Showcase #96
Published and © by DC, December 1977-January 1978
Title: “Defection!”
Synopsis: The new Doom Patrol are ambushed by the Cossack, a Soviet asset aimed at recovering the defector Negative Woman.
Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciler: Joe Staton
Inker: Bruce Patterson
Review: Paul Kupperberg’s Bronze Age Doom Patrol reboot continues to pick up steam. This issue provides nearly cover-to-cover action, weaving in a little backstory along the way. The Cossack is definitely a product of this Cold War era; while a bit silly, the new villain also has some terrifying moments. There are a few story logic problems (e.g., how do you sneak up on somebody in a helicopter?) Inker Bruce Patterson shifts Joe Staton’s work in the cartoony direction; it’s still decent, but not an improvement. Unfortunately, it would be a decade before Doom Patrol would graduate to its own series.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “Failed to pull in an audience until these stories were long forgotten.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003. … “Despite mediocre villains like the Cossack, the team had possibilities and interesting members, but a series did not develop.” – William Schoell, “Superheroic: The Bronze Age of Comics Volume 2,” 2022
Cool factor: The new Doom Patrol could have been a contender …
Not-so-cool factor: … instead, the franchise continued its history as a parallel-track X-Men also ran.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Ha! I have heard of you Americans with your loud talk … and your soft muscles!” – The Cossack, Soviet trash talker
Editor’s note: This review was written April 1, 2026.
