‘Dresden Files: Down Town’ #1 Comic Review

Albeit simple and at times predictable, Dresden Files: Down Town #1 is a fun read that follows Harry Dresden (the sorcerer/private investigator protagonist of creator Jim Butcher’s series of novels, which share the name) as he and his protégé, Molly, work with the Chicago Police Department to solve a rather gruesome and mystical murder.

The characters generally have their own voices and function well together on a page, with a natural chemistry that probably comes from having existed across multiple Dresden mini-series; they have some history. On that note, while a bit exposition-heavy, co-writers Jim Butcher (who created the character) and Mark Powers do a good job filling in the blanks for readers who are new to the series. The dialog between all the characters is natural, with banter that could even be referred to as “Whedon-esque” at times–hardly a negative.

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From a storytelling standpoint, which, aesthetics aside, is the most important visual aspect of a comic, the art is functional and consistent but not without its shortcomings. Having handled a previous Dresden Files series for Dynamite, artist Carlos Gomez has a solid grip on the main character. However, he has a tendency to default to the archetypal “pretty woman” face, which makes it difficult to discern between his female characters when they’re in the same panel.

Reminiscent of a less clean Joe Madureira-esque, animated look, Gomez’s linework has a lot of motion and excitement to it, and, despite a lack of unique facial features, his command of facial expressions is enjoyable. The book has kind of a late ’90s throwback look, which will resonate with fans nostalgic with the era of chiseled-jawed, stubbled men and exaggeratedly hour-glass-shaped women. It’s a matter of personal aesthetic taste, but it feels like an oddly appropriate style for the book.

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There are some grating issues with the book, however. The most glaring of these are the lazy, stereotypical choices in Molly’s design that seem to reduce the presence of this character as she prepares for a major role in the story. Sure, Molly is clearly supposed to read as an edgy, young, punkish character, but that doesn’t necessarily mean her aesthetic has to succumb to fanboyish clichés like her midriff-baring tank top and tribal tattoos. These sorts of things are fine when they serve the character, but in this case they just feel like canned design choices. On the contrary, more specific tattoos and a more compelling (and varied) wardrobe could’ve given the character her own identity. Surely, Molly doesn’t wear the same tank top every day. However, she’s seen wearing the same outfit throughout a story that clearly takes place across multiple days.

Another gripe about the comic is, the last page doesn’t feel like a last page; rather than leaving the reader wanting more, it leaves them with a feeling of, “That’s it? I expected more.” Mind, this isn’t purely a visual failing. There’s no satisfying build to a cliffhanger to propel the story forward into the next issue. Instead, the final page just feels like the page that should come before the next page, which is really a letdown after such strong pacing throughout the rest of the issue.

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All of that said, with an easy to follow premise and a well set up “jumping on” point, Dresden Files: Down Town reads like an airport crime novel, and that’s not necessarily a put down or a turn off here. Some comics, like many movies or television shows, are meant to be fun, predictable, and easily digested. Dresden falls under that category. Again, the book isn’t revolutionizing the landscape of comics plot-wise, but that doesn’t seem to be the point here. It’s a high-concept, hard-boiled “whodunnit” mystery, shrouded in the occult, and it’s a fun read despite some pitfalls.

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