Savage Dragon #202 Review

Story & Art: Eric Larsen
Published by: Image Comics

 

Eric Larsen’s ‘Savage Dragon’ is really what comic books are all about. Forget the raft of ‘oh so serious’ and ‘reboot spandex/lycra’ – Eric’s book is the kind of thing that entertains, it’s fun and it’sSavageDragon202Int exactly the kind of book you enjoy reading. Don’t be mistaken, there is craft within these pages, a creator flowing with exuberant fervor. The characters are, like in any good comic, vibrant, entertaining, literally jump from the page and grab you by the throat.

Like issue 198, which was an electric read, a book where you blazed through the pages only to finish and think: what happened? This book has a similar, on song, Larsen vibe to it. You begin at the beginning and then in a flurry of Savage awesomeness we reach the end: only to be greeted by that dapper chap: Vanguard! On art we have that mulit-talented Mr Larsen again and we get exactly the quality and energy that is Eric’s trademark. The fight scenes are nicely choreographed, the moments of deeper emotion ring true – the anatomy is a little wayward but considering how much is so right about Savage Dragon, you have let it pass.

In Malcolm Dragon, the muscle bound fin-head and star of the show, we have an evolving character, one growing with each passing issue. The fact that he beats the tar out of pretty much any opponent is an added bonus. So too is the trademark humour that peppers the story. It also helps that while Malcolm is the main draw, the supporting characters have depth and play an active part in developing the story.
It is a testament to the enduring popularity of this book that the double centenary of issues has already passed – considering how much work Eric puts into this title, it is a remarkable feat. With how much energy bursts from each issue, and also with how organic the flow of the story is, it won’t be a surprise to see the fists of justice battering down the #250, and onwards!