Writer/Breakdowns by Ty Templeton
Finishes by Rick Burchett
Colored by Linda Medley
So, what’s the story?
“Patch Malone” is playing poker in a dive bar, when two cyber-ninja assassins attack him. After a fair amount of violence and destruction, Sparrow arrives in the “Clawmobile” to carry Patch/Logan away to the Burrow. Meanwhile, Lady Talia exposits on her last encounter with Dark Claw that left her with a mostly adamantium body, and her father Ra’s-A-Pocalypse dead. She vows vengeance on her beloved. Back at the Burrow, Logan prepares himself as Dark Claw, and starts to train in the Danger Cave, against Sparrow’s wishes. While he fights against Life Model Decoys, Lady Talia is following the tracker her cyber-ninjas placed on Dark Claw earlier that night. She easily bypasses Dark Claw’s security and engages him in combat inside the Burrow. With Sparrow tied up, Lady Talia and Dark Claw fight and trade insults. Finally, Dark Claw says he won’t stop her, and Lady Talia plunges her claws through his heart. She is despondent, and prepares to kill herself, but Dark Claw has survived. They reunite, and discuss what they can’t change.
I remember when the “Amalgam” universe was published. I thought it was a fun idea, but ultimately a gimmick to sell more comics. But “Dark Claw Adventures #1” works on a level above that. It’s very meta, as the kids say. A comic based on a TV show that never existed in a fictional universe that shouldn’t exist at all? Sign me up! I don’t know if all these characters appeared in the “non-animated” Amalgam universe, but the mash-ups here are spot on. Even the letters column is fake! This issue is pure fun!
How’s the Art?
Gorgeous. Templeton and Burchett stepped up to plate and hit a home run. I only wish this was a genuine animated series!
Any continuity issues?
As far as I know, this issue exists in its own universe, so there’s no continuity to mess up.
Anything of interest to customizers or cosplayers?
Everything! I would love to see cosplay and customs of all these mashed-up characters! Personally, I really want to make a set of the characters as custom figures, including the villains represented in the Danger Cave. (Spiral Harley!)
Is this issue worth my precious time?
Unequivocally yes!
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