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Dazzler Omnibus Artgerm Cover
1360 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
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13 people want to read
About the author
Tom DeFalco
2,479 books108 followersTom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well-known for his association with Marvel Comics and Spider-Man.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 24, 2025
Okay, I was honestly pretty skeptical of this series going in. I had my preconception that it would be a really bad way for Marvel to cash in on Disco and club music of the time and be an overly bland, and possibly sexist series. Boy, was I wrong though.
Dazzler is a really competent series for the majority of it's run, telling a tale of struggle and perseverance for one woman who happens to be a mutant, but who just wants to sing. We spend a lot of time with her as she attempts to pursue a music career, while getting dragged into the messes of the Marvel Universe in the process. Her meetings with friend and foe alike are quite entertaining, and some are honestly quite shocking, and entertaining. The story with Galactus is especially good and I love the She-Hulk cameo.
The regular cast of characters around Dazzler is great too. They're regular people and yet they make her world more real and believable. And this hold true even as we get later into the series and see Dazzler shift from music to a film career for some reason. It seems absurd at first, but it kinda works too.
My only issue with the series, and I've said this in other reviews, is how it gets messed up by Secret Wars II. She does play a key part in it, but in trying to read that event, the issues in her series suffer a lot because there is so much going on outside her title, and the omnibus as well. That is more the fault of the event than the Dazzler series though, even if I do think this really helped lead to the end of it as well.
Overall though, this is a solid read and a series I'm glad to have taken the time with, not mention one I'll be more likely to recommend to those that might like a fun distraction from the usual comic book fare. It's well worth a read, and might surprise you more than you'd expect.
Dazzler is a really competent series for the majority of it's run, telling a tale of struggle and perseverance for one woman who happens to be a mutant, but who just wants to sing. We spend a lot of time with her as she attempts to pursue a music career, while getting dragged into the messes of the Marvel Universe in the process. Her meetings with friend and foe alike are quite entertaining, and some are honestly quite shocking, and entertaining. The story with Galactus is especially good and I love the She-Hulk cameo.
The regular cast of characters around Dazzler is great too. They're regular people and yet they make her world more real and believable. And this hold true even as we get later into the series and see Dazzler shift from music to a film career for some reason. It seems absurd at first, but it kinda works too.
My only issue with the series, and I've said this in other reviews, is how it gets messed up by Secret Wars II. She does play a key part in it, but in trying to read that event, the issues in her series suffer a lot because there is so much going on outside her title, and the omnibus as well. That is more the fault of the event than the Dazzler series though, even if I do think this really helped lead to the end of it as well.
Overall though, this is a solid read and a series I'm glad to have taken the time with, not mention one I'll be more likely to recommend to those that might like a fun distraction from the usual comic book fare. It's well worth a read, and might surprise you more than you'd expect.
July 5, 2024
This was my first read through this series, and I have to say: It’s not worth it. There are some good things, like the Sisterhood of Evil Mutants arc in issues #22-29 and some of the last bunch by Archie Goodwin, but mostly, Dazzler gets overshadowed by other heroes, dates, and bemoans that she can’t just be a singer. Her of-the-time relationships are shallow because the men don’t have to do anything but be successful. It’s tedious. Marvel tried to hop on the Disco fad and had to transition quickly away as it died a few years into the series. Also, the cheesecake is everywhere, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but with the stalking and sexual assault, it can get genuinely disturbing. So, I’d recommend her X-Men issues, the Rogue stuff and Archie Goodwin’s arc (#38, 39, 41, 42) because she’s very underserved by much of this.
Uncanny X-Men #130 ⧫ 5 Stars "Dazzler"
Dazzler first appears kind of randomly in the first Hellfire Club Arc. It’s funny that the issue seems to think that Dazzler is the big draw rather than Scott and Jean fighting or Kitty trying to help Ororo. Not that I have anything against Dazzler, but everything else is more important.
Uncanny X-Men #131 ⧫ 5 Stars "Run for Your Life!"
The conclusion to the initial Hellfire encounter leans hard into the Dark Phoenix arc and does a really great job. Dazzler departing for her own series is probably the weakest link, but I rather like people refusing to join the team as it adds a little verisimilitude.
Amazing Spider-Man #203 ⧫ 3 Stars “Bewitched, Bothered and Be-Dazzled!”
Not exactly a great showing for Dazzler, but a fine issue. Flash likes Star Trek, interesting.
Dazzler #1 ⧫ 2 Stars “So Bright This Star”
Okay, I’ll admit that I have been reading some peak Claremont/Byrne X-Men, see above, but why does this first issue look so… uneven? It looks very rushed, especially near the start. It gets better when the Enchantress shows up, but usually first issues at least look great. There’s also just not a ton going on. The story gets distracted by three separate sets of guest stars who each get several pages to show off! We get a bit of Dazzler’s backstory, which is really generic. Also, her “poor apartment” looks amazing in 2024. She wants to be a singer, but she has a mutant power that she’s sad about for some reason? It just seems to be made up of things that could have been done in half the length more effectively.
Dazzler #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Where Demons Fear to Dwell!”
The art is better, well mostly, but the story still seems more like a poorly thought-out Marvel crossover than a new series. It has the very 80s message of “if you just get a chance, they’ll see how awesome you are,” a chance provided by powerful friends you just run into or something. It rings particularly hollow today.
Dazzler #3 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Jewels of Doom!”
Honestly, this one has a crossover, but it’s more in line with superheroes dating each other, rather than most of the Marvel Universe being in the first two issues. Allison goes on a date with the Human Torch, well almost. We also get a bit of a supporting cast coming together. It just flows better as a story than the last several issues.
Dazzler #4 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Here Nightmares Abide!”
The art is a little rough again, but the story finishes fairly strong. Dazzler beats a few major villains, but it’s actually done well! I actually really like the moment with her father and the ending.
Dazzler #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “Tell Joey I Love Him! (Or Even with Not-So-Great Power Comes Great Responsibility!”
