Savage Dragon #201 Review

Following a questionable 200th issue, Savage Dragon #201 seems to split itself into two different directions. On one hand, we still have the action and excitement the fast-paced series is known for yet, on the other, we still have a large amount of unnessary teenage drama and fantasty.

The official description from Image:

Following the cataclysmic events of our awe-inspiring 200th issue, Malcolm Dragon comes face-to-face with the new head of the Vicious Circle! It’s a battle like none you’ve seen before!

It’s clear this issue has a lot to offer and, especially where the action is involved, it is building into a new plot. However, the first half of this issue focuses so highly on sex that it takes a while for the plot to get going. I do think some of this is good for the series – Malcolm Dragon is a much younger character than his father and this helps reflect the change – but the constant bedroom antics don’t need to be so heavily focused.

In terms of writing, this issue also feels a little odd. Erik Larsen’s script features some very lengthy dialogue exchanges in the opening pages. Some of them are well written while others trail off. It’s a lot to read, but there’s not much else going on at the beggining. Still, when the action finally bites it becomes more apparent that Larsen is building a more substantial plot, with previous elements and threads coming into play.

Visually, Savage Dragon #201 is no different from it’s previous incarnations. While Larsen’s pencils are a little sketchy, they hold up quite well in small scenes where the focus isn’t too wide. Likewise, the colors from Nikos Koutsis ensure the issue stays vibrant and bright.

All in all, regular readers will know doubt love this issue, but it very much follows in the footsteps of some of the changes seen in the 200th issue. For everyone it pleases, I imagine others will not feel so engaged.