ADVANCE REVIEW! The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage #1


Can Valiant deliver once more with their Valiant First range? Read on to find out.

The official description from Valiant:

Death was just the beginning…

Doctor Mirage talks to the dead…but the only spirit Shan Fong can’t find is that of her late husband, Hwen. Instead, America’s favorite semi-retired paranormal investigator is haunted and raw, using her gift to solve homicides and bring peace to the recently bereaved. But when a big-time occultist with a classified military past hires her for a special job, Shan discovers a lead that might close the greatest mystery she’s ever tackled – how to get Hwen back. Now, Doctor Mirage must enter the undiscovered country and cross all the realms of the underworld, if she has any hope of rescuing the man she loves…or be forever lost beyond the earthly plane.

Death Defying Doctor Mirage #1 previewIt’s always nice to delve into the world of the occult, especially when it comes to comics. The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage is the most recent series to enter this category, with paranormal investigator Doctor Mirage getting dragged into a weird, and potentially dangerous case. The mystifying results, and emotional background from Mirage makes this more enthralling than most others, and will have you hooked to each page.

Jen Van Meter is the scribe behind this series, kick starting the five part mini. Quickly introducing us to the titular character, Van Meter creates a dark, yet emotional tone to this series. It is however the mysterious nature regarding the investigation that Mirage is about to take on that intrigued me the most, with her personal reasons for taking the case giving that extra dimension of depth. Despite all this the issue was far from perfect, as with all this set-up there’s little to be ecstatic about. The issue as a whole does however prove interesting enough to make it a must read going forward.

Roberto De La Torre delivers a very rough, and gritty look to this mystical tale. Don’t however mistake that for a lack of detail, as despite feeling a little edgy, the detailed facial features, and scenery are mesmerizing. The thoroughly gripping layouts, and sensational texture that De La Torre delivers throughout this issue also allows for a smooth, entertaining read. The dark tone throughout his inks, along David Baron‘s vibrant colours also help to give definition to this tale, allowing readers to feel the mystic atmosphere that this series deserves.

The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage gets of to a fabulous start, with the team of Van Meter and De La Torre delivering a thoroughly gripping tale that has this fanboy hooked. Highly recommended.

OUR RATING
8.5
  • + Doctor Mirage is a cold, yet emotionally challenged character.
  • + Jen Van Melter kicks off this thrilling tale from the occult.
  • + Gritty, yet detailed art from Robert De La Torre.
  • - The vast set-up left little to be ecstatic about.

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