Doom Patrol may just be the strangest book on the stands—a high compliment, given the title’s lineage. Known best for an early-‘90s run from comics revolutionary Grant Morrison and artist Richard Case, the comic was a high-water mark for the offbeat and surreal, with subsequent iterations (aside from Rachel Pollack and Ted McKeever’s oft-forgotten run) falling far short of Morrison and Case’s groundbreaking oddity.
Writer, musician and curator of DC Comic’s Young Animal imprint Gerard Way has taken inspiration from Morrison and Pollack’s runs, not just in subject matter (welcome back, Flex Mentallo), but in pushing for the new and not resting on nostalgic laurels. Working alongside rising superstar artist Nick Derington, innovative colorist Tamra Bonvillain and award-winning letterer Todd Klein, Way has rebuilt the legacy of Doom Patrol brick by brick (as the first volume’s subtitle suggests). Robotman, Negative Man, Crazy Jane, Danny and the rest of the gang are back, with brand-new creations like Casey Brinke and Terry None carrying Doom Patrol into a rainbow-hued new era. The comic revolves around a ragtag group of cosmic misfits (including a sentient street/cabana/ambulance) who keep hope alive through multiple dimensions and timelines, battling intergalactic fast food chains and alternate versions of themselves.
With the first volume, collecting issues #1 through #6, fresh on shelves and the next story arc kicking off at the end of July, Paste invited Way to break down five of his favorite moments from the initial arc. Check out his selections and commentary above—and feel free to crank up these jams while you do so.
1 of 5
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The Appearance of Terry None in #1
"There were lots of big surprises and stunning introductions in the debut
issue of the new series, but none was more memorable than Terry None's
explosive tap dancing. Joyous, loud and messy."
Doom Patrol Vol. 1 Interior Art by Nick Derington & Tamra Bonvillain
2 of 5
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Cliff Waking Up and Attacking the Vectra in #2
"Our first time seeing Robotman really do what Robotman does best: knock
the bad guys for a loop."
Doom Patrol Vol. 1 Interior Art by Nick Derington & Tamra Bonvillain
3 of 5
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Casey Discovers Her Secret History in Danny Comics in #3
"Our newest Patrol member Casey Brinke had no idea of her comics legacy,
but when Danny opens up the world to her, we see her through the pages of
some of the industry's most iconic moments."
Doom Patrol Vol. 1 Interior Art by Nick Derington & Tamra Bonvillain
4 of 5
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The Racing Ambulances at the Start of #6
"What's not to love about two sentient ambulances and a pair of evil twins
racing through space, leaving rainbow trails behind them?"
Doom Patrol Vol. 1 Interior Art by Nick Derington & Tamra Bonvillain
5 of 5
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Jane Reappears on the Last Page of #5
"A fan-favorite character, Jane truly reveals herself to be 'the bomb.'"
Doom Patrol Vol. 1 Interior Art by Nick Derington & Tamra Bonvillain