Comic Info
Comic Name: Doc Savage (Limited Series)
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Dennis O’Neil
Artist: Andy Kubert/Adam Kubert
# of Issues: 4
Release Date: 2009
Doc Savage #3 (Limited Series)
Reprints Doc Savage (Limited Series) #1-4 (November 1987-Feburary 1988). As World War II ends, Doc Savage finds his direction and focus is changing. With Nazis still in hiding, Doc Savage goes on one final mission to the jungles of Central America where in a mysterious silver pyramid, Doc Savage’s adventures end. Now, years have passed. His Doc Savage’s son faces a tumultuous past and now his grandson Chip is coming to terms with his grandfather’s actions…but the escape of the man who killed Doc Savage means action must be taken!
Written by Dennis O’Neil, Doc Savage: The Silver Pyramid is a DC Comics adventure fantasy comic book collection. It is a licensed book based on the character created by Henry W. Ralston, John L. Nanovic, and Lester Dent for the Doc Savage Magazine #1 (March 1933). The collection features art by Andy and Adam Kubert.
Doc Savage has been a strange character. The rights to the character have bounced around all over the comic book world and there always a question what to do with him. The 1930s and 1940s adventure/Nazi fighter sometimes has limited appeal but the character doesn’t always work in the “modern times”. In this volume, O’Neil tries to have both ways by having the book start in the classic Doc Savage time period, but allows the passage of time to bring Doc Savage to the modern day.
Doc Savage #4 (Limited Series)
O’Neil does this through a rather trite time-travel gimmick, but the interesting thing about the passage of time is that Doc Savage’s family and friends carry on in a world without him. Doc Savage’s son (also named Clark Savage) has a tragic end because of his family name and what is expected of him. Savage’s grandson Chip has a completely different perspective on fighting and world as a result of his father and grandfather and this leads a clash of cultures when his grandfather returns. It is an interesting solution and a means to modernize the character.
The art for the series is also strong with Andy and Adam Kubert. This also feels appropriate due to the father/son tie, and the series is really the type of series that Joe Kubert would have eaten up. The art is solid and has a classic feel to it which is appropriate for the character.
Doc Savage: The Silver Pyramid is a quick read. It does feel a bit more drawn out than other four issue series, but it still can be pounded out in a short sitting. Fans of the character will like how the character is modernized while sticking to its roots and the series shows potential with Doc Savage not only having to navigate a new world but regain his name and fame. The series also serves as a start for a continuing DC Doc Savage series which ran for twenty-four issues from 1988 to 1990.
