"Savage Dragon" is a series that has been underrated, despite its widespread acknowledgment and profound influence on the comic book industry. This series presents a compelling narrative that extends over several decades, incorporating thrilling plotlines and guest appearances by other renowned characters. With notable crossovers featuring "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Spawn," "The Maxx," and even "Superman," Savage Dragon has solidified its position as a top-tier comic series.
Savage Dragon has stood as one of Image Comics' most captivating titles since the 1990s, albeit being unfairly overlooked. To illustrate this, here are ten compelling stories from the series!
Despite being grossly underrated, Savage Dragon from Image Comics remains widely acknowledged, with its titular character, the Dragon, instantly recognizable, even to those who haven't flipped through a single issue. Whether fans encountered the character through action figures or the fleeting animated series of the '90s, the fact that most comic enthusiasts are familiar with Savage Dragon underscores the profound influence the series has had on the comic book world, particularly within the extensive Image Comics repertoire.
Although the Dragon's iconic status renders him recognizable even without knowing any of his story arcs, this doesn't diminish the comic series' readability—in fact, quite the contrary. Savage Dragon is a rare gem in the comic realm, boasting a cohesive narrative that spans decades, with each arc surpassing the excitement of the previous one (and featuring several other notable comic characters along the way). To prove that Savage Dragon is Image Comics' most underappreciated series and why it's worth your time, here are ten of its most engaging stories!
Spawn: 10 of the Most Chilling Covers From the 1990s Spawn, a series immersed in supernatural horror, showcases this theme prominently on many of its covers. Here are the ten most eerie and captivating ones!
- Savage Dragon's Inaugural Story Arc Introduces an Intriguing Mystery Savage Dragon #1 by Erik Larsen
The inaugural issue, like any debut, lays the foundation for the entire series. Savage Dragon accomplishes this better than most by immediately presenting a thrilling mystery that not only piques initial interest but also keeps readers hooked. The protagonist, known as the Dragon, awakens in a burning field, unaware of his identity or origins, before being discovered by a Chicago Police Officer who offers him a position on the force.
Without delay, this mystery presents the Dragon as a captivating character, whose heroic deeds only serve to fuel readers' collective curiosity.
9 Savage Dragon Swiftly Introduces the Dragon's Ideal Nemesis: the Fiend From Savage Dragon #3 by Erik Larsen
The Fiend, a diabolical being, was originally a man named Arnold Dimple. He first appeared as a regular (albeit criminally deranged) human who slew Dragon's girlfriend, Debbie Harris, in a jealous fury. Dimple and Harris had a past, so when he discovered she was with Dragon, he ended her life in a violent outburst. Dimple then forged a pact with the devil, acquiring demonic abilities and transforming into the super-villain known as the Fiend.
The Fiend is not only a formidable foe but also shares a personal history with the Dragon, adding authenticity and excitement to their feud.
8 Savage Dragon Delivered a Spectacle of a Fistfight Between God and the Devil From Savage Dragon #31 by Erik Larsen
This is arguably the most extraordinary event in comic book history, if not the most irreverent. When Dragon descends into hell, God himself emerges, declaring that Dragon doesn't belong there. However, the Devil refuses to release him without a struggle. Thus, in a shocking turn, God lands a surprise punch on Satan, igniting a bare-knuckle battle. The epic fight concludes with God triumphantly defeating the Devil and rescuing Dragon's soul.
Words cannot adequately describe this scene; it's an experience that readers must immerse themselves in. This moment alone justifies exploring the Savage Dragon series.
7 Savage Dragon Featured an Epic Collaboration with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles From the Savage Dragon/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover by Erik Larsen and Michael Dooney.
Fans can gain confidence in a character based on their interaction with other renowned characters. The Dragon's collaboration with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles proved his ability to mesh well with the elite. This crossover took place during the short span when Image Comics was publishing the TMNT series. The publisher promptly integrated the Turtles with its own characters, especially highlighting the Dragon.
This two-part crossover, filled with excitement and action, served as an ideal introduction to the Savage Dragon series through the globally recognized Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Savage Dragon Collaborates with Spawn, Contributing to the Formation of an Image Comics Universe A collaboration featuring Savage Dragon #30 by Erik Larsen and Spawn #52 by Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo, this crossover went beyond just being an entertaining encounter, like the Dragon's previous crossover with the TMNT. It was a monumental effort to forge a unified Image Comics universe. Spawn didn't just accompany Dragon on an adventure; he played a crucial role in Dragon's storyline, as Savage Dragon #30 preceded the famous God/Devil fistfight.
