Danger Girl: Viva Las Danger #1

November 18, 2003

Quick Rating: Good
Title: Viva Las Danger

Abby Chase recovers an ancient gem, only to run afoul of the machinations of its original owner.

Writer: J. Scott Campbell & Andy Hartnell
Art: Phil Noto
Letters: John Roshell
Editor: Scott Dunbier
Cover Art: Phil Noto (Cover A); J. Scott Campbell (Cover B)
Publisher: DC Comics/Wildstorm/Cliffhanger

I’ve read enough Danger Girl over the years to feel the same way about the property as I do about James Bond movies – it’s predictable, it’s clichéd, but more often than not it winds up finding a way to be a fun time nonetheless. Abby Chase and Johnny Barracuda recover the cleverly-named “Jewel of Eternity” to return it to a Las Vegas casino owner who claims it has been in his family for generations. The Jewel turns out to have mystic properties, and what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend in Vegas turns into a battle against an ancient evil.

The story, as I said, is extremely predictable, and some of the villains (particularly Jackpot, the human slot machine), are almost too cornball to be believed – but somehow, it’s still a fun read.

I greatly enjoy Noto’s artwork, he draws some of the most beautiful women in comics without lapsing into the pure T&A that this property was when Campbell handled the art chores himself, but his actions scenes seem to come out a little stiff and forced. It’s almost like watching still frames from a film of a battle, chosen in-between the moments when the combatants are in their most exciting poses.

If you’re a fan of Danger Girl, you’ll enjoy this one-shot as much as any other Danger Girl book. If you’re not, there’s really nothing here that will inspire you to take it up.

Rating: 7/10