Doctor Mirage #1 - discussion

[BugsySig]

Thought this was an excellent issue. I found the background of March, whether true or not, was very interesting. Shan is also immediately a very fleshed out character. A really great first issue.

Also, please take note past/future writers of Eternal Warrior and Shadowman how easily a good writer can reconcile small bits of continuity from different writers. A quick line about Mirage's "work clothes" being warded by Hwen explains why she wears this ridiculous outfit around all the time.

[bygranddesign]

Thought this was an excellent issue. I found the background of March, whether true or not, was very interesting. Shan is also immediately a very fleshed out character. A really great first issue.

Also, please take note past/future writers of Eternal Warrior and Shadowman how easily a good writer can reconcile small bits of continuity from different writers. A quick line about Mirage's "work clothes" being warded by Hwen explains why she wears this ridiculous outfit around all the time.

Yep agree all around .. especially about the outfit. Very smart move by JVM.

Now its very understandable why she wears it everywhere .. and perhaps only takes it off when she is in her house which is also warded to protect her.

(i also like the subtle touch of her talking to the house .. saying its just her .. makes you think what the house would do to you if you are an UNWELCOME visitor)

[Spylocke]

The costume made by Hwen cements my old theory that Miarage's dead love was a latex fetishist.

The look and feel of this issue is how I wished Shadowman turned out.
It did a wonderful job of entertaining as well as making me want more. I laughed out loud at Shan's line about "her people" being of mixed race and from Berkely. I was excited to hear Jan Van Meter was writing this and I was not disappointed. After one read of one issue I'm already set for her to write a Dr. Mirage ongoing.

[hunter_peterson]

The costume made by Hwen cements my old theory that Miarage's dead love was a latex fetishist.

The look and feel of this issue is how I wished Shadowman turned out.
It did a wonderful job of entertaining as well as making me want more. I laughed out loud at Shan's line about "her people" being of mixed race and from Berkely. I was excited to hear Jan Van Meter was writing this and I was not disappointed. After one read of one issue I'm already set for her to write a Dr. Mirage ongoing.

I think he used that because it can be worn under other clothes, but also works for her previous on-stage psychic job AND for private consults kind of makes her seem a lot more "in character" as the woman who will deal with your paranormal stuff.

This book was one of the best issues of the year, not just at Valiant. I got a real Hellboy vibe from it, which is perfect, and she's already a fantastic character. Make it ongoing, Dino!

[hunter_peterson]

Also, I just read the parts of the bonus material that Valiant has on their website... so awesome! I really hope that we see more of March as Agent Black and hope that the Aquamancer tease was real. That could be very interesting...

[jmatt]

DDDM...? I'm going with "3DM"...

I was thinking Double-D DM.

I agree with most comments here and don't have much to add. Although nobody mentioned that she was being spied on as she met Linton at the front door. You can see a character recording it on a phone and presumably (from the look of it) sending the footage to someone else.

[David_Cody]

If someone hasn't even READ the comic, why do they feel the need comment on it?
I'm not being the least bit being fictitious.

Go out, buy the comic, read the damn thing, come back and state an opinion.

But commenting on a comic you haven't BOUGHT/RIDDEN yet, seems lame at -best-

Some of us don't have the same opinion, but at least we READ the damn comic, which you clearly...have not.

[hawkeyeps]

Well I'm glad I waited, I got the whole package today and thought it was excellent.

The plus material was very good, the Black Mask of Justice is kind of a jerk. He berates his Sherpa and says thanks for serving the USA while the poor guy is getting mauled by a Yeti.

All though there is no map I have a feeling we will be checking back with that codex.

I had high expectations for this book and they were exceeded, I would put this with Shadowman #0 and #10 as what this corner of the universe should be like.

I also think it will be a great book to hook new readers, it seemed like a very accessible first issue.

[pixierosa]

I agree with most comments here and don't have much to add. Although nobody mentioned that she was being spied on as she met Linton at the front door. You can see a character recording it on a phone and presumably (from the look of it) sending the footage to someone else.

I noticed that, too. The idea that someone else wants the artifacts ties in nicely with the Plus edition story of March and the race to collect artifacts.

For those that read the Plus edition, look at the annotated notes in the professional directory. One of her peers, Vester, has "W.H.O. NOW?" by his name. What organization do you think this is? If it's worth taking a note on, is it a questionable group? Also noticed that "mass rites" is highlighted each time. Could be a clue, could just mean that Shan or Hwen was keeping tabs on members who do rites.

[Spylocke]

I think he used that because it can be worn under other clothes, but also works for her previous on-stage psychic job AND for private consults kind of makes her seem a lot more "in character" as the woman who will deal with your paranormal stuff.

Sounds like a good rationalization from a fetishist to me. "I need you to wear this super tight outfit...for, you know...paranormal stuff. Oh and if you zip it up all the way it loses power."

Since I didn't manage to snag a Plus edition could someone tell me what I missed? How hard should I be kicking myself for forgetting to ask for it?