A little convenient at the end, but it’s a solid one and done that builds on Dazzler’s own past and continues building the book!
Dazzler #6 ⧫ 1 Star “The Hulk May Be Hazardous to Your Health!”
I regret asking for a supporting cast. Like half of this book is very fatphobic. Dazzler’s new drummer is heavy, so he wants to eat all the time and gets concerned about missing lunch! Hahaha…. Then, a large man fails to come to Dazzler’s aid and after she uses her powers, he assumes she’s a mutant and tries to get her arrested. Then, more fat people gonna eat comments. It felt incessant. After that, it’s random Hulk BS that’s set up by a lazy plot twist about Dazzler needing to sing Country on the fly. It’s dumb and forced.
Dazzler #7 ⧫ 3 Stars “Fort Apache, The Hulk!”
It’s a much better issue, though the heavy drummer gets one thought balloon, and it’s about food! Ugh. Anyway, Frank Springer's art in this and the previous issue is great, if more on the cheesecake side, and the action with the Hulk is pretty effective. I like the way Dazzler defeats the Hulk, and the way he exits the book. At least Dazzler has a good reason for being broke, now. I’m less thrilled with the sudden surplus of villains and the nurse subplot, but hopefully, the series will get good again.
Dazzler #8 ⧫ 2. Stars “Hell... Hell Is for Harry!”
I suppose this at least changes her relationship with her boss, but it’s pretty generic otherwise. The Enforcers are stripped of much of their identity. Techmaster is the type of music industry villain I would make up as a joke. Her boss doesn’t even care that she's a mutant!
Dazzler #9 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Sound and the Fury!”
And now for something completely different! As someone who’s read and enjoyed the Marvel Two-in-One Project Pegasus arc, this was a disappointment. They abduct and imprison Dazzler? The Klaw fight should have been cooler. Cool cliffhanger, I guess.
Dazzler #10 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “In the Darkness a Light!”
Springer is really keeping this book afloat the story remains unimpressive. Galactus wants revenge? That’s not really how he rolls. I suppose he just wants to punish... It’s awkwardly explained. The writing continues in the most boring direction.
Dazzler #11 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “...Lest Ye Be Judged!”
I dunno, it’s fine. Not 100% sure why Galactus gave her a boost. He’s been off in this entire story, more like a morally neutral Darkseid. Maybe it’s page 18, Galactus chilling on his couch.
Dazzler #12 ⧫ 2 Stars “Endless Hate”
Techmaster returns! He is boring. It does have some decent enough relationship building for Alison’s boss, but the weird random job thing is still bothering me. This also feels very rote, mostly due to its lackluster villain.
Dazzler #13 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Trial... and Terror!”
This premise is incredibly thin and feels more like a way to have a prison comic than anything realistic. Also, Alison gets a new boyfriend with an important job who she has little chemistry with. Shoutout to my girl Screaming Mimi’s third appearance. Read Busiek’s Thunderbolts for the best version of that character.
Dazzler #14 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “...Without Getting Killed or Caught...!”
The series levels out a bit as Dazzler gets involved in a mix-up with her stage manager and the Blue Shield and the Maggia. This actually feels like more of what a singer-superhero would feel like. Her supporting cast gets in trouble, and Dazzler needs to deal with it. She faces a hypnotized She-Hulk, and I thought this was weird at first, but their talk afterward elevates the superhero stuff.
Dazzler #15 ⧫ 3 Stars “Private Eyes”
Why do all her friends act like jerks? It’s a weird. It’s happened more than once. Jessica Drew helps out, and they have a seemingly random adventure that gets explained after the fact. It’s pretty fun, though I guess I should comment here at how often they depict Alison changing. It’s at least once a comic, and here, Jessica changes as well. It’s something that I’ve noticed that is an outlier in most of the Marvel Comics I’ve read. Storm is frequently nude because that’s how she’s comfortable, and it’s done to make a statement. With Alison, this is just voyeuristic.
Dazzler #16 ⧫ 2 Stars “Black Magic Woman!”
The Enchantress returns and whisks Dazzler away from her new boring boyfriend.
Dazzler #17 ⧫ 1 Star “The Angel and the Octopus!”
I feel like Angel has more sense than this. He acts like a creepy lovesick puppy and lovebombs Dazzler very inappropriately. It’s badly written and gross. Don’t show your love this way. I don’t even like boring lawyer guy!
Dazzler #18 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Absorbing Man Wants You!”
Dazzler gets a gizmo from Reed that she tries to use even after he points out all the superhero stuff she’s been through. Absorbing man has a plot for Dazzler that… works? I dunno. His powers really seem to be whatever the story needs. It’s honestly an average issue with the exception of a few stupid things.
Dazzler #19 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Creel... and Inhuman Treatment!”
Another very okay issue. Black Bolt shows up and things work out. Alison acts much smarter in this issue at least.
Dazzler #20 ⧫ 2 Stars “Out of the Past!”
Alison’s new singer friend conveniently knows her mom and other generic ways to resolve storylines. Also, some lame villains. I should note, Vanessa Tooks basically only appears for this storyline! She’ll appear only once more after the story resolves next issue!
Dazzler #21 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Alison Blaire, This Is Your Life!”
Ali’s past revealed and a big concert. It’s fine, but not great.
Dazzler #22 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Sisterhood”
Honestly, someone coming for Warren is a great idea with Mystique, Destiny, and Rogue being some of the best/most fitting villains in a minute.
Dazzler #23 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Fire in the Night!”
I rather liked this one. A new villain, Flame, appears as an arsonist for hire, finally getting back to Dazzler’s supposedly crappy apartment. This dovetails with the pressure that the Sisterhood attack put on Dazzler and Angel last issue. Meanwhile, Dazzler’s sister seems to just be a fun new supporting character with something mysterious wrong with her, and I’m really okay with that. Even the cliffhanger is great!
