Madame Mirage: The Emerging if Forgotten Muse of Paul Dini

Madame Mirage is one of Paul Dini’s obscure creations. Wait who’s Paul Dini? You might know from his time with Batman. Whether it’s the classic animated TV show, comic runs, or the Arkham video games, he’s around. I guess it’s no surprise then that this series shares DNA with the Dark Knight. Fortunately, she is much more distinct both in production and in execution.

Madame Mirage: The Origin

Madame Mirage was originally a pitch for an internet animation studio. Long before Netflix originals or web series like Helluva Boss the internet had the potential to change everything. I mean, with a design like Mirage’s, traditional outlets would’ve been too much trouble. Not to mention, Mirage’s design comes from two crucial elements. One is classic pulp character The Shadow, one of Batman’s inspirations. The other Misty Lee a voice actress with a background in illusions… who just happens to be Dini’s wife. Unfortunately, the animation studio went out of business soon after the pitch.

The Top Cow Cyper-Capepunk

Years later, after being in his sketchbook, a lunch with comic editor Jim McLaughlin gets the mini-series into production. Image Comics’ Top Cow imprint just happened to be looking for a new series with Dini springing into action. By 2007, Mirage not only gets layers to her character, but the concept and world behind her gets just as bewitching.

Madame Mirage takes place in a world where companies make superpowers with technology and chemotherapy. At first these superheroes… sorry Mega-Heroes… (it’s a trademark thing) are celebrated. Only for some heroes to lose direction and go into villainous territory. So mega-technology is all but outlawed in reaction. While the heroes are imprisoned, the mega-villains rise. Much like real villains, they move to white collar crime.

The Dynamic Duo

As for the title character, she’s actually the heir to one of the first mega-tech companies. At least she would be had her mega-hero father not go to jail. So Mirage and her sister’s startup is a great survival tactic. While Angela sells the products, Taylor’s the brains of the outfit.

But they have to deal with Aggressive Solution International (ASI) a company as dubious as its name. Despite its respectable front, it’s actually a villainous organization. With ASI practically ruining their family and business, and being legally untouchable, the sisters set out to cripple ASI’s power.

Using powerful projection, forcefield, and recording technology Madame Mirage is able infiltrate and assassinate without trouble. She’s no slouch in a straight-up brawl either, especially with how applicable the technology is. As for her personality, she comes across as this smooth-talking, imposing phantom. Sometimes I imagine her with a voice like Grey DeLisle because of how larger-than-life she felt. So it’s pretty good to have the more down-to-earth Taylor around. Unlike Mirage, she likes to play with people’s expectations, making her an adaptable character who bounces off everyone. Between these two, suspense and anticipation are their best features.

Madame Mirage: Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Naturally the artwork by Kenneth Rocafort is one of Madame Mirage‘s best features. Aside from the costumes and effects of its title character, the machines and panel transitions are just as eye-catching. Even a very minor character like Hummingbird has equipment that’s impossible to forget. Each panel demands your attention, framing actions and encouraging rereading to better appreciate the impacts. Plus that way of reading helps play up a mystery element surrounding Mirage herself. It immerses readers into wonder with how her powers work and how she interacts with Taylor.

Although some surprises could’ve been done a little better. The series letterer Troy Peteri could’ve given the voices Mirage employs in her disguises more distinction. A sudden change in font and presto, big reveal. He already does this with the captions.

Aging Varies

Now, I have to see if this series stands the test of time. An anti-hero going up against a criminal shell company… who hasn’t fantasized this? The bad guys’ endgame being a private military, relevant. Philosophical hints in regards to Angela’s status, new story worthy. Along with all of the timeless characters with unique voices, this is something to enjoy.

With the exception of one element, Brown Recluse. A name like that is a joke at best, and a racist caricature at worst. Not to mention her design and Spanish sprinkling raises the Spicy Latina trope. Even worse, she’s an ex-hero who sold out Mirage’s dad to save herself… along with a name change. I don’t wanna go into anymore topics or Twitter mobs will swarm.

Madame Mirage: A Rare Valuable Find

Madame Mirage is definitely something that deserves attention. Despite what I said last section, it’s only a problem if you take the outlandish world too seriously. There’s a genuine love of comic books, its pulp inspirations, and more. Not just the colorful characters that the creatives have a good time making, but the powers and plot is something to invest in. It’s certainly a series with potential for a comeback. Who knows maybe Dini will meet some people to make this into the animated series he always wanted. He certainly has the leeway to shoehorn his creation, Roxy Rocket into places. Me I’m kind of hoping the series big bad Purge gets Steve Blum to voice him.

To keep myself going, I suggest clicking this link to search for issues. Or a GlobalComix subscription.