Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

D4VE #2D4ve #2 of 5
IDW
Ferrier & Ramon

D4ve continues to be the surprise hit of 2015. This particular issue continues to build the world that D4ve inhabits while it inches closer to the invasion that is sure to get D4ve off the bench. While this issue might feel like a little bit too much of an overlap with the previous issue (it is only a five-issue mini-series after all) the comic continues to raise a smile while pushing the characters along. This is a strong comic book in ideas, writing and artwork. Give this one a shot.

Not only is D4ve failing at work, things fall apart at home in this issue as his wife leaves him. To compound problems he's left to deal with his son and all of his "normal" teenager problems. This helps to provide a number of funny moments that help to punctuate just how D4ve's life is going nowhere.

D4ve seems to drift between reality and daydreaming. There are several scenes where he plays out a scene in his head that appears to be reality for the reader. When D4ve snaps out of it we learn more about how much rage he's got inside, but also how little he acts on things. He's definitely been caged long enough.

While the comic book has a Mars Attacks kind of parody to it, the book comes into its own because of the artwork. The robots are basically expressionless but the artwork brings these characters to life in other effective ways. The artwork has a quirky, all ages feel to it but the comic is definitely not an all ages story. This cleaner look helps to really give personalities and a real-life feel to this world that is completely inhabited by robots. I'm not sure a more perfect match could have been found for this story in terms of art.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThe comic book is paced well, but the mini-series is so short it feels like we've spent two issues establishing D4ve's world, mindset and supporting cast. While I don't necessarily need action in a comic book I'm not sure waiting for it, when you know it's coming, is all that desirable.

D4ve is a strange comic book but it is definitely a fun read. Robots occupy Earth. But they've become complacent and bored with everyday life. If you like your comic books to have terrific characterization then this is one to pick up. This book is good fun, in a very odd way. D4ve is someone you want to see come out of this fog and kick some butt, even if it is just his oddball son that he knocks some sense into. I'm anxious to see where this is heading.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles