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Sideways #7-13
Sideways, Vol. 2: Rifts and Revelations
Reeling from the tragic events of Sideways Vol. 1: Steppin' Out, Derek rejects his family and friends to help the Seven Soldiers find a missing member lost in the Dark Multiverse in Sideways Vol. 2!
When Sideways leads the Seven Soldiers into the Dark Multiverse to find the missing Manhattan Guardian, the whole trip goes sideways (zing!) when our hero gets separated from the group and becomes lost in this nightmarish realm. And just like any petulant teenager, Sideways won't stop and ask for directions, so now he's trapped in the land of Perrus, ruled by the Dark Beast and populated by weird Superman-esque creatures, like Porcupine Jimmy Olsen.
From artist Kenneth Rocafort (Red Hood and The Outlaws) and co-writers Grant Morrison (The Multiversity) and DC's Publisher Dan DiDio, Sideways emerges as a part of New Age of Heroes! Collects issues #7-13 and Sideways Annual #1.
When Sideways leads the Seven Soldiers into the Dark Multiverse to find the missing Manhattan Guardian, the whole trip goes sideways (zing!) when our hero gets separated from the group and becomes lost in this nightmarish realm. And just like any petulant teenager, Sideways won't stop and ask for directions, so now he's trapped in the land of Perrus, ruled by the Dark Beast and populated by weird Superman-esque creatures, like Porcupine Jimmy Olsen.
From artist Kenneth Rocafort (Red Hood and The Outlaws) and co-writers Grant Morrison (The Multiversity) and DC's Publisher Dan DiDio, Sideways emerges as a part of New Age of Heroes! Collects issues #7-13 and Sideways Annual #1.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2019
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45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 19, 2019
DiDio tries to tie this into the Seven Soldiers of Victory event Grant Morrison did years ago. It wasn't interesting then and it's less interesting now. The Seven Soldiers basically fight a crapload of giant spiders while Sideways gets captured by these odd universal monsters versions of Superman characters from the dark universes of Dark Night: Metals. Then DiDio tries to quickly wrap up the open plot threads with the death of Sideways mom before the series is cancelled. This actually had some potential but DiDio honestly isn't a good enough writer to hold people's interest.
For an artist driven line that lists the artist as the main storyteller in each issue, this book had a lot of fill in artists. The book looks great when Kenneth Roquefort is handling the art, not so much when the 8 other artists do.
For an artist driven line that lists the artist as the main storyteller in each issue, this book had a lot of fill in artists. The book looks great when Kenneth Roquefort is handling the art, not so much when the 8 other artists do.
March 29, 2019
Yep, another series spun out of DC's Metal event. And, arguably DC trying to find their teen version of a Spider-Man character yet again. This is a review of both TPBs which collect the entire run.
Dereck isn't a bad character, but he is so cliche in many ways. Trying to use his powers to become a You Tube/Instagram star, then taking a hero's journey, problems at home. In a lot ways this is just way too average. A decent read, but not much above average. Until
Spoilers
We met Dereck's birth mother. Early on it is divulged that he was adopted, but with his mother's murder the issues between father and son hit a new high. So dear old dad calls the birth mother and has her to come live with them.
This is where some interesting character stuff could have been done, and I think the series was headed there, but cancellation ended that.
Dereck isn't a bad character, but he is so cliche in many ways. Trying to use his powers to become a You Tube/Instagram star, then taking a hero's journey, problems at home. In a lot ways this is just way too average. A decent read, but not much above average. Until
Spoilers
We met Dereck's birth mother. Early on it is divulged that he was adopted, but with his mother's murder the issues between father and son hit a new high. So dear old dad calls the birth mother and has her to come live with them.
This is where some interesting character stuff could have been done, and I think the series was headed there, but cancellation ended that.
September 7, 2019
I liked this volume better than the first.
I don't like how they were positioning Sideways to be a key hero to the existence of the DC universe and history...cough cough Pandora again.
I would not be upset if this hero showed up again.
But it seems like nearly all the Metal branded books didn't make it.
