[[“value”:”Super-Pets Special: Bite-Dentity Crisis #1 cover, via DC Comics.
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: DC’s anthologies are always something I look forward to – but this one, featuring the super-pets of the DCU and a collection of talented creators, some making their DC debut, is even more exciting than the average. Let’s see how these five tales of good boys and girls shake out!
The first story, “Pup, Pup, and Away” by Fleecs and Norton focuses on Bite-Wing, as she’s off on a new adventure – staying with the Kents for a day while Dick and Barbara attend a no-dogs wedding. It just so happens that the Kent farm is also the base for the super-pets, and Bite-Wing is the newest recruit into their storied ranks – whether she fully understands this or not. A cast including Krypto, Ace, Jumpa, and many other famous pets goes on an epic adventure into space to rescue a kidnapped Streaky and others, and Bite-Wing proves that an ordinary dog can keep up – in her own odd way. This is a very cute story, which plays well to Fleecs’ strength – with a distinctly more cheery tone than his past dog comic.
Fun on the farm. Via DC Comics.
“A Starro is Born” by Quasarano and Holden focuses on everyone’s favorite Bat-kid – Jarro the starfish. This story picks up after Jarro’s big debut, and finds the little Starfish now a multi-platinum musical superstar in a oceanic-themed band named Tidal Wave. The only problem is, his fans are rather obsessive. Scarily so. Almost like they’re all sharing one hive-mind…and Jarro realizes his father’s legacy may not be completely gone. If this all sounds ridiculous, it is – with a hilarious little coda that explains it.
“Refuge” by Conrad and Basri focuses on Damian’s collection of pets – Bat-Cow, Titus, Alfred, and Jerry the turkey. This answers the question of what happened to them after Damian sent them to a wildlife refuge – and it didn’t turn out to be quite what was expected. The pets stage a daring escape with the help of two of Damian’s OTHER (slightly bigger) pets, and reunite with their owner in an emotional scene. This one was surprisingly downcast, but has a hopeful ending that promises more of these critters.
Speaking of depressing, no super-pet has a sadder story than Dex-Starr the Red Lantern kitty, and Dan Watters and Christopher Mitten give him a solo spotlight in “The Little Cat”. The story of a planet that has heard the tale of this great red beast reaving the galaxy, it follows an innocent girl who has been left behind as a sacrifice for it. But as she ponders her fate in a beautiful, poetic story, the beast arrives – and appears very different. Because Dex-Starr is, ultimately, just a cat – and one that wants a home.
Finally, multi-talented indie writer-artist Kyle Starks makes his DC solo debut on “Who Woofs the Woofmen”, a hilarious comic-strip satire of the iconic 80s comic. Retelling the entire plot of Watchmen in 12 comic strips, it’s a bizarre, off-color thing that I can’t believe DC printed but I am so glad they did.
That goes for this whole comic, to be honest – it’s one of the weirdest books DC has ever put out, but man was it great.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
“]] Five tales of furry fun featuring Bite-Wing, Jarro, Dex-Starr, and more! Read More