Dragonfly and Dragonflyman #1 Review

Main Writer: Tom Peyer

Main Art: Peter Krause, Andy Troy, Rob Steen, and Jamal Igle

Additional Writers: Matt Brady, Tyrone Finch, and Kek-W

Additional Art: Joe Orsak and Shawn Crystal

Publisher: AHOY COMICS

Release Date: November 6th, 2019

Price: $3.99

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of Dragonfly (Earth-Omega) and Dragonflyman (Earth-Alpha) since the conclusion of THE WRONG EARTH, then your wait is finally over. Tom Peyer is back to expand on these amazing two worlds while introducing a new villain, a new plot, and a new insight into Dragonfly’s sidekick Stinger. Let’s fly into this week’s DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN #1  and see how Tom Peyer opens this new sensational follow up series by Ahoy Comics!

Readers, this issue isn’t quite what this reviewer expected. Please don’t take that the “wrong” way (see what I did there). That’s not implying anything bad by any stretch. However, seeing where THE WRONG EARTH culminated, this critic was expecting a continuation of the past story. Sadly, that isn’t what readers will find in this issue. It may still be possible to tie this opening narrative to the conclusion of THE WRONG EARTH. However, this critic doesn’t see that happening at this juncture. 

That said, it appears as though Peyer is using this new series as a way to build a foundation between the two worlds and the two characters. This critic speculates that when Peyer created THE WRONG EARTH, he probably didn’t anticipate such a huge fanfare at first. Sure, he knew it would be enjoyable and entertaining, however, would comic fans really gravitate to it? It turns out, they did! And frankly, if you haven't taken the time to read the first installment yet, this reviewer highly recommends you dive into the trade now. Additionally, this current series appears to be an opportunity for Peyer to build on the background of the characters that he may have never seen possible over a year ago. 

Moreover, readers plunge into the issue and see two different takes on Dragonflyman, as well as Stinger. Peyer amplifies different mannerisms and characteristics of the two heroes and sidekicks while telling what appears to be an average tale right out of the gate. Now, don't let this normal anecdote fool you. The graphic nature of Earth-Omega is still very real, violent, and gritty while Earth-Alpha is still the classic, silly, happy go lucky, humdrum world that resembles your parents Batman 66’. That said, Peyer is giving the same fundamental story told at the exact time in both worlds simultaneously. Furthermore, this reader is inferring that this series happens to be a prequel to the events of THE WRONG EARTH, which is a bit of a disappointment to this fan. However, readers can’t insult this opening issue due to preconceived notions of what they thought it would be. Fans should judge the story based on what was actually written.

Overall, this critic loved how Peyer dipped deeper into the psyche of Stinger while magnifying the arrogance of both Dragonfly and Dragonflyman. This opening issue also revealed to this reviewer the realization that Peyer has an opportunity to grow both of these brand new worlds into something so huge that never existed before. To think, a mini-series event about two Batman-like characters crossing worlds morphed into an ongoing that may very well be the massive draw Ahoy Comics needs while concurrently being truly amazing. 

This critic, for one, is very eager to see some tales from both these worlds. Batman has YEARS of stories that have been told. Dragonfly and Dragonflyman only have about 7 totally issues (including Free Comic Book Day). This reviewer looks at this opening issue as more of an opportunity for an ongoing than an event or continuation of the epic THE WRONG EARTH, which has a different feel but ultimately still will pique fans' curiosity while remaining engaging, captivating, and fascinating for many issues to come.

Now, while the writing was solid, that was not the only highlight of this issue. Peter Krause and Andy Troy did a brilliant job throughout this entire issue. Their art was clear, bright, crisp, and moved the story forward with ease. The facial expressions on Stinger-Omega really elevate the internal dialogue of the character while the reverse can be said about the arrogance of Dragonflyman-Alpha. These attributes would be more difficult to decipher if not for the unbelievable art of Krause and Troy. Furthermore, Troy’s colors are exceptionally vivid and enabled this reader's eyes to dance from panel to panel with respite while magnifying the key moments on each page. This art team should definitely not be overlooked and make this issue a package deal worth the shipping and handling.

BITS AND PIECES

While this opening issue isn’t entirely what this critic anticipated, this Dragonfly fan left more than satisfied. The issue was fast-paced, easy to understand, grabbed this reader's attention, and dove deeper into the character development on both earths main characters. If you loved THE WRONG EARTH and are looking for more stories about Dragonfly and Dragonflyman, this is the series for you. Comic fans need to add this to your pull list today. If you love the classic Batman 66’ feel as well as the gritty Dark Knight aura, Peyer still brings the heat on both through a slightly different lense which makes this comic well worth the cover price. Peyer has opened up two great new worlds that this reviewer is ready to explore. Grab this issue and let me know what you think!

8.5/10

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