We are now to the second issue of the "new" Savage Dragon featuring the skills and talents of one Malcom taking over the reins and the mantle of the Savage Dragon. With his dad retired and working to repopulate an alien race, young Malcolm must navigate his powers, his school yard celebrity, and his general day-to-day life. In issue #193, that was a pretty tall order. Here in Issue #194, it isn't getting any better. What is getting better is the storyline which was already pretty good in the first place. Much of this issue focuses on young Malcom's battle with a creature called Torment. The best thing that I can say about this enemy is that he takes multiple personality disorder to all new heights. Anyway, between the bookends of battle, Malcolm fights the creature, fights a potential booty call courtesy of some new friends, and tries to maintain as about an average life as can be expected by a dragon man who has the gifts of both of his parents powers. We likewise get some flashbacks to a younger Malcolm learning the ways of the world and some inconvenient truths.
All in all, Erik Larsen is kicking a lot of ass in this title. He has infused the new blood and it is working. Malcolm is an interesting fellow that truly is pure and innocent, left alone in a harsh and cruel world with which to do battle. The art is solid, the story thus far has been solid and the title all around has brought me back after a very long (too long) hiatus. It feels real good to be back.
The story has started off to be fairly simple and straightforward, but entertaining. I am beginning to get the feel that some big things lie ahead however. I think that Larsen kind of eased up a little after the big changes that occurred in previous issues and he wants to portray Malcolm's beginnings with a little bit less intensity. That is, until it is time to turn that intensity up.
Even so, don't expect for a second that the action has been down at all. We have had lots of good face smashing fisticuffs that is the trademark of the brand. So, all the elements are there and now we are beginning to move on down the road. It is a road that have enjoyed and am looking forward to going down for a while.
Score: 4/5
Writer/Artist/Creator: Erik Larsen Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/9/14 Format: Ongoing – Print/Digital