DOCTOR WILDER #1 – Review

DOCTOR WILDER #1, from Blackbox Comics on February 23rd, 2022, introduces the world to Doctor Deja Wilder, a P.I. who specializes in solving inhumane cases, and her current case to stop international poachers.

The Details

• Written By: Rebecca Childs, Brian Hawkins
• Art By: Umberto Giampà
• Colors By: Martina Rossi
• Letters By: Saida Temofonte
• Cover Art By: Umberto Giampà
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: February 23, 2022

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Was It Good?

Well, you can honestly say DOCTOR WILDER #1 is unlike any comic adventure you’ve ever read because the combination of premise and setting is so unique. On imagination alone, this first issue is a success.

The premise surrounds a Private Investigator and her team solving inhumane crimes. “What’s an inhumane crime?” you might ask. I’m not entirely sure, and the creators don’t go out of their way to clarify what types of cases Dr. Wilder accepts, but the general gist seems to be any crime affecting innocent victims of abuse – trafficking, slavery, etc. This isn’t an area you see explored much in comics, and the creators do a good job setting the premise up as a crime thriller with car chases and shootouts rather than leaning towards a police procedural. There’s plenty of high energy via tension as the investigators risk their lives on nearly every page.

The setting is unique as a near-future in multiple locales across the globe. The creators also do a great job of creating futuristic tech and tools that don’t exist today but are believable enough for you to accept could exist soon. Drones, microchip-infused business cards, and energy weapons all make a matter-of-fact appearance that fits the future world to give it a slick coolness with a touch of wow factor while still keeping the story grounded in approximate realism.

This is our first exposure to the art team of Giampà, Rossi, and Temofonte, and the results are impressive. The character designs are memorable, the coloring work is excellent, and well-organized to keep conversations clear when multiple characters are interacting via different technological means

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

We begin mid-scene with Doctor Deja Wilder leaning on a hapless warehouse manager after it’s found he’s participating in an international poaching ring. She knows he’s going to panic after being found out which means he’ll either cooperate and feed her information or run to his partners for help.

Later, readers are introduced to each member of Dr. Wilder’s team as they work their respective assignments all over the world. Samantha is the trusty office worker who coordinates the field agents and does the research. Kato, Dr. Wilder’s undercover agent (and possible lover) works the poaching case from Chad to discover the identity of the animal buyers and sellers. Macy and Vergel are the dynamic duo recovering rare animals for safekeeping. When we meet them, they’re in a high-speed chase and shootout with precious cargo in tow.

We conclude the issue with Dr. Wilder coordinating a risky meeting to find out the names and faces of the poaching ring leaders.

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