“Whatever Happened to All the Fun in the World?”

I’ve always been a fan of Dwayne McDuffie’s first big creation, Damage Control. It’s a simple concept and has never really held its own mini-series, but every now and then they pop up in the Marvel Universe. I really think that adds to their appeal, now more than ever, in the era of big events. Damage Control is basically a construction company that specializes in clean-up following superhero battles. Simple enough, really. Wisely, Marvel and McDuffie use World War Hulk as an excellent catalyst for the newest series. Sure, World War Hulk has run its course and it’s time for the Secret Invasion, but there is definitely potential in the “Aftersmash,” and Damage Control is the perfect concept for such an idea.

Damage Control had a significant role during Civil War, including the then CEO being an instigator of the Stamford Incident. That CEO, Walter Declun, has since been disemboweled by Wolverine and the company is back in its original hands. But with the various crossovers and tie-ins that come hand in hand with every 'big event' you might wonder what makes this three-part series so special. For one, it’s Dwayne McDuffie. I always feel that when a creator handles their own characters, they tend to deliver some of their best work. For example, I feel that Chris Claremont butchered X-23, but Craig Kyle and Chris Yost have made her a fan favorite. With that in mind, no one knows these characters better than McDuffie and through each one he crafts a well-planned story that connects and brings the characters together.

There’s something relatively unique about this series. Most super-human related titles from Marvel and DC have been quick to point out character flaws. Damage Control on the other hand, takes the main characters, brings them together based on the fact that they all need the job for some reason or another, and spends enough time on each character to briefly introduce them and make them all likeable. I think there’s an aura of fun that surrounds a concept like this, one that puts humor into what some would consider devastating aftermaths of certain events. McDuffie is really in his element when it comes to these characters and this story. However, what really grabbed me was the opening sequence when Damage Control is trying to get the rebuilding contract from Tony Stark. There was something that really worked for me in that scene. It felt very real and also offered a glimpse into the business side of being a superhero.

McDuffie also takes this opportunity to introduce the new Black Goliath, Tom Foster, the nephew of the hero killed during Civil War. Like most comic book deaths, the one “big” death during Civil War has now become trivialized. Sure Black Goliath was a minor character that was expendable, but he was really the only death to come out of Civil War. While the overdone concept of a legacy character comes into effect here, McDuffie might be on to something. Foster is against registration and for helping “the little guy.” There’s some decent potential with Tom Foster and given the surprise twist at the end, there’s definitely could be some great things happening in this series.

Salva Espin provides some fantastic artwork that really adds to this title being the surprise hit of the week. While the major focus of this concept is the destruction left in the wake of World War Hulk Espin’s work combined with colors by Guru FX brings a lighter and friendlier tone to the story. Given the almost light-hearted and fun situations with each character rejoining Damage Control, the artwork fits the title. I really hope Espin gets to show off some action-oriented artwork and moves on to a high caliber ongoing series following this one.

Damage Control is definitely the surprise hit of the week. Dwayne McDuffie turns in a story much more compelling than what’s happening in Justice League of America which makes me curious as to how much Countdown influence he faces over at DC. This issue features great artwork, a well-crafted story, excellent character development and a surprise twist at the end that is sure to excite any Marvel fan. With only three parts to this series, there’s no excuse as to why you shouldn’t check it out.

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