The Super Powered Fancast

Domino #4

Marvel Comics

Written by Gail Simone

Art by David Baldeon

Colors by Jesus Aburtov

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The beginning of this issue is another interlude into Domino’s past, but this time from the point of view of the two people who have made it their mission to punish her. It’s a great series of scenes that does an amazing job of establishing the motivations behind Desmond and Topaz. Meanwhile, Outlaw and Diamondback are dealing with their new acquisition and at the same time, musing about why they were left behind. I like that Diamondback understands what happened and is the one that respects Domino’s decision. I like even more that both ladies decide they’re going to risk it all and help out their friend. This leads them to enlisting the help of Deadpool and more trouble than they thought.

These are great characters and their interactions and dialogue with each other reflect their mutual affection for each other. Something that’s usually hinted at in comics, but usually not explored beyond the periphery. Neena is not taking her training with Shang-Chi seriously enough for the Master of Kung Fu and he makes her pay for it. It’s another fun moment that helps to develop her character more and give a genuine appreciation to the character of Shang-Chi. Domino’s vulnerability at her attraction to the man is fun as well and it is even better seeing her not lose herself in it, but also explore it as well. It shows a depth to the character that she can be both confident and vulnerable at the same time. Also, it’s just fun seeing her being goofy.

Simone has really given new depth and life to this character. Domino is becoming a more well defined and well-rounded character in this series. She is both clumsy and capable, smart and goofy. All of these traits make her likeable enough to sustain the series, but Gail Simone leaves enough mystery in the narrative to keep the reader engaged to learn more.

David Baldeon’s art is sublime. I love how he renders characters and his fight scenes are gorgeous. The facial expressions he uses for characters and the details put into them are fun and there is a great contrast between the seriousness of some of the moments and the anime style of the art. I found myself going over panels again and again, finding something else I enjoyed in the art.