Dazzler #24 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “A Rogue in the House”
Rogue is such a threat here, much like her first appearance in Avengers Annual #10. It’s a ton of fighting, but I like that Luke and Danny get their dues as well and Allison’s sister continues to be the most effective supporting character the series has had.
Dazzler #25 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Jagged Edge”
A one issue writer and artist indicate that this is a filler issue, as do some of the plot points and missing characters. However, I’m astonished that this series about a powered singer took 24 issues before doing a stalker/obsessed fan storyline. I feel like this should have been an arc, not a one-off. That said, it’s good until the stuff with her father that seems like filler and honestly would be better if it was focused on another supporting character or just cut entirely.
Dazzler #26 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Against the Wind”
They didn’t forget about boring lawyer boyfriend! I have mixed feelings as I’m not a fan, but it’s very brief. I am a fan of that Nicholas Ray double feature, can recommend. The issue off really let Springer give this issue appropriate gravitas. Her sister’s power is terrifying, and her fear makes perfect sense. Gyrich’s involvement is a little more sus, but I guess his mutant detector is good.
Dazzler #27 ⧫ 3 Stars “Fugitive!”
I might harp a little on the dream sequence, but I rather liked it, and it links this arc to the next issue. This issue on its own is very confusing, and it’s continued next issue. Springer continues crushing the art, though.
Dazzler #28 ⧫ 3 Stars “Vendetta!”
The plot itself is a bit of a mess as is the space-time continuum as it feels like characters teleport between New York and Los Angeles very quickly. Still, the Rogue fight is cool, and this brings together previous plot threads more deftly than past arcs, though that’s not saying much.
Dazzler #29 ⧫ 3 Stars “Fame!”
Dazzler gets in over her head now that she’s famous. It’s alright.
Dazzler #30 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Debt!”
Ah, assistant editor’s month, it generally means lazy writing and gags. This one isn’t that bad, though it’s weird to see Dazzler get a ride from a young Ralph Macchio.
Dazzler #31 ⧫ 2 Stars “Tidal Wave!”
Another “Dazzler meets a boring dude” storyline, though she doesn’t end up with him. Frank Springer only has one more issue, #35, after this. I think his glamor look worked well for this book despite being too cheesecake at times.
Dazzler #32 ⧫ 3 Stars “Moonlighting”
Artist Mark Bright takes over for a few issues; he did issue 25 as well, and I really like his style. He mostly does Iron Man/Iron Fist stuff, so he's new to me, but he does an excellent job. The story is fairly average with Dazzler struggling with being a superhero and her debt to the Inhumans, but his art definitely ups the game.
Dazzler #33 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Chiller!”
Bright’s art is still great, but this issue is weird. Dazzler gets rushed into a music video by a sketchy director with not Michael Jackson… I think I’d be kinder if not for the tasteless John Landis joke… The guy killed three people two years before this!
Dazzler #34 ⧫ 2 Stars “Where Have All the Models Gone?”
Pretty underwhelming. Cute Millie the Model references.
Marvel Graphic Novel #12 ⧫ 1 Star “Dazzler: The Movie”
This is the bad plot that almost got avoided a few issues ago. Dazzler gets involved with the abusive Roman, gross, and an evil movie producer who scams them. Aside from the art, it contains everything I hate about the series in one issue. Also, apparently this is a big start for anti-mutant sentiment, and it has reverberations through other books, but it’s tremendously underwhelming. This is icky and disappointing on almost every level. Dazzler shines an unflattering light on Reagan’s America.
Also, this has a cutaway to the X-Men that isn’t super important, but I guess that has to take place between X-Men #173 when Storm gets her mohawk in Japan and #174 when she gives her plants to the Bronx botanical garden if you’re trying to read the X-Books in order and decided to be mostly disappointed by this series. An annoyingly specific placement for a frustrating issue.
Dazzler #35 ⧫ 2 Stars “Brawl!”
The bluntest anti-mutant issue I’ve read. Dazzer is essentially ostracized from her previous life and has to go and get a job as a waitress where she stops some rowdy roller derby girls… I considered rating it worse as it doesn’t really deal with any of the issues that it sets up, just an extreme cartoon version. The roller derby thing feels like the book is desperately trying to figure out a way to keep Dazzler hip as the 1980s move further and further from disco.
Beauty and the Beast #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Beauty and the Beast”
The start is promising, but trust me, it doesn’t really go anywhere. The damsel in distress trope is on full display and Dazzler just seems out of character for this and most of the series.
Beauty and the Beast #2 ⧫ 2 Stars “Heartbreak Hotel”
Did Nocenti just like the song? She brings in a random character from Spider-Woman without really introducing him well. The Dazzler/Beast romance is okay, and this kind of gets by on vibes. Dazzler getting into yet another shitty contract right after “Dazzler the Movie” and the stuff from her own series is really frustrating.
Beauty and the Beast #3 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Showtime”
So, it’s an arena with a community or something. I really hated this generic plot twist. It’s also painfully obvious where this is going and how it will end. It’s an ill-advised series.
Beauty and the Beast #4 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Checkmate”
It ends. The Doom stuff is stupid, definitely a Doombot. The Dazzler is silly and out of character, and Beast is just kind of there to save her. I hoped this series would get Dazzler back on track, but it’s just ore of the same. Also, the art for the series ranges from okay to mediocre.
Dazzler #36 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Human Touch”
More inconsequential Dazzler stories. She finds a new job, but there’s a pseudo-Phantom of the Opera thing. It doesn’t make a ton of sense.
Dazzler #37 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Girl in the Machine”
Dazzler discovers a friend in a machine. It turns out to be bad times.
Dazzler #38 ⧫ 4 Stars “Challenge”
Archie Goodwin attempts to save the series! Suddenly, Ali isn’t going from stupid job to stupid job and stupid man to stupid man. I love the tough and competent Dazzler who’s done with the previous garbage. Wolverine speaks for me in this issue: the Dazzler everyone deserves!
