Review – Alice Cooper #1 (Dynamite)

Publisher: Dynamite
Writer(s): Joe Harris
Artist(s): Eman Casallos
Release Date: 3rd September 2014

I have had the pleasure of seeing Alice Cooper twice, one with Twisted Sister, and again with Motorhead. Both times I was blown away by the stage presence of the man and the sheer encapsulated joy that everyone watching this master at work experienced. So when I heard that this book was coming out, I seemed like the logical choice for the review. Now, while I don’t want to say the book was flawless, it was definitely one for the fans. That being said, of you’re not an A.C. fan, then you obviously have no taste anyway. Heh.

The idea behind Joe Harris’ story, is that A.C. is in a contract with a lesser demon called Lucius Black, but is also the Lord of Nightmares (something of an analogue of Dream of the Endless) and is being made to do the demon’s dirty work by signing up new acts for him. While not a wholly original premise – ‘artist sells soul to devil’ – its well written enough and plays on what we already know of A.C. from the character he chooses to portray on stage.

The visual side of the comic is perfectly serviceable, with the character likeness being spot-on, and the background shots of the nightmare world being truly beautiful. For some reason though, I expected something a bit more grand, and maybe even Dave McKean like, but that might just be the Dream analogy coming through again. The tone of the book is spot on though, and Casallos’ demon work is fantastically grotesque. I’d love to see his take on some Mingnola designs!

While there is nothing wrong with it, the first issue just felt a bit too weird to me, which is why I can’t give it a perfect score. However, it does the job well enough of introducing us to this strange new take on a Rock God.

Rating: 3/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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