Review - Doberman #1

"You should go with a soft bristle. It's better for your enamel."

If the movies are to be believed, cops have it made. They can speed through red lights (as in Superbad), stand triumphantly while the camera circles around them (Bad Boys) or preside over rampant destruction and high-speed chases (Lethal Weapon). Some cops apparently are lucky enough to do all three and it's those cops who don't really care much for the law as it applies to them. Frank Doberman in Doberman #1 from Darby Pop/IDW Entertainment is one of those cops. The issue is written by Scott Marder, Rob Rosell and Jack Lambert, illustrated by Brandon McKinney and colored by Zac Atkinson.

Frank Doberman made a name for himself in the criminal underworld and world of police. He has a tendency to handle things pretty aggressively, throwing caution to the wind and gambling with his life on a daily basis. His track record remains pretty stellar, until he's mixed in with a drug bust gone wrong. Doberman disappears, seeking solace in the comforting bosom of Mother Nature. Lured back to the Force by the promise of vengeance, Doberman has to deal with a new age of social media, regulations and an uber-villain whom the world wants to believe has changed his ways.

Fans of movies like Lethal Weapon and most movies with Kurt Russell will feel right at home with Doberman #1. Marder, Rosell and Lambert have written an unapologetic tale about a fast-talking, macho cop who doesn't really think twice about his decisions. Along the way though, Doberman is written with a sense of humor that oozes machismo in some ways, as he's all about drinking, shooting and fighting bad guys. The story itself plays out very familiar to the aforementioned action hero fans, but it's enough to convey what kind of man Doberman is. The book is paced pretty quickly; a speed that's befitting of the main character and his fast-lane ways.

McKinney's illustrations are very vibrant and appropriate for the tone of the book. Doberman is a very muscular hero and he looks the part of the leading man. McKinney infuses him with plenty of 80s nostalgia, considering his stubble and free-flowing mullet. In fact, every character feels like a caricature of a film stereotype that helps ease the reader into Dobermna's world. Every page is also packed to the brim with panels, as there's seemingly action around every corner for the main character. Atkinson relied on colors that skew darker and the blacks in the book really pop off the page in a way that makes everything stand out.

Both Marder and Rosell have the privilege of being heavily involved with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and their style of humor really shines in Doberman #1. The book is a throwback to the cops of film's past. Cops who live on beer, gunfire and playing fast and loose with the rules. The writers give Doberman plenty of opportunity to live by his own rules, even setting him up to do so in a way that's completely off the grid. McKinney's illustrations are befitting of the book and offer characters who are decidedly over the top and fantastic. Doberman #1 is a very strong first issue that sets the stage for a lot more in the way of crazy action and doesn't stray from what it's trying to be: an homage to action.

Doberman #1 is in stores July 16.