Savage Dragon #1–10 (1993–1994)
🧬 Genre
Superhero • Action • Sci-Fi • Crime Drama
🦸 Main Characters
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Savage Dragon (a.k.a. The Dragon): A green-skinned, super-strong amnesiac hero with a fin on his head who becomes Chicago’s unlikely protector.
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Lt. Frank Darling: A dedicated police officer who persuades Dragon to help fight the super-powered criminal menace in the city.
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Debbie Harris: Frank's cousin and Dragon's romantic interest.
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Overlord: The menacing and armored leader of the Vicious Circle, a criminal syndicate made up of powered villains.
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The Vicious Circle: A collection of grotesque, superhuman criminals terrorizing Chicago.
✍️ Writer
Erik Larsen (also the creator of Savage Dragon) — one of Image Comics’ founding members, known for his raw, energetic storytelling.
🎨 Artist
Erik Larsen also handled all artwork for this run, giving the series a unique visual identity that blends kinetic action with exaggerated character designs.
🧑💼 Editor Details
As Savage Dragon was part of the creator-owned lineup at Image Comics, editorial oversight was largely handled by Erik Larsen himself, with creative autonomy being a key principle of the publisher.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: Image Comics
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Brand: Core Image Universe (Original Image Launch Line)
📆 Release Year
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Initial Release: 1993
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Concludes with Issue #10: 1994
🗺️ Brief Plot Summary
The first ten issues of Savage Dragon follow a mysterious green-skinned man with no memory of his past, found in a burning field outside Chicago. Dubbed “The Dragon” by local authorities, he possesses incredible strength, healing, and combat skills.
Dragon is recruited by the Chicago Police Department to help combat the growing threat of super-powered criminals — mainly a dangerous group known as the Vicious Circle, led by the ruthless Overlord. As Dragon takes on increasingly brutal foes and uncovers more about the corruption within the city, fragments of his identity and origins slowly begin to surface.
Amid fierce battles, personal losses, and political machinations, Dragon remains unwavering in his mission to bring justice to a city on the brink.
📚 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Origin Mystery: Dragon’s mysterious past is a constant undercurrent, teasing readers with cryptic clues and building anticipation.
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War with the Vicious Circle: From SuperPatriot to Cutthroat, Dragon’s encounters with the Vicious Circle shape his growth as a hero and an enforcer of the law.
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Frank Darling’s Downfall: The morally conflicted lieutenant's descent into tragedy adds a human layer to the superhero chaos.
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Death of Debbie: A shocking and emotionally intense moment that adds depth and tragedy to Dragon’s personal life.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Alien Origin Theory 👽: Early fan theories speculated that Dragon might be of alien origin, citing his green skin, unusual powers, and memory loss as indicators of extraterrestrial roots.
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Government Experiment 🧪: Some readers believed Dragon was the result of a secret super-soldier program gone wrong — an idea that plays into 90s-era conspiracy vibes.
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Symbol of Urban Rebirth 🌆: Dragon is interpreted by many as a metaphor for justice fighting through societal decay, with his presence revitalizing a corrupt, crime-ridden Chicago.
🧐 Review Summary
Savage Dragon #1–10 offers a gritty, no-holds-barred introduction to one of Image Comics’ most enduring characters. Erik Larsen’s art is bold, dynamic, and explosively exaggerated — fitting perfectly with the book’s intense action and raw emotional moments. The writing balances superhero spectacle with grounded character drama, especially as it explores themes of identity, morality, and corruption. While the early issues embrace 90s comic excess, they also lay a solid foundation for one of the most personal creator-driven superhero stories in indie comics.
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10
🔥 Best For: Fans of superhero grit, character-driven action, and creator-owned storytelling.
🦎 Savage Dragon is more than muscle and mayhem — it’s a testament to what happens when a creator unleashes a vision with no corporate restraints.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
