Comic Book Review - Dazzler #1
The age of Krakoa has ended and Alison Blaire has hit the road…
Since the launch of the ‘From the ashes’ era we’ve been treated to quite the array of narratives that the X-Men family have drawn themselves into. Whilst Cyclops and Rogue seem to be steamrolling into an all-out brawl, it’s over to Alison Blaire, aka Dazzler, to bring some light to the encroaching darkness. Coming from writer Jason Loo and artist Rafael Loureio Dazzler #1 brings a mutant twist to the trials and tribulations accompanying the music industry.
Dazzler #1 follows Alison Blaire as she takes to the road after Krakoa’s collapse. Not one to shy away from her talents, Blaire has written a new album which she intends to use as a means to inspire mutants to be the best of who they are. With Shark-Girl, Domino, Multiple Man, Strong Guy, and Wind Breaker as her touring partners (and stage crew) what could go wrong?
As with any good musical tour, there’s bound to be a ruckus and here it’s no different. As Alison and her entourage arrive in Los Angeles they’re greeted with a mixed reception. One side is the human and mutant element that have made Dazzler’s latest album a number 1 smash hit, on the other is those who still fear mutant-kind thanks to the machinations of Orchis. Even with these protests, the show must go on and as Alison heads to the stage to entertain her adoring fans, she soon finds herself battling against a supervillain threat.
Jason Loo is hotly becoming a rising star over at Marvel and after his stellar work with Werewolf by Night: Blood Hunt and Sentry now finds himself curating another side of the Marvel universe. With Dazzler, Loo gives Alison Blaire a run-of-the-mill adventure, yet manages to make a simple musical concert have a wide wide-reaching impact. It does well to fit into the wider “From the Ashes” narrative whilst spinning its narrative weave. Another thing that Dazzler does well is it slots the supporting cast into the narrative in a meaningful way. Having a diverse range of characters as Dazzler’s band and stage crew feels natural and panders to the characters aim to get mutants and humans to work together. It’s also a testament to Loo’s ability as a writer to give the cast their moment in the spotlight without overshadowing the main plot.
Rafael Loureio’s artwork is the perfect complement to the story being told. Each page explodes with energy which captures the frenzy of a hotly anticipated music concert, with the tension of a superhero battle that could spill into the wider environment. The battle between Dazzler and Scorpia is a well-choreographed and connected fight sequence which caters to Dazzler’s mutant powers whilst complimenting Scorpia’s strengths. Loureio doesn’t skimp on the small details either as he gives Dazzler a sparkly new look that’s worthy of a superstar singer on tour.
Considering that we’re also dealing with a character whose power is to convert sound into light, the artwork has to match the intensity of the written part of the story. As such Dazzler #1 becomes a psychedelic masterpiece as Java Tartaglia‘s vibrant colour work acts as the perfect accomplice to Loureio’s illustrations. Ariana Mayer then brings everything together with a lettering style that further enhances the narrative.
Overall, Dazzler #1 is a well-crafted look into another corner of the “From the Ashes” era for the former residents of Krakoa. Across this opening issue, the creative team give Alison Blaire the superstar treatment she deserves with a fun yet serious narrative that’s backed up by a glittering display of artwork.
Rating: 10/10
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