While not much action, the new Action Comics arc intrigues with its new villains and mystