DC’s been trying out some new characters recently, and the one I enjoy most from The New Age of Heroes is Sideways. The process of blending these heroes in with the “regular” DC Universe has begun, and this book has a “super” cameo along the way.

SIDEWAYS #9

Writer: Dan Didio
Artist: Max Raynor
Colors: Daniel Brown
Published by: DC
Cover price: $2.99
Release Date: October 17, 2018

SOLICITATION: Everything’s going sideways for Sideways in the pages of Sideways-and that means trouble for our titular hero. Trapped in the Dark Multiverse with no escape, Derek James comes face to face with this world’s ruler, Perrus. A so-called benevolent dictator, Perrus rules his world with an iron fist and forces its citizens into slavery, so Sideways decides it’s time for a revolt. The revolution proves unsuccessful, but it leads Sideways to a “super” discovery that could save this world and himself.

ALL THIS AND A FOIL COVER, TOO!

Right off the bat, I have to say that I enjoyed the foil cover! Shades of blue and grey along with a white background made it sparkle! More of this kind of thing, please!

As a series, Sideways has a lot of adventure as well as strong characterization. Granted, Derek James has some similarities to Peter Parker in that he’s younger and grappling with his abilities, but dealing with the Dark Multiverse (which is why it has a “Dark Nights Metal” banner on the cover) shows just how far out of his league Derek is.

Then, too, his mother has just passed, and Derek’s missing her funeral, causing a lot of tongues to wag about him.

I also like that Derek has to struggle to come out on top. During this issue, he takes on a bad guy and gets knocked senseless. I’m dying to know who that mysterious benefactor is who keeps helping Sideways, for one thing! Then, too, I’m also anxious to see our hero get back to the Seven Soldiers. They work well together, seems to me!

The pacing of the story in this book is quick most of the time, slowing down only for those much-needed character moments, such as the funeral this time. I’m fully engaged and hope this title will keep it up for a long time to come!

And that last panel has me scratching my head! What in the Dark Multiverse is going on there?

GOOD ART

I appreciate the art from Mr. Raynor and that his name comes above Mr. DiDio in the credits. That’s one thing this group of titles has been doing is giving more credit to the art team. Many times they deserve it.

My only concern is that sometimes the illustrations are a little sketchy. I like my superheroes really tightly done, and that’s sometimes not the case in Sideways. But besides that, I find the book a strong one and highly recommend it!

BOTTOM LINE: ‘Sideways’ Works

Yes, he’s new at this hero business and is still figuring out how to survive while doing it. Derek is understandable while not being a Peter Parker clone, something Marvel’s doing plenty of on their own.

The book is in the middle of a storyline, so you may need to catch up on some recent issues to completely “get” what’s happening this time. However, I’m sure it would be worth it. Sideways works on many levels, making it a “must-read” for me every time it’s in my stack of stuff!