Justice League director Zack Snyder just dropped a bombshell about who the dead Robin was.
And no, it’s not Jason Todd. Apparently, there were plans for another Robin in the works.
According to Screen Rant, fans were posting theories in response to a deleted Suicide Squad scene. When confronting Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Batman (Ben Affleck) says that Joker “took something important from me.”
Naturally, fans began speculating as to the wearer of the Robin suit. In response to the question, Snyder sent out the tweet, “Richard.”
This is a reference to Richard “Dick” Grayson, who was the first Robin and later became Nightwing.
What this would mean for the planned Nightwing film is anyone’s guess. But it appears that Snyder does not think much of the adult Grayson or his alter ego.
Also, Snyder revealed there were plans to bring Carrie Kelly into the DCEU. He also made the cryptic tweet that Dick would stay dead “till Carrie”. Whether this means Grayson would return from the dead or not is unknown.
Carrie is a fan favourite who made her debut as Robin in Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns miniseries. She would later appear as Catgirl in The Dark Knight Strikes Again. The character also has a major role in The Dark Knight III: The Master Race.
Snyder’s original plan would be to tell a story in five movies. Man Of Steel was the first chapter, then Batman v Superman, Justice League 1 and 2, and Man Of Steel 2. Of course, he is no longer spearheading the DCEU, so things will no doubt change.
How Robin would have fit in the grand scheme of things is unknown. Considering Snyder would have done five movies, he wouldn’t have much time to focus on Dick Grayson. This brings to mind the reason he chose to kill off Jimmy Olsen in Dawn of Justice. Snyder’s reasoning was because he felt there was no room for the cub reporter in the DCEU.
Hammerhead, doppelgängers; and a new team is formed as Charles Soule kicks off DAREDEVIL #606 by taking the way back machine to the 1960’s resurrecting a storyline from DAREDEVIL #16. Let’s jump in!
WRITTEN BY: Charles Soule
ART BY: Phil Noto
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
DAREDEVIL SPOILERS TOO!
To see what happened last issue, click on the writer’s name below.
Summary
After uncovering that Wilson Fisk fixed the Mayoral Election, Daredevil forms a secret team composed of McGee, Cypher, and the Reader to help track down evidence to take down Kingpin once and for all. Meanwhile, Daredevil stops Hammerhead from robbing a bank and ends the issue by stopping a barroom brawl that was started by Matt’s twin brother Mike Murdock!
Bank Robbery Nowadays
Soule perfectly explains how pointless it is to rob a bank in today’s society, which is entirely correct. Why would anyone rob a bank with explosions and guns anymore when you could take the money through cybercrime? Also, Soule tells readers that the only reason someone would physically rob a bank today is to prove a point and show people who’re boss. These explanations are the little extra’s that make this issue above the rest this week.
It’s All About Perspectives
Soule can write the heck out of Matt Murdock, but Phil Noto’s art changes the visual perspective of Daredevil while he fights, which sets this creative team apart from so many others in comics right now. Soule and Noto show readers what it’s like to be Daredevil and Clayton Cowles changes the viewpoints and layouts from each frame and panel.
Readers bounce back and forth from being a spectator in this tale to physically being in the hero’s shoes. Soule, Noto, and Cowles ARE Daredevil right now, even down to the characters movements and fighting style. Together, these three are explaining in detail how Daredevil’s powers work as he’s using them and they’re making the reader feel apart of the story.
Mayor Without Fear
As Daredevil is forming his new band of Merry Men, Soule uses McGee to remind readers as to how ruthless and cunning Wilson Fisk can be. This is necessary because new readers may only know Fisk as a Mayor and don’t truly know the evil history surrounding the character. So, Soule takes the time to re-explain how awful the Kingpin is by indirectly telling readers about Wilson’s past transgressions like putting bodies in his building’s foundation, making it impossible to uncover their remains.
