Domino Annual #1 // Review
A good place for new readers to jump into the series and for current readers to get new perspectives on the character, Domino Annual #1 contains 5 mini-stories by different creative teams exploring Domino’s adventures outside of the main storyline from the first arc.
The issue uses a framing device in a story called “Saturdays are for the Body Count,” where present-day Domino reflects on some of the stories from her past while she carries out a mission. This device carries through between each mini-story, helping to tie everything together. The creative team for “Saturdays,” includes Leah Williams as the writer, Michael Shelfer as the artist, Jesus Aburtove as the colorist, and VC’s Clayton Cowles as the letterer.
The first story is “Dead Drunk in Dry Gulch,” written by series writer Gail Simone, with art by Victor Ibáñez, colors by Jay David Ramos, and lettering by VC’s Clayton Cowles. This story follows Domino and Diamondback during their first encounter with Outlaw, and feels the most authentic to the main storyline both because it has the same creative team, and also because it includes characters referenced in the main series.
In “The Good Fight,” Cable reminisces about his time spent with Domino. The story is written by Fabian Nicieza with art by Juan Gedeon, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and lettering by VC’s Clayton Cowles. Domino does not feel like the central character in this story, showing up briefly at the beginning before the story shifts to Cable. This feels like the odd one out with the rest of the collection due to the very different art style and the way the story was told.
The third story, Rebound, takes a break for a romantic blast from Domino’s past. Exploring the brief fling between Domino and Colossus, this story is written by Dennis Hopeless, with Leonard Kirk as the artist, Jesus Aburtove as the colorist, and VC’s Clayton Cowles as the letterer. At first it appears to be a lighthearted romantic comedy, and it mostly fits this part, but there is a bit of angst while Domino questions her intentions with Colossus.
The last story, “Domino & The Rejex,” follows Domino to a mutant support group she created as a place for mutants to learn to love who they are. This story is written by Leah Williams, with art by Natacha Bustos, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It’s a heartwarming tale, giving a glimpse into who Domino is when she’s not fighting crime.
While reading the annual is not essential to keeping up with the main storyline--the only references to the ongoing series are Diamondback and Outlaw--it is still worth a read. These mini-stories help give more characterization to Domino, and offer readers a chance to see multiple creative teams’ interpretations of the character.
