Dazzler #26 (1983)
by Danny Fingeroth & Frank Springer
cover by Joe Jusko
This is the last issue written by Danny Fingeroth. Will he manage to end on a high note after a disastrous run, or will Dazzler’s curse stop him?
We begin with Dazzler in the middle of her show, when she notices someone is getting mugged backstage…
…so she decides to intervene by shouting her catchphrase and, according to the artwork, possibly dislocating her hips.
This is probably one of the top three times when Dazzler has used her powers competently.
Which is kind of sad, but good for her!
I still can’t believe we’re at issue 26, with Dazzler having used her abilities in public for at least half of those, and people STILL don’t deduce she has powers.
This issue is when the subplot about Lois (Dazzler’s half-sister) having dizzy spells becomes the main story.
If Dazzler notices it, that is.
While Dazzler continues her show, Lois gets assaulted in the streets.
It’s a really uncomfortable scene.
Not exactly the best way to discover you have mutant powers, that’s for sure.
You know what? It’s a bit jarring to have things turn so serious after 25 issues of nonsense, but this isn’t badly written.
Even the scene with her talking about with Dazzler is quite powerful!
Is… is this turning into a GOOD series!?!?
Quickly Dazzler, say something stupid!
(“maybe you’re exaggerating”!? WTF!?)
I like that Dazzler’s first thoughts are how to protect her sister from the mutant discrimination she faces. I just wish it didn’t have to rely on something that happened TWENTY ISSUES AGO and has barely impacted anything in the series, but hey, baby steps.
Dazzler’s boyfriend is a lawyer (plus he was the one who helped her prove her innocence in issue 13), so she immediately calls Red Moustache for help.
Turns out mutant hysteria has only gotten worse lately.
I sure am making fun of Lois for describing to nobody what she is doing even though no human being is known to talk like this.
At least this time Dazzler is doing SOMETHING.
And now out of freaking nowhere, perennial nuisance to heroes Gyrich is here!!!
This straight out of the X-Men stories of the time, but I have to question why Gyrich is so pumped up about this random unexplained murder when 1980s comic book New York is a warzone.
Considering the public thinks X-Men are dead at this time, the fact that Dazzler decides to become a fugitive to help her sister is handled nicely.
Quickly Dazzler, say something stupid!
(“maybe you’re not a mutant”!? WTF!?)
You know what? Dazzler’s sister is turning into a rather interesting character!
Dazzler decides to hide her sister in Pittsburgh. I find it interesting that’s the chosen place, because Jim Shooter will soon take over the series for a couple of issues and he’s famously from Pittsburgh.
I’m positive it’s a coincidence, but still.
You can definitely tell when the artist is at least trying to restrain himself because normally this would definitely have turned into yet another Obligatory Underwear Shot.
After Dazzler leaves her sister alone to find a disguise, Lois gets a new friend…
…AND MURDERS HIM.
Dazzler’s disguise involves a wig and a slightly more revealing dress.
I highly doubt the guy looked at her face, but with that hairdo no wonder the Beyonder will fall in love with her!
(and yes, I will eventually cover Dazzler’s role in Secret Wars II)
Dazzler is quite shocked to find her sister has killed the cat.
I was honestly prepared for Dazzler to have a completely different reaction.
I particularly like the fact that Dazzler is both scared FOR, and scared OF, her sister.
Gyrich’s men have some absurd technology, because they managed to track down Lois from New York to Pittsburgh by studying the “metabolic patterns” left behind in the original murder.
And that’s how the issue ends, with Dazzler and her sister on the run without even knowing that the “Mutant Hunters” are getting closer.
This is one of those issues publishing the Statement of Ownership, just in case you were wondering how many people were paying to read Dazzler.
Dazzler significance: 8/10
This is just the beginning of her sister’s misadventures. 
Silver Age-ness: 0/10 
Does it stand the test of time? 8/10
You know what? Fingeroth DID go out on a high note after all! The whole situation is a bit contrived… I still can’t get over Dazzler’s reluctance to call any of her DOZENS OF SUPERHERO FRIENDS… the X-Men are dead, but it’s not like they’re the only ones who can help.
Having said that, some of the more hardcore scenes hit sufficiently hard, and Lois with her (currently justified) cynicism is a nice contrast with Dazzler’s airhead optimism.
Easily the best Dazzler issue so far, and possibly the only one you can do today without changing too much or turning it into a parody.
GO FOR IT!: 16
Nice analysis.