The Art
Noto’s art comes across as muddy and deep. The comic feels earthy, which sounds weird to say because this story takes place in Hell’s Kitchen. However, even though it feels muddy, Noto’s art is hard-nosed and gritty while coming across as smooth and natural. Readers would expect a story that takes place in New York to be dark and twisted like Gotham City, especially one centered around the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. But somehow, Noto’s art feels like it fits perfectly.
The art manages to encapsulate a rough and tough area that’s also down to earth and filled with a sense of brawling respect. Noto, along with Clayton Cowles, helps attract readers to this comic and make them feel apart of New York City. Their art and lettering draws fans into the story and fits brilliantly with what Soule is doing in Daredevil right now.
Should you buy this issue?
Absolutely! Soule forms a new team to secretly stop the Kingpin with some C and D-list characters that are unique and have interesting abilities. His explanation of Daredevil’s powers and narration throughout the issue are so inclusive and helpful to new and old readers alike. Noto’s art is exciting, clean, and smooth. His colors and tone are mellow and natural throughout the issue, as well as Cowles calming letter choices for Matt Murdock’s inner monologues.
If you need more reasons to buy the issue, how about the new character named Reader? He’s a blind guy that can read Braille but whatever he reads comes true. His abilities work three times, half as accurate each time, and then his powers stop working until he sleeps. Once he wakes up, his powers are back. That’s just nuts! Who thinks of that as an ability? And now, Daredevil gets to utilize him. And if all of the above wasn’t enough to get you to read DAREDEVIL #606, how about the reintroduction of Matt Murdock’s twin brother from the 60’s? Seriously, pick this up!
Should you add this to your pull list?
DAREDEVIL #606 is a perfect starting point for new and old fans to jump on. Soule gets readers caught up immediately with what’s essential and doesn’t waste any time digging into his story. Soule, Noto, and Cowles are the three amigos that make this comic exciting, engaging, easy to follow, and great to look at! Now is the time to add this to your pull list.
What did you guys think of DAREDEVIL #606? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, click HERE!
The 2018 Harvey Awards have nominations have been announced, but the categories have changed this year. Instead of the usual ‘Best Inker’, ‘Best Writer’, etc. there will be only six areas of nomination: Book of the Year, Digital Book of the Year, Best Children or Young Adult Book, Best Adaptation from a Comic Book/Graphic Novel, Best Manga and Best European Book. This year also sees the 30th anniversary of the awards. Check out the full nominee list below.
Book of the Year BLACK HAMMER: SECRET ORIGINS by Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston and Dave Stewart (Dark Horse) BOUNDLESS by Jillian Tamaki (Drawn and Quarterly) EVERYTHING IS FLAMMABLE by Gabrielle Bell (Uncivilized Books) HOSTAGE by Guy Delisle (Drawn and Quarterly) KINDRED by Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damian Duffy and illustrated by John Jennings (Abrams ComicArts)
LIGHTER THAN MY SHADOW by Katie Green (Lion Forge) MONSTRESS by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda (Image) MY FAVORITE THING IS MONSTERS by Emil Ferris (Fantagraphics) ROUGHNECK by Jeff Lemire (Gallery 13) SHADE THE CHANGING GIRL by Cecil Castellucci and Marley Zarcone (DC Comics) SPINNING by Tillie Walden (First Second) THE BEST WE COULD DO by Thi Bui (Abrams Books) THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS WRONG by Mimi Pond (Drawn and Quarterly) THE FLINSTONES by Mark Russell and Steve Pugh (DC Comics) THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang (First Second)