I don't like how they were positioning Sideways to be a key hero to the existence of the DC universe and history...cough cough Pandora again.
I would not be upset if this hero showed up again.
But it seems like nearly all the Metal branded books didn't make it.
August 22, 2019
A sad early end to a promising new series. Hopefully, they’ll figure out something to do with this character before he fades into complete obscurity. I could see him fitting in with other young heroes on Young Justice. That show would be a nice boost for his profile.
August 26, 2021
This is better than the previous volume. Sadly only a handful of issues were drawn by Kenneth Rocafort. I feel that the story is a little bit rush because the series was cancelled immediately. I want to see more of Sideways with a proper story and good writer.
October 23, 2020
Synopsis: Derek is struggling to deal with the murder of his mother. He's pushing his father and best friend Ernie away and the kids at his school are being total assholes about it. He gets swept up with this group called the Seven Soldiers, composed of Zatanna, Frankenstein, Klarion, the Shining Knight, Shilo Norman, the Bulleteer and the Manhattan Guardian (who is missing). What follows is something that is hard to follow, but essentially, Derek goes dimension hopping with the Seven Soldiers.
In the process, Derek frees a Superman from another dimension (who looks exactly like early New 52 Action Comics Superman), meets a group called the Unseen frees the Manhattan Guardian and misses his mother's funeral. Once the Unseen's master is defeated by Superman, they are able to enter into the main DC earth. Tempus almost destroys them, but then thinks better of it and lets them go.
Meanwhile, Derek returns home to find that he has been missing for a week and his father has called the police. The detective working on Derek's mother's case implies Derek is a suspect and Derek's dad basically says he doesn't want to be his dad anymore because adopting him was Helen's idea, anyway. At school, Ernie has Derek take her to Paris where she reveals her parents are making her and her sister choose who they want to live with after the divorce.
Derek has to leave to fight some kind of terrorist that claims to be working for Leviathan. When he returns to Ernie, she is captured by a man with similar powers as Derek named Bolt, who has been sent by Dark Star Labs. After getting Ernie to safety, Derek is taken by Bolt to Dark Star Labs. Leto Dominus intends to open a dimensional portal using Derek. Of course, the creatures Derek fought with Tempus come out and Derek opens a rift within a rift which causes an explosion and sends the creatures back to the dark multiverse.
The killer is revealed to be Helen's assistant Sandy Bridwell. Her motivation? She wanted a promotion and that's all I'm saying about that synopsis-wise because that's all there is to it. I'm pretty sure Derek lets her car fall off a cliff he created with a rift. Derek's father introduces him to his birth mother and Tempus talks with a mysterious figure in the dark multiverse about Derek. Derek and Ernie appear to be going on a date, but before they leave Derek texts his mother back two weeks after her murder. She responds, but Derek isn't there to see it.
Review: I hate to say I was disappointed with this volume, but I really was. Unfortunately, my dislike of the story came from the fact that I felt the first half was filler. I doubt Rocafort and Didlo planned on getting canceled so, of course, they would put in a little filler arc. It can't be all central plot all the time. However, because this is the last volume since it was indeed canceled, it feels like a flimsy waste of time. It reminds me of some of the other choppy writing that has plagued DC since before Rebirth started.
The Seven Soldiers arc seemed pointless and confusing. I get that they needed Derek to save Guardian because he was in the dark multiverse, but it just seemed like the writers crammed so many sidequests for Derek along the way I kept forgetting why the hell he was there. And really, anything with that early New 52 Action Comics Superman never makes much sense to me. Perhaps it's because I felt New 52 Superman all around was confusing.
The killer reveal was fucking horrible. Helen died over this bitch wanting a promotion? THAT'S what we're going with? I would have rather Dark Star Labs and Leto Dominus been the killers. It would have been obvious, but at least Helen wouldn't have died over nothing. I know that sounds fucked up, but I just don't understand why Sandy hit her in the first place.
The first half feels like a waste of time and the second half just builds to disappointment. But the real tragedy here is the potential Derek James has. I know I just shit all over it, but this book could have gone to new, interesting places and it would tie in well with anything to do with the dark multiverse. It's a goddamn shame. Derek is also a person of color, so it sucks to see another POC character's book get cut (Cyborg).
The best I can hope for is that Sideways rifts into a team book.
Also, did Derek really let Sandy die/lowkey kill her???
In the process, Derek frees a Superman from another dimension (who looks exactly like early New 52 Action Comics Superman), meets a group called the Unseen frees the Manhattan Guardian and misses his mother's funeral. Once the Unseen's master is defeated by Superman, they are able to enter into the main DC earth. Tempus almost destroys them, but then thinks better of it and lets them go.
Meanwhile, Derek returns home to find that he has been missing for a week and his father has called the police. The detective working on Derek's mother's case implies Derek is a suspect and Derek's dad basically says he doesn't want to be his dad anymore because adopting him was Helen's idea, anyway. At school, Ernie has Derek take her to Paris where she reveals her parents are making her and her sister choose who they want to live with after the divorce.
Derek has to leave to fight some kind of terrorist that claims to be working for Leviathan. When he returns to Ernie, she is captured by a man with similar powers as Derek named Bolt, who has been sent by Dark Star Labs. After getting Ernie to safety, Derek is taken by Bolt to Dark Star Labs. Leto Dominus intends to open a dimensional portal using Derek. Of course, the creatures Derek fought with Tempus come out and Derek opens a rift within a rift which causes an explosion and sends the creatures back to the dark multiverse.
The killer is revealed to be Helen's assistant Sandy Bridwell. Her motivation? She wanted a promotion and that's all I'm saying about that synopsis-wise because that's all there is to it. I'm pretty sure Derek lets her car fall off a cliff he created with a rift. Derek's father introduces him to his birth mother and Tempus talks with a mysterious figure in the dark multiverse about Derek. Derek and Ernie appear to be going on a date, but before they leave Derek texts his mother back two weeks after her murder. She responds, but Derek isn't there to see it.
Review: I hate to say I was disappointed with this volume, but I really was. Unfortunately, my dislike of the story came from the fact that I felt the first half was filler. I doubt Rocafort and Didlo planned on getting canceled so, of course, they would put in a little filler arc. It can't be all central plot all the time. However, because this is the last volume since it was indeed canceled, it feels like a flimsy waste of time. It reminds me of some of the other choppy writing that has plagued DC since before Rebirth started.
The Seven Soldiers arc seemed pointless and confusing. I get that they needed Derek to save Guardian because he was in the dark multiverse, but it just seemed like the writers crammed so many sidequests for Derek along the way I kept forgetting why the hell he was there. And really, anything with that early New 52 Action Comics Superman never makes much sense to me. Perhaps it's because I felt New 52 Superman all around was confusing.
The killer reveal was fucking horrible. Helen died over this bitch wanting a promotion? THAT'S what we're going with? I would have rather Dark Star Labs and Leto Dominus been the killers. It would have been obvious, but at least Helen wouldn't have died over nothing. I know that sounds fucked up, but I just don't understand why Sandy hit her in the first place.
The first half feels like a waste of time and the second half just builds to disappointment. But the real tragedy here is the potential Derek James has. I know I just shit all over it, but this book could have gone to new, interesting places and it would tie in well with anything to do with the dark multiverse. It's a goddamn shame. Derek is also a person of color, so it sucks to see another POC character's book get cut (Cyborg).
The best I can hope for is that Sideways rifts into a team book.
Also, did Derek really let Sandy die/lowkey kill her???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2022
Sideways is just about getting to grips with his powers when the unthinkable happens, and his mother is murdered. But before he has a chance to investigate for himself, he finds himself back in the Dark Multiverse alongside the Seven Soldiers Of Victory! If he survives that, the mystery of Dark Star Sciences and the despicable Leto Dominus awaits him...
