Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Sideways #9
DC Comics
Written by Dan DiDio
Art by Max Raynor
Colors by Daniel Brown
Letters by Travis Lanham
Derek continues to find himself at the mercy of Perrus the Benevolent and his followers from across the Dark Multiverse. As Derek tries to find a way to escape from the pocket dimension he finds himself in without his powers, he witnesses how his followers show their loyalty to Perrus and how he sustains himself. Derek decides to fight back and the creature finds himself dealing with dissention among his followers. Something that he must crush by teaching Derek a lesson.
At the same time, the funeral of Derek’s mother is happening and his father, his friend, his mother’s former employer and the police notice the boy’s absence. There is also a surprise cameo in the issue from Lois Lane who has a history with Derek’s mom. A history that prompted her to call the reporter shortly before her death. As the mystery of her death continues, Derek finds himself in the bowels of the castle in order to be taught a lesson by Perrus, but when Sideways finds a cocoon with a living being inside, another mystery emerges. A mystery that becomes even stranger when a familiar face emerges from it.
DiDio has a long road ahead of him with this issue and the series itself. Veering the character off into the Dark Multiverse is interesting and intriguing, but there are elements of the character that should still be evolving to the point where this sidetrack makes more sense. The mystery that is actually affecting Derek’s life is more compelling than this sojourn into the Dark Multiverse and I found myself hoping it would be over. The twist at the end of the issue does open up some interesting new stories and situations and that actually helped to keep the story interesting.
Raynor does a good job with the art and many of the compositions and action scenes are well rendered. The way he composed the finale builds tension to a great reveal.
Sideways #9