Digital Book of the Year BANDETTE by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover (Monkeybrain) BARRIER by Brian K. Vaughn, Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente (Panel Syndicate) CHECK, PLEASE!: #HOCKEY by Ngozi Ukazu (checkpleasecomic.com) NOT DRUNK ENOUGH by Tessa Stone (ndecomic.com) THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY by Katie O’Neill (teadragonsociety.com)
Best Children or Young Adult Book BRAVE by Svetlana Chmakova (JY) REAL FRIENDS by Shannon Hale and LeUyeun Pham (First Second) SPINNING by Tillie Walden (First Second) THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Jen Wang (First Second) THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY, by Katie O’Neill (Oni Press)
Best Adaptation from a Comic Book/Graphic Novel ATOMIC BLONDE (Focus Features) – Directed by David Leitch. Adapted from “The Coldest City” (Oni Press) BLACK PANTHER (Walt Disney Pictures) – Directed by Ryan Coogler. Adapted from “Black Panther” (Marvel Comics) THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (Warner Bros.) – Directed by Chris McKay. Adapted from “Batman” (DC Comics) LOGAN (20th Century Fox) – Directed by James Mangold. Adapted from “Wolverine” (Marvel Comics) MY FRIEND DAHMER (FilmRise) – Directed by Marc Meyers. Adapted from “My Friend Dahmer” (Abrams ComicArts) PREACHER (AMC) – Developed by Sam Catlin, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg. Adapted from “Preacher” (DC/Vertigo)
RIVERDALE (The CW) – Developed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Adapted from “Archie” (Archie Comics) THE END OF THE F***ING WORLD (Netflix) – Written by Charlie Covell. Adapted from “The End of the F***ing World” (Fantagraphics) THOR: RAGNAROK (Walt Disney Pictures) – Directed by Taika Waititi. Adapted from “Thor” (Marvel Comics) WONDER WOMAN (Warner Bros.) – Directed by Patty Jenkins. Adapted from “Wonder Woman” (DC Comics)
Best Manga MY BROTHER’S HUSBAND by Gengoroh Tagame Anne Ishii (Pantheon Graphic Library) MY HERO ACADEMIA by Kohei Horikoshi (Viz Media) MY LESBIAN EXPERIENCE WITH LONELINESS by Nagata Kabi (Seven Seas) TOKYO GHOUL by Sui Ishida (Viz Media) YOUR NAME by Makoto Shinkai and Ranmaru Kotone (Yen Press)
Best European Book
AUDUBON: ON THE WINGS OF THE WORLD by Fabien Grolleau and Jerémie Royer (Nobrow) CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: CASS ELLIOT BEFORE THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS by Pénélope Bagieu (First Second) FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN by Jean-Pierre Gibrat (IDW) THE GHOST OF GAUDI by El Torres and Jesús Alonso Iglesias (Magnetic Press) THE LADIES IN WAITING by Santiago García and Javier Olivares (Fantagraphics)
It’s a very streamlined way to have awards and focuses more on the work versus the artist. What do you guys think? Are you excited about these new categories? Do they change the nature of the award? Comment and discuss below.
The Harvey Awards are scheduled to be held October 5, 2018, during the 2018 New York Comic Con.
Sony Pictures Thursday afternoon, released the first trailer for Slaughterhouse Rulez featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
About the film: Welcome to Slaughterhouse, an elite boarding school where boys and girls are groomed for power and greatness, and they’re about to meet their match. This ancient and ordered world is about to be shaken to its foundations – literally – when a controversial frack site on prized school woodland causes seismic tremors, a mysterious sinkhole, and an unspeakable horror to be unleashed. Soon a new pecking order will be established as the pupils and teachers alike become locked in a bloody battle for survival…
Slaughterhouse Rulez stars Asa Butterfield, Finn Cole, Hermione Corfield, and Michael Sheen.
The Inquisitors hunt for Jedi as Charles Soule opens his nonstop, action-packed installment of DARTH VADER #19 out this week from Marvel Comics. Let’s take a look at FORTRESS VADER!
WRITTEN: Charles Soule
LAYOUTS: Giuseppe Camuncoli
FINISHES: Daniele Orlandini
COLORS: David Curiel
LETTERS: Joe Caramagna
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
DARTH VADER SPOILERS TOO!
To see what happened the last issue, click on the writer’s name below.
