Writer: Jay Faerber Artists: Mahumad A. Asrar, Ron Riley(c) Publisher: Image
In Dynamo 5, the art by Mahumad A. Asrar and Ron Riley conveys smooth, stylish anatomy and action in well thought out panel construction that greatly benefits Faerber's excellent narrative.
Earthquakes are shaking up Tower City. Looks like Captain Dynamo's old foe Quake is up to his old tricks again. Faerber offers his first twist by making Quake a hero and friend to the late Captain Dynamo, who was the biological father of the Dynamo 5. Quake isn't a villain. He's a victim. He's unstable and requires medication to keep on the straight and narrow. Else, he'll hallucinate and not be able to tell friend from fiend.
Maddie, the Captain's widow and the leader of the Dynamo 5, has a plan. The shape-shifter Myriad will impersonate Captain Dynamo and try to talk down Quake and convince him to take his meds. It's a good plan, but unfortunately the scene bears too much similarity to another witnessed in Justice League Unlimited. In "Flash and Substance" the Flash convinces the Trickster to take his meds and, after he finishes his drink, turn himself in.
The moment in "Flash and Substance" is filled with charm and exhibits moving characterization that feeds into the theme of the episode. Faerber uses the camaraderie of Quake and Dynamo to leave the reader with an interesting cliffhanger. He sets up that cliffhanger through Myriad consistently practicing his imitation of his father. Most important Faerber does the unexpected.
In their opening gambit when facing Quake, the kids exhibit excellent teamwork that's given perfect execution through the art. This teamwork extends to their personal lives, and it's kind of refreshing to see these strangers related only by their father becoming friends. It's also nice to see that Maddie and Dynamo 5 try to handle the volatile Quake non-violently. Quake is supposed to be a hero. An officer even states that Quake once saved his partner's life. He's ill, not evil, and the team takes that into account when trying to stop him.
Despite a plot point having slight similarity to Justice League Unlimited, this issue of Dynamo 5 is smart and pleasant. It's also a fine example of the super-hero genre. Heroes band together to protect the innocent, including the threat.
