Dazzler #1: Pop, pop, fizzle…

It’s finally here! The Songbird Supreme! The Dazzling Disco Diva has launched her WORLD TOUR in the ashes of the Krakoan era! Will the Lightengale be a Madonna juggernaut, or will it end tragically like J.Lo’s latest endeavor? Dazzler #1 by Jason Loo and Rafael Loureiro sees Alison Blaire as she headlines her new world tour in the ashes of Krakoa. Public opinion on mutants is shaky, tenuous at best, but her popularity seems to be at an all-time high. What will the reviewers say?

As stated it’s a new day in the world, Krakoa is no more. The mutants, especially the X-Men, are scattered to the winds, strangers in every town they’re in, so Dazzler kicking off a tour seems like the last thing that should happen. So of course that’s exactly what Ali does. But she’s not alone. Her road crew includes Wind Dancer as her stage manager, Domino as her head of security, Shark Girl on drums, and Strong Guy and Multiple Man as… roadies? They are indeed a motley crew, and Loo’s voices for the cast is light, even when Dazzler gets into a battle with Scorpia while singing her first set (in a nice nod to continuity, the song is about her brief tryst with Angel back in 1982’s Dazzler #17). It’s a nice splash of color, allowing an action scene for a comic that should be light on, but this is American superhero comics. There’s always a fight scene.

Loo’s main narrative for this is being out, and proud, with the story being an allegory for the LGBTQ+ community, who are also under fire in American politics. You can see it in the discussion with Sofia at the beginning of the issue, where she’s telling Dazzler she shouldn’t use her powers while on tour, or having Shark Girl use an image inducer while on stage, hiding her very visible physical mutation. It just reeks of internalized homophobia. It’s definitely an interesting topic to deal with a character who has become a pop icon to the real LGBTQ+ world.

Loo’s approach when dealing with it is very heavy handed, and blunt. Whether it’s Dazzler actually saying out and proud, to the concert reviewers claiming her “mutant agenda is turning off her human fans.” Something that I’ve noticed attached to real life entertainers who have come under fire after they’ve spoken up against a political candidate. Loo’s handling of the cast seems off, especially with regard to Wind Dancer. Her previous characterization of one of the very proud mutants from her class, so to see her internalized mutant phobia smells kinda fishy. I understand there’s a need for a character like that, but I think you’d be better pressed to cast a different character for the role.

Rafael Loureiro is a relative unknown to me, and this issue is my introduction to his work, and he’s given us a very serviceable effort here. Most of the issue is a bunch of talking heads, but when the action hits, he gives us a ride. The characters are using the attack on the stage as a part of the show, so there’s lots of flips and kicks, and twirling. Bright flashy effects from Dazzler using her powers, to Scorpia’s attack while Ali’s on stage. Big bombastic moments. While a little weak, especially compared to the artists attached to the Storm and Phoenix solos. There’s talent here, but just not bold enough for a mutant disco singer who create light from the music around her.