REVIEW ‘Dean Cain: All-American Lawman’
A Classic Action-Heroism With a Wink and a Smile
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Jen & Sylvia Soska
Dean Cain: All-American Lawman is the brilliant brainchild of comic book industry veteran Gabe Eltaeb and Hollywood action hero and real-life sweetheart Dean Cain. Gabe had become a beloved, fan-favorite colorist working for the comic book titan DC, doing the job of his dreams on Man of Steel. However, when the company abandoned the hero’s All-American spirit, he chose to walk away. It was a move that would both shock and inspire others, including Superman actor Dean Cain. The two became fast friends, agreeing that a return to truth, justice, and the American way was needed in a business that once stood on these ideals. With messages becoming diluted with agendas and thinly veiled political opinions taking the place of once-great storytelling and memorable character-building, Gabe and Dean’s team-up is a refreshing return to everything you used to love about comic books.
A Comic for All Ages
While this book is appropriate for all ages, it is equally entertaining for adults and youths alike as it never talks down to its audience or degrades into the typical preachy lectures that plague modern comic books. Instead, you are thrust into the world of Chris Tanaka, a civilian contractor working for the CIA to help bust a drug trafficking ring that is starting to affect the community he lives in. Though known for his work as a colorist, Gabe Eltaeb’s dialogue and storytelling skills are what really make this book such a home run. In a way so seamless you feel like you are watching a classic 80s action movie, Gabe unveils Chris’ world, showing you what matters most to him – his son, Blake, and sister, Laura, his country, and his belief in doing the right thing no matter what the risks.
Engaging Characters and Powerful Themes
Chris powerfully tells his son, “To be a man, to serve God, you do the right thing – no matter how scared you are,” and you know everything about who Chris is. Every great hero needs an equally repulsive villain, and the maniacally malevolent Ming is, as you may have guessed, the man behind the import and distribution of drugs into neighborhoods. Dealing with real-world issues gives “Dean Cain: All-American Lawman” a very satisfying edge, as it is thrilling to watch Chris Tanaka take down villains who are symbolic of the baddies that run rampant in our society without ever facing any real justice.
A High-Stakes Adventure
To raise the stakes, caught between both Chris Tanaka and Ming is the beautiful and mysterious singer of The Orchid Club, Veronica, whose history with our resident bad guy complicates her feelings and Chris’ mission. The scene is set, and the book pulls no punches, dropping you right in the middle of all the action from page one. Chris Tanaka is the thorn in Ming’s side, and things take a dark turn when Chris’ sister is kidnapped and used as bait. Knowing he is potentially stepping into a trap, fearless Chris Tanaka heads to Mexico to get the evidence he needs to put Ming away for good.
Riveting Plot Twists
His mission is immediately off to a bad start when a masked killer assassinates Chris’ only contact, but not before he is able to send Chris to the only person who wants to take out Ming as badly as him – Veronica, Ming’s former lover. But can she be trusted? And who is this masked murderer? Every character is treated with great care, and even our villain is far from two-dimensional. The wins and losses are powerfully felt, and the book overall leaves you feeling empowered, entertained, and hopeful for the future.
A Must-Read Comic Book
This is a spoiler-free review, so we strongly urge you to pick up “Dean Cain: All-American Lawman” for yourself. What we can tell you is it is incredible to read a book that plays like an action movie without any of the restrictions of adhering to a budget. The action is jaw-dropping and cinematic. The dialogue is clever and beautifully takes you through all the twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more. This is the first of many in this series, so take pleasure in knowing that Chris Tanaka will not only return, but his adventures are far from over.
As an action-packed and thoughtfully crafted comic book, “Dean Cain: All-American Lawman” is a testament to the power of returning to core values in storytelling. Whether you are a long-time comic book enthusiast or new to the genre, this series promises to deliver excitement, depth, and a reinvigoration of the heroic spirit. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating new release in the world of comic books.
