Dazzler #1 Review: As Close to Alison Blaire (Taylor’s Version) As You Can Get

As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of Marvel Comics, I can confidently say that Dazzler #1 is a delightful and refreshing addition to the universe. With its charming blend of pop culture references and thought-provoking social commentary, this issue feels like a perfect symphony of storytelling and character development.


As the highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe film Deadpool & Wolverine approaches this summer, fans buzzed with theories about the movie. One theory that stood out was speculation over whether Taylor Swift would appear as Dazzler in the film. However, Swift didn’t take on the role of the beloved mutant popstar. Now, with Marvel’s new Dazzler series, readers can catch a glimpse of how things might have unfolded if she had. In issue #1 of Dazzler, written by Jason Loo and featuring art by Rafael Loureiro, Alison Blaire makes her appearance post-Krakoa in an issue that seems relatively light and airy from the X-Men’s perspective, but Swifties are eagerly waiting to join in.

As a gamer, I find myself stepping into the shoes of Alison Blaire, a mutant pop sensation who’s gearing up for her grand world tour after dropping a smash hit album. This fresh journey unfolds at a pivotal moment, not just for Blaire, but for mutants and humans alike. For me, it marks my return to the stage after a long hiatus, yet the air is thick with anti-mutant sentiment.

The narrative primarily focuses on establishing the context and introducing Dazzler to readers. It’s crucial that readers are up-to-date with the current tensions between humans and mutants. The artwork and storyline provide a glimpse into the varied reactions to Dazzler and her music, with some adoring her as an inspiration and role model, while others, who may not share her views or harbor anti-mutant sentiments, are vocal in their criticism online. This dynamic mirrors real-life debates, particularly those observed around Taylor Swift’s music and public image.

Beyond some playful references to Taylor Swift, the comic also subtly explores deeper themes. For instance, Dazzler’s music reflects a past relationship but assures fans it’s old news and everything’s fine now. Additionally, there’s a costume change towards the end that resembles an outfit from Swift’s tour, but these are merely some of the more obvious hints.

In essence, Dazzler #1 isn’t filled with grand action or a fast-paced storyline establishing something major. Instead, the comic reads like a heartfelt tribute to its character, making her feel relatable not just to Marvel enthusiasts, but also fans of real-world popstars. It subtly explores the intricate relationship between mutants and humans within the Marvel universe, all while being wrapped up in a catchy pop rock theme with lyrics. This issue doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking, but it’s enjoyable and entertaining.

Published by Marvel

On September 18, 2024

Written by Jason Loo

Art by Rafael Loureiro

Colors by Java Tartaglia

Letters by Ariana Maher

Cover by Terry and Rachel Dodson

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2024-09-18 19:10