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The Order of Dagonet #4 Review

By Andy Frisk
December 29, 2010 - 12:33

Continuing a theme developed in issue #3 of The Order of Dagonet, our heroes Everyman, Dizzy, Lavern, Tottington, and Emerald get pretty friendly with characters that they most likely believed that they would have nothing in common with. While Emerald and Tottington catch a moment’s rest in the company of the fabled centaurs whom they met last issue, they learn that they have more in common with Angus and the centaurs than either could have imagined. Concurrently, Dizzy, Everyman, and Lavern shoot some pool and share brews with some fun Faerie folk at the Rchwmpasa Bar in Wales. The fun is cut short though when Merlin shows up at the bar and freaks out Lavern’s new Faerie friend. Looks like Merlin has no sense of fun…

Last issue, writer Jeremy Whitley pretty deftly commented on black and white relations from the point of view of the two unlikely (at first) friends, Everyman (a British fantasy writer) and Lavern (a black woman from the American South). The two learned that even though the tendency might be to view each other as “The Other,” (unconsciously at least), there really isn’t any reason to. The two are becoming friends rather than just traveling companions, and Whitley has used this developing friendship as a thematic basis to introduce a more fantastically budding friendship…between men and Faerie. Independently of our heroes and their cultural awakenings, Titania enjoys a friendly battle of video game prowess with a young girl on her “magic box” (read Xbox). When Titania loses, instead of turning the girl into a beast or committing some other horrible act of Faerie magic dastardliness, she rewards her by turning her hair green, the “…reward, as agreed” much to the child’s delight. If the Queen of Faerie can get along with a human child and have a positive exchange with her, even going as far as to reward her when she beats Titania at a video game…maybe a war against the Faerie folk is prematurely called for by Merlin. The traditional heroes of such fantasy tales of which Merlin is one example of, might just turn out to be the villain here. As Faerie and human become friendly with each other and have beneficial and fun cultural exchanges…will there not be grounds for friendly coexistence?

Either it just finally really dawned on me or Whitley has really begun to hit his stride, but The Order of Dagonet is really starting become quite the unique commentary on race, sexual orientation, and cultural relations. The best aspect of this fact is that the important themes Whitley is addressing sneak up on you subtly. The outrageous humor and dialogue make for a fun read that stays away from approaching the type of preaching atmosphere that can develop in books that take on such important themes. I really like how Whitley is communicating a message so beneficial through a work that’s so fun and accessible.

Jason Strutz’s artwork in this issue continues to delight the eyes with its uniqueness. There really isn’t any other comic book on the market that looks like Dagonet does. I was really glad to see the Faerie folk make a big comeback in panel time this issue. Visually, he does a great job bringing the Faerie to life. The strong earthy feel that he brings to his imagining of the Faerie folk is unique. Many times we’ve seen Faerie folk actualized as medieval type characters who are garbed in armor or dark fantasy robes (not that there’s anything wrong with that mind you). Strutz’s Earth and wood based Faeries are a welcome change visually.

Yes, The Order of Dagonet really does seem to be hitting its stride. The fact that we are just now seeing the partial uniting of the Knights with Merlin hopefully bodes well for the longevity of the story. Four issues in and we’re just now seeing the Knights assemble. It looks like Whitley has pretty engaging story to tell thematically and that it’s one that will take a while to unfold. Let’s hope so. 
 

 

Rating: 9 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12