Domino #7 // Review
Domino issue 7 begins an all-new arc, “Soldier of Fortune,” as Domino and her crew move on from the conflict with villians Topaz and Prototype to take on bigger, badder foes. This new arc continues with the creative team of Gail Simone as writer, art by David Baldeón, Jesus Aburtov as colorist, and letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles.
Domino wants nothing more than some downtime and to make some money on her riverboat casino, The Painted Lady. Unfortunately, she does not get the chance, because she is hired by a Wakandan noble to track down a stolen box that presumably holds something very valuable. It sounds like an easy enough job to make some quick cash, but things don’t quite work out that way. Almost immediately after tracking their target to Norway, Domino, Diamondback, and Outlaw are attacked by a vampiric bridal party, and they find out what’s really in the box they’ve been sent to find.
The story feels a little bit stalled at first, because most of the action does not happen until the last third of the issue. Simone focuses on setting the scene for the new conflict, as well as character development. This character development is the best part of the writing this issue. The personalities of Domino, Diamondback, and Outlaw are becoming more distinguishable from each other, making their interactions more enjoyable to read.
Baldeón draws Domino and company in multiple outfits, including casual clothes, pajamas, and the cold weather versions of their super suits. While it is not essential to the plot, it was a fun detail to include and made things feel more realistic- what superhero would wear the same suit all the time? With wider shots, a bit of the details for individual characters is lost, but the other scenes are focused and detailed.
Aburtov’s keeps the color schemes for each character consistent over their outfit changes- Domino in black and teal, Diamondback in white and purple, and Outlaw in denim and buckskin. This is a small detail, but it helps give each character their own distinct look. Aburtov also keeps the snowy background engaging by using various shades of blue and grey to break up the monotony. The same technique keeps the scenery interesting in the forest fight scenes.
While the action does not truly start until near the end of the issue, it is still an interesting read because of the development that happens, as well as the art. When the action does finally get started, it is exciting and fast-paced, and, of course, ends with an unanswered question, likely leaving readers antsy for the next issue. So far, each issue in the series has improved, and this will hopefully continue so that Domino can become one of the mainstays of Marvel’s lineup.
