Check out our review of Sideways Vol. 1: Steppin’ Out and also find out how you can win your own copy!
Sideways is the newest hero to be added to DC’s ever-expanding tome. Derek James is a regular teenager with the usual adolescent problems and then some—like having the ability to open portals across huge distances and other dimensions and universes. Sideways Vol. 1: Steppin’ Out—which collects issues #1 through #6—introduces us to our hero and sets up a sympathetic backstory.
Derek James was your typical teenager—until a cataclysmic event in Gotham City changed his life. Ever since he fell through some strange dimensional black hole, he’s had the ability to open portals and jump to various locations. The only other person who knows Derek’s secret—so far—is his best friend Ernestine. Lucky for him, Ernestine is also a cosplayer—which means he has a free tailor for his superhero costume.
Going by the name Sideways, Derek spends his days familiarizing himself with his powers and going through a crash course in heroism. His initial romps into vigilantism are pretty rough and the results make him feel more downtrodden than powerful and stoic.
In Derek’s family life, he lives with his loving adoptive parents David and Helen Flynn. David is the typical TV dad—he’s there, but not “mentally” present. Helen is the perfect super mom (no pun intended). Not only is she a high-ranking publicist at a cutting-edge corporation, but she also makes sure her family is her top priority. Her love for Derek is undeniable and it’s shown at the start of the series.
As Derek explores his powers and goes through the trials and tribulations of trying to hide his secret identity from his parents and the rest of the world, a nefarious force has already intruded on his personal life. In time, Sideways will discover the true cost of heroism and why his powers may mean a life of solitude.
Sideways does contain quite a few superhero tropes that have been seen throughout comics—an orphan protagonist (Superman), powers gifted to him from an accident or event (The Flash), etc. However, there’s a reason why comics rarely break from these conventions—because they just work.
The story is set up to get the reader on board with the character from the start. He’s a fun-loving teenager who has his challenges, but he also has people who care about him. Where Sideways becomes more exciting is the introduction of a potential destiny for Derek.
Tempus Fuginaut, a sort of dimension cop, is used as a foreshadowing for Derek’s future. At the same time, Tempus also becomes Derek’s “Mr. Miyagi.” The addition of this character gives readers a preview into the large-scale nature of Sideways’s powers. I wouldn’t be surprised if this character becomes the next main protagonist for a Crisis-on-Infinite-Earths-like story arc.
The trade also contains extra content that shows character designs and various artwork not found in the original issues. Notes from the artists and writers also accompany this material to give readers some insight into each character’s evolution.
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If you’ve been on the sidelines (pun intended) waiting to see if this series is worth picking up, Sideways Vol. 1: Steppin’ Out should give you a good idea of what you’re getting yourself into. It’s an endearing story and definitely raises the stakes with each subsequent issue.
Written by Dan Didio and Justin Jordan, Sideways Vol. 1: Steppin’ Out hits shelves on October 23, 2018 for $16.99.
Exclusive Giveaway
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