It’s hard to look at the cover for this issue and not feel sad for the loss of Steve Dillon. His work was always unique and felt separate from the rest. If we’re lucky, Dillon drew many more covers for this series so that it feels like he’s still with us for a bit longer. That said, we must review issue #3 and ask the question, is it good?
SIXPACK AND DOGWELDER: HARD-TRAVELIN’ HEROZ #3 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The DC summary reads:
Sixpack and the gang are ready to accompany Dogwelder to the tombs of the pharaohs in search of his true mission. At least, that’s what John Constantine told them they’re doing, and he’s pals with the Justice League, so he oughta know a thing or two about missions. Dogwelder, unfortunately, has other plans, some as mysterious as the Sphinx.
Why does this book matter?
Writer Garth Ennis and artist Russell Braun clearly understand superheroes. They understand them so well they can lampoon them with ease and the last issue of this series did so in hilarious fashion. They’re also developing the Dogwelder character well and it’ll be interesting see how this character develops further.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Yes, his hand is up…there.
The story here pays off the setup of the first issue as Dogwelder confronts his family once again. The thing is, he has the ability to speak through a dog now, but unfortunately he has his hand up that dog’s butt. Ennis thrusts us into a very weird and funny (admittedly juvenile) joke. As the story progresses we get to see this team (now with John Constantine with them) go on a first mission of sorts. Do people get hurt? Yes. Do they abide by the laws heroes should? No. It gives us a taste of what this series is capable of and it’s quite loony.
Braun continues to do great work with plenty of comedic moments that work due to the art selling them. From Sixpack simply falling, puking, or drinking you’ll find a chuckle within. Probably the hardest gag to convey but actually works is one where Constantine blows smoke in his astronaut helmet. It’s a bit silly and cartoon comical and gets the job done.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Dogwelder confronting his family goes on too long with the character standing there (I assume) in shock. Clearly he’s conflicted, angry, and unable to articulate himself, but it begins to bore a few pages in. The story thankfully whisks off on their first superhero adventure though.
I generally didn’t laugh as hard as I did with the last issue, but comedy is a personal thing. This issue has its over the top moments, but it is filled with more sight gags (like when Sixpack pukes in a pool) than cleverness or superhero commentary humor.
I think he’s hitting on the intestines.
Is It Good?
It’s good though not great. The humor is lighter than previous issues with much of it being visual gags rather than clever bits of dialogue or commentary on superheroes. It does progress the plot of Dogwelder well and is entertaining none the less.
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