Dominatrix: Hellbent In Heels #1 Review: Not Your Typical S&M Story

There’s a lot of well-known names in popular culture, and one of the biggest has to be Gene Simmons. The KISS star is one of a kind. As well as being a rockstar, Simmons is a passionate comic fan who’s created his own character called Dominatrix. The character’s latest appearance can be seen in Dominatrix: Hellbent In Heels #1, released on the 29th November. Writer Erik Hendrix sent an advanced copy over to The Comic Vault in exchange for an honest review.

When you hear the word ‘dominatrix’ you might think of a cliché, stereotypical character, but you’d be wrong. After reading the comic I was drawn to the background information that Hendrix included about how he collaborated with Simmons.

“Gene Simmons loves comics and has the utmost respect for the medium. One very strong point that Gene made early on to me, which I was extremely happy about and Kewber Baal has embraced so well in his beautiful lines is that Dominique is not trashy, she just happens to be beautiful. In the pages, we do not pose. She gets into fights, she fights men, she fights women and she handles herself well. This isn’t about finding creative ways to show off skin. Other characters may underestimate or objectify her because of her looks or costume (when she’s wearing it), and that’s a fact of the real world too. But it doesn’t mean she has to treat herself differently because of it.”

Dominique is a well-rounded character from the moment she’s on the page. She was drawn into a world of secret organisations by one of her clients Doug. He comes to her house with a mission and she greets him by smashing his phone and threatening to hurt him in a way that doesn’t involve anything sexual. Her mood swings are referenced and that’s a trait that many people can relate to.

She agrees to go with him to Hawaii to investigate what happened to another operative. Not long after she arrives, Dominique is drawn into a weapons testing party that goes awry. This provides an entertaining story that’s worth reading.

Dominque’s dynamic with Doug is one of the most enjoyable parts of the comic. He comes across as sleazy and she has no time for it. Hendrix paces the story well, giving the reader enough of a mystery to want to read the next issue. Kewber Baal’s art is stunning and he’s great at capturing facial expressions. There’s a panel where Dominique laughs and the disgruntled look Doug gives her conveys exactly what he’s thinking.

Dominatrix: Hellbent In Heels #1 is an entertaining comic that showcases Simmons’ love for the medium. He’s created an interesting character and the creative team have brought her to life in a respectful way.

Look out for it in stores on November 29th.