I'm guessing that had the series been called The Dian Belmont Mysteries, it would likely have not sold as well in the comic shop. Perhaps on BBC, but not the comic shop. This is not a criticism, though. I love the fact that we're in a lot of ways experiencing this story from Dian's perspective, and only catching fitting glimpses of Wesley Dodds in costume. I think it's best to remember that Dodds isn't actually what we might call a superhero at this point in his career, but more of a Mystery Man. And, as a Mystery Man, it's suitable that we're mystified by him as well.
My qualms with the colouring of Chinese characters is somewhat assuaged in today's issue where they seem to have realized the error from the last issue and have actually coloured the characters with something closer to a skin tone. As I read through many of these series, I do actually keep an eye on the letters pages, so I'm curious to see if a) Sandman Mystery Theatre ever actually has a letters page and b) if anyone says anything about the Chinese colouring in issue 5.
The era within which these stories are taking place is kind of fascinating. I haven't seen it yet, but I wonder how much the Great Depression will be dealt with, or the amazing culture coming out of Harlem during this time. There's a wealth of setting and culture to explore, both good and bad. A series like this, published 60 years after the era within which it's set gives a writer the chance to really deal with some of the regressive social attitudes of the time. A similar thing happened in the criminally short-lived Agent Carter series. To see a feminist show set in a decidedly unfeminist era reminds us that there have always been people fighting for equality. Hopefully Mr. Wagner will take advantage of that distance of time to look at some of these moments.
More to come...
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