[hawkeyeps]

I agree with most comments here and don't have much to add. Although nobody mentioned that she was being spied on as she met Linton at the front door. You can see a character recording it on a phone and presumably (from the look of it) sending the footage to someone else.

I noticed that, too. The idea that someone else wants the artifacts ties in nicely with the Plus edition story of March and the race to collect artifacts.

For those that read the Plus edition, look at the annotated notes in the professional directory. One of her peers, Vester, has "W.H.O. NOW?" by his name. What organization do you think this is? If it's worth taking a note on, is it a questionable group? Also noticed that "mass rites" is highlighted each time. Could be a clue, could just mean that Shan or Hwen was keeping tabs on members who do rites.

Yep, those two pages were great her business card and notes. Call this guy, their dead now...etc. Loved it! This is "world outside your window" stuff.

Really really good plus material glad I waited, I read the issue straight through then the plus material and that was the best.

[BugsySig]

I agree with most comments here and don't have much to add. Although nobody mentioned that she was being spied on as she met Linton at the front door. You can see a character recording it on a phone and presumably (from the look of it) sending the footage to someone else.

I noticed that, too. The idea that someone else wants the artifacts ties in nicely with the Plus edition story of March and the race to collect artifacts.

For those that read the Plus edition, look at the annotated notes in the professional directory. One of her peers, Vester, has "W.H.O. NOW?" by his name. What organization do you think this is? If it's worth taking a note on, is it a questionable group? Also noticed that "mass rites" is highlighted each time. Could be a clue, could just mean that Shan or Hwen was keeping tabs on members who do rites.

Yep, those two pages were great her business card and notes. Call this guy, their dead now...etc. Loved it! This is "world outside your window" stuff.

Really really good plus material glad I waited, I read the issue straight through then the plus material and that was the best.

These Plus Editions have been great, but I really hope they reconsider and put the extra material at least in the Hardcover collections.

[lorddunlow]

Wow. This book was so great. Art was phenomenal. It was an incredibly meaty read. Lots of setup and exposition that didn't feel dry. Enough action and mystery to hook me for another issue.

I agree with the sentiment that the worst thing about this series is that it is only a miniseries.

[greg]

One of her peers, Vester, has "W.H.O. NOW?" by his name. What organization do you think this is?

Do you think it's "the" W.H.O.?
http://www.who.int/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BugsySig]

One of her peers, Vester, has "W.H.O. NOW?" by his name. What organization do you think this is?

Do you think it's "the" W.H.O.?
http://www.who.int/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That was my first thought.

[jmatt]

WHO usually refers to the World Health Organization, a branch of the UN.

[KXXX]

If someone hasn't even READ the comic, why do they feel the need comment on it?
I'm not being the least bit being fictitious.

Go out, buy the comic, read the damn thing, come back and state an opinion.

But commenting on a comic you haven't BOUGHT/RIDDEN yet, seems lame at -best-

Some of us don't have the same opinion, but at least we READ the damn comic, which you clearly...have not.

Who are you even talking to?

Also, I've never ridden a comic book.

[lorddunlow]

Who are you even talking to?

I was wondering this as well.

Also, I've never ridden a comic book.

Well then, sir, you have not lived...

[greg]

Also, I've never ridden a comic book.

Well then, sir, you have not lived...

But enough about Lorddunlow and his Zenescope collection...

[KXXX]

[lorddunlow]

Also, I've never ridden a comic book.

Well then, sir, you have not lived...

But enough about Lorddunlow and his Zenescope collection...

[riprap]

I really liked this book. I never read the original Valiant series, and didn't know what to expect! Shan was a strong character, with some interesting backstory! I liked the small bit with her and the house! Is Shadowman over? This should be the focus book for the Valiant world of the occult. The writer is setting up an interesting story, and it had a great last panel!

[String]

My first real exposure to anything related to Mirage, this was a solid opening issue. The mood was somber and dark, the characterizations were strong and engaging, the art was a perfect fit, and the story was moving, leaving me wanting to read the next issue. Very well done.

Question though, I tend to notice little things and wonder if they have a hidden meaning (or not) but in the panels where Shan is discussing taking the job with Leo, on the wall behind Shan is what appears to be a very clear discernible Japanese kanji. Anyone notice that or maybe even know what it might mean?

[Kizmitsun]

So the basic comic story is great. My comic store is getting me the plus sedition of the book. Yes! The story makes you want so much more then the book gives you. I want SO much more of the personal reasons for why she does not want to do what she does or why she is drawn to what she can do. I want more so much more! Please valiant give me more story!

[kjjohanson]

If someone hasn't even READ the comic, why do they feel the need comment on it?
I'm not being the least bit being fictitious.

Go out, buy the comic, read the damn thing, come back and state an opinion.

But commenting on a comic you haven't BOUGHT/RIDDEN yet, seems lame at -best-

Some of us don't have the same opinion, but at least we READ the damn comic, which you clearly...have not.

Who are you even talking to?

Also, I've never ridden a comic book.

Comic books are great vehicles for entertainment and art. They are not great vehicles for transportation. In this respect The Death Defying Doctor Mirage is not exceptional.