This Day In Comics: Super Dinosaur Roars to Life!
On this day in comics history, April 20th, a truly unique hero team charged onto the scene! We’re talking about the Super Dinosaur Comic Debut, which occurred back in 2011. This launch introduced readers to an unforgettable partnership. It combined high-tech adventure with prehistoric power. Consequently, this series, born from superstar creators, offered something fresh and exciting for comic fans of all ages. Let’s explore the origins of this dynamic duo and their fascinating world.
Unpacking the Super Dinosaur Comic Debut
The adventure begins with brilliant scientist Doctor Dynamo and his associate, the ambitious Max Maximus. Together, these scientists made an incredible discovery: a hidden realm beneath the Earth’s surface. This subterranean world, dubbed Inner Earth, wasn’t empty. Instead, it teemed with living dinosaurs, creatures thought long extinct. Furthermore, Inner Earth held another treasure – DynOre. This unique mineral contained vast amounts of harnessable solar power locked within its rocky structure.
However, this groundbreaking discovery soon led to conflict. Max Maximus saw Inner Earth not as a wonder, but as a resource to exploit. Driven by a desire for power, he captured a Tyrannosaurus Rex. He then used his scientific genius to genetically alter the creature, enhancing its intelligence and strength. Maximus planned to use this formidable dinosaur, alongside the power of DynOre, to achieve world domination.
Fortunately, Doctor Dynamo anticipated Maximus’s betrayal. Alongside his highly intelligent ten-year-old son, Derek Dynamo, Doctor Dynamo confronted Maximus. They managed to thwart his initial destructive plans. During this confrontation, they formed an unlikely alliance with the genetically altered T-Rex, who proved to be more than just a weapon. This intelligent, friendly Tyrannosaurus became known as Super Dinosaur. Subsequently, Derek and Super Dinosaur became best friends and partners. Their primary mission evolved: protect both the surface world and Inner Earth from the persistent threat of Max Maximus and his schemes. This entire thrilling saga kicked off in Super Dinosaur #1, published by Image Comics via the Skybound imprint, hitting comic shops on April 20, 2011. You can explore more about Super Dinosaur’s collected editions on the Skybound Entertainment website.
Why the Super Dinosaur Comic Debut Resonated
So, what made the Super Dinosaur Comic Debut stand out? Primarily, it was the core concept, masterminded by creators Robert Kirkman (co-creator of The Walking Dead and Invincible) and artist Jason Howard. They presented a high-octane adventure led by perhaps the coolest best friend duo imaginable. The fate of the world often rested upon the collaboration between Derek, a young genius inventor, and Super Dinosaur, a nine-foot-tall T-Rex who, besides fighting evil, genuinely enjoys playing video games.
This blend of incredible action, futuristic technology, and relatable friendship immediately captured readers’ imaginations. Moreover, the artwork by Jason Howard brought this vibrant world and its characters to life with dynamic energy and a style perfect for all-ages action. The premise was simple yet compelling: the evil Max Maximus relentlessly seeks control of Inner Earth, its dinosaurs, and the immense power of DynOre. Standing firmly in his path are Derek Dynamo and Super Dinosaur. Therefore, the series delivered consistent excitement, humor, and surprisingly heartfelt moments from its very first issue. The accessible nature of the story, combined with the creators’ pedigree, made it a notable launch in the comic book landscape of 2011. It remains a fun, action-packed read showcasing the power of friendship, even when one friend is a giant, super-powered dinosaur.
