If you have read Public Domain (and if you haven’t, I highly recommend you do, as it’s one of the best comics out there), then you know that it’s a razor-sharp, often heartbreaking look at the ups and downs of the comic book industry. That balance is thanks in part to Chip Zdarsky’s writing/artwork, and it’s not the first time he’s taken an unorthodox approach to a comic book series. His Batman The Dark Knight seriously considers his own mortality while Spider-Man: Life Story presented a story in which Peter Parker aged in real time. The Domain #2 by Zdarsky, Rachael Stott, Eren Angiolini and Jeff Powell continues this trend by examining what Really happen if you find an alien weapon.
True to form, Zdarsky presents some hilarious – but also realistic – endings for Eddie, Liz and Destiny. When Destiny considers the possibility that the bracelets they found could turn them into superheroes, Liz also points out that it could turn them into supervillains or, worse, poison them with cosmic radiation. When a group of aliens come to Earth, they don’t bring fire and the threat of the end of the world, but start a bar fight. There’s even a hilarious moment at Sign‘ Costs that alone are reason enough to recommend this book to readers.
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But there are also some truly human moments. Liz’s relationship is on the rocks, while Destiny has an experience that shows that life as a superhero is not what you see in the comics. The Domain’s powers can also only be used by one person at a time, which causes friction between the trio – especially when it comes to Eddie, as he immediately tries to make rules (and those rules get broken). It reflects the current conflict in Public Domain It’s about updating a comic for a new audience and how creators – much like the heroes they create – can conflict over the direction of a story.
Stott’s drawings aren’t what you’d expect from a typical superhero comic either. Instead of colorful costumes, the main trio wear a form-fitting green and gold suit when they wear the Domain bracelets (with Liz adding a mask). The group of alien pirates who come to Earth also look different; while their leader is human, with flowing white hair and rugged good looks, there’s another who seems like a pile of rocks with four eyes. She also has fun showing off the effects of superhuman powers; bodies fly from one panel to the next with a loud thud and a rush of air. Angiolini’s collection of colors helps smooth out the difference between the mundane and the cosmic, the latter being more vibrant and striking.
The domain #2 continues to be both a standalone, unique story and a parallel to its main series, taking a unique approach to superhero origins. I’m really excited to see what comes next, especially what cliches the creative team will take aim at next.
“The Domain” No. 2 continues to turn superhero and science fiction clichés on their head
The Domain #2
Continuing to be both a standalone, unique story and a parallel to its main series, The Domain #2 takes a unique approach to superhero origins. I’m really excited to see what comes next, especially what cliches the creative team will take aim at next.
Zdarsky enjoys turning superhero and science fiction clichés on their head.
Stott draws unique superhero costumes, not to mention some amazing alien designs.
Bold colors help to highlight the difference between the fantastic and the everyday.
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