Doom Patrol release and Speeding Bullet silent auction

School Board election is April 4 in Norman, OK

The Doom Patrol returns in this week’s “Unstoppable Doom Patrol” from the creative team of writer Dennis Culver and artist Chris Burnham. I’ve liked the work of both of these creators before, and they both seem to have a sensibility that’s appropriate for the somewhat zany, offbeat vibe of the Doom Patrol.

Unfortunately, this comic-book series begins just as the excellent television streaming series ends, but hopefully people who became familiar with the team through the HBO Max interpretation will find a lot to like here.

The team this time around has the classic membership of Robotman, Negative Man and Elasti-Woman, led by a woman they are calling the Chief. (Longtime fans will quickly figure out this character’s identity and relation to the team.) The team also features a feline Beast Girl.

Following the events of Lazarus Planet, many new metahumans have become shunned misfits. This Doom Patrol is out to aid those it can in this new paradigm. Classic Doom Patrol villains General Immortus, The Brain and Monsieur Mallah make appearances, adding to the oddity of “Doom Patrol” as a modern comic — an immortal soldier, a talking sentient ape, and another robot, sentient ape with an exposed brain make quite a trio.

Burnham provides a gritty level of detail to the art that makes the world feel both lived-in and off-kilter. Brian Reber provides colors that are garish enough for the world of the Doom Patrol, but controlled enough to integrate with Batman and the rest of the DC Universe. Pat Brosseau is the letterer, providing some interesting character-specific lettering choices that help reflect certain voices to the reader.

Overall a strong debut from the Dawn of DC, putting the Doom Patrol in a new setting with an important mission that isn’t just smash-the-bad-guys. I’m interested to see where it goes, and recommend giving this one a read.

Silent auction starts Wednesday

Speeding Bullet Comics is kicking off our (probably) final silent auction to raise funds for Annette's school board run today, Wednesday, March 29. We will end the auction at a special volunteer event at the store on Tuesday night, April 4.

You can see the items up for bid at the Speeding Bullet Comics Facebook page.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 and Annette Price, Speeding Bullet co-owner, is on the ballot for school board for Office #3 in Norman. More info at annetteforkids.com.

We will start our final silent auction at 10 a.m. March 29 and close all bids at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. We will celebrate our volunteers from the campaign at the shop from 7 p.m. until about 8 p.m. Tuesday. Make your bids this week and don't forget to vote!