In this review of Public Domain #10, readers get the back story of the startling events that ended Public Domain #9.
Public Domain #10
Written and Drawn by: Chip Zdarsky
Main Cover: Chip Zdarsky
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: November 6, 2024
The first half of Public Domain #10 itself is an extended flashback to the year 1988. Candace loves her husband and sons…but feels a bit neglected by her husband due to his work commitments. She meets Cynthia, and they start to hit it off well, Cynthia helps show her a world of art outside of the comic pages she’s so used to seeing her husband draw, and Candace feels an emotional connection she’s been missing out on with her husband.
One thing leads to another, she and Cyn continue to meet up for art shows and sex. But as it turns out, Cynthia doesn’t quite feel that same emotional connection and sees Candy as more of a fling. Which leaves Candace feeling used by two members of the comic industry.
Back in the present day, Syd is understandably shocked that his wife and editor had been carrying on behind his back. He knows he wasn’t the greatest husband back in the day, but acknowledges that he’s going to need some time to deal with this. At this time, the Expo is wrapping up. On the plus side: Dallas has sold out of their ashcan copies and Dave’s returned (bringing with him a strong smell of tequila). On the downside, Syd is still processing what’d happened between Candace and Cynthia all those years ago, and Jerry hopes to exact revenge against his former partner/current rival’s company after their success.
Analysis
Overall, Public Domain #10 feels like it slows things down a little bit compared to the past issue (where it was one dramatic occurrence after another), but at the same time, it gives some necessary context to one of those bombshells in particular. Comic creation can easily take over someone’s life, leading to strained relationships and the need to seek out that missing affection elsewhere.
One thing in particular that stood out to me in Public Domain #10 was the overall color work in the city late at night during the flashback. Right away, one can see that this isn’t the sort of bright cityscape that Dreams Are Made Of so much as one of the seedier parts of town. Even without the clearly Adult theater in the background, there’s the part where you get predominantly olive drab and brown hues, giving it that sort of atmosphere. The perfect setting for an affair to be brought to an end.
I also found myself relating to Stef pretty hard. She’d been scarce during the Expo, being uncomfortable with being in a heavily-populated public venue and just wanting to be home with her girlfriend and cat. It’s definitely understandable: big crowds can be intimidating and the exact opposite of one’s comfort zone.
The dialogue and artwork are, as always, well done. Another thing in the art that certainly caught my eye: Jerry’s expression in the final panel. He’s dealing with the news that Dallas Comics solidified their trademark before his company’s artist has finished the first issue, he’s looking to fix things ASAP…and then Mohammad comes along, asking for him to sign a few of his Domain comics. His expression soon changes, brightens up a bit.
On the one hand, this could be him thinking: “Hey, a fan! Gotta keep up appearances!”, but they’ve met before. He knows that in addition to being a massive Domain fanboy, he’s also been financing Dallas Comics. He’s also probably quite aware of how many perfectly legal ways there are to screw someone over, so that other hand? The wheels have probably already started turning. Looking forward to future issues to see how this goes.
Final Thoughts
Public Domain #10 is another strong issue. Not a lot of forward momentum, but some necessary context keeps the story moving along well.
Editor’s Note: Image Comics provided The Comic Book Spot with an advanced review of Public Domain #10 for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support us in the process by ordering this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through My Comic Shop.
