giving us an all out military battle on an alien planet while also giving us answers to the alien invaders’ motives. In a touching scene, Dan Dare carries an orphan child, explaining the complete history between his race, humans, and the alien invaders. The whole scene really works without dumbing down things for the reader. The dialogue and personalities (right down to the scared marines who want to go home), feel genuine and real.

I really can’t recommend this book enough. The pacing is perfect, the story is not decompressed, and Gary Erskine’s art is excellent. If you’re curious to see a different side of Garth Ennis or if you’ve ever wondered if he could write a different genre, this book is a must read. (Grade: A)

-J. Montes