Originally announced as a six-issue miniseries, Unstoppable Doom Patrol was extended to seven issues. This fourth issue represents that bonus issue with David LaFuente filling in for regular artist Chris Burnham. This issue takes a break from progressing the overall plot and allows us to sit in on therapy sessions with the Doom Patrol’s resident psychoanalyst, Dr. Syncho, aka Jerry. Through this great plot device, we get to learn origin stories for the new members of the team, Degenerate and Beast Girl, as well as broad-stroke recaps for Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, and Robotman.
Credit: DC Comics
The mantra of this incarnation of the Doom Patrol is highlighted in this issue. “Saving the world by saving the monsters” means more than just physical well-being and training. Yes, they provide a safe haven for new metahumans and help hone their powers, but the traumatic events that surround many of these individuals also need attention. Their mandate is to help the whole person, body and mind. Luckily for the Doom Patrol and its extended family, Dr. Syncho has found her way to Kansas. With the help of five fifth-dimensional entities collectively known as Jerry, Dr. Syncho can provide the kind of extraordinary care, support, and insight that metahumans need to not only survive with their new powers but thrive. This is made abundantly clear in Kareli’s session. Her metagene activated when she was just a girl, and her friends and family shunned her. Without the help of the Doom Patrol, she could have easily ended up dead, a victim of the mob mentality so often turned against those that are different. The Doom Patrol gave her a new life in which she was valued. They helped her control her powers and gave her purpose, and a big part of that help is working through her trauma in these sessions with Jerry.
Credit: DC Comics
David LaFuente’s bombastic artwork is the perfect accompaniment to this story. So often, fill-in artists can be distracting due to dramatic shifts in art styles, but the surreal, fifth-dimensional setting allows for an interesting shift in the artwork that does anything but. LaFuente represents the fifth dimension with Tetris-like geometric shapes floating in a starry environment filled with planets. Each patient meeting with Jerry gets at least one double-page splash that either recaps decades of their comic history or highlights their origins. It’s truly a gem for long-time Doom Patrol fans, but it could also pique the interest of new readers who might want to look into some of the older runs to learn more. The vibrant colors by Brian Reber also help maintain a consistent feel with previous issues. The contrast and balance of each page are expertly done, effortlessly guiding your eye through the chaotic splash pages. Letterer Pat Brosseau also has some great moments, especially in the Beast Girl portion. The extra emphasis when her powers first manifest and an angry phone call from her father really accentuate the larger-than-life emotions experienced by the characters.
In Unstoppable Doom Patrol #4, David Lafuente brings a bombastic and surreal aesthetic that perfectly complements the story. While this issue takes a break from advancing the overall plot, it delves deep into therapy sessions with Dr. Syncho, revealing the origin stories of the team’s new members and providing recaps for Elasti-Girl, Negative Man, and Robotman. The mantra of “saving the world by saving the monsters” resonates throughout, emphasizing the Doom Patrol’s commitment to holistic care for metahumans. Dr. Syncho and Jerry offer extraordinary support and insight to help these individuals not only survive but thrive with their powers.
LaFuente’s artwork, Reber’s vibrant colors, and Brosseau’s lettering work in perfect harmony, resulting in an issue that pays homage to the Doom Patrol’s rich history while inviting new readers to explore its captivating world. Unstoppable Doom Patrol #4 showcases the series’ commitment to both character-driven storytelling and breathtaking visuals.
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