C2E2 Report: Different Perspectives – An Interview with Russell Dauterman

Some of you may not have heard of Russell Dauterman yet, but that’s likely about to change. Dauterman was the artist on the excellent Supurbia, closed out the last two issues of Kyle Higgins’ Nightwing run with a bang, and is now going to be launching the new Cyclops title for Marvel.

Russell has a unique and beautiful style and such a wonderful love for the material that I knew I had to talk to him and, thankfully, he was gracious enough to give us a bit of his time this past weekend at C2E2. Join me as we discuss character, representation, and working in the industry.

Supurbia #12 – Review

By: Grace Randolph (writer), Russell Dauterman (art), Gabriel Cassata (colors)

The Story: Shapeshifters, man…shapeshifters…

The Review: At Comic-Con, Dan DiDio commented that he didn’t want his superhero stories to be about a marriage. I found that to be a reasonable statement that I didn’t totally agree with, but I can’t help but come back to it as I read this climactic issue of Supurbia.

Supurbia #12 is a prolonged final clash between the Meta Legion and the shapeshifting androids that have haunted the cul-de-sac since the series began. And while the stakes are certainly high enough – an attack from within, a sixteen issue threat brought to bear, loved ones in danger – the issue doesn’t go where you might expect.

In keeping with their nature, the shapeshifters’ methods are more insidious than your standard endgame opponent. Those looking for a stream of escalating apotheosis will largely be left disappointed, though Eli gets saved in a rather satisfying way. Indeed, if there’s a weakness to this issue it’s that it’s really a comic of ideas.

Supurbia #10 – Review

By: Grace Randolph (writer), Russel Dauterman (art), Gabriel Cassata (colors)

The Story: Ever wanted to see a naked Superman demolish a house? Well, have I got a comic for you!

The Review: Some of you may have heard Grace Randolph’s Superbia described as the Real Housewives of the JLA. Technically that’s true, but Superbia is so much more.

Indeed, there are very few moments in this issue where you’d think ‘I’m reading about the hero’s wife.’ Most of the women are either heroes themselves or serve as essential support staff to the spandex set. What’s more, gender balance is more even than you might think. Whether it’s Sovereign, Eli, or Agent Twilight the men are active participants in the story. I actually would have liked to see a little more of some of the female characters, Batu or her daughter, for instance.

In fact, I’d have liked to have seen more of any of the characters. Superbia is a comic about a community rather than an individual, however, this month we see the down side of having so many characters in play. The comic flits around every couple of pages, popping in on another member of the cast. Some, like Sovereign get a moment out of this, but all too often it just feels like the writer taking inventory.

The tragedy of this is that Randolph has two excellent superhero adventures to play with and a myriad of interpersonal dramas yet can’t pick one to devote the issue to. Past months have focused on Hector Hall’s abduction of Zari, but that plot line ends up a bait and switch as we transition to the shape-shifter plot just in time for the comic to end.