Seven Soldiers is one of those stories that you probably shouldn't go back and touch. It's iconic in its execution, and it's easily one of my favourite Grant Morrison stories. To say I was worried about Dan DiDio tackling it would be an understatement, but what he does here is surprisingly deferential. He incorporates the characters and ideas from Seven Soldiers without trying to recreate what made them great the first time and instead uses them as a springboard to tell a different story with Sideways that helps propel him along his hero's journey far faster than the previous six issues have. DiDio also enlists Grant Morrison themselves to help write the annual that rounds up the story, which was a nice touch.
The final four issues of the series bring everything home, with various degrees of success. There are some things that are rounded up very quickly, like the true culprit behind Derek's mother's death, while there are some mysteries that are just hinted at - like the identity of The Giver from the Dark Multiverse. There's a new character introduced with literally one issue of the book left to go that didn't really get to do anything, but I think the whole point of her being there is to show that, even though Derek's going through some hard times now, he'll be okay in the end.
The artwork is still predominantly Kenneth Rocafort, which was a surprise - the other New Age Of Heroes books I've read had all lost their original artist by this point, so to see Rocafort seeing the book through to the final issue was nice. Max Raynor steps in for some of the Seven Soldiers arc, including the annual, while Shane Davis pops in for some fill-in pages as well, but the majority of these eight issues are still Rocafort's zany pencils.
Sideways was a surprisingly impressive book. The artwork was almost always great, and the fact that the series creator managed to stick with the book for most of its run was a nice vote of confidence for the title. It didn't land all of its plot points, but it was a fun ride, and I'd like to see Derek again sometime. Not the high praise I was expecting to heap on a DiDio book, but it just goes to show that people can surprise you.
Seven Soldiers is one of those stories that you probably shouldn't go back and touch. It's iconic in its execution, and it's easily one of my favourite Grant Morrison stories. To say I was worried about Dan DiDio tackling it would be an understatement, but what he does here is surprisingly deferential. He incorporates the characters and ideas from Seven Soldiers without trying to recreate what made them great the first time and instead uses them as a springboard to tell a different story with Sideways that helps propel him along his hero's journey far faster than the previous six issues have. DiDio also enlists Grant Morrison themselves to help write the annual that rounds up the story, which was a nice touch.
The final four issues of the series bring everything home, with various degrees of success. There are some things that are rounded up very quickly, like the true culprit behind Derek's mother's death, while there are some mysteries that are just hinted at - like the identity of The Giver from the Dark Multiverse. There's a new character introduced with literally one issue of the book left to go that didn't really get to do anything, but I think the whole point of her being there is to show that, even though Derek's going through some hard times now, he'll be okay in the end.
The artwork is still predominantly Kenneth Rocafort, which was a surprise - the other New Age Of Heroes books I've read had all lost their original artist by this point, so to see Rocafort seeing the book through to the final issue was nice. Max Raynor steps in for some of the Seven Soldiers arc, including the annual, while Shane Davis pops in for some fill-in pages as well, but the majority of these eight issues are still Rocafort's zany pencils.
Sideways was a surprisingly impressive book. The artwork was almost always great, and the fact that the series creator managed to stick with the book for most of its run was a nice vote of confidence for the title. It didn't land all of its plot points, but it was a fun ride, and I'd like to see Derek again sometime. Not the high praise I was expecting to heap on a DiDio book, but it just goes to show that people can surprise you.
November 27, 2020
I surprisingly liked this volume better than the first, if only because see a lot of drama in Derek's personal life in the last half. The first part of this book is a filler arc to give us a break from the main story. The dialogue is sloppily written and makes no sense given what was going on in JLD at the time, but we get to see Jimmy Olsen as a werewolf and Superman as a wraith so that's cool I guess?
What really boosted my opinion of this book was the last story which quickly attempts to wrap up the main plot of the series: the death of Derek's mom and the impact his hijinks as Sideways have affected his relationships with his family and best friend. Many people have pointed out online that Sideways was supposed to be DCs new stand-in for Spider-Man, and if you've ever read a Spider-Man story then you know the focus of those stories isnt the dynamic between hero and villain (like in Batman for instance). Its about the hero's personal life and their relationships. So even though the villain is very poor, Derek's personal life makes riveting drama. The heart to heart between Derek and Ernestine had some real chemistry to and the fallout with Derek's father felt really raw and emotional. Their attempt to repair their relationship and build a new one as father and son for my money was easily the best written part of the series and I'm sad we wont see it go any further.
