Review: ‘Dazzler’ #1
Dazzler #1 is a delightful, energetic debut that captures the spirit of Marvel's disco-singing, mutant superstar. This miniseries opener is a fun, low-stakes romp that balances action, humor, and heart, making it a fun read if you don’t take it too seriously.
Jason Loo's writing is spot-on, with charming, tongue-in-cheek wit that shines through. His script is full of clever one-liners and humorous banter between Dazzler and her mutant roadies that will leave you smiling. The story itself is relatively lighthearted, but I couldn't help but feel that Dazzler deserves more. One of the most intriguing aspects of Dazzler's character is her status as a global mutant pop star and Loo touches on this idea with nods to Taylor Swift throughout the book. But with more space to explore, this concept could have been taken to fascinating depths in an ongoing series.
You could easily envision Dazzler using her platform to advocate for mutant rights, navigating the intersection of social justice and celebrity culture the way Taylor Swift has begun using her platform for. Look no further than the political waves Swift made with her recent endorsement of Kamala Harris to be the next President and how many Swift’s fans signed up to vote due to her social media posts. The potential for thought-provoking storytelling is vast, and it's a shame that this miniseries format doesn't allow for a deeper dive. Loo could have really dug into the complexities of her character and the cultural power she holds if given the space.
Artist Rafael Loureiro, colorist Java Tartaglia, and letterer Ariana Maher matched Loo’s bubblegum energy in spades. Loureiro's artwork brings an effervescent energy to the page, and his designs for Dazzler's new costume is perfection. It's an immediately iconic look that begs to be cosplayed right away. Tartaglia's colors add a dazzling sheen to the artwork, while Maher's lettering expertly conveys the rhythm and flow of Dazzler's concert performance.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Dazzler #1, and I'm excited to see where the rest of the miniseries takes us. While I may lament the fact that this isn't an ongoing series exploring more important topics, I'm grateful for the chance to spend time with this fabulous diva.
Rating: 7/10