Dazzler #39 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Deathgrip”
More good Dazzler! If this was the series, I’d actually recommend the omnibus!
Secret Wars II #4 ⧫ ½ Star “Love Is the Answer!”
Beyonder tries to figure out what it is to be human and does random stuff. LIKE R@PE DAZZLER!?! It's technically unclear, but I did not want to be reminded of this, so I choose no. Garbage. The closest this gets to good is the conversation with the Molecule Man, and that’s just mediocre.
Dazzler #40 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Travelers”
The main thrust of the issue is good, but it’s brought down by the Beyonder showing up and being dumb. Goodwin’s run was going so well.
Dazzler #41 ⧫ 3 Stars “Revelations”
Some good, some bad, some interesting. It essentially has to reestablish everything because of the Secret Wars II interruption. It’s got a pretty cool villain, and I like the look of it.
Dazzler #42 ⧫ 3 Stars “Curtain!”
It feels like Goodwin got cut off because Dazzler was going to go to the then new X-Factor book. This literally leads into it, though that’s not where Dazzler would end up. It’s a fine end to a very okay to bad series. Better than I expected.
What If #33 ⧫ 2 Stars “What If the Dazzler Had Become the Herald of Galactus?”
She doesn't get a cool cosmic form? Lame! They put her in different sexy costumes all the time in the series. She literally did a country performance around the time of those issues! Ugh. Well, early What If art is rough anyway. This story is fine, but it’s pretty lackluster. I guess it’s representative of a series with so much wasted potential.
Marvel Fanfare #38 ⧫ 3 Stars “Duet”
It’s a cute little short with Rogue and Dazzler hanging out, singin’, an’ stuff.
Other Comics Reviews
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
Uncanny X-Men #130 ⧫ 5 Stars "Dazzler"
Dazzler first appears kind of randomly in the first Hellfire Club Arc. It’s funny that the issue seems to think that Dazzler is the big draw rather than Scott and Jean fighting or Kitty trying to help Ororo. Not that I have anything against Dazzler, but everything else is more important.
Uncanny X-Men #131 ⧫ 5 Stars "Run for Your Life!"
The conclusion to the initial Hellfire encounter leans hard into the Dark Phoenix arc and does a really great job. Dazzler departing for her own series is probably the weakest link, but I rather like people refusing to join the team as it adds a little verisimilitude.
Amazing Spider-Man #203 ⧫ 3 Stars “Bewitched, Bothered and Be-Dazzled!”
Not exactly a great showing for Dazzler, but a fine issue. Flash likes Star Trek, interesting.
Dazzler #1 ⧫ 2 Stars “So Bright This Star”
Okay, I’ll admit that I have been reading some peak Claremont/Byrne X-Men, see above, but why does this first issue look so… uneven? It looks very rushed, especially near the start. It gets better when the Enchantress shows up, but usually first issues at least look great. There’s also just not a ton going on. The story gets distracted by three separate sets of guest stars who each get several pages to show off! We get a bit of Dazzler’s backstory, which is really generic. Also, her “poor apartment” looks amazing in 2024. She wants to be a singer, but she has a mutant power that she’s sad about for some reason? It just seems to be made up of things that could have been done in half the length more effectively.
Dazzler #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Where Demons Fear to Dwell!”
The art is better, well mostly, but the story still seems more like a poorly thought-out Marvel crossover than a new series. It has the very 80s message of “if you just get a chance, they’ll see how awesome you are,” a chance provided by powerful friends you just run into or something. It rings particularly hollow today.
Dazzler #3 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Jewels of Doom!”
Honestly, this one has a crossover, but it’s more in line with superheroes dating each other, rather than most of the Marvel Universe being in the first two issues. Allison goes on a date with the Human Torch, well almost. We also get a bit of a supporting cast coming together. It just flows better as a story than the last several issues.
Dazzler #4 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Here Nightmares Abide!”
The art is a little rough again, but the story finishes fairly strong. Dazzler beats a few major villains, but it’s actually done well! I actually really like the moment with her father and the ending.
Dazzler #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “Tell Joey I Love Him! (Or Even with Not-So-Great Power Comes Great Responsibility!”
A little convenient at the end, but it’s a solid one and done that builds on Dazzler’s own past and continues building the book!
Dazzler #6 ⧫ 1 Star “The Hulk May Be Hazardous to Your Health!”
I regret asking for a supporting cast. Like half of this book is very fatphobic. Dazzler’s new drummer is heavy, so he wants to eat all the time and gets concerned about missing lunch! Hahaha…. Then, a large man fails to come to Dazzler’s aid and after she uses her powers, he assumes she’s a mutant and tries to get her arrested. Then, more fat people gonna eat comments. It felt incessant. After that, it’s random Hulk BS that’s set up by a lazy plot twist about Dazzler needing to sing Country on the fly. It’s dumb and forced.
Dazzler #7 ⧫ 3 Stars “Fort Apache, The Hulk!”
It’s a much better issue, though the heavy drummer gets one thought balloon, and it’s about food! Ugh. Anyway, Frank Springer's art in this and the previous issue is great, if more on the cheesecake side, and the action with the Hulk is pretty effective. I like the way Dazzler defeats the Hulk, and the way he exits the book. At least Dazzler has a good reason for being broke, now. I’m less thrilled with the sudden surplus of villains and the nurse subplot, but hopefully, the series will get good again.
Dazzler #8 ⧫ 2. Stars “Hell... Hell Is for Harry!”
I suppose this at least changes her relationship with her boss, but it’s pretty generic otherwise. The Enforcers are stripped of much of their identity. Techmaster is the type of music industry villain I would make up as a joke. Her boss doesn’t even care that she's a mutant!
Dazzler #9 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Sound and the Fury!”
