Doberman #3 Review
Publisher: Darby Pop / IDW
Written by: Scott Marder, Rob Rosell & Jack Lambert
Art by: Brandon McKinney
Colours by: Zac Atkinson
Review by Patrick McAleer
The great thing about this series from Darby Pop and IDW is that it’ll scratch an itch most of you didn’t even know you had. That ‘itch’ being a pining for quality action/cop movies that were such a staple of the 80’s. With it’s tongue firmly rooted in it’s cheek, Doberman charts the tale of one Frank ‘Doberman’ Doberano, a relic of the 80’s style of law enforcement. Mullet? Check. 3 day stubble? Check. Mirrored sunglasses? Check. Doberman is only recently returned to Los Angeles after disappearing for years (into the woods) following the death of his partner Hawk.
This third issue sees Frank inch ever closer to taking down his arch enemy, Jesper Kane, the man who killed his partner. The writing team of Scott Marder, Rob Rosell and Jack Lambert have managed to create quite a memorable leading man in Frank Doberano. Equal parts Stallone’s Marion Cobretti and Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs, Doberman is the kind of cop who’ll get things done, but not in the most appropriate or indeed legal way.
Featuring excellent art from Brandon McKinney and colours from Zac Atkinson, including a superlative 80’s-esque montage showing (among other things) our titular hero eating steak and doing weights as he attempts to crack the case. With a story that includes a Commissioner named Nakatomi and a department shrink as a verbal sparring partner, you can see where this love letter to the 80’s draws it’s inspiration from.
Frank Doberano might not fit in the politically correct world we live in today, but goddamn he’s got great hair. Do yourself a favour and pull open a cold one as you settle down to read this pull-list worthy gem of throwback goodness.
Story 4/5
Art 4.5/5
Colours 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
Patrick is a contributing writer for Drunk On Comics. You can follow him on Twitter at @RepStones.