Summary
Darth Vader tracks down Eeth Koth who was a Jedi once upon a time before he went into hiding as a priest. Why? Well, Vader’s mission has been to track down every last Jedi across the galaxy and slaughter them all. However, when the Sith Lord arrives, he finds Koth and his newborn baby girl.
Koth and Vader fight while the baby and its mother tried to flee. As the two make it to their escape vessel, they are met by the Inquisitors who take the baby alive. The issue concludes with Darth Vader impaling Eeth Koth from behind as he notices the Inquisitors have his baby.
Art
Joe Caramagna’s lettering was spot on throughout the issue. The letters during the fight scene with Koth and Vader were big, bold, and colorful. Each smash was lettered so largely and appeared so loud in the context of the panel. Giuseppe Camuncoli and Daniele Orlandini’s art was eye-catching and smooth. Together with David Curiel’s colors and Caramagna’s letters the artistic team made every panel dynamic, intense, and powerful.
In addition, look at Caramagna’s lettering on page 14 and see how it stands out when Vader impales Eeth Koth from behind. Caramagna chooses the perfect letters mixed with the perfect colors by Curiel to make the exact sound of the lightsaber killing Koth. Readers can practically hear it through the words on the page.
Furthermore, during the lightsaber scenes, Curiel chooses the obvious red for Vader’s lightsaber BUT look closely at the Sith Lords helmet. The detail in the colors of Vader’s helmet is fantastic. His helmet is shiny with hints of red mixed in adding so much depth to the page. These little details by Curiel elevate this issue so much more throwing readers deeper into the story.
Ruthless Inquisitors
As a fan of the TV show STAR WARS: REBELS, I enjoyed seeing Soule put the Inquisitors into this issue. They play a pretty significant role throughout, especially in the way they captured Koth’s baby. At first, Soule let readers think the Inquisitor was having a change of heart with the mother, but readers quickly see it was just a demoralizing plan.
The Inquisitor uses the force to steal the baby right out of its mother’s hands from the ship, which painted such an awful exchange of emotions on the page. For any being to be that malicious, twisted, and evil makes me wonder how they got to that point. I want to know more about the creation of the Inquisitors. Hopefully, Soule takes readers on that journey soon.
Star Wars Is In His “Soule”
Soule reintroduced a pretty famous Jedi that survived up to this point. For the readers that are unaware, Eeth Koth was captured by General Grievous during STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS and appeared in the movies STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE as well as STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES. So, this wasn’t some throwaway Jedi that Soule dropped into the story. Koth has a deep history in the mythos and Soule understands that, writing him in beautifully.
Readers can see that Soule is a true fan willing to do his research into this universe for something he genuinely loves. The proof is in the reintroduction of characters like Eeth Koth and Soule has been doing this through his entire run so. If readers need more proof, simply go back to the last story arc to see first hand, as well as the Tarkin issue last month.
Should you buy this issue?
Yes! Soule made this issue quick and clean. There was very little dialogue, which made the comic easy to read and fun, while the art team literally draws readers into the issue wonderfully. Soule set up the first issue well and left readers with great questions moving forward. Yes, readers that have been following the series know that Vader is hunting down Jedi but why does he want to keep the babies? Are these future Inquisitors? Why doesn’t the Emperor instill the kill order with the babies?
Should you add this to your pull list?
Definitely! Soule makes this fun and exciting from start to finish. Almost every issue to date continues to be interesting each month. However, for an issue named “ Fortress Vader,” Soule didn’t dive into anything related to a Fortress. The title was a bit confusing with the plot of this issue. Hopefully, Soule can connect the dots between the meaning of the title and the pages in the next issue. Add this to your pull list now because it’s the perfect time to hop on board.
What did you guys think of DARTH VADER #19? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu. If you would like to read more of my reviews, click HERE!
Spencer & Ottley are delivering on the double-shipping schedule like nobody else! Amazing Spider-Man #3 continues the dynamite creative team’s classic restoration of both Spidey and Peter Parker.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
The good ol’ isotope genome accelerator that granted Peter Parker his powers is at it again. Now Spider-Man and Peter Parker are two different people, but there may be some dangerous side-effects to having things be easy for a change–cue that classic “Parker Luck!”
