Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Artist: Fernando Parasin / DC Comics
The Dog Knight
Some of the best single issues of 2017 came out of the DC Comics/Looney Toons crossover event. I would go so far to say that a story involving Batman and Elmer Fudd could actually be considered one of the greatest stand-alone stories in the DC universe. I was initially apprehensive about the event; however, I was proven wrong time and time again. So when DC announced a crossover with Hanna-Barbera characters, I simply nodded and thought “this could only be fun.” And Super Sons / Dynomutt and the Blue Falcon was that and a little more.
If you’re not familiar with Dynomutt and the Blue Falcon, Tomasi gives a very succinct origin story that catches you up on the basics fairly quickly. Radley Crowne was a technological genius in Big City (thirty-five miles upstate from Gotham) who, on his 12th birthday, got a dog from his parents. His parents were murdered, and he went the way of vigilante superhero except his dog was cybernetically enhanced to become his sidekick. And if you’re thinking that he and Bruce Wayne would get along, you’re right on the money because as Damian explains, Blue Falcon and Batman are in fact associates.
The Super Sons perspective of the story begins with Jon being physically uncomfortable at the funeral of one of his parents’ mentors at the Daily Planet before quickly becoming involved with Damian’s latest adventure. They run into a bruised Dynomutt, who wastes no time telling the duo that something is wrong with Blue Falcon after a run in with the Red Vulture.
What follows is your typical romp through the city that seamlessly weaves Blue Falcon and other Hanna-Barbera heroes into the DC universe, and gives Jon and Damian enough mystery and action to flex their muscles. Parasin’s artwork thrives when it deals with the heavy science fiction of Blue Falcon and Dynomutt’s characters, while also nailing the Super Sons’ body language.
It’s a solid crossover. It’s a fun little one-off and any excuse to let Tomasi flex his skills writing Superboy and Robin is always welcomed. It’s a fitting tribute to Dynomutt and Blue Falcon, and it’s worth the pick up if you’re a fan of any of the characters involved.
8.2 “Good Boy Wonders” out of 10
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