One of the most ridiculous superhero teams is finally on mission and it has taken them to Egypt. Mummies aren’t a big deal right? Maybe for them, but is it good?
Sixpack and Dogwelder: Hard-Travelin’ Heroz #4 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The full summary reads:
Sixpack and the team are under attack by mummies! Only the flame of Dogwelder can save them, but will he light his torch in time? And what great mystery will his torch reveal beneath the mighty pyramids of the Egyptian desert? Could Dogwelder be the greatest hero the world has ever known, his welding of dogs the noblest of pursuits?
Why does this book matter?
Make no mistake, superheroes are way too serious these days and it’s comics like this that help knock them down a notch. Garth Ennis has written some hilarious situations and jokes in this series so far and there’s no reason to think it’s going to falter now.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Mummy dogs…now I’ve seen it all.
If you’re a fan of Dogwelder (I wonder what you’re like) you must buy this issue–some very big reveals are showcased as far as this character, their place in history, and their place in the pantheon of heroes. The first Dogwelder is revealed (complete with Egyptian god reveals) that’s quite ridiculous and fun. On top of this, it’s fun to see how Ennis is using Hellblazer to take these characters on this adventure. He serves as some kind of Christmas Carol ghost taking them along (and checking his watch) through this adventure. That gives the overall narrative purpose even though it’s quite silly to say the least.
Artist Russell Braun continues to draw great facial expressions to sell the humorous moments. Dogwelder and his epic historical past is rendered very well–you’ll take the past seriously even though it’s quite nuts. The Egyptian gods look quite solid too and they have superhero vibe that suits the series.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Aside from the flashbacks to the first Dogwelder there isn’t much here. Part of the charm of previous issues has been the team aspect of the series and how they play off each other, which is missing here. The issue still bookends with the characters all together, but aside from setting up the flashback and setting up the cliffhanger there isn’t much else here. It doesn’t help that, outside of it being a ridiculous premise, it just isn’t a very funny issue. That’s mainly due to the lack of jokes when it comes to superheroes in general, though it appears Ennis is playing with the usually over the top fated heroes journey.
Blow them away John!
Is It Good?
Ridiculous and over the top, Sixpack and Dogwelder has big reveals that are worth a look. If you haven’t read a single issue you’ll be completely lost and fans of the series may be twiddling their thumbs as the team takes a backseat to a major character’s lineage flashback.
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