Doom Patrol #1

   Since their first appearance in 1963, I have always liked the Doom Patrol.

   Oh, the comic has had more than its share of ups and downs, from the incredible first issues by Drake and Premiani, to the silly depths by the end of its original run, to a brilliant reimagining by Grant Morrison, more mainstream superhero tales by John Byrne and a few other attempts by diverse hands.

   But now, the team is the capable hands of Gerard Way, and so far, it looks like a promising future.

   Once again the series is back to the kind of offbeat (but incredibly clever) adventures that made Morrison's run shine.

   So we get glimpses of other realities and strange goings-on, including the introduction of a wild emergency workers, the brief return of Robotman, a quick (and funny) check on the Chief, and more Easter Eggs than you can shake Monsieur Mallah at. 

   Despite some occasional grim moments, the script by Way is loaded with attractive characters, fascinating events and strange new worlds. 

   I like the art by Nick Derington a lot - it's fresh and dynamic while staying firmly rooted in the real world. He draws characters that you'll find impossible to ignore.

   As the kickoff issue for the new Young Animal imprint, I think this series is off to a terrific start.

   There's still lots of points to be sorted out via the script, but it's a cracking good tale. I can't wait for the next issue!

Grade: A

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