Within these first 4 issues (counting the FCBD release) there is plenty to be overjoyed with in Amazing Spider-Man. Perhaps the biggest standout from this issue specifically is how much fun it is to just hang out with Peter Parker in civilian situations. A majority of this issue takes place in a bowling alley, just Pete & MJ on a double-date.
Nick Spencer was born to write our beloved web-head and this may be the greatest example of why. He could make Peter watching Netflix alone for twelve hours into a compelling comic book issue. This strength of his will make the inevitable heroic triumphs and challenges of Spider-Man carry that much more weight with all the attachment readers have to him behind the mask.
Spencer also has a perfect voice for Pete’s narration and inner-dialogue. There’s a perfect mixture of self-doubt, self-deprecation, humor, anxiety, and lovable cornball. It’s pretty much impossible for any longtime Spider-Man fan to not smile the entire time reading this issue.
The classic appeal that this book has so far is no minor achievement. Each issue, from cover to cliffhanger, feels like a classic Spider-Man comic book. Even when the theme or concept is nothing drastically new, Spencer & Ottley bring so much to it that it feels like the first time you’ve ever come across such an idea.
Ryan Ottley is another perfect match for Spider-Man, as well as creative partner Nick Spencer. His transitions are flawless and cinematic, every panel has a purpose. Ottley’s scene coordination and lively character figures play a big part in making a dialogue-heavy issue feel action packed.
Spider-Man’s action poses and movements are fantastic. Ottley makes sure Spidey wields webs as proper tools to win a fight, never is a web-line shot without purpose. X-Men villain, Tri-Sentinal, is the latest to get the Ottley treatment. His take on various Marvel characters will no-doubt be a joyous spectacle throughout this entire monumental run.
Colorist Laura Martin puts the finishing touches on this book’s classic Marvel appeal. Her tasteful pallet pushes Ottley to the next level in a spectacular manner. Veteran letterer Joe Caramagna ensures every action and character is introduced with proper flair and gravitas.
The Amazing Spider-Man is superhero comic book perfection. Spencer & Ottley take no time to win over longtime Spidey fans. From cover to cliffhanger, each issue has been a truly joyous experience worthy of a second read. This entire creative team is worth way more than the price of admission.
Our beloved Spider-Teen, Miles Morales, is in a strange place right now when it comes to comics. We’re in the first post-Bendis era of his existence and he’s without an ongoing title. This Spider-Man Annual #1 is a good sign of life for Miles fans.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Our story is split into a current day tale and a flashback of Miles during the events of Secret Invasion before his web-slinging debut. Miles may have officially become the hardest character to explain the origin story of after his permanent inclusion in the 616 universe.
If he was around in this world for the Skrull invasion, does his Ultimate universe origin no longer apply? Are we now rewriting every bit of Morales history before Secret Wars? If we are, that’s extremely frustrating given that all of his best Spider-Man stories took place within the pages of Ultimate Spider-Man.
This is most likely what’s keeping us from getting a full-blown Miles series, it’s probably not an easy fix to pitch. It’s frustrating but in order to enjoy this Spider-Man Annual issue, you’re going to have to put all those questions aside and just enjoy the ride.
Bryan Edward Hill takes on the task of writing Miles in a post-Bendis world. Universal-canon questions aside, he crafts a tight little story about Miles’ tragic birthday. This feels more like the Ultimate Spider-Man stories of old rather than the more recent water-treading 616 tales.
The spirit of Spider-Man comics is present in that this hidden tragedy showcases a sense of responsibility that Morales carries with him carrying the weight of guilt he feels about an incident he feels he could’ve prevented. Hill pulls this story off by sprinkling in hints of what makes Spidey our favorite web-slinger, but still keeping this very much a Miles Morales story rather than a remix of Peter Parker.
