THE DOOM PATROL #2: Negative Spaces.

How much trouble could saving a missing cat bring our group? Well, apparently far more than they had bargained for, as the case takes a turn for the weird, leading Larry, Cliff, and Rita into peril far beyond their imagination.

Creative Team: Darcy Van Poelgeest, Niko Henrichon, and Lucas Gattoni.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Matt!

The Story:

Megan: The Doom Patrol #2 does a brilliant job of giving us an inside look into the characters’ pasts that have shaped them into who they are today and in the present. These characters carry trauma with them that each one is still working through, while simultaneously doing their job as a group of superpowered beings. Robotman, Elasti-Girl, and Negative Man work together on a mission that may change their little group permanently. Surprising obstacles stand in their way and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Darcy Van Poelgeest keeps you locked into the story with the flashbacks and continuation of their mission in a way that makes your eyes never want to leave the pages. Before diving into this series, I wasn’t too familiar with the Doom Patrol, but Poelgeest has certainly made me a fan now.

Matt: I think what has drawn me so intimately into this story is the way Darcy humanizes each member of the team in a way that I can relate to so much. There’s a moment where they all are reflecting on their past and Rita is using that to image herself and then go on as though nothing was wrong and then even the creature they recently defeated being confused over the loss of someone who loved cats and not understanding the world. All of that is relatable in a way that stories can invite a reader into and become immersive. They may be fictional characters however Darcy has crafted a true realness to this story. Just when I thought I knew the direction this was headed in Darcy throws a curveball into things as well surrounding Dr. Caulder. I could not be more enthralled with this run and we are only two issues in!

The Art:

Megan: Niko Henrichon and Lucas Gattoni prove that the first issue wasn’t just a strong start but a great example of the high-quality work that we can expect from upcoming issues. What I love about Henrichon’s linework is the amount of detail that goes into every panel and every character. Each character is drawn in a way that they could be the main character, yet they all mesh together so well without watering down the other. Another thing I really loved is how Henrichon is able to convey so much emotion in the panels, such as the flashbacks of their past life. Every page has several layers in it, and the story benefits from it. Lucas Gattoni handles the lettering and captures the emotions of the characters excellently. There are many different emotions in this issue, so whether it’s the team singing to Sweet Caroline or confronting a disastrous explosion, the dialogue of the characters matches the energy of the story perfectly.

Matt: The artwork is beautiful because Niko brought Mr. Negative to life in the opening pages and crafted him to feel like an apparition come to life. A blend of greenish blues created a static-like setting that fit the character and his sense of being in a whole other world. The way Lucas even lettered him aided in that because it was a distorted voice that didn’t match any other dialogue. The emotionality in the artwork is peak; the sadness you feel from Larry through the sunglasses, or Cliff’s demeanor doing more than words could possibly do, adds so much depth to this story. Even the reflection in Niles’ eyes had me feeling sorry for him for even a brief moment, despite his character always having been awful. It speaks volumes about how Lucas and Niko do so much through the artwork.

Final Thoughts:

Megan: 9/10. The Doom Patrol #2 does a fantastic job of continuing the story while giving us a look at the devastating past of the characters. Darcy Van Poelgeest humanizes these characters in a way that makes them feel relatable yet still keeps them feeling larger than life.

Matt: 10/10. The Doom Patrol #2 is firmly cementing this run early on as one of my favorite things DC Comics has put out, which is no easy feat considering the run the company has been on. This team is able to humanize these characters in such a unique manner while keeping the core of who they are intact. There is mystery and weirdness, all culminating in a roller coaster ride that people should not be afraid to join in on.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

Let us know if you’re riding in the van into action with The Doom Patrol in the comments below!