And now for something completely different! As someone who’s read and enjoyed the Marvel Two-in-One Project Pegasus arc, this was a disappointment. They abduct and imprison Dazzler? The Klaw fight should have been cooler. Cool cliffhanger, I guess.
Dazzler #10 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “In the Darkness a Light!”
Springer is really keeping this book afloat the story remains unimpressive. Galactus wants revenge? That’s not really how he rolls. I suppose he just wants to punish... It’s awkwardly explained. The writing continues in the most boring direction.
Dazzler #11 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “...Lest Ye Be Judged!”
I dunno, it’s fine. Not 100% sure why Galactus gave her a boost. He’s been off in this entire story, more like a morally neutral Darkseid. Maybe it’s page 18, Galactus chilling on his couch.
Dazzler #12 ⧫ 2 Stars “Endless Hate”
Techmaster returns! He is boring. It does have some decent enough relationship building for Alison’s boss, but the weird random job thing is still bothering me. This also feels very rote, mostly due to its lackluster villain.
Dazzler #13 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Trial... and Terror!”
This premise is incredibly thin and feels more like a way to have a prison comic than anything realistic. Also, Alison gets a new boyfriend with an important job who she has little chemistry with. Shoutout to my girl Screaming Mimi’s third appearance. Read Busiek’s Thunderbolts for the best version of that character.
Dazzler #14 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “...Without Getting Killed or Caught...!”
The series levels out a bit as Dazzler gets involved in a mix-up with her stage manager and the Blue Shield and the Maggia. This actually feels like more of what a singer-superhero would feel like. Her supporting cast gets in trouble, and Dazzler needs to deal with it. She faces a hypnotized She-Hulk, and I thought this was weird at first, but their talk afterward elevates the superhero stuff.
Dazzler #15 ⧫ 3 Stars “Private Eyes”
Why do all her friends act like jerks? It’s a weird. It’s happened more than once. Jessica Drew helps out, and they have a seemingly random adventure that gets explained after the fact. It’s pretty fun, though I guess I should comment here at how often they depict Alison changing. It’s at least once a comic, and here, Jessica changes as well. It’s something that I’ve noticed that is an outlier in most of the Marvel Comics I’ve read. Storm is frequently nude because that’s how she’s comfortable, and it’s done to make a statement. With Alison, this is just voyeuristic.
Dazzler #16 ⧫ 2 Stars “Black Magic Woman!”
The Enchantress returns and whisks Dazzler away from her new boring boyfriend.
Dazzler #17 ⧫ 1 Star “The Angel and the Octopus!”
I feel like Angel has more sense than this. He acts like a creepy lovesick puppy and lovebombs Dazzler very inappropriately. It’s badly written and gross. Don’t show your love this way. I don’t even like boring lawyer guy!
Dazzler #18 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Absorbing Man Wants You!”
Dazzler gets a gizmo from Reed that she tries to use even after he points out all the superhero stuff she’s been through. Absorbing man has a plot for Dazzler that… works? I dunno. His powers really seem to be whatever the story needs. It’s honestly an average issue with the exception of a few stupid things.
Dazzler #19 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Creel... and Inhuman Treatment!”
Another very okay issue. Black Bolt shows up and things work out. Alison acts much smarter in this issue at least.
Dazzler #20 ⧫ 2 Stars “Out of the Past!”
Alison’s new singer friend conveniently knows her mom and other generic ways to resolve storylines. Also, some lame villains. I should note, Vanessa Tooks basically only appears for this storyline! She’ll appear only once more after the story resolves next issue!
Dazzler #21 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Alison Blaire, This Is Your Life!”
Ali’s past revealed and a big concert. It’s fine, but not great.
Dazzler #22 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Sisterhood”
Honestly, someone coming for Warren is a great idea with Mystique, Destiny, and Rogue being some of the best/most fitting villains in a minute.
Dazzler #23 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Fire in the Night!”
I rather liked this one. A new villain, Flame, appears as an arsonist for hire, finally getting back to Dazzler’s supposedly crappy apartment. This dovetails with the pressure that the Sisterhood attack put on Dazzler and Angel last issue. Meanwhile, Dazzler’s sister seems to just be a fun new supporting character with something mysterious wrong with her, and I’m really okay with that. Even the cliffhanger is great!
Dazzler #24 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “A Rogue in the House”
Rogue is such a threat here, much like her first appearance in Avengers Annual #10. It’s a ton of fighting, but I like that Luke and Danny get their dues as well and Allison’s sister continues to be the most effective supporting character the series has had.
Dazzler #25 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Jagged Edge”
A one issue writer and artist indicate that this is a filler issue, as do some of the plot points and missing characters. However, I’m astonished that this series about a powered singer took 24 issues before doing a stalker/obsessed fan storyline. I feel like this should have been an arc, not a one-off. That said, it’s good until the stuff with her father that seems like filler and honestly would be better if it was focused on another supporting character or just cut entirely.
Dazzler #26 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Against the Wind”
They didn’t forget about boring lawyer boyfriend! I have mixed feelings as I’m not a fan, but it’s very brief. I am a fan of that Nicholas Ray double feature, can recommend. The issue off really let Springer give this issue appropriate gravitas. Her sister’s power is terrifying, and her fear makes perfect sense. Gyrich’s involvement is a little more sus, but I guess his mutant detector is good.
Dazzler #27 ⧫ 3 Stars “Fugitive!”
I might harp a little on the dream sequence, but I rather liked it, and it links this arc to the next issue. This issue on its own is very confusing, and it’s continued next issue. Springer continues crushing the art, though.
Dazzler #28 ⧫ 3 Stars “Vendetta!”
The plot itself is a bit of a mess as is the space-time continuum as it feels like characters teleport between New York and Los Angeles very quickly. Still, the Rogue fight is cool, and this brings together previous plot threads more deftly than past arcs, though that’s not saying much.
Dazzler #29 ⧫ 3 Stars “Fame!”
Dazzler gets in over her head now that she’s famous. It’s alright.
Dazzler #30 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Debt!”
