Writer: Jay Faerber
Artists: Mahumad A. Asrar, Ron Riley(c)
Publisher: Image
By now, before the issue hit the stands, the Internet has already revealed the basic plot details to The Dynamo Five. A less than faithful analogue to Superman and the Martian Manhunter produces at least five children who gain one of his powers. Jay Faerber however writes this book with the comprehension of the Internet's power to spoil.
There's a lot that the Internet probably didn't cover. Intriguing things include how the kids got together, how they gain their power--it's not entirely genetic, the intrigue behind the death of Captain Dynamo, their father, the nature of his human wife and the surprising story twists all these factors generate.
Faerber in addition covers the basics. Dynamo Five ends on a fascinating cliffhanger, but the issue is without a doubt a stand-alone that does a variety of things simultaneously. The story swiftly sets up the characters, the threats they face and their relationship with Captain's wife. The premiere explains why the kids became the Dynamo Five, while smart, fun dialogue, specific to each character, greases the wheels.
Faerber takes some rather original diversions in the story that distinguish his team from others. First, all the kids are half-brothers and sisters. Therefore there can be no romance between them. Second, he doesn't play to type. The football player for instance, doesn't gain even greater strength, speed and stamina. Instead, he inherits Dynamo's telepathic powers. The character most weighted by responsibility gains the power to fly. Third, he plays with well-known archetypes in an appealing way. The Captain's wife is a journalist, but she is not Lois Lane. Definitely not.
Faerber's accompaniment to the story, Mahmud A. Asrar and Ron Riley contribute page after page of old-school action. Image used to be the home of the busiest art on the planet. Dynamo Five's slam-bang art functions on a simpler aesthetic that would have easily suited The JLA or The Avengers, if these books were still being produced. The design of the characters immediately catches the eye, as do the blue-red color schemes that vary through each team-members costume. Best of all, this art doesn't pose the characters as talking heads. They move through the panel like super-heroes, violently. They blast. They punch. They fly. They beat the snot out of villains. What's not to like?
I didn't know what to expect from the Dynamo Five, but I'm so impressed that I'm adding it to my subscription list.
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