Alison Blaire goes Britpop in Dazzler #2

Dazzler and co head to Merry Old London, written by Jason Loo, art by Rafael Loureiro, colors by Java Tartaglia, lettering by Ariana Maher, and cover art by Terry and Rachel Dodson

Previously in Loo & Loureiro’s Dazzler, the iconic singer had a major breakthrough on the charts with a new album recorded on Krakoa and started her world tour in style, featuring an all-mutant team of musicians (Shark Girl), roadies (Multiple Man & Strong Guy), security (Domino) and PR (Wind Dancer). Wind Dancer seemed intent on keeping the performance “safe” and not too mutant-y, but an attack from Scorpia kept the concert superheroic, and also revealed Shark Girl’s non-passing identity. With a debut this conflicted here in the states, what happens when the group heads abroad for their next appearance?

Said Maybe

Dazzler #2 picks up immediately after issue #1 left off. The first concert is over and Scorpia, though tied up, is refusing to tell anyone who hired her. What she is willing to say is that an “anonymous headhunter” is hiring folks to ruin her world tour! Who would do such a dastardly thing? Guido wants to beat the info out of her, but Multiple Man escorts her to law enforcement instead. After a quick update on the social media and some whining about the “destroyed” stage from Wind Dancer, it’s time for a redeye flight to the UK.

But what’s this? Dazzler takes a break to check in with her new boyfriend, Dale Thompson! That’s right, if you were yearning for some romance a la the original 80s series, we get a taste of it here. (Don’t bother searching the Marvel wiki, this is a new character!) Not only is Dale a handsome ER surgeon, but he’s super supportive of Alison’s work. These long distance lovers have quite the journey ahead after it’s revealed that this is going to be a 33-stop tour! I suspect that not only will this tour never get to its scheduled end (this is a mini-series after all), but that we will see Dale again.

You’re Gonna Be the One

Those expecting Dazzler to open up for Blur at Glastonbury will be disappointed that our first stop in England is a Graham Norton-esque TV talk show. Except instead of Graham’s typical fun atmosphere with multiple guests making social-media ready quips from a low-backed couch, Dazzler is interviewed by total wanker James Bristol whose questions range from abrasive jabs about why humans might not be able to identify with her music to insulting Shark Girl’s appearance before a tasteless attempt at asking Ali out. This interview provides the meat of Loo’s writing in this issue, showing how those in the majority feel the need to be included in minority spaces and culture and are often offended when they aren’t.

Loureiro works in a similar house style to Mark Bagley, but does an excellent job with facial expressions and body language. For a book where one of the “fights” is one of words, he is able to sell how tense things get very quickly in just a few panels. Loo brings back the songwriting lyrics featured in the first issue, as Ali sings a song about the 1984-1985 mini-series Beauty and the Beast. Why she chooses to regale the audience with a story about Alexander Flynn’s quest for Dr. Doom’s paternity test results is beyond me but… Just kidding, this song is about taking solace in the arms of the non-passing furry blue arms of Hank McCoy. And it’s not only a nice callback for Dazzler-superfans but aligns perfectly with Ali’s interview message.

That Saves Me

Of course, that threat of Scorpia’s for continued interference comes to surface again as a lowly mutant production assistant possesses Dazz’ mid-song and causes her powers to destroy the entire set. After Domino slaps some sense into Dazzler, Guido wants to go after Bristol, but they quickly deduce the real culprit. The team doesn’t get a lot of answers out of this young mutant when he’s apprehended. But now they’re in a pickle – how to get out of a studio that everyone thinks they’re responsible for destroying? Lucky for all involved, everyone’s other favorite Marvel musician, Lila Cheney, appears to help them escape.

Loo and Loureiro’s second issue retains the laid-back quality of the first and Loo’s work on the X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comics. This issue had zero supervillains and no real fights, yet brought in some classic Dazzler hallmarks like the romance subplot with Dale and meaningful drama with scummy industry men who think they can take advantage of her. I’m not totally sold on the amount of space set aside for song lyrics, but I can’t argue with the Beauty and the Beast callback since it fits so well thematically. With only two issues left, it will be interesting to see where Loo and Loureiro take this tour. We know from solicits that the next stop is Japan, but I’ll be interested to see how much character development we can jam into the second half of this mini.

X-Traneous Thoughts

Wind Dancer’s push for a toned-down mutant presence seems to have calmed considerably. No image inducer for Shark Girl this issue.
This issue concludes with another Boom Bap lyric (data) sheet and
A behind the scenes look from editor Martin Biro at the genesis of the mini-series, including Martin’s Dazzler origin story (always funny seeing the photographed frames of Pryde of the X-Men from the poorly produced X-Men Animated Special) and the original pitch for the book (a Las Vegas residency).
Compared to the first issue’s incredible cover, the Dodsons’ piece for #2 feels pretty rushed, despite the new Union Jack look for Alison which does not make an appearance inside.
Copyright issues aside, it’s a huge missed opportunity not to make some jokes about Britpop. Or maybe a Spice Girl cameo? Jarvis Cocker on his way to the studio? No? Okay.