Sideways #3 Review
As DC’s ‘New Age of Superheroes’ imprint continues, Sideways stands in contention for best title from this new line of books. With Kenneth Rocafort on art as well as Dan DiDio and Justin Jordan on dialogue, this series manages to have a lot of fun, bringing smiles to reader's faces with each new issue. Sideways is a light hearted tale of an up-and-coming teenage hero, following the events of Dark Knights Metal.
While the art stands head-and-shoulders above most books on the shelves currently, the strongest quality of this series is by far the way each issue can be picked up without necessarily reading the past issues. Not to say that each issue are stand-alone, but more so about the strengths of the writing being able to bring new readers to speed without holding back continuing readers. “Every issue is somebody's first comic.”
This installment also does an excellent job of developing the titular hero further, along with his powers, while managing to tie directly into current DC continuity. Having the villain’s origin tie in with the first arc of the current run of “The Flash” was great attention to detail, bringing everything even closer together.
Kenneth Rocafort is by far the most appealing aspect to this title, with his beautiful pencils. The sheer detail in his line work immediately sets him apart from the rest, while invoking the signature look he has come to be known for. Even down to the typically blank borders surrounding each page, Rocafort has chosen to add more of his signature look, giving each issue an extra amount of care. Rocafort’s absence solicited in a future issues has readers concerned over potentially losing the look ‘Sideways’ has now become synonymous with.
Daniel Brown once again brings 'Sideways’ to life with his exuberant colors. Brown seriously shines brightest in the high action scenes between Sideways and Killspeed, the new rogue speedster, with his vibrant, unconventional color palette.
‘Sideways’ never takes itself too seriously, even down to the comedic editor notes, pulsating with non-stop fun throughout. The last few pages of the issue bring old and new readers up to speed on everything Sideways has gone through until now, even speaking directly to the reader while doing so, further displaying what readers still have to look forward to as the series continues.
