AHOY Comics has a hit of a superhero series on their hands thanks to Dragonflyman and his kid sidekick, Stinger. It blends the sensibilities of old school superheroes with a Frank Miller aesthetic of blood and brutality. That’s thanks to the two worlds explored in the series: Alpha and Omega. In the latest series, writer Tom Peyer pinballs between the two, mixing comedy and harsh reality.
There’s a lot going on in this issue, like Dragonflyman giving Stinger the ability to control him since he can no longer throw a punch (long story), or in another reality, Stinger sneaking around a bit to get to some truth. It’s an interesting juxtaposition between the two as in one there is inherent trust while in the other secrets are being kept. It’s interesting to see how Peyer and series artist Peter Krause can build on each relationship even though they are in far different realities and circumstances.
The villains in this series are also a delight. Kaktus is a new favorite–with an interesting backstory sure to be a riot when it comes up–and he adds a bit of action in the Omega universe. Meanwhile, in the much more basic and simple Earth-Alpha, a villain calls upon his Evil Chefs to do his dirty work. It’s silly, over the top, and reminds us superhero comics can and should be fun.
Look how Stinger loves having his head rubbed. Weirdo!
Credit: AHOY Comics
Krause’s art, along with Andy Troy and Paul Little on colors, mixes up the color tones well to remind us which world we’re in. There are a lot of vehicles and gizmos in this issue too, which all look incredibly innocent and have a nostalgic element to it. It’s hard to not love Dragonflyman’s positivityhere. The full-page splash that serves as the cliffhanger is a great bit of homage to a classic comic page you’ll instantly recall due to the art here.
I will say the Omega universe plot does run a bit too slowly. It’s all tease, really–even in the revealing cliffhanger–even if it has Kaktus show up. You see it coming, yet it plays out for ages.
Overall, this is a good fourth issue that balances the two worlds well. I can’t get enough of the cute and innocent nature of the Omega world and it’s fun to see a ridiculous character like Kaktus pop up in the grittier Alpha world. Pick this one up if you’re a lover of superheroes, whether it’s the grit of modern comics or the glam of Adam West style comics.
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