After the abysmal first volume I was expecting to hate Sideways Vol. 2. Now I feel disappointed by its cancellation. It seems this book finally found its footing and had the rug pulled right out from under it. Hopefully this isnt the last we see of Derek and his extended cast. Theres a fun teen drama waiting to be told with these characters and I hope to see it one day.
What really boosted my opinion of this book was the last story which quickly attempts to wrap up the main plot of the series: the death of Derek's mom and the impact his hijinks as Sideways have affected his relationships with his family and best friend. Many people have pointed out online that Sideways was supposed to be DCs new stand-in for Spider-Man, and if you've ever read a Spider-Man story then you know the focus of those stories isnt the dynamic between hero and villain (like in Batman for instance). Its about the hero's personal life and their relationships. So even though the villain is very poor, Derek's personal life makes riveting drama. The heart to heart between Derek and Ernestine had some real chemistry to and the fallout with Derek's father felt really raw and emotional. Their attempt to repair their relationship and build a new one as father and son for my money was easily the best written part of the series and I'm sad we wont see it go any further.
After the abysmal first volume I was expecting to hate Sideways Vol. 2. Now I feel disappointed by its cancellation. It seems this book finally found its footing and had the rug pulled right out from under it. Hopefully this isnt the last we see of Derek and his extended cast. Theres a fun teen drama waiting to be told with these characters and I hope to see it one day.
March 12, 2020
In the post Dark Nights: Metal DCU, there were a few completely new superheros that stemmed out of the event. Sideways was one of these.
Overall, this Volume (and the previous one) were both pretty good, but you can see why this hero wouldn't last very long on his own. Quite interesting story, yet not as fleshed out as you'd like to see. Hopefully, the character will join one of DC's myriad of super-teams and we'll get to see more of Derek James.
Highlights:
- Right after his mother dies, he gets recruited by the Seven Soldiers to help rescue one of there own. Notable members: Zatanna and Frankenstein
- Ending up getting separated from the group, he is able to save an alt-universe Superman, who helps them complete their mission.
- Returning home, there is drama with both his step-father, his birth mother (who gets introduced), and his girlfriend (who gets taken by a villain with similar powers).
- He also gets taken by an organization who wants to use his powers to open a portal to the Dark Multiverse. He is able to stop them too.
- AND.... last page reveal.... is his mom really dead?
Guess we'll see if DC does anything else with this character. Recommend.
Overall, this Volume (and the previous one) were both pretty good, but you can see why this hero wouldn't last very long on his own. Quite interesting story, yet not as fleshed out as you'd like to see. Hopefully, the character will join one of DC's myriad of super-teams and we'll get to see more of Derek James.
Highlights:
- Right after his mother dies, he gets recruited by the Seven Soldiers to help rescue one of there own. Notable members: Zatanna and Frankenstein
- Ending up getting separated from the group, he is able to save an alt-universe Superman, who helps them complete their mission.
- Returning home, there is drama with both his step-father, his birth mother (who gets introduced), and his girlfriend (who gets taken by a villain with similar powers).
- He also gets taken by an organization who wants to use his powers to open a portal to the Dark Multiverse. He is able to stop them too.
- AND.... last page reveal.... is his mom really dead?
Guess we'll see if DC does anything else with this character. Recommend.
April 25, 2020
This volume was better than the first one, if that's possible. I didn't find the first half as interesting, even though it broadens the scope of Sideways' narrative universe (and literal multiverse) and it ends in a great annual with Superman as the celebrity guest; the second half, however, was much more grounded and relatable, and the contrast between both was really nice. Kenneth Rocafort art is as good as in the previous numbers (I'm liking it more now), and Grant Morrison co-writing the annual was surely a nice addition, with lots of interesting characters in the subplot that leads to that story.
