Review - Dauntless #1 (@Tres_C_Studios)

"The first hit always gets the cobwebs out. Now I'm warmed up."

People will fight for any cause they believe in. There are times when that fight involves words, other times it involves passive resistance. There are some times when fighting for a cause requires actual fighting as the case in Dauntless #1 from Tres Calaveras Studios. The issue is written by Emilio Rodriguez, illustrated and lettered by Juan Martinez Alarcon and colored by David de Alonso.

A story about what truly makes a hero and doing the right thing when the world tells you not to.

Drex as a lead character is a symbol of maintaining a dedication to a cause--a cause that Rodriguez uses as occasion for an almost endless barrage of physical combat. The issue parlays that action into a means of presenting Drex's backstory as both an individual and as part of a larger cause. That cause is a little muddied throughout the issue as Rodriguez seems more content to thoroughly introduce the players in Dauntless #1 first and foremost. The dialogue is pretty slick in this way, in that it subtly gives the reader enough information about the characters in a pretty natural way. It's almost as if Drex is narrating without being aware he's doing so.

Alarcon's artwork utilizes pretty basic linework throughout. All of the characters sport superhero physiques that make their battles seem more believable when pitting them against one another. Alarcon gives the characters more life in their facial expressions, especially giving Drex a look that's reflective of a constant pummeling at the hands of his "friends." Rage is probably the best-captured emotion as Drex uses that to reinforce the ongoing battles (both internal and external) that Drex is fighting. Alonso's colors are relatively harmless in that they're mostly primary blues, reds and greens.

Dauntless #1 is a story about persevering and the narrative is framed through that lens. Drex believes his cause to be just and is fighting to prove that, even if it comes at a great physical toll exacted upon him. The script by Rodriguez is pretty interesting and effective in giving the reader enough to have an idea of what's going on. The artwork by Alarcon doesn't really get bogged down in detail as he takes a fairly relaxed approach for characters and settings. Dauntless #1 is a book that thrives on combat and seeks to instill deeper meaning in conflict.

Dauntless #1 is available now.