Artists Nelson Blake II, Alitha E. Martinez, Mark Bagley, and inker Roberto Poggi provide smooth transitions between time-jumps. Blake and Martinez do a great job making the flashback scenes actually look like the art we saw in Secret Invasion tie-ins way back when. They also deliver a creative spin on the Miles Morales version of the homemade Spidey suit.
Colorist Carlos Lopez keeps things simple and lively, making this feel even more like a Spider-Man comic of old. The contrast between Skrull-Spidey and the purple sky backdrop makes for some wonderful panels. Letterer Cory Petit subtly accents and emphasizes emotional beats, lightening the load of our art teams.
Writer Emily Ryan Lerner, artist Alberto Alburquerque, colorist Carlos Lopez, and letterer Cory Petit (again) provide the short backup story. It’s a cute quickie about Miles and Ganke during a driving school incident.
Spider-Man Annual #1 raises more Miles Morales continuity questions, but we aren’t going to hold that against the creative team. If you can close your mind off to question marks and just enjoy what’s in your hands, this is a great contained story that showcases what makes Miles and Peter both similar and different.
The Meg is a ridiculously constructed testosterone infused jaunt into a farcical world where Jason Statham is invincible, and so are Tea Cup Yorkies. Some releases tend to dabble with insane concepts which defy all logic, while The Meg bathes in them to the delight of fans who crave more from where that came from. Director John Turteltaub latest project is as if Jurassic World and Godzilla had a baby and its first words were “Kick-Ass.” Nothing in this film makes sense, yet everyone was okay with it.
A scene from Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Gravity Pictures’ science fiction action thriller “THE MEG,” a Gravity Pictures release for China, and a Warner Bros. Pictures release throughout the rest of the world.
The film centers around a science crew which is studying life inside the ocean and the horrors they uncover. During there exploration of the deepest portions of the water, a discovery was made of a thick cloud barrier which separates their world from fascinating creatures. While exploring what’s beyond the boundary, a monster attacks their ship disabling it. The only person who can save them is the one man who has lived through similar circumstances. Jonas Taylor (Statham) and a team are set to go down below and rescue that crew. Just when you think this could be over, that’s when a 75-foot shark pays his first visit.
A scene from Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Gravity Pictures’ science fiction action thriller “THE MEG,” a Gravity Pictures release for China, and a Warner Bros. Pictures release throughout the rest of the world.
Dean Georgaris, Jon Hoeber, and Erich Hoeber were tasked with adapting Steve Alten’s best selling book. The Meg stays true to its sci-fi roots without turning this release into a big budget version of Sharknado. Dialogue at specific points in the film matters very little as the film briskly moves from one set piece to the next. Pacing wise the movie was spot on as we were quickly moving from one set piece to the next.
A scene from Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Gravity Pictures’ science fiction action thriller “THE MEG,” a Gravity Pictures release for China, and a Warner Bros. Pictures release throughout the rest of the world.
There appears to be a concerted effort from the cast to punch up those “dramatic and hilarious moments.” Doing this allowed The Meg to come off as way more balanced and enjoyable. Had Warner Brothers decided to go in an extreme direction, either way, they would run the risk of turning off the audience. Does Statham overact during certain moments of the film? Yes! Does it matter? Not, even a little bit. The Meg is on a mission to entrance audiences worldwide with the use of 75 ft shark as it tears through the Pacific Ocean. Nobody is saying this is Jaws (far from it), but we are saying prepare yourself to be highly entertained.
The two performances which stood out to me (other than Statham and The Meg) were Rainn Wilson and the Teacup Yorkie everyone has seen in the trailer. Wilson plays a billionaire by the name of Morris who is flush with cash and sleaziness as well. He lives long enough in the film (sorry spoiler) to see himself go from being a hero to a villain who died epically (watch the movie and see how). The Teacup Yorkie has a small part to play in our saga, but her charm will wash over everyone.