Overall, a great followup, that I sincerely hope will keep going on the future. The ending provides closure for the main plot points, but it's still open and interesting enough to provide tons of pages of good comic. Let's pray they come back to this series someday.
Overall, a great followup, that I sincerely hope will keep going on the future. The ending provides closure for the main plot points, but it's still open and interesting enough to provide tons of pages of good comic. Let's pray they come back to this series someday.
February 6, 2022
The Seven Soldiers of Victory show up...and do nothing. There's a group of monsters based on old Superman comics where Lois, Jimmy, and Lori are always turning into different things.
There's a part where a detective is investigating Derek's (Sideway's) mom's death and since Derek went into the Dark Multiverse for a week, he's a suspect. So the detective asks where he's been, specifically, and Derek goes, "I was in Metropolis with friends." The detective says, "Ok" and heads out, still a little suspicious. ASK FOR NAMES! DO NOT GIVE HIM TIME TO COME UP WITH A STORY. GET A NAME OF THE FRIEND HE STAYED WITH. This is insane and I cannot get over it.
The only fun parts of this whole series is when he uses his powers in different ways. Otherwise, all the characters suck. :D
There's a part where a detective is investigating Derek's (Sideway's) mom's death and since Derek went into the Dark Multiverse for a week, he's a suspect. So the detective asks where he's been, specifically, and Derek goes, "I was in Metropolis with friends." The detective says, "Ok" and heads out, still a little suspicious. ASK FOR NAMES! DO NOT GIVE HIM TIME TO COME UP WITH A STORY. GET A NAME OF THE FRIEND HE STAYED WITH. This is insane and I cannot get over it.
The only fun parts of this whole series is when he uses his powers in different ways. Otherwise, all the characters suck. :D
December 23, 2020
A nice revisit to the Seven Soldiers and a nice use of some classic Superman characters with "The Unseen".
Sidways is a fun character, similar to "The Bounce". He's a multiversal hardtraveling Spider-man. He's not particularly deep at all.
The stuff with New 52 Superman (and him being a "True Source" that the Unseen worship is very interesting--and fits into the ideas of the Metaverse (and Multiversity, Metal and Doomsday Clock).
Sidways is a fun character, similar to "The Bounce". He's a multiversal hardtraveling Spider-man. He's not particularly deep at all.
The stuff with New 52 Superman (and him being a "True Source" that the Unseen worship is very interesting--and fits into the ideas of the Metaverse (and Multiversity, Metal and Doomsday Clock).
September 13, 2023
DNF!
Dan DiDio is literally the worst writer in comics' history. Here he tells the story of Derek James, a young new hero who is dealing with the loss of his mother...no wait! None of that actually happens as he's thrown together with a team no one cares about to set up another team no one will care about in a story no one will care about. This is a trainwreck.
Dan DiDio is literally the worst writer in comics' history. Here he tells the story of Derek James, a young new hero who is dealing with the loss of his mother...no wait! None of that actually happens as he's thrown together with a team no one cares about to set up another team no one will care about in a story no one will care about. This is a trainwreck.
October 1, 2020
I liked this volume less than the first, mostly because it relied too heavily on stuff from Dark Knights Metal. I didn't read much of that story so I ended up being a little lost. This is my constant complaint about DC. I wish they would put in a little time bring you up to speed rather than just assuming everyone has read every single thing they put out.
Regardless, I enjoyed this series at a whole and wish it had more time to grow.
We discussed it more over on Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6BjS...
Regardless, I enjoyed this series at a whole and wish it had more time to grow.
We discussed it more over on Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6BjS...
January 17, 2023
And this ends some of the most promising new blood in dc in a book that though it reeks of desperation for continuation is still solid in its own right.
March 31, 2021
Sideways getting dragged into some of DC's crossovers causes his own story threads to stumble, but still a fun character with a decent supporting cast and loads of potential.
Hope DC does right by Sideways now that his series is over, as his mix of Spider-man and cosmic trippiness worked really well.
Hope DC does right by Sideways now that his series is over, as his mix of Spider-man and cosmic trippiness worked really well.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews