Review: DARK NIGHTS DEATH METAL: SPEED METAL #1 – How Wally Got His Groove Back

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On September 22, DC Comics releases Dark Nights Death Metal: Speed Metal #1. The Dark Nights Death Metal tie-in is written by Flash scribe Joshua Williamson, with penciler Eddy Barrows, inker Eber Ferreira, colorist Adriano Lucas, and letterer Steve Wands.

Since returning in DC Rebirth #1, the DC universe has not been a kind place to Wally West. Initially heralded as the return of hope to an increasingly bleak universe, Wally’s journey has been one of increasing directionlessness and disappointment.

Friends and family forgot him. Disrespected and distrusted by the Justice League and tricked by Hunter Zolomon. Then, covering up the deaths of his fellow heroes in Sanctuary under the manipulation of Eobard Thawne. He was thrown into the multiverse to be reunited with his children only to lose them again, given the power to fix the DC timeline only to be foiled by the Batman Who Laughs.

Some of Wally’s problems spring from the change of editorial direction in 2018, but Wally’s troubles really began back in 2008’s Final Crisis with the return of Barry Allen. After Barry’s return, Wally receded into the background, playing second fiddle to the returned Silver Age Flash. Wally was the Flash for an entire generation of comics readers, whether we’re talking about Mark Waid’s seminal run on the character or the Bruce Timm Justice League cartoon, and this issue does a good job addressing Wally’s second fiddle status.

Perhaps the biggest “holy cow!” moment of this issue comes in its second half, courtesy of the art team, as Wally outruns the Darkest Knight, who mocks him for trying to succeed where his mentor failed.

Wally, whose status as the Flash was all but forgotten. Wally, who has been looked down upon by his colleagues and not afforded the respect of his mentor.

Begins. To. Transform!

Wally West is the Flash, and this sequence drives that point home! This is Wally West redeemed, and by the end of the issue, fully restored. Barrows and Ferreira do some of their best work in this sequence, particularly in that first image of Wally, with the design and shading. At the same time, Luca’s colors pop, particularly Wally’s distinctive eye lenses. Seeing Wally in his Mark Waid Flash suit is a joy for fans of the character, and signals that Wally’s dark night (pardon the pun) is over.

The art team is joined by Wands on the letters, which serve as a perfect complement to this image. Wally was supposed to represent hope returning to the DC universe, but as Wally points out on the previous page to the beings chasing him, “try to hold me back just like so much in my life the last few years.They want me scared, to focus on my setbacks and struggles.”

But it doesn’t end there: “But I’m done with that…”

Then to turn the page and see “…I’m thinking about what gives me hope,” caused the fanboy in me to tear up a little. This was a wonderfully constructed scene from the whole creative team!

After so many years, Williamson is able to give Wally, and the entire Flash family, the happy ending we’ve wanted to see since DC Rebirth #1, and even though there is a lot of Death Metal to go, I think fans who have felt like Wally has gotten cheated over the past years will enjoy seeing him emerge triumphant in this issue, no matter what else DC may have in store for him.

What did you think of Dark Nights Death Metal: Speed Metal #1? Are you happy with the conclusion of Wally’s long Rebirth journey? Tell us in the comments below!

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How the Mystery Unfolds In WICKED THINGS #5

By

Cat Wyatt

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WICKED THINGS #5, available Wednesday from Boom! Studios throws yet another mystery at young Lottie Grote. A mystery that she just can’t seem to get ahead of. Much like the mystery surrounding whoever framed her for attempted murder.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Once upon a time, Lottie was the best teen detective around. Now she’s serving out her time helping local police. Thanks to the whole being framed for murder thing. It happens, right? Surprisingly, we’re now five issues in and the great detective hasn’t solved the case that she is the center of. Perhaps she has something hidden up her sleeve?

Wicked Things #5 starts a new crime spree, which Lottie is going to have to solve if she ever wants to be taken seriously. Or if she wants to be picked up full time, at the conclusion of her temporary sentence.

What’s interesting is that there is only one issue left to this series, which leaves very little room to wrap everything up. Anyone feeling confident enough to take a guess or two about how Lottie is going to get out of it?

Claire is looking pretty lost on this variant cover of Wicked Things #5

The Writing

Wicked Things #5 shows off all that’s endearing and fun about this series (and all of John Allison’s characters). Lottie is her usual charming self, running around, making friends in surprising places, and trying to solve mysteries.

Despite the larger than life circumstances (teen detective turned fugitive), each and every character portrayed in the series has been wonderfully relatable. It’s a talent of Allison’s, yet it seems to shine through stronger than ever in this issue.

All while two separate mysteries are being dealt with. The first is a new crime spree, where only Lottie saw the (admittedly kind of cute) pattern on the map. The second? The murder mystery, of course. Only Lottie isn’t the one trying to solve it.

It’s honestly refreshing to see Lottie’s friend step up here, and to see a bit more of her and her motivations. It’s a complex web that the two of them have found themselves in, and it’s hard to tell if they’re aware of it or not.

Wicked Things #5 gives Lottie…a new bestie?

The Art

If the writing inside Wicked Things #5 is charming, then the artwork is doubly so. Max Sarin (art), Whitney Cogar (colors), and Jim Campbell (letters) all had a part to play in bringing this quirky character’s adventure to life.

Lottie’s overly dramatic expressions and reactions demand the center of attention in this issue. She quickly bounces between excited and frustrated, determined and curious. Not to mention every other possible emotion in between. Her face and body language are not afraid to show how she feels, courtesy of the artistic team.

Her expressions aren’t the only ones worth looking out for. Claire’s are wonderful, finding a balance between determined and sardonic, while those of the people she interacts with are comically all over the place.

Little details bring it all to life, such as the (hilarious) little hearts found within eyes, the stars accentuating shock, and much more. Combined with an understated color palette, these scenes really do grab one’s attention.

Conclusion

Wicked Things #5 was a perfect example of a quirky yet compelling issue. It’s interesting to see how the story is unfolding. With new cases popping up, new friendships made, and all of that. Even while being so very close to the actual conclusion of the series. Just how is Lottie going to handle all of it?

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The Depths and Horrors of Magic in NOMEN OMEN #9

By

Cat Wyatt

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NOMEN OMEN #9, available Wednesday from Image Comics, continues Becky’s story in the most unsurprising ways. She may have mastered her magic, but her story is not quite complete. After all, she still has to retrieve her heart.

***SPOILER WARNING***

Over the course of Nomen Omen, fans have had the opportunity to watch Becky grow up. To watch her accept this world of magic that she has been thrust into, and learn to make it her own. Yet the story isn’t quite done. There are still six episodes left to this series, and she has yet to retrieve the one thing that was stolen from her (literally), so long ago. Her heart.

The series stands out among the rest that features magic, largely due to two facts. The first, the way magic is portrayed. While most of the series is lacking color, when magic makes an appearance, it infuses that missing color. Making the world seem vibrant and alive once again.

The second fact is the way lore and legend have been woven into the tale. There are times where the story feels almost familiar. And then there are times where it feels alien. The combination is enough to stick into one’s head.

*Please be warned, Nomen Omen #9 has a couple of scenes that some would find upsetting. Much like the last two issues before this one, there are scenes that imply sexual assault and abuse. These scenes always cut away quickly, but they still very much exist.

Becky is stepping up to fight her enemies in Nomen Omen #9.

The Writing

Nomen Omen #9 starts out at a darker point. A harsh reminder of what is happening while Becky takes the time to learn her magic. From there though, it quickly balances into something that feels alarmingly like hope.

The transition is almost jarring, but it also feels intentional. Marco B. Bucci has carefully crafted a narrative that blends the hope and fear into one, courtesy of the two plots running simultaneously.

This issue has several details worth highlighting. The unique combination of magic and technology is perfect, especially when considering the main character. It feels right at home with both sides of her world, as well as providing an opportunity to do something different with magic.

Then there’s a stronger inclusion of fae elements. The otherworldly presence in this issue is strong, and it’s reminiscent of legends revolving around the fae and faerie. Yet as with the magic, there are unique twists to it all.

A dark and ominous cover variant for Nomen Omen #9.

The Art

The artwork inside Nomen Omen #9 is as bold and unique as the writing itself. As with the rest of the series, there’s this careful balance between the panels devoid of colors, and those bursting with it. It makes it fairly clear when magic is playing a more active role in the series.

Jacopo Camagni is responsible for everything minus the lettering, which was provided by Fabio Amelia (Arancia Studio). All of those brilliant (and sometimes extremely dark) scenes, the bold color choices. Everything.

The theme for this issue was especially lovely, pulling in masquerade and fae elements all in one. It’s beautifully done. The main characters also got a redesign to go with the decor change, and it’s absolutely perfect.

Conclusion

Nomen Omen #9 is a dark issue, yet there is this odd sense of hope at the same time. With Becky getting stronger, it’s only a matter of time before the story comes to a conclusion. Either she wins, and gets her heart back. Or she dies. Currently, it seems as though there is no third option.

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How Family Always Makes it More Complicated in SPIDER-WOMAN #4

By

Cat Wyatt

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SPIDER-WOMAN #4, available Wednesday from Marvel Comics, proves that when it comes to the world of superheroes, family tends to make everything all the more complicated. That’s certainly the case when it comes to the Spider heroes running around.

Getting ready to face down her latest challenge in Spider-Woman #4.

Jessica Drew’s latest series has thrown her into a desperate run, all with the hopes of saving her own health – and the health of a newly introduced character. It’s been tense from the start, with foreshadowing elements dropped left and right.

Now it’s time to see what is so concerning. It truly is never simple for characters like Spider-Woman, is it? This dark twist in Jessica’s series may not be what fans expected, yet in many ways it’s feeling right at home in the larger world.

Too bad Jess doesn’t actually get a say in the matter – that would probably have changed things for the better. One thing is certain, the complications Jess has been facing in this series are far from over. If anything, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

The Writing

Spider-Woman #4 is arguably the darkest issue in the series so far, though perhaps not for the obvious reasons. Karla Pacheco has crafted a complex tale here, with dangers that even Spider-Woman’s senses couldn’t pick up.

As Spider-Woman #3 hinted at, this issue is rich with backstory. Jess’ past is not as far behind her as she might think, and it shows here. But even newer fans shouldn’t have any trouble following along, as Pacheco summed up all the important (and relevant) information.

There are so many twists to be found in this issue, it’s borderline exhausting. Mostly for the leading lady, that is. Her emotions seem to spill out from the pages, and all of it’s feeling pretty justified. With any luck, she’ll have a chance to help others understand how she’s feeling at a later date (she’s kind of earned it at this point).

The action is fast-paced, bringing about a thrilling sensation. Right up until the cliffhanger conclusion for this issue. It’s going to be a long month, waiting to see how everything plays out.

The Art

Spider-Woman #4 carries with it all the needed impact, thanks largely to the artwork. For example, the final image of this issue may be only one panel, yet there are countless details to pick up on. All of which raise more alarm.

Pere Perez’s work provided the necessary foundation for the artwork. The toll of the past few issues is showing clear on Jess, from the red eyes to the slightly crazy look. Yet it all feels oddly in place, given everything else that’s happening around her.

The colors, courtesy of Frank D’Armata are vibrant, especially in regards to the backgrounds. It works nicely when combined with the darker clothing worn in the foreground, and really makes the features stand out even further.

VC’s Travis Lanham provided all of the lettering, and there’s a lot to appreciate here. Especially if you enjoy feeling like explosions actually carry weight and sound with them. Combined with careful outlining, it makes for an effective and enthralling read.

Time for a well deserved freakout, don’t you think?

Conclusion

Spider-Woman #4 is a dark and twisted issue, showing fans that Jessica Drew’s tale is far from over. Though it is starting to feel like Jess really can’t get a break. While it’s tempting to guess at how the next issue is going to start, in a way it’s going to be fun to see how she finds a way to save the day. Again.

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THE IMMORTAL SHE-HULK #1: A Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond

By

Cat Wyatt

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THE IMMORTAL SHE-HULK #1, available Wednesday from Marvel Comics, is an issue that many fans have been waiting for. The theories surrounding She-Hulk are finally out in the open – with plenty of new information to delve into.

The fighting never ends, not for the heroes.

The Immortal Hulk has been a groundbreaking series right from the start. Yet it left many fans wondering what the implications were about the other Hulks out in the universe. Including, perhaps especially, She-Hulk.

After all, she’s taken front and center ever since the events that led to her cousin’s drastic changes. She stepped up, joined the Avengers. She battled in the War of the Realms, and put everything on the line when the Cotati showed up.

Literally, as it turned out. The last major Marvel event claimed her life – but was unable to keep it. It was a moment that fans were almost anticipating. The confirmation that she too is an Immortal Hulk.

‘The Three Deaths of Jennifer Walters’ delves into the mystery of her resurrection. As you can guess from the title, it’s going to go quite a bit further than her most recent death. Will this issue contain all the answers fans have been waiting for?

A sneaky little reference on Wolverine’s part.

The Writing

The Immortal She-Hulk #1 is a powerful issue. It simultaneously tackles the complex past of one hero, while also portraying the struggles that come from her present. Jennifer Walters has a long history, both as an Avengers, and with death itself.

So do many Marvel heroes (and comic heroes in general), for that matter. Frequently the sheer number of resurrections that occur tends to be overlooked or intentionally obfuscated. That is far from what is happening in the Immortal Hulk storyline.

This issue takes the concerns that come with death, and the concept of coming back to life. It does so in bold strokes, while also laying down the groundwork for what has been happening this entire time. It’s an intriguing concept, to say the least.

Al Ewing’s writing perfectly carried this story along, allowing for Jen to be beautifully human, while also being so painfully conflicted. Best of all, it puts everything into context. It’s sort of the issue that we’ve been waiting for, ever since that first dramatic moment back during War of the Realms.

There are many tangled threads within this issue, made all the more so thanks to the emotional ties they carry. Yet they’re all marvelously portrayed here, showcasing different elements of a beloved character.

The Art

The Immortal She-Hulk #1 is a bold piece of work, from the cover to the conclusion. There are so many moments to appreciate, from the smallest details to the major changes in setting. All of it works together to make Jennifer’s plight come to life (no pun intended).

Jon Davis-Hunt (art), Marcio Menyz (colors), and VC’s Cory Petit (letters) worked together for this particular project. There are so many eye-catching scenes, it’s almost difficult to decide where to start.

It’s shocking how well the colors work in this issue, pulling in classic green hues, as well as several complimentary colors to pull the look together. It makes for the perfect backdrop, with the foreground taking center stage.

Unsurprisingly, the characters in this issue run the gambit in terms of expressions. Grief, confusion, determination, anger, it’s all there in spades.

He’s not a bad person to get advice from, given the help she needs.

Conclusion

The Immortal She-Hulk #1 is a tense yet fascinating issue, diving into the mind and history of Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk. It is every bit the issue that fans have been waiting for, answering questions, while raising even more along the way.

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Review: One Hunt Ends, Another Begins In STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #5

By

Gabriel Hernandez

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Star Wars Bounty Hunters #5, Bermejo cover

STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #5, available from Marvel Comics on September 23, is a chaotic shootout between Lash, Fett, Valance, and the forces of the Mourner’s Wail, with a healthy dose of flashbacks to fill in Lash’s backstory. Heavy on the action and the exposition, Ethan Sacks’ story is a satisfying conclusion to this act in the overall arc.

Cover Art

Lee Bermejo’s cover is a broadcast reminder that Boba Fett still is the most feared bounty hunter in Star Wars. Evoking imagery of figures in carbonite and the orange-yellow lighting from the Empire Strikes Back, Bermejo heavily leans on the nostalgia. It serves as a hint as to who comes out on top in this issue.

Writing

Sacks’ story packs a lot of action and exposition in equal measure in this episode. What’s impressive about the writing is how much information is packed into a small amount of space without slowing down the story or making the info dump too confusing.

When you finish the comic book, you feel like you got a lot of story. Many of the questions asked from previous issues had been answered, and Sacks writes in a healthy helping of action that contributes to the forward progress of the story.

Pencils/Inks

Paolo Villanelli’s art builds on Sacks’ story with a lot of great line work. The character renderings are sharp, and using fine point lines adds clarity to the plethora of fight panels so that the characters stand out from the blurs and action lines cleanly.

Villanelli’s linework here really speaks to the success of the issue. It’s the equivalent of watching a movie in high definition. Sacks’ words fill in the story, but the art keeps you glued to each panel.

Coloring

Arif Prianto’s coloring adds to Villanelli’s fine lines with superbly textured coloring that adds to the cinematic realism. The coloring stands out most in the weathered texture on Fett’s armor, making it look scraped and worn and weathered. The excellence of Prianto’s work is not just in the color selection, but also in the brushes and applications used to make every surface near photo-realistic.

Lettering

VC’s Travis Lanham’s lettering is excellent in this issue. There are so many different sound effects in this issue, from bioenergy disruptors to cybernetic hand cannons to blaster rifles. Lanham takes the time to organically blend the sounds into each panel with great color choices and letters the shape and direct the reader’s eye to make the sounds part of the action. The sound lettering fills in the visuals to give it more depth and make the issue more eye-catching.

Conclusion

STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #5, available from Marvel Comics on September 23, gives you a ton of story and a ton of action. The plot is satisfying, and the art is full-on eye candy. I highly recommend this book.

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Review: JUGGERNAUT #1 A Kinder, Gentler Giant

By

Gabriel Hernandez

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JUGGERNAUT #1, available from Marvel Comics on September 23, visits the unstoppable giant during his day job as he encounters a wayward teen at a crossroads in life. Continuing the trend in recent releases with Iron Man #1 and Marvel’s Snapshots: X-Men, Fabian Nicieza’s story is a personal and self-reflective character piece on the traditionally destructive character.

Cover Art

Geoff Shaw’s cover is raw and powerful. True to the reputation of the Juggernaut character, he charges at the reader with unstoppable force. It’s a visually exciting cover, and the art is nearly identical to the internal pages in style and tone.

Writing

Nicieza’s story is a solid character piece that puts Cain Marko in the mentor role to a homeless teen with force powers. The modern Juggernaut is now cast as a blue-collar every man who uses his power as a one-man wrecking crew for Damage Control. You get the sense Nicieza wants to show a Juggernaut who’s grown as a person, released his perpetual anger, learned more than a few lessons from the past, and is at peace with pursuing a “quiet” life.

Nicieza wrote a quieter, gentler Juggernaut. On the one hand, it’s a long departure from the character’s origins, which may put some readers off. On the other, it’s a refreshing take that shows how you can grow and evolve a character through life experience rather than jarring event shenanigans that throw canon out the window. I like this Juggernaut. He’s relatable. He’s fun to watch in action. And you get an unexpected Superman vibe as a character that’s aware of his destructive strength but gingerly tries to use it without hurting anyone.

Pencils/Inks

Ron Garney’s art style is rough and unrefined but in a way that’s consistent with the Juggernaut’s grounded personality. Marko is continuously surrounded by rubble, debris, and dust, so it makes sense that the lines for both the characters and the surroundings are roughed up for emphasis. This is an earthy, grounded story and the art is equally earthy to match.

The highlight of Garney’s art is the sparing use of blurring techniques applied to flying rubble and force powers. D-Cel’s deceleration blasts warp the air in a convincing way, and Marko’s smashing blows look more potent with the blurring applied to rubble flying in all directions. Great work by Garney.

Coloring

Matt Milla’s coloring compliments Garney’s art style with intentionally rough shading. Juggernaut, and every scene he’s in, has more depth and weight in a very grounded way. Milla shows off excellent use of color to bolster the art style that suits the main character’s personality.

Lettering

VC’s Joe Sabino executed a fine job with the lettering. The text was easy to read, it flowed through the panels in a natural way, and it didn’t interfere with the art. That said, the lettering tended to become a distraction because it was too bright and clean. Where the colorist and artist went to great pains to stylistically rough up the art, the lettering was not organically worked in, and it looks pasted on like a sticker. Overall, good lettering, but it needed more attention to an organic integration with the panels.

Conclusion

JUGGERNAUT #1, available from Marvel Comics on September 23, is a kinder, gentler, and frankly, more likable exploration of a character that’s evolved beyond his origins. The writing is well done, and the art greatly compliments the story. I strongly recommend this book.

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I’d Buy That For A Dollar: WOLVERINE #5 (Marvel Comics 1989)

By

Manuel Gomez

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September 22, 2020

Welcome to ‘I’d Buy That For A Dollar’ a column where I will be exploring the weird and wonderful world of dollar bin diving. The only rule is each and every comic is purchased for one dollar (or less!).

This week’s book is Wolverine #5 from the first on-going series!

Wolverine is one of Marvel’s most represented characters, often starring in multiple series at a time. But back in the late ’80s, the character was just getting more popular and got his first on-going series. That series was fantastic and laid the groundwork for much of the Wolverine lore today.

So let’s take a look at Wolverine #5, where Logan finds himself in his ‘Patch’ persona on a shady mission in Mardipoor! It’s got grit, action, intrigue and some truly beautiful art. The issue was written by Chris Claremont, with art by John Buscema, Al Williamson, Janice Chiang and Glynis Oliver. That’s one hell of a creative team!

Now let’s look at some fantastic coloring up close.

Here is my favorite page of the issue. It’s just badass! Wolverine coming out of the muck is frame-worthy!

This series had pin-ups on the back cover of a lot of the issues. Here’s issue 5’s from the great John Bolton!

You can find great dollar bins at almost every local comic shop. So find a shop, ask a comic clerk what they can do for you during this time and get some dollar comics! Pick them up curbside and have them delivered if you must!

Got your own awesome dollar bin finds? Toss them at me!
Send emails to manny@monkeysfightingrobots.com
Follow me on Instagram: _idbuythatforadollar_
Tweet at me: @MannyG1138

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Review: BOOKS OF MAGIC #23 Shows Us Possibilities Are Endless

By

Corey Patterson

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BOOKS OF MAGIC #23, available in comic book stores on Tuesday, September 22nd, concludes the Dwelling in Possibly story arc in intriguing fashion. When faced with the knowledge of his potential villainous future, Timothy Hunter entered a deep bout of self-doubt and self-hate. What’s more, his former friends and school bully find themselves involved in a meeting of the future and the present. The resulting effect is a story of unexpected proportions.

Story

Our story opens with Ellie, Fatima, and Tyler—three schoolmates of Tim who have been roped into his magical mishaps, finding themselves at a literal crossroads. A mysterious figure shows up to offer them a choice: turn left and assist the young wizard, or take the right path to oppose him.

Given how much trouble Tim has caused his friends, it’s easy for readers to understand their choice. In this way writer David Barnett humanizes these characters—we don’t agree with their decision, but we recognize that even “good” characters are morally complicated.

The story proceeds to detail Tim’s otherworldly trial for supposedly killing thirty-six Cold Flame cultists. At this trial is Ms. Rose and Izzy, his two closest confidants. What’s confusing, however, is Rose’s double nature as Richard Occult.

This issue was full of unexpected events that nevertheless tied into the established lore of the world. We loved diving into Tim’s world of possibilities.

Artwork

The illustrations in this issue are full of energy. Tom Fowler’s penciling and Craig Taillefer’s ink work gives readers characters fluid in their motions and detailed in their appearances. Marissa Louise’s coloring differentiates between each storyline—using eery reds, greens, and gray shades for the darker elements of the story and natural colors for Tim, Dr. Rose, and his friends’ panels. Todd Klein’s lettering helps distinguish these rival elements further by employing squiggled lines for the cultists’ speech and even curves for the protagonists’.

Conclusion

BOOKS OF MAGIC #23 wraps up this arc nicely. It gives readers just enough closure to salsify their queries while opening the door up for various other adventures in the series.

Were you satisfied with this arc’s conclusion? Let us know in the comments below!

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REVIEW: SUICIDE SQUAD #9 is Perfectly Doom-Filled

By

Zac Owens

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Written by Tom Taylor, with art by Bruno Redondo, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Wes Abbott, DC Comics’ Suicide Squad #9 is full of dramatic irony at its best. There’s no way to talk about this issue without spoilers. This creative team has been incredibly forthright about what this issue includes. They’ve shared spoilers on Twitter, through solicitations, and even in the comic itself. That’s because Suicide Squad isn’t a series that is “spoiled” by spoilers. It thrives off of them.

Writing

Taylor has crafted this whole issue around one simple idea: the readers know Deadshot will die. I mean, even the cover goes out of its way to make sure we know. But Taylor is banking on us knowing. He isn’t in this to shock us. He wants us to care. We see Deadshot’s conversations with his daughter and his teammates. Every moment is bittersweet. But Taylor doesn’t play up the doom and gloom either. He plays against the tragedy of the issue by making Deadshot as confident as ever. He’s invincible until he isn’t.

The moments in this issue that are “lasts” for Deadshot still carry his signature nonchalance. We don’t see him hugging or weeping with anyone. That’s because Taylor wants Deadshot to live like he’s never going to die. Just like he always has. Taylor brings us the joy, badassery, and humor that we love Deadshot for, right up until his final moments. It makes it all the more tragic when we see him go.

Art

Throughout this issue, Redondo shows us Deadshot at peace. He’s talking with Harley over a waterfall or with his daughter in the woods. These pages don’t have a border to them. The picture continues right off to the edge of the page. It makes each of these moments feel like they last forever. It’s as though the page layouts are begging Floyd to stop. Don’t go see Ted Kord, don’t try and get revenge. Just stay in the woods. Talk with Harley. Talk with your daughter.

But as the Suicide Squad enters the city, we get another borderless page. This time, it feels like we’re trapped. The explosions and violence in the panels in the center of the page are all Floyd knows. This is his entire world. And when things begin to boil to a head, the borders come back. Each panel becomes another small step towards Floyd’s doom. And Redondo leaves us with one final, borderless page. A tragic page that goes on forever.

Coloring

Lucas stays wonderfully fun in this issue. This isn’t a funeral march; it’s a party. In fact, it’s the moments Deadshot is out of danger that feel the least fun. His conversations with his daughter and Harley out in the woods look beautiful, but they’re more serene and calming than anything. When Deadshot does what he does best, the colors get crazy. We get the bright yellows, oranges, and reds that come with a battle scene. And Lucas almost seems to be signaling to us how close Floyd is to danger.

The yellow action backgrounds turn to orange when Osita starts yelling. It’s as though she’s putting them in danger. Blowing her lid means they could all die. She brings them a step closer to danger. When she leaves, the action sequences have a yellow background again. The moment has been defused. We’re safe. But Lucas makes us feel safe for a second. As Floyd stares at a gun in his face, the background of the panel is red. Lucas faked us out, and the danger comes back in with a vengeance, cruelly skipping orange on its way.

Lettering

Abbott’s subtlety is really on display in this issue. As this issue of Suicide Squad opens, we see Chaos Kitten and Thylacine infiltrating a building. Kitten’s punches are shown in block letters with a clear outline; Thylacine’s are given a messy edge. We get a sense that Thylacine is holding something back and that if it broke through, it would be messy. And later, as Floyd and Harley talk about their time together on the Suicide Squad, their dialogue practically overlaps each other.

This is their typical banter. But as they finish talking, Harley says, “But… I’m proud of you, and I’ll miss you.” Deadshot’s next line gives hers a wide berth. We feel how deliberate his response is, and we can sense the pause between the lines. “Yeah, you too, Quinn,” he responds. With a simple change of spacing in each panel, Abbott gets this moment to stand out and gives it the center stage it’s due.

DC Comics’ Suicide Squad #9 gets tragedy so perfectly right. It lets you know what you’re in for and then tricks you into believing that maybe they’ll all make it through alright. It’s an issue that plays with our hope and breaks our heart like only a brilliant story can do. Pick up DC Comics’ Suicide Squad #9 Tuesday the 22nd from a comic shop near you. It’s incredible!

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