Tom Stern’s cinematography was crucial to enhancing the tension in each scene. Stern made use of some ground-level shots and angles giving the perspective of being hunted by this beast. Perhaps my favorite moment was when he slowly panned the camera outside the soundstage (where they were shooting The Meg) creating this idea that it was watching them.
Overall, The Meg is one helluva a good time and should be seen on the biggest screen possible with a great group of friends (and concessions as well). Allow this tale about a prehistoric beast take hold of your group, and I promise you’ll be smiling in the end.
While lacking major action, this issue of the Flash sets the stage for an intriguing tale.
The Flash War has come to a close, but the aftermath could be just as destructive. During the war, Hunter Zolomon broke barriers to the DC Earth, bringing forth new forces. Alongside the Speed Force, the Strength Force and Sage Force appear and empower Hunter. Both Flashes put aside their differences and worked together to take down Hunter. When the dust settled, however, Hunter was missing, and hypertime was closed off. The Flash family soon falls apart, leaving Barry alone to investigate the forces Hunter had unleashed. If the Speed Force allows its users to run at faster than light speeds, what can the other two do?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
The Flash heads to the House of Heroes, the center of the DC Multiverse, to meet with other Flashes. He hopes to find an answer amongst the multiverse, but his universe is truly the first mention of any other forces. Disappointed at the lack of solutions, Barry goes home to continue his investigation. Meanwhile, the Trickster is being convinced by the police to finger a corrupt prison warden when he gets attacked by hired goons. Before they have a chance to murder him, The Flash runs in to save him. Before the goons get away, however, the time-displaced Commander Cold comes in to help Barry.
This is a decent opening issue for the new arc, but not without its problems. While the idea of the other forces getting explored is an interesting angle to go at, we don’t get much of it visually. Yes, we see The Flash investigating the new Forces, but the Strength Force doesn’t appear until the very end of the issue.
The mystery of the Forces and the case against the corrupt warden are laid out as the base of the story. While that usually isn’t a problem, especially since it is an interesting story, there isn’t much action to get us hooked. We have a pair of humans who recreate Parademon technology and try to kidnap the Trickster. That concept alone could have expanded into a fight scene that spanned across Central City. Instead, they’re defeated quickly and in dull fashion. It’s obvious this issue was meant to set the stage, and while it did the job, I can only hope for more action next time.
Art:
While I will miss Porter’s art, the new art team does a good job here. Christian Duce takes over for illustrating this issue and does a great job in designing the characters and powers. The Para-Angels were different enough to stand out from the original Apokoliptian foot soldiers but maintain similarities. Along with them, the Flash looked terrific whenever using his powers. The lightning pops off the page along with The Flash thanks to the fantastic colorwork of Luis Guerrero. Overall, the issue looks nice, and I can’t wait to see more.
Conclusion:
Despite the lack of any major action sequences, I thought this comic was good. The stories that are laid out are interesting enough to keep readers invested for next issue. The art is nice, being both creative and colorful, perfect for The Flash series. The investigation of the new Forces has begun, and if the ending of this comic implies anything, it’ll be a wild ride.
In the latest episode of Kieran’s Movie Space, Kieran McLean delivers his spoiler-free review of The Equalizer 2. Is this an action movie worth checking out? Is Denzel Washington still a great action hero? Listen to the review below and find out!
Kieran’s Movie Space is an insightful, fun and reliable new podcast for fans of all things cinema. Host Kieran McLean delivers in-depth reviews of the latest movie releases, from small indie movies to massive blockbusters. New episodes weekly…or whenever I feel like posting.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, The Equalizer 2 stars Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Melissa Leo, Ashton Sanders and Bill Pullman. The film will land in UK cinemas on August 17, 2018.
If you have a problem and there is nowhere else to turn, the mysterious and elusive Robert McCall will deliver the vigilante justice you seek. This time, however, McCall’s past cuts especially close to home when thugs kill Susan Plummer — his best friend and former colleague. Now out for revenge, McCall must take on a crew of highly trained assassins who’ll stop at nothing to destroy him.
