Dragons vs. Dinosaurs
Written by Chris Eric Peterson
Art by Chris Eric Peterson
Arcana Studios
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Cover Price: $14.95

Immediately after finishing Dragons vs. Dinosaurs, I said to myself ‘what in the world did I just read?’ This book was completely insane in the best kind of way. When I pick up a comic called Dragons vs. Dinosaurs that is all I want to see, a dragon killing a dinosaur and vice versa. Luckily artist and writer Chris Eric Peterson knows his audience and what they like. Dragons vs. Dinosaurs reads like a Godzilla title with colossal battles and very little dialogue. If you are looking to kill a few minutes reading about pre-historic beasts slugging it out, then this just might be the book for you.

Peterson either understands that too much dialogue in this kind of story is unnecessary or he just didn’t want to write any. Regardless of his motivation Peterson’s style of writing is perfect for Dragons vs. Dinosaurs. More often than not I will read a comic about giant beasts locked in combat and the story will be jam packed with deep reflections on the human experience. With one exception, the book avoids character examination and maintains a fairly transparent main story, which in this case is a fantastic thing. Peterson also has a good grasp on comedic timing, which shines through in several memorable moments of Dragons vs. Dinosaurs.

Peterson keeps the tone and art style of Dragons vs. Dinosaurs pretty straightforward. Since the book has an action-comedy tone, an art style rooted in cartoons seemed appropriate. There were several moments of pretty intense violence in this book, which seemed like a confusing choice for Peterson to make. Dragons vs. Dinosaurs could have easily been an all-ages book without these moments of sudden gore.

Dragons vs. Dinosaurs is an excellent action book; this not a comic for anyone looking to ponder the mysteries of the universe or political turmoil. Everything in this book should be taken for face value; it’s just plain and simple fun. Chris Eric Peterson has created the comic book equivalent of an 80’s action movie.