Chris Murman: 3 Bullets
Ray Tate: 2 Bullets

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Chris Murman: 3 Bullets

I really like Jay Faerber, and his writing on this series has made me a fan of his other work. That's why it was so hard to give him a less favorable rating than I have given previous issues of this title. The quintet of illegitimate children with the Dynamo powers working in unison as they get to know each other has been a great journey over the past year and half, but we really didn't get to see much of that in this annual at all.

That's just the first of a few qualms I have with this annual, but it's a significant starter for this reviewer. I realize that issues of this nature are great opportunities to provide vignettes into other aspects of a comic series, and in many cases it's effective. I just think the likable aspect of this title isn't the dead father of the D5, but the kids themselves. Why not treat readers into what normal life is like for each of the kids? We've seen some of what family life is for each, I'd just like to see more.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of this Annual's main story being focused on Noble Causes either. Apparently, Dynamo was a great friend to Papa Noble (and why not, it's another Faerber title), but I think one dysfunctional family is enough for one book. There were many appearances by Image characters in the 48 pages we paid for, but I think the Nobles upstaging the story were the only downer to this annual.

What really irked me most about this collection of stories, however, is that the more I get to know Captain Dynamo, the less I enjoy reading about his kids. Sure, I know going in that this series is about five children sired out of wedlock by the world's greatest hero. I get that so I'm a bit of a hypocrite, but the main two stories in the annual have a central theme: Dynamo is an absolute wretch of a hero. I'm glad redemption can come through his children now that he's gone, but that doesn't make me view their father in a better light.

It's hard to get too down on the job done by Jay and his band of merry artists, as readers were treated to other pencilers' ideas of the five teens and how they look using their father's powers. Matthew Humphreys was my favorite for his Saturday morning cartoon feel to the art. Then again I may be biased because his was one of the few stories actually about the Five. The pinups at the end of the issue were also a treat, even though many times it feels like filler to justify an extra dollar from readers. Regardless, different views of the same characters have all the makings of a fun annual.

I would have just preferred different stories. Preferences aside, Faerber has this title headed in a great direction, and I can't wait to see what the next 12 issues have in store for our step-siblings. Most readers of this universe will get a kick out of all the guest-appearances and back stories, so I'll probably be in the minority. If you like reading about the kids themselves, however, just keep your six bucks and wait for issues #13 and #14 to hit store shelves.

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Ray Tate: 2 Bullets

While this purports to be a Dynamo 5 Annual, there's little of Dynamo 5 inside. Most of the book deals with Captain Dynamo, the quintet's n'er do well deceased father, and his relationship with the Nobles, Faerber's first super-hero family. Nice try, but I'm still not interested in following Noble Causes.

"The Bash" brings Captain Dynamo to an anniversary party. I have no idea who any of these attending people are. No, correction. I know Savage Dragon. He's very distinctive. The others tend to blend together, in terms of art and writing. This is primarily the issue I have with Noble Causes. I did try the book, but it wasn't for me. Too many characters. Too many plots. Too much all at once.

The art by Fran Bueno is very attractive and motile. The story flows better actually when one doesn't try to read it. The expertly choreographed action makes more sense to me than the relationships being spotlighted.

In "Misdirection" Captain Dynamo teams up with a bunch of heroes, including Savage Dragon and Silver Hawk, to battle a giant monster. Once again there's an attempt by Faerber to push the Nobles into the limelight. This time his ploy is a little more successful, since there are only two of them. I still don't find them particularly as interesting as the archetypes they represent. The interaction with Captain Dynamo is a little more fluid, but again, it's the energetic artwork, this time by Gabe Bridwell, that really makes the story tick.

Ron Riley colors the entirety of the Captain Dynamo stories, and he brings his usual magnificent touches to this special. The sky blue of the pregnant Noble's dress compliments her green eyes and orange-red hair. The fleshtones bestow ethnicity to some characters, no bleach blanket Vixens here. The shades grant a natural look to the Caucasians at the party. The scintillating star effect to one character's hair exemplifies the evolution of color technology and expert application.

The Dynamo 5 actually show up in "Trial By Fire." This is a prequel for the team. Maddie, their leader, tests the novices and finds them lacking. Unprepared or not, the team heed the call when a real threat appears to loom, but the neophyte heroes get their butts handed to them. The reason for this ignominious defeat should be obvious, and the last page reveal isn't, but I'll play along and keep the secret. Art and color by Jack Lawrence make this short at least kinetically worthy of the team, and Lawrence brings a cartoony look to Dynamo 5 that's engaging.

The second Dynamo 5 story is a little too dark and a little too mean. The art takes a cartoony turn at a much sharper degree. Matthew Humphreys sees the team through a lens that creates a stylish distortion that's reminiscent of John Kricalusi's work. You might know his style from Mighty Mouse or Ren and Stimpy. I enjoyed the change, but not the overuse of shadows.

There's only two actual Dynamo 5 stories in the book, and neither of them are outstanding. Given the expense, I'd have to say that the Annual isn't a necessary purchase unless you're a Noble Causes fan. Of course, you might think the opposite and say "what's your chocolate doing in my peanut butter."

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