Review- The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives #1: A Haunting Return
Review by Nolan P. Smith
(Victor Valley)—In 2014, Valiant Entertainment brought the world a different kind of a hero in the form of Doctor Mirage, or should I say Doctor Mirages. Shan and her husband Hwen trekked the world for adventure, for communicating with the spirits around us- until Hwen died far too young. This left Shan to do the unthinkable and bring the spirit of her husband back- but how is life when you’re beloved is an intangible spirit? Welcome to where Second Lives kicks off.
The creative team from the last year’s series is back, as writer Jen Van Meter (Hopeless Savages) and artist Roberto de la Torre (Daredevil) bring us back into the world of the occult in the Valiant Universe. Shan has brought her husband back, but only she can see him- and he is completely intangible. The duo are working on finding a scroll that Hwen was researching before he died, one that could help their dilemma. But in doing so, they may have unleashed something darker than they could have ever imagined.
Van Meter crafts an amazing tale steeped deep into the occult- I love the scene with all the souls wandering around, making Hwen not the odd man out once again. It boils down to, ultimately, to a love story so strong, that Shan literally beat death for her husband. But can love overcome the barrier of death? De la Torre’s artwork has a classic comic book feel to it, much like the great Bill Sienkiewicz, and for this series, it’s a great match. Besides the previous series Shadowman, this is the only Valiant book that takes on the spirit world, and does so amazingly. A fantastic start to the second Doctor Mirage series, this is a must buy for fans of the supernatural.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
This review was created in conjunction with QBC Toys and More, a local comic book and collectible shop located in Victorville, CA. Featuring new comic books every week, collectibles, action figures, original artwork, and more, QBC has something for the pop culture lover in us all. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QBCToysandMore/.
