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Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes
- Writer:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Artist:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Letterer:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Cover Artist:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Publisher:
- Image Comics
- Price:
- 16.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-01-18
- Colorist:
- Chip Zdarsky
Public Domain is undoubtedly one of the most topical comics from the modern era. As movies, shows, and merchandise inspired by comics continue to take over pop culture, Public Domain offers brilliantly sharp and amusing commentary on the industry, addressing everything from executives, comic creators, actors, publicists, fans, and yes, press. While there's plenty of clever criticism to go around, Public Domain also reminds readers about the kind of magic that only comics can offer.
Written, illustrated, colored, and lettered by Chip Zdarsky and edited by Allison O'Toole, Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes is about a classic comic book artist named Syd Dallas whose work, The Domain, has produced giant blockbuster movies and all the merchandising that stems from that kind of popularity and success. However, no one outside of diehard comic fans knows who Syd is. He doesn't own his own creation, and the giant corporation does the bare minimum to recognize his contributions that have led to such enormous profits for them. While Syd may not be thrilled with the direction of the movies, he's happy seeing how many people love the character he created. His son, on the other hand, thinks his dad and his legacy deserve more, and he's ready to fight the giant corporation for his family.
Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes was clearly a passion project for Chip Zdarsky, and his imagination as a creator and insight into the industry ison full display here. As a writer, his commentary is brilliant across the board. For those who keep an eye on the industry -- or are even a part of it -- this clash between creatives and corporations feels all too familiar, unfortunately. Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes shines a spotlight on all the ugliness like ego and greed that infected the corporate world of superhero media and screwed comic book creators not only out of profiting financially from their characters and stories that would go on to generate billions of dollars but also from receiving the recognition and appreciation they deserve for their contributions.
In the hands of another writer, this topic could feel overwhelmingly bleak and hopeless as comics essentially exist as launching pads for everything aside from comics, and the efforts of creatives get tossed aside. In Zdarsky's hands, however, there's a great balancing act with the tone. The Eisner-winning creator fills Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes with dramatic twists and turns while also managing to sprinkle in some truly funny, lighthearted moments and thoughtful reminders about all the joy that comics can offer as well.
As an artist, Zdarsky takes full advantage of the type of storytelling that only comics can offer. Something as simple as a character walking into a basement utilizes layouts in a unique way instead of keeping things static, and lettering for background noise trailing off panel while the focus pivots is an amusing touch. Where Zdarsky's art truly shines is delivering on both the emotional and the comedic beats since this story relies so much on the human drama and variety of levity. Expressions and the way they're illuminated help bring moments of joy, anger, and sadness to life, and his use of camera angles helps keep the reader immersed and makes the character-driven story feel more dynamic. This is crystal clear during the movie premiere and how Zdarsky uses the panels to simply show how two comic creators are having vastly different experiences.
While comic book movies, shows, and merchandise continue to conquer the planet, it's important to never lose sight of where all of these massively popular characters and stories came from and what the original intention behind those tales truly was. Comic books can nourish children's imaginations and offer invaluable escapism from some of the harsh realities that exist in our everyday lives. Chip Zdarsky's Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes is an exceptional reminder of that and is clearly crafted by someone who enjoys making comics for the sake of simply making comics without striving to have them become something else. Public Domain Volume One: Past Mistakes is worthy of a spot in any comic fan's library and deserves to be read by everyone who loves the medium.