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Creative Team – Jason Loo(writer). Rafael Loureiro(artist). Java Tartaglia(color artist). VC’s Ariana Maher(letterer). Terry & Rachel Dodson(cover artists). Ashley Witter, Derrick Chew, Elizabeth Torque, Federico Blee, Kaare Andrews, Marguerite Sauvage, Yasmine Patri(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
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The excitement for Dazzler #1 was so high, it calls for more than one Nerd Initiative Reviewer to take this on! This review was written by yours truly, Megan Nichole, and Matt Roth!
Another From the Ashes comic I was truly jazzed about, Dazzler #1! Alison Blair, AKA Dazzler, pursues her dreams of being a famous singer, but that’s not all she is. Alison is also a mutant who is finding her place in the world after the fall of Krakoa. With the Krakoa era being finished, mutants have to find themselves in the human society, which isn’t easy as many humans aren’t what you’d call fans. Sure, Alison has her music fans as any pop star does, but she also has the haters, the people who hate her simply because she’s a mutant. But does their hate stop her? Absolutely not. Alison knows that Dazzler is a pop icon and a role model to humans and mutants and she plans to stay that way.
It’s the first day of Dazzler’s world tour and she couldn’t be more excited. Of course, there are hiccups to work out being a mutant in the public eye. Her P.R. manager, Sofia, AKA Wind Dancer, says she doesn’t want to see the haters attack her for being a mutant, so it’s best to keep the mutant power usage to a minimum. Alison’s security team, which is lead by the amazing Domino, is in charge of handling any threats or any attacks.
While the concert is in full swing, Scorpia takes the stage to stop the concert and take Dazzler down in front of her crowd of fans. Jokes on Scorpia, because Dazzler has trained for this very moment. Instead of a all out brawl on the stage, Dazzler combines her musical talent with her mutant abilities and, at the expense of Scorpia, makes her part of the show. The fans are going wild, the haters are hating, and the vibes are impeccable. Dazzler ends the show with a beautiful melody of being out and proud. I love that she’s so open and positive about being a mutant and well as being so much more than a mutant. This comic really captured the essence of what makes us all love Dazzler so very much.
The Art
Megan – Rafael Loureiro, Java Tartaglia, and Ariana Maher absolutely excelled with Dazzler #1! The blend of pinks and blues created a fluid, whimsical atmosphere. The artists highlighted their skills by doing an exceptional job capturing the essence of Dazzler. The intricate details and vibrant colors on each page transformed the comic into a true work of art.
Matt, this issue dazzled from an art standpoint (yes, I went there). The flashing blues, pinks, and greens set the stage for a fun time, immersing us in the show. When it comes to stage production, it is the most crucial piece of any concert, and Dazzler’s significant return did not disappoint. The team also used most of the small setting they set themselves within. Utilizing the stage and making it seem larger than life by having everyone move around freely was an impressive feat in its own right.
The Writing
Megan – Jason Loo showed what it looked like for a mutant to achieve her dreams as a pop star while handling the battle of ignorance with such grace. The story flowed so perfectly throughout the comic, I couldn’t believe it was over when I finished. I loved all of the little details they added like social media posts from fans and haters to Dazzler. Another thing I think needs praise is the lyrics of the songs Dazzler sang. From the fun, drama-filled song about her ex to the heart warming song “Out and Proud”, both were stupendous.
Matt—Jason was having serious fun writing this story, as is apparent from the moment you open the first page. Often throughout the issue, I asked if we were talking about a Mutant world or real life, and the way he could draw parallels to both worlds is a testament to his world-building ability. No pop star will ever please everyone, and the hate Dazzler gets is very real compared to the hate even stars get today. Is Jason writing a full album to compliment this run? I need answers because he has some serious lyrical talent at that.
Final Thoughts
Megan – I’ve always loved comics involving Dazzler, so I was intrigued when I heard she was getting her own run in From the Ashes. I have to say, I really think the creative team knocked it out of the park with Dazzler #1. It was fun, it was heartwarming, it was everything I wanted it to be. Hats off to the creative team!
I give this a 10 out of 10
Matt—Dazzler #1 is marvelous. It is fun in the way comics should be fun. We find ourselves immersed in the show, lights, and lyrics, forgetting that this is a fictional story. I found myself singing along despite there not being any music to compliment the story out loud. Give Dazzler her Grammy I have seen enough.
10/10 Overall.
This review was written by Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Dazzler #1, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
