In the world of superheroes, it is truly amazing how we tend to project ourselves onto the heroes we read about.  For the comic book writer, there is a lot to say about how they write a superhero, the genesis of their idea. Most people believe Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster, dreamt up Superman, to attract girls, because they were some awkward 17-year-old kids. Little do most people know even now, that he dreamt it up because Jerry Siegel’s dad had been killed during an armed raid at their second-hand clothing store in Cleveland, as the newspapers the next day talked about the need for a vigilante force to deal with the crime.

This was how Superman was born and more than 75 years later, the character stands for all that is good in the world. With much of the qualities and morals that Shuster and Siegel grew up with, were transposed on the character of Superman. The same can be said of the titular character of Dreadlocks, which has been thoroughly researched as far as Egyptology and possesses the morals of his creator. I found out about this character a few years back, what I found disconcerting, is that I never saw his comics at my local comics store or even the bigger ones like Midtown Comics in New York City.

In this debut issue, we are transported to ancient Egypt, where the ancient Gods have assembled to bring a new soul into the Underworld. What follows is taken right out of Egyptian mythology, as the ritual itself is almost word for word. We are introduced to the character of Samiu, known as the God with The Sacred Hair, a demigod sworn to protect all the elements within the fertile universe. By issue’s end, we meet a woman whose child has died, and whose life has been brought to a halt, as her faith and her life are about to undergo a life changing experience.

Overall, an “edutaining” experience, as I received an affirmation about “knowledge of self” while finding a hero that looks like a few members of my family. The story by Andre Batts, was much like most superhero origins, with a few twists. The art by Batts, is truly the shining gem of this book, as his art is a revelation. Altogether, another hero in the pantheon of superheroes that more than belongs, he leads.

Story: Andree Batts Art: Andre Batts
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy