Family Dynamic #1

With an entire DC universe not fit for a child's eyes, Family Dynamic is a breath of fresh air. Written by J. Torres, formerly of Teen Titans Go!, and drawn by Tim Levins, formerly of Gotham Adventures, Family Dynamics is the story of a generational superhero group whose powers are derived from the four classic elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

The first issue opens with an introduction to the Family via flashback. Pyralis, the father, is shown drawing flames from a forest fire up into the sky while his wife Sirocco draws the oxygen away using a vortex of her own creation. Their son Troylus brings a tidal wave to douse the flames, while their youngest son Terran evacuates civilians on a flying rock. It's actually refreshing to see an introduction done like this for the reader.

The introduction continues as the family is interviewed by another hero in his secret identity as a reporter. The exposition that follows gives a nice, detailed history of the team in their home of Storm City.

While the elemental quartet idea is by no means an original concept, it is a welcome sight to see a comic book that I can read to my daughter without having to edit the dialogue first. And the art? Well, let's just say that I was thinking of Mike Wieringo two weeks ago on the anniversary of his death, and this book made me think about him again. Tim Levins has adapted some of my favorite elements of 'Ringo's style, from the highlights in hair to the shadows of the wrinkles in an ordinary pair of pants. Add a cover by Sean "Cheeks" Galloway, and you have a real winner in this comic.

Originally scheduled as a six-issue miniseries, initial orders of #1 caused DC to cut it back to three. Give this book a try, and let's see if we can't get some more issues of a comic that deserves it!