LISTEN TO JAMES BOND SOUNDTRACK WHILE READING

Dan Dare #7 is the grand finale of this majestic space epic that features the final showdown between the Royal Navy and the Mekon’s invading Treen forces. The last issue left me with chills, as though I was a British citizen filled with nationalistic pride. This book has been a clear demonstration of what a real hero should be. I want Dan Dare to be my dad. No, seriously.

The major battle between the space fleets of Earth and the Treens takes place throughout this issue, and the Royal Navy is at a major disadvantage. Not only does the Mekon have a larger force, but is towing a black hole into our solar system (science freaks please don’t ask). Our hero, Dan Dare, and his lovely protogé, Lt. Christian, lead the humans who are all that are standing in the way of a overwhelming Treen invasion. Christian leads the naval fleet under the protest of the Admiral who’s been relegated to a casual observer thanks to Dare’s pre-battle order.

The battle scenes are inspiring. Without giving too much away, the fighting spirit of the British forces drives the Treens’ superior forces to the brink of defeat.  The determination and guile they demonstrate fills the enemy with fear and dread, but without any initiative of their own, the Treens keep blindly following the Mekon’s orders. Not that the British forces don’t take casualties, because they definitely do, some at great cost, but it’s the bravery and steadfastness in the face of such danger is what’s so inspiring. Dare and Christian are faced with an unsurmountable threat, and they have to make a lot of hard choices, but their attitude is simple: DO what NEEDS to be done and give ’em hell.

There may be a bit too much exposition in the scenes back on Earth, and the artwork has been a bit repetitive, but in its totality we’ve gotten a great story that rivals the wonder of Star Wars and the battlefield drama of Hunt for Red October.  I don’t have a really good reason to get the hardback of this series when in comes out in September, since I have all the issues, but I would strongly recommend it to anyone.  While MY words are only so persuasive, I leave it to Lt. Christian to convince you: “In God’s name, woman, how do you expect to fight TWO of them?” “The NAVY way, sir. That’s how.”

“The Price of Admirality”
Story: Garth Ennis – 5 (Superb)
Art: Gary Erskine – 3 (Very Good)