Today, Shelby and Taylor are discussing Legenderry: A Steampunk Adventure 1, originally released December 31st, 2013.

Shelby:

We’ve got a steampunk revolution/We’re tired of all your so-called evolution
We’ve darted back to 1886/Don’t ask us why; that’s how we get our kicks

Out with the new/In with the old

Abney Park, Steampunk Revolution

It’s really no surprise Taylor and I get to write about this first issue of Legenderry, as we are both rabid fans of the steampunk subculture. I think we both not-so-secretly desire to walk around every day in bowlers and bowties for him, corsets and granny boots for me, and goggles for everyone. I’ve never really thought about why I like the genre so much, though. I’ve taken the same approach as the steampunk band Abney Park; I don’t know why I like it, I just know I like it. Maybe my “out with the new, in with the old” attitude deserves a closer look as we embark on this steampunk adventure.

Hold on to your brass grommets and tiny top hats, because we’re off to the Scarlet Club, owned by none other than Vampirella — er, the Madam Pendragon. She’s tolerating some douchey flirting from Brit Reid, aka Green Hornet, when a red-headed woman bursts in, pursued by masked men intent on killing her. Vampirella doesn’t take kindly to that sort of behavior in her place, and she lets the intruders know.

The mysterious red-head is Magna Spadarossa, and she’s worried about her sister Sonja; she went abroad to study nearly a year ago, and mysteriously disappeared. When Magna began to enquire after her sister, the mysterious masked men showed up. Brit and Vampirella decide to look further into the whole situation while some more mysterious men meet up to discuss the problem.

So, what is it about the steampunk genre that I find so appealing? Is it the blending of the genteel Victorian culture with the gritty, steam-powered science? The lace-over-leather style is both aesthetically pleasing as well as a great description of my favorite kind of character, especially female character. I love when women can be feminine and pretty as well as tough as nails, and with Vampirella and (eventually, I hope) Red Sonja making up half this legendary steampunk adventure, I suspect that is exactly what we are going to get. Bill Buckingham wastes no time in setting up both the genteel and gritty sides of steampunk, what with the elegant nightclub and the evil henchmen clones rendered limb from limb and all.  Artist Sergio Davila also wastes no time in setting the mood. We’re treated to a beautiful spread of the nightclub, complete with goggles, gears, and a steam-powered upright bass.

This is really what I’m excited for with this title: the overall design elements. The plot so far seems pretty standard, mysterious men and their mysterious dealings in the night, but I can’t wait to see Brit as a steampunk Green Hornet. Will steampunk Red Sonja have some sort of allusions to the chain mail bikini in her design? I trust Willingham to give us a fun story, but at this point it’s the design aspect I’m most looking forward to.

It’s not easy for me to talk about this book just yet. First off, we’re only one issue in, so there’s not a whole lot to speak to yet. Secondly, the story of this book could be complete nonsense, and I probably would still be oohing and ahhing over Davila’s steampunk interpretation of Vampirella’s sling suit. Personally, I much prefer the corset and tiny little shrug jacket, but that’s just me. What about you, young Master Anderson? Did reading this issue make you feel like attaching watch cogs and bits of brass to everything you own? Do you want to get together sometime soon to start working on steampunk costumes for this year’s Ren Faire?

Taylor: Well, Shelby, I always feel like attaching cogs and brass to my clothing, so this issue did nothing to change that feeling, save maybe intensify it even more. Indeed, I always enjoy seeing things bedecked in the metal and steam-derived mechanisms, so aesthetically I found this issue very pleasing. I’m glad that Reid has a clear understanding of what goes into the design of a steampunk universe. Sure, there’s the aforementioned traits Shelby and I already mentioned, but another major calling card of the steampunk universe is guns. Of course the guns need to be stylish, for no simple glock-9 will do for a Zeppelin pilot, but more importantly is the fact that everyone owns one  and keeps it on their body at all times. This aspect of the steampunk world is on clear display when the masked men burst into the Scarlet Club.

You see those guys in red coats? They’re waiters. Waiters with guns. Why do the waiters have guns? Because the exist in a steampunk world and “that’s how they get their kicks.” And by kicks, in this case, I mean they ensure their own survival. Now, one of the most appealing aspects of a steampunk world is that it’s dangerous and full of adventure, therefore guns are required in the way we now depend on our phones. (One could also argue the world is dangerous precisely because everyone owns guns as well). By adding the detail of armed waiters to this panel, Reid has established the kind of world we’re entering when we read this comic and it’s one I’m intrigued in if only on the surface at this point.

I do have some hesitations about giving this title my full enthusiasm just yet, however. As you alluded to Shelby, the plot of this issue isn’t terribly original. I would go so far as to say it borders on trite in some aspects. While I don’t mind a feeling damsel being rescued at all, I did have find myself irked by this damsel’s back story. Magna’s investigation of her sisters disappearance isn’t unique and it become troublesome when she threatens bookkeepers by grabbing them by the collar. It’s dramatic, sure. But would anyone actually act in such a way? Why become so confrontational? Later she is assailed by a mysterious figure who tells her to give up her hunt. Again, this is predictable, and sadly Reid’s design of the character is pretty bland.

 This guy looks similar to about 10,000 other villains who have ever existed and its unfortunate that Reid didn’t take advantage of the rich steampunk universe to draw a more memorable character. How about a metal arm or a clock for an eye? It’s a missed chance by hopefully Reid will fair better in the future, which is basically the sentiment I have about this issue as a whole. It has some promising aspects but nothing here is extraordinary. However, given the steampunk setting and the clear understanding the creators of this series have of that ideal, I’ll b interested to see where it goes next.

For a complete list of what we’re reading, head on over to our Pull List page.  Whenever possible, buy your comics from your local mom and pop comic bookstore.  If you want to rock digital copies, head on over to DC’s website and download issues there.  There’s no need to pirate, right?