Ah, assistant editor’s month, it generally means lazy writing and gags. This one isn’t that bad, though it’s weird to see Dazzler get a ride from a young Ralph Macchio.
Dazzler #31 ⧫ 2 Stars “Tidal Wave!”
Another “Dazzler meets a boring dude” storyline, though she doesn’t end up with him. Frank Springer only has one more issue, #35, after this. I think his glamor look worked well for this book despite being too cheesecake at times.
Dazzler #32 ⧫ 3 Stars “Moonlighting”
Artist Mark Bright takes over for a few issues; he did issue 25 as well, and I really like his style. He mostly does Iron Man/Iron Fist stuff, so he's new to me, but he does an excellent job. The story is fairly average with Dazzler struggling with being a superhero and her debt to the Inhumans, but his art definitely ups the game.
Dazzler #33 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Chiller!”
Bright’s art is still great, but this issue is weird. Dazzler gets rushed into a music video by a sketchy director with not Michael Jackson… I think I’d be kinder if not for the tasteless John Landis joke… The guy killed three people two years before this!
Dazzler #34 ⧫ 2 Stars “Where Have All the Models Gone?”
Pretty underwhelming. Cute Millie the Model references.
Marvel Graphic Novel #12 ⧫ 1 Star “Dazzler: The Movie”
This is the bad plot that almost got avoided a few issues ago. Dazzler gets involved with the abusive Roman, gross, and an evil movie producer who scams them. Aside from the art, it contains everything I hate about the series in one issue. Also, apparently this is a big start for anti-mutant sentiment, and it has reverberations through other books, but it’s tremendously underwhelming. This is icky and disappointing on almost every level. Dazzler shines an unflattering light on Reagan’s America.
Also, this has a cutaway to the X-Men that isn’t super important, but I guess that has to take place between X-Men #173 when Storm gets her mohawk in Japan and #174 when she gives her plants to the Bronx botanical garden if you’re trying to read the X-Books in order and decided to be mostly disappointed by this series. An annoyingly specific placement for a frustrating issue.
Dazzler #35 ⧫ 2 Stars “Brawl!”
The bluntest anti-mutant issue I’ve read. Dazzer is essentially ostracized from her previous life and has to go and get a job as a waitress where she stops some rowdy roller derby girls… I considered rating it worse as it doesn’t really deal with any of the issues that it sets up, just an extreme cartoon version. The roller derby thing feels like the book is desperately trying to figure out a way to keep Dazzler hip as the 1980s move further and further from disco.
Beauty and the Beast #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Beauty and the Beast”
The start is promising, but trust me, it doesn’t really go anywhere. The damsel in distress trope is on full display and Dazzler just seems out of character for this and most of the series.
Beauty and the Beast #2 ⧫ 2 Stars “Heartbreak Hotel”
Did Nocenti just like the song? She brings in a random character from Spider-Woman without really introducing him well. The Dazzler/Beast romance is okay, and this kind of gets by on vibes. Dazzler getting into yet another shitty contract right after “Dazzler the Movie” and the stuff from her own series is really frustrating.
Beauty and the Beast #3 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Showtime”
So, it’s an arena with a community or something. I really hated this generic plot twist. It’s also painfully obvious where this is going and how it will end. It’s an ill-advised series.
Beauty and the Beast #4 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Checkmate”
It ends. The Doom stuff is stupid, definitely a Doombot. The Dazzler is silly and out of character, and Beast is just kind of there to save her. I hoped this series would get Dazzler back on track, but it’s just ore of the same. Also, the art for the series ranges from okay to mediocre.
Dazzler #36 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Human Touch”
More inconsequential Dazzler stories. She finds a new job, but there’s a pseudo-Phantom of the Opera thing. It doesn’t make a ton of sense.
Dazzler #37 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Girl in the Machine”
Dazzler discovers a friend in a machine. It turns out to be bad times.
Dazzler #38 ⧫ 4 Stars “Challenge”
Archie Goodwin attempts to save the series! Suddenly, Ali isn’t going from stupid job to stupid job and stupid man to stupid man. I love the tough and competent Dazzler who’s done with the previous garbage. Wolverine speaks for me in this issue: the Dazzler everyone deserves!
Dazzler #39 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Deathgrip”
More good Dazzler! If this was the series, I’d actually recommend the omnibus!
Secret Wars II #4 ⧫ ½ Star “Love Is the Answer!”
Beyonder tries to figure out what it is to be human and does random stuff. LIKE R@PE DAZZLER!?! It's technically unclear, but I did not want to be reminded of this, so I choose no. Garbage. The closest this gets to good is the conversation with the Molecule Man, and that’s just mediocre.
Dazzler #40 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Travelers”
The main thrust of the issue is good, but it’s brought down by the Beyonder showing up and being dumb. Goodwin’s run was going so well.
Dazzler #41 ⧫ 3 Stars “Revelations”
Some good, some bad, some interesting. It essentially has to reestablish everything because of the Secret Wars II interruption. It’s got a pretty cool villain, and I like the look of it.
Dazzler #42 ⧫ 3 Stars “Curtain!”
It feels like Goodwin got cut off because Dazzler was going to go to the then new X-Factor book. This literally leads into it, though that’s not where Dazzler would end up. It’s a fine end to a very okay to bad series. Better than I expected.
What If #33 ⧫ 2 Stars “What If the Dazzler Had Become the Herald of Galactus?”
She doesn't get a cool cosmic form? Lame! They put her in different sexy costumes all the time in the series. She literally did a country performance around the time of those issues! Ugh. Well, early What If art is rough anyway. This story is fine, but it’s pretty lackluster. I guess it’s representative of a series with so much wasted potential.
Marvel Fanfare #38 ⧫ 3 Stars “Duet”
It’s a cute little short with Rogue and Dazzler hanging out, singin’, an’ stuff.
Other Comics Reviews
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
November 9, 2024
There are few series on Earth that have frustrated me as much as Dazzler.
