Dave Johnson Cover C Variant
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1
Writer: Jude Ellison S. Doyle
Artist: Fran Galán
Cover Artists: Fran Galán, Dave Johnson & Mike Del Mundo
Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 is the first-ever solo series starring the character, and with its intriguing whodunit premise, exceptional noir atmosphere, and striking horror imagery, it has the potential to elevate Batman's iconic shapeshifter to greater heights than ever before.
Lightes, Camera… Murder
There is a lady killer (cue the Lush song) among us in the bright lights and glittering glamour of Hollywood, injecting victims with a designer drug that literally melts their faces off. But why? What is the motive behind these murders? And why target young, beautiful actresses specifically?
Clayface has once again escaped Arkham Towers. This time, he's plotting his big comeback to the silver screen, only to discover that someone else is already going by the name Basil Karlo, cashing in on his celebrity status and living a life of luxury in Hollywood. This sends Clayface on a mission to uncover who's been impersonating him and reclaim his identity once and for all. The only problem? Nobody believes the Arkham escapee is the real Clayface, and there may be more than one impostor lurking in the shadows...
Nothing Is What It Seems
This is very much what I would call a setup issue, laying the groundwork for what readers should expect going forward. Jude Doyle is establishing the foundation for the miniseries, keeping everything close to the chest and revealing very little of major significance, and that's perfectly fine. Clayface escaped Arkham Towers? Check. There's a con artist pretending to be him? Check. The biggest revelation is that there isn't just one Clayface, there are seven others as well. One of them, as I mentioned previously, is deliberately posing as the Basil Karlo version of the character.
I like the ambiguity throughout the issue. Who are we supposed to be rooting for? Are we meant to root for anyone at all? Is the man claiming to be Basil Karlo really him? After all, the Arkham records list him under the name Todd Russell. Are we supposed to take him at face value, or is everything we're seeing simply an illusion in his own mind?
The man posing as Basil Karlo maintains a squeaky-clean public image, endorsing drug rehabilitation centers and volunteering with feminist organizations. The media paints his return as the "feel-good story of the summer," even though he previously fought Batman in an incident that resulted in nine civilian deaths. Even the newspaper stand owner doesn't seem bothered by this, dismissing it as "just a guy getting his act together."
There's a clear sense that, much like in the real world, many people in Gotham, and Hollywood, are willing to forgive celebrities for their transgressions, provided they align with their own ideas of right and wrong. Most of us have been guilty of doing exactly what Doyle is criticizing, and I think that's excellent social commentary. Nobody is perfect. We've all made excuses for someone we admire or look up to, and that's something worth reflecting on.
One detail I found particularly intriguing is that, during the montage of the Basil Karlo impostor performing good deeds, he's always wearing a single black glove. Why only one? Why not two? Is it simply a coincidence or is there something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?
The Shape of Horror
Despite not having an extensive track record drawing horror comics outside of an artist and colorist credit on Creepshow #4 from Image Comics, Fran Galán seems completely in his element illustrating Clayface. His version of the character is grotesque, hulking, and genuinely intimidating.
One standout panel shows Clayface as a horrific, sludge-like nightmare clinging to the ceiling while stalking a security guard like prey. Later in the issue, there are several effective body horror close-ups that I enjoyed just as much. If anything, these sequences make me want to see the full extent of Galán's potential as a horror artist without the limitations of DC's editorial standards.
Patricio Delpeche's colors perfectly complement the comic's noir aesthetic. I especially love the panoramic shot of downtown Gotham City. A sickly green hue blankets the skyline, giving the city an almost radioactive appearance that's beautifully contrasted by the vibrant neon lights illuminating the streets below.
One Question Remains
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 is the kind of comic that leaves you wanting more. It doesn't reveal a great deal, but that's hardly a criticism. Instead, it builds intrigue, leaving readers eager to discover where the series is headed while showcasing flashes of exceptional horror imagery and a compelling murder mystery that constantly raises one question: Who is the real Clayface?