Doom Patrol #101 (1966)
by Arnold Drake & Bruno Premiani
cover by Bob Brown
The cover promises “a villain so unique it staggers the imagination”, and at least in terms of its design… consider me staggered.
We begin with Beast Boy’s legal guardian in trouble with the money he has “borrowed” from the kid.
He’s so afraid of getting caught that he decides to hire an assassin (!!!) to kill him.
Which makes me wonder how the heck this guy ended up as Beast Boy’s legal guardian… he’s not a relative, and the origin story didn’t make it seem like he was BB’s father’s assistant.
Also, all that talking in code was completely unnecessary.
I’m sure Arnold Drake wants to give Robotman and Beast Boy a friendly rivalry, but to me Robotman comes across as more than a little unhinged in these first interactions.
At least we get a showcase of Premiani artwork and a nice power demonstration.
But Chief comes up with a mission more urgent than attempted child murder.
Beast Boy has been getting a good showcase of his powers lately. If Negative Man isn’t careful he’ll get replaced.
Robotman, did someone put vinegar in your oil or something? Why do you find the idea that aliens are out to get the Doom Patrol when ONE OF YOUR VILLAINS IS AN ALIEN with a base on the Moon!!!
Last issue, Beast Boy was consistently called “Craig” by his guardian.
Now Elasti-Girl calls him “Gar”, which is consistent with his actual name of Garfield Logan… although at this point that has not been said.
After doing some reconnaissance, Beast Boy finds our villain for the issue.
YET ANOTHER villain that would’ve been a better match for the Metal Men! At this point it’s a trend!
Finally Robotman is doing more than running his mouth.
But the Emperor Of Robots turns out to be more formidable than he anticipated.
Great panel by Premiani on the right!!!
Let’s hope this finally wakes up Negative Man.
I absolutely understand that cutting Robotman’s head from the rest of his body could prevent him from breathing, but him literally choking is ridiculous.
Kranus is able to trap Negative Man for a while…
…but not before a Beast Boy and Robotman combo is able to break him free, by knocking out the scepter that was creating all those bolts.
Although I think there must have been a better way than ripping off Robotman’s other arm.
At this point every single combatant is going to end the fight without a single limb.
Maybe stomping on it wouldn’t have worked anyway, Elasti-Girl, but you wouldn’t need to bend in suck an awkward position if you didn’t insist on wearing heels.
Despite of the boasts of his indestructible metal, Kranus is still defeated by Negative Man.
Or I should say The Brain.
Who then manages to escape with ridiculous ease. If only the Doom Patrol had a member WHO CAN FLY AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT.
Having dealt with the mission, it’s time to foil the assassination attempt.
Unfortunately Beast Boy’s guardian was smart enough to notice he was under observation, and left a note for the assassin.
Uhm… you guys saw a stranger sneak into the house, right? Even if he didn’t shoot anybody, shouldn’t you AT LEAST arrest him for breaking and entering?
Not to mention: he didn’t shoot at Beast Boy after breaking into the house BECAUSE BEAST BOY IS NOT INSIDE!!! For all you know he just left after noticing the target wasn’t home!!!
At least Elasti-Girl is A LITTLE suspicious of this…
…but Robotman is just. The. Worst.
That plot will have to wait because next issue… is not on this series, but it’s a crossover with the Challengers Of The Unknown.
Historical significance: 0/10
While it’s the first time Beast Boy meets the Brain, it’s pretty forgettable.
Silver Age-ness: 4/10
If Kranus really WAS a random alien robot it would’ve been higher. But it’s still a ridiculous plot by The Brain… and if he has THAT level of technology, why is he always just a brain in a jar???
Does it stand the test of time? 4/10
There’s some good stuff in here… some of the Beast Boy subplot has quite atmospheric scenes, and as usual the Premiani artwork… but way too many problems to get any higher.
The fight with Kranus is very entertaining, but the resolution is not very satisfying.
Props for making the assassination subplot more complex than it seemed at first, but Robotman’s attitude really sours the whole thing.
Times Robotman has been damaged: 14
Issues when Robotman is never damaged: 10