This week marked the release of Savage Dragon #266, focusing on Malcolm and Maxine’s move from Toronto to San Francisco, marking their return to the United States after being driven out by an executive order at the start of the Trump administration in 2017. This issue allowed Larsen to explore the Dragons’ lives in Toronto before their big transition, which includes relocating to a building operated by the Special Operations Strikeforce, a group Malcolm has joined.
As a result, readers can expect a shift toward more superhero-related adventures, contrasting with Malcolm’s recent solo battles against the Vicious Circle, who acted more like a traditional gang than classic supervillains.
In an interview, Larsen reflected on the decision to relocate Malcolm and Maxine, which had been suggested by Eric Stephenson a while back. Having lived in the Bay Area since 1987, he felt it was time to set the story in a place he knows well, bringing a fresh perspective to the characters.
Larsen also experimented with the art in this issue, opting to draw entirely digitally for the first time, which gave the inks a different look. While the change was partly driven by the need for heavy references, he enjoyed the challenge and felt it still maintained the essence of his traditional style.
The presence of Walter the tiger adds a fun twist to their journey, though Larsen humorously noted that Walter would likely find a creative way to travel, as it’s improbable he’d be accommodated by airlines.
With a wealth of supporting characters, Larsen kept a mental checklist of who would be involved in this new chapter. The family unit’s move seemed logical, with some characters following and others staying behind, particularly due to economic factors in the Bay Area.
Larsen aims to integrate more everyday characters into the Dragons’ lives in San Francisco, noting that relationships tend to develop naturally over time, especially as the kids adjust to their new environment.
The comic also features a humorous nod to a neighbor with a similar name, showcasing Larsen’s playful approach to character naming. He’s keen on blending humor with deeper storylines, including Jackson’s reluctance to leave Toronto, reflecting the emotional realities of moving.
The issue includes a montage of iconic San Francisco landmarks, emphasizing the characters’ attraction to their new home. However, with the move comes the challenge of adapting to a shared living space with new teammates, creating potential conflicts and storylines.
Larsen plans to flesh out each of the kids in upcoming issues, especially highlighting Jackson, who bears a resemblance to the original Dragon, making him a potential successor.
The emotional weight of relocating is acknowledged, with Larsen hinting at future regrets and challenges the characters will face as they adjust to their new life. The weather and seasonal differences add another layer to their transition, offering rich storytelling opportunities.
Looking ahead, Larsen is gearing up for a monumental 100-page issue, which presents its own challenges, particularly with ongoing remastered editions of previous stories. Despite the hurdles, he aims to deliver an epic celebration of the series.