This crossover wasn't a standalone tale; rather, it was a genuine merging of two intersecting narratives in the purest sense. While publishers like Marvel and DC routinely engage in such storytelling, Image Comics, known for its independent, creator-owned properties, makes such crossovers infrequent and thus, exceptionally thrilling when they occur.
The Savage Dragon/The Maxx Crossover Highlights Two Underappreciated Image Comics Characters Featured in The Maxx #6 by Sam Kieth and Bill Messner-Loebs, along with Savage Dragon #28 by Erik Larsen, this crossover gave the spotlight to two lesser-known Image Comics characters.Just like Savage Dragon, The Maxx remains a shamefully underrated series from Image Comics. The artwork by Sam Kieth is showcased unrestrictedly, while the storylines are both intriguing and tough. In a sense, both Savage Dragon and The Maxx bear similarities in portraying hardcore outsider heroes engaged in brutal vigilantism, making their crossover narratives absolutely flawless.
Witnessing these two characters battle together in these comics merely fuels readers' curiosity to explore more about them in their respective series, as their genuine yet underrated greatness is perfectly emphasized.
Savage Dragon Demonstrates Its A-List Status with a Superman Crossover "Superman/Savage Dragon - Chicago" by Erik Larsen and "Superman & Savage Dragon - Metropolis" by Karl Kesel and Jon Bogdanove
These crossover issues underscore Savage Dragon's ability to hold its own against luminaries like Superman. Image Comics is accustomed to occasional DC crossovers, with Spawn/Batman being a standout. However, this particular crossover stands apart as it unites one of the most renowned comic characters with one of the most underappreciated.
The crossover between Savage Dragon and Superman serves as more than just an exciting adventure; it's a declaration. It suggests that while this series may not enjoy the same renown as the enduring Superman titles, it deserves recognition, and here lies the evidence.
Savage Dragon's Savage World Event Offers a Gritty Entry Point "Savage Dragon #76" by Erik Larsen
After traveling back in time and eliminating a nefarious figure named Darklord, Savage Dragon returns to the present, only to discover a world in post-apocalyptic disarray. The familiar world he once knew has vanished, leaving Dragon to forge a new life in the ruins he inadvertently created. This installment is billed as a fresh start, signaling the commencement of a brand-new Savage Dragon saga.For readers who are well-versed with Savage Dragon but prefer post-apocalyptic tales over cop or superhero dramas, this serves as an ideal entry point, marking a significant reboot in the Savage Dragon continuity.
Savage Dragon Unveils the Series' Protagonist as a Former Villain
In Savage Dragon #0, penned by Erik Larsen, the inaugural edition presented a puzzle to the readers: Who exactly is the Dragon? While readers witnessed the Dragon's evolution, his beginnings remained enigmatic for years until a startling revelation. Originally, the Dragon was an extraterrestrial named Emperor Kurr, leader of a wandering spacefarer tribe seeking a new world. Upon discovering Earth, Kurr intended to eliminate humanity and colonize the planet for his folk. However, his compatriots disagreed with his ruthlessness.
Kurr's own kind induced amnesia in him and abandoned him on Earth, leaving him to coexist with the people he once sought to destroy. This backstory is remarkably ingenious, as it implies that fans have been observing an incredible redemption journey, unaware of its depth.
Creator of Savage Dragon Holds the Longest Run as Writer/Artist in Comic History
As of this writing, the newest edition of Savage Dragon, released on January 17, 2024, shows no signs of conclusion, with Erik Larsen still at the helm as writer and artist. Larsen, who conceived Savage Dragon in the 1990s, elevated his original character to superhero status through engrossing narratives, stunning illustrations, and collaborations with other renowned characters. He has since risen to become the CFO of Image Comics. Remarkably, despite his numerous achievements, Larsen remains the primary creative force behind Savage Dragon.Such dedication to a comic book character is scarcely witnessed, making this aspect alone a compelling reason to explore Image Comics' underrated Savage Dragon series.