Broken Frontier

It is pretty amazing how much Dominic Deegan has changed in the past few months. The long-running Michael Terracciano feature was always enjoyable, but his eponymous web creation had made leaps and bounds in character development in the past few months. Many fans (including me) alleged the not-so-grumpy seer was a Mary Sue, an all-too-perfect protagonist with a spotless – if not flawless – track record, but that’s not the case anymore.

I first noticed the shift when Dominic withheld the information that his (fan-favorite) friend Lord Siegfried was consigned to hell for a lifetime of bigotry and oppression. Though it’s not the kind of thing you bring up at a funeral, Dominic’s decision to do so begin to wear and tear on his relationship with his allies. Dominic even reverted back to his trademark temperamental persona when his long-time girlfriend Luna feuded with him over his suspicious behavior (he was, in fact, procuring an engagement ring for her). And that’s what really makes this shift in Dominic so significant: not just because its an improvement, but because it brings in the bad parts of the elements without overshadowing or spoiling their good traits.

This shift isn’t limited to Dominic, but also to his supporting cast, who have been getting their own exercise in drama as a shapely assassin claiming to be Dominic’s sister has been hunting seers throughout the land. Dominic’s parents are fighting as Donovan Deegan reluctantly reveals to Miranda one of his past lovers is still alive. And usually sweet and kind-hearted Luna is notably upset when she finds the assassin isn’t Dominic’s sister but her own.

With likeable characters, a good sense of a humor and a consistent updating pattern, Dominic Deegan has always been a great read, but these past few months DD has been a downright extraordinary read! The character dynamics are being not just re-defined but also refined and reinforced, creating a mature yet focused spell even the most veteran webcomic wizards will find enchanting.