Alison Blaire, as a character, has so so so much potential, but so many of the writers they paired her with had no idea what they had on their hands.
First, Tom DeFalco - this dude is just a bad writer, top to bottom. He had a kernel of an idea - that Dazzler wanted to be a singer and not a super-hero, but her superpowers and sense of responsibility keep bringing trouble to her - but he absolutely fails to deliver. The first 10 issues or so are just a parade of flimsy guest appearances and lame villains. Alison herself comes off as helpless and ditzy 90% of the time, until suddenly she is the most powerful person in the room. DeFalco is too poor a talent to make Dazzler shine and so fills the book with other things to distract the reader from the main character.
Next, Danny Fingeroth - this is when the book came alive. Fingeroth and Springer (who's art grows from mediocre to superb throughout this series) are a fantastic team who really started to flesh out what made Dazzler unique. Fingeroth introduces a supporting cast (pretty one dimensional, but they grow on you) and finally sets Dazzler up as the star of her own book. He gives her realistic threats to fight. He gives her complexity and depth. He starts weaving in overarching themes and narratives (also fairly one dimensional, but they work.) And, most importantly, he puts the focus on ROMANCE. Dazzler becomes, brilliantly, a ROMANCE comic with super-hero interruptions. Like a reverse Spider-Man. I absolutely loved this stretch of the book and it could have gone forever if they had hried writers who understood and stuck to this idea and expanded on it.
Instead, we get Jim Shooter - this hack turns Alison into a sexist charicature and takes all of 2 issues and a graphic novel to ruin her completely. He doesn't understand her motives, her personality or her goals, he jettisons her supporting cast and setting immediately, and he basically uses her as a prop piece for his weird under-developed dumb ideas. She turns from "Alison Blaire, Dazzler," into "just some woman." And if you've ever read any Jim Shooter before, you'll probably know to expect him to do just this. This book even contains a vomit-inducing issue from the embarrassing Secret Wars II series.
Lastly, Archie Goodwin - He ends the series on another tangential, whimpering splat of a story. It's convoluted. It's pointlessly edgy and unintentionally dorky. It's totally unrelated to any of the themes of Dazzler. And it feels super rushed (because it probably was, since the book got cancelled.) The only up-side to this final run is that Alison herself seems to have a good deal of her Fingeroth-era personality back, even if she's kind of sidelined for much of the story.
I do not reccomend anyone spend more than like, 30 bucks on this whole thing. But if you do find it cheap, I recommend skimming the first 10 issues, reading and enjoying the next 20ish, then closing the book forever.
Alison Blaire, as a character, has so so so much potential, but so many of the writers they paired her with had no idea what they had on their hands.
First, Tom DeFalco - this dude is just a bad writer, top to bottom. He had a kernel of an idea - that Dazzler wanted to be a singer and not a super-hero, but her superpowers and sense of responsibility keep bringing trouble to her - but he absolutely fails to deliver. The first 10 issues or so are just a parade of flimsy guest appearances and lame villains. Alison herself comes off as helpless and ditzy 90% of the time, until suddenly she is the most powerful person in the room. DeFalco is too poor a talent to make Dazzler shine and so fills the book with other things to distract the reader from the main character.
Next, Danny Fingeroth - this is when the book came alive. Fingeroth and Springer (who's art grows from mediocre to superb throughout this series) are a fantastic team who really started to flesh out what made Dazzler unique. Fingeroth introduces a supporting cast (pretty one dimensional, but they grow on you) and finally sets Dazzler up as the star of her own book. He gives her realistic threats to fight. He gives her complexity and depth. He starts weaving in overarching themes and narratives (also fairly one dimensional, but they work.) And, most importantly, he puts the focus on ROMANCE. Dazzler becomes, brilliantly, a ROMANCE comic with super-hero interruptions. Like a reverse Spider-Man. I absolutely loved this stretch of the book and it could have gone forever if they had hried writers who understood and stuck to this idea and expanded on it.
Instead, we get Jim Shooter - this hack turns Alison into a sexist charicature and takes all of 2 issues and a graphic novel to ruin her completely. He doesn't understand her motives, her personality or her goals, he jettisons her supporting cast and setting immediately, and he basically uses her as a prop piece for his weird under-developed dumb ideas. She turns from "Alison Blaire, Dazzler," into "just some woman." And if you've ever read any Jim Shooter before, you'll probably know to expect him to do just this. This book even contains a vomit-inducing issue from the embarrassing Secret Wars II series.
Lastly, Archie Goodwin - He ends the series on another tangential, whimpering splat of a story. It's convoluted. It's pointlessly edgy and unintentionally dorky. It's totally unrelated to any of the themes of Dazzler. And it feels super rushed (because it probably was, since the book got cancelled.) The only up-side to this final run is that Alison herself seems to have a good deal of her Fingeroth-era personality back, even if she's kind of sidelined for much of the story.
I do not reccomend anyone spend more than like, 30 bucks on this whole thing. But if you do find it cheap, I recommend skimming the first 10 issues, reading and enjoying the next 20ish, then closing the book forever.
December 17, 2024
What made the first half of Dazzler’s solo title special was that she actively resisted heroics (but was obviously drawn into them every issue). It was a bit of a sci-fi soap opera (that’s a common analogy these days, but it’s hard to get soapier than Dazzler deciding between suitors). We, to this day, get so little chance to explore the lives of mutants who just want lives. It’s infinitely more interesting than warriors rushing into battle all the time. Also, until the landmark Dazzler Graphic Novel, she couldn’t store any sound energy, so there was a very practical element to her powers. She needed sound! That often put her on the back foot when surprised by danger.
In the series’s second half, modern Marvel stepped in to provide endless “bold new directions” for a book that was rooted in a strong supporting cast. They were cast away, however, when Lois London arrived. Which could have been okay…but she was written out so quickly as to make her an obvious McGuffin for moving Alison west. After that, the series struggles with too many cooks (who don’t understand the recipe), but Alison remains an interesting character you want to follow. She has strong ideals, but it’s fitting to remember this line from Rita Hayworth’s The Loves of Carmen: “The only truly wicked men I know are those that started out as idealists.” Ali is realistically led astray and off her chosen track, and just the “don’t go into the cellar!” audience tension as we watch her become almost insufferable carries the book (along with the amazing painted covers).
I have always wished that the original Dazzler series (which essentially ended at issue #25) could have kept going. Yeah, I’m old, I guess, and the ever-escalating brawls of most comics leave me flat. I’m a Claremonter, and the first couple years of Dazzler were a great continuation in his style.
Today, of course, Dazzler is a bonafide superstar diva. But I’ve never figured out when that change happened storywise. She went into hiding, joined the X-Men, moved to Mojoworld (still waiting for the untold story of Longshot and the birth of their child)… When was she out touring or recording? Oh well. Long live The Dazzler, and get us the movie stat! I still think a film that embraced the nostalgia and camp by casting Gaga as Ali and Madonna as Mortis could be magically delicious!
In the series’s second half, modern Marvel stepped in to provide endless “bold new directions” for a book that was rooted in a strong supporting cast. They were cast away, however, when Lois London arrived. Which could have been okay…but she was written out so quickly as to make her an obvious McGuffin for moving Alison west. After that, the series struggles with too many cooks (who don’t understand the recipe), but Alison remains an interesting character you want to follow. She has strong ideals, but it’s fitting to remember this line from Rita Hayworth’s The Loves of Carmen: “The only truly wicked men I know are those that started out as idealists.” Ali is realistically led astray and off her chosen track, and just the “don’t go into the cellar!” audience tension as we watch her become almost insufferable carries the book (along with the amazing painted covers).
I have always wished that the original Dazzler series (which essentially ended at issue #25) could have kept going. Yeah, I’m old, I guess, and the ever-escalating brawls of most comics leave me flat. I’m a Claremonter, and the first couple years of Dazzler were a great continuation in his style.
Today, of course, Dazzler is a bonafide superstar diva. But I’ve never figured out when that change happened storywise. She went into hiding, joined the X-Men, moved to Mojoworld (still waiting for the untold story of Longshot and the birth of their child)… When was she out touring or recording? Oh well. Long live The Dazzler, and get us the movie stat! I still think a film that embraced the nostalgia and camp by casting Gaga as Ali and Madonna as Mortis could be magically delicious!
May 20, 2025
OK, maybe it's nostalgia (as I probably read 60-70% of this in original issues long, long ago), but I found this to be a fun read, albeit a flawed one.
The early Dazzler is just a little too guest-starry, but the story of a normal person who wants to go about her normal life despite great powers is one that really recalls Marvel of the 60s. And the male-written romance is a bit tough to read at times, but at the same time it's really innovative for a superhero comic.
I think the comic was at its height in its late New York days and on its trip out to the east coast. The slow revelations about Ali's sister and mother are terrific, creating a complex and interesting dynamic.
Unfortunately, that's about when the comic loses it. As Ali arrives in SoCal, we lose our entire support cast and the storyline becomes muddled because of changing writers and even filler stories dropped into the narrative (and for that matter Beauty and the Beast, which is a strong story, but poorly connected to the rest of Ali's narrative). Losing Ali's sister's story is particularly problematic because it's 100% unfinished. (Just jump forward 30 years or so to the Necrosha crossover, though I don't believe Lois London was treated particularly well there.)
The Graphic Novel is strong for the fact that it offers a major turning point for Alison, something that we saw too little of in the era. But it also awkwardly repeats things from Shooter's earlier comics in the series (again messing with the narrative) and also is exhibit 1 in The Sexual Harassment of Alison Blaire.
Then, past Beauty and the Beast and the fillers, we get Ali-as-Superhero in issues #38-42. I was excited about them at the time because of the X-Men connection, and they're well-written stories with scary foes, but they're also pretty out-of-touch with the story of Ali in the first 37 issues of the comic.
And it's a real shame that such a well-developed character has just gotten sidekick status in team comics ever since, and typically not the team member that gets any development! (But I'll have to take a look at her From the Ashes miniseries now, to see if it does anything with this richly developed character.)
The early Dazzler is just a little too guest-starry, but the story of a normal person who wants to go about her normal life despite great powers is one that really recalls Marvel of the 60s. And the male-written romance is a bit tough to read at times, but at the same time it's really innovative for a superhero comic.
I think the comic was at its height in its late New York days and on its trip out to the east coast. The slow revelations about Ali's sister and mother are terrific, creating a complex and interesting dynamic.
Unfortunately, that's about when the comic loses it. As Ali arrives in SoCal, we lose our entire support cast and the storyline becomes muddled because of changing writers and even filler stories dropped into the narrative (and for that matter Beauty and the Beast, which is a strong story, but poorly connected to the rest of Ali's narrative). Losing Ali's sister's story is particularly problematic because it's 100% unfinished. (Just jump forward 30 years or so to the Necrosha crossover, though I don't believe Lois London was treated particularly well there.)
The Graphic Novel is strong for the fact that it offers a major turning point for Alison, something that we saw too little of in the era. But it also awkwardly repeats things from Shooter's earlier comics in the series (again messing with the narrative) and also is exhibit 1 in The Sexual Harassment of Alison Blaire.
Then, past Beauty and the Beast and the fillers, we get Ali-as-Superhero in issues #38-42. I was excited about them at the time because of the X-Men connection, and they're well-written stories with scary foes, but they're also pretty out-of-touch with the story of Ali in the first 37 issues of the comic.
And it's a real shame that such a well-developed character has just gotten sidekick status in team comics ever since, and typically not the team member that gets any development! (But I'll have to take a look at her From the Ashes miniseries now, to see if it does anything with this richly developed character.)
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