Review: ‘Unstoppable Doom Patrol’ #2 Is Surreal, Surprising And Shocking

As we drop in on a mission in media res, with Beast Girl saving and thereby taking on a new stray/recruit, Worm, under her wing, this gives writer Dennis Culver the appropriate narrative device by which to give readers, and Worm, a tour of the team’s HQ and a classic old-school double page spread of Doom Patrol HQ. Wonderfully realised by artist Chris Burnham. It’s not something I can say I’ve seen in some time in comics, but I always enjoyed these highly technical cross-sectioned reveals when they popped up in titles such as The New Teen Titans and The Justice League of America. A nightmare, I daresay, for the artist, but always a treat for fans. Just as it is here. And, doubly so here, as we are treated to not one but two of these layouts in this issue. A masterclass in perspective on two counts. 

Following on from this grand opening we then zoom into the various spaces in the secret underground lair (can heroes have lairs, or is it just villains?) as Worm – and the readers – are given the grand tour, and a chance to catch up with the new Doom Patrol plus a few other familiar faces from the past including Flex Mentallo, Dr. Niles Caulder (relegated to a mere consultant) and few surprises too. And, as we drop in on the various members and their conversations we get a good idea of the multi-layered stories Culver is planning to tell on this new title. A good deal of the Doom Patrol’s diverse and bizarre legacy will be coming into play while promising something new too. A good balance of both to please long-term fans and well as new readers.

As with previous reiterations – particularly those of Grant Morrison – Culver leans into the more creative and surreal, as you will witness when you get a look at team psychologist, Dr. Syncho. But, as the issue progresses it gets darker as Amanda Waller’s plans to infiltrate this team come to fruition and other story threads are introduced that spell trouble on the horizon too. Looks like DC’s strangest superhero team are going to have their hands full in the not to near future. Culver does well in moving the story of  Waller’s infiltration along while also offering up a book that acts as a sampler for the future. 

It’s an issue of stolen moments, as we flit from one conversation to another catching just enough to tantalise the tastebuds, with the always-exceptional art of Burnham, expertly complimented by the colouring of Brian Reeder, who helps set the appropriate tones of the issue, especially when we get either a weird and wonderful moment or a more dark and menacing moment. And, by the end of this second issue, there are a good deal more dark moments, as well as a surprise twist that will be, I have no doubt, costly to the new Doom Patrol. That’s if something else doesn’t nobble them first. And, there’s plenty that could in a book full of foreboding. Even before you factor in the events of the first issue to and the threat of the return of the Brotherhood of Evil. With all these seeds sown, it’s going to be a bumpy bit dynamic ride for the team and the readers.

Weird and worrying, Unstoppable Doom Patrol #2 is out now from DC Comics