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Public Domain #1
- Writer:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Artist:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Letterer:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Cover Artist:
- Chip Zdarsky
- Publisher:
- Image Comics
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-06-29
- Colorist:
- Chip Zdarsky
Time and time again, writer-artist Chip Zdarsky has proven his wicked ability to inject much-needed humor into comics. He makes fans chuckle with the entire premise of his ComiXology series The All-Nighter, and he adds some surprising moments of levity to the traditionally grimdark Daredevil. The prolific creator continues to blend humor and drama in Public Domain #1, the first installment of a new series from Image Comics, where he works to take on creators' rights
The first issue introduces Syd Dallas, a comic book artist responsible for The Domain, the biggest superhero around. Sadly, no one knows that Syd created the character because Singular Comics owns the publishing rights. And his former collaborator, Jerry Jasper, is more than happy to take the credit for it. Syd's children, Miles and David, struggle to understand why their father hasn't fought harder to gain what is rightfully his. However, a chance encounter at the premiere of Eminent Domain, the latest film in the franchise, may change everything for Syd.
Zdarsky doesn't pull any punches in this story. He mocks the Hollywood celebrities who don't seem to know a single thing about the source material and the corporate companies that make fortunes off artists and refuse to acknowledge them. Everyone gets a turn under Zdarsky's satirical spotlight. While a lot of the shady people surrounding the comics industry catch a few stray hands from Zdarsky, the story of Syd is the soul of Public Domain and a wonderful reminder of what comic books are about. Everyone else is outraged by the fact that he's being robbed, but he hasn't lost his passion for the medium and remains a fan. He still has a sense of wonder in his eyes as he talks about The Domain or sees it adapted on screen.
Most importantly, the art matches the tone of the story. Even though Public Domain is about superheroes, it doesn't look like it. There's a natural playfulness to the book, and Zdarsky's art reflects this. When he needs to convey hilarity, he does; when there are heartfelt moments, he pulls back. As all good artists should, Zdarsky makes serving the story his top priority.
Zdarsky's color choices follow a similar route here. Rather than overcomplicating things, he uses a minimalistic palette to make Public Domain #1 easy on the eye. He reserves the brightest colors for the pages of Syd's comic to subtly celebrate the artform. The lettering sticks to the same rules. It's playful and simple, even when the characters are cursing at each other.
Public Domain #1 is another reminder of why Zdarsky is as in-demand as he is. While he undoubtedly must follow stricter guidelines for his Marvel and DC books, he is let loose here, and it shows. He uses this freedom to create a clever, searing satire. However, he proves that underneath the surface of all the jokes and digs at the comic book industry and its ecosystem, he possesses the ability to tackle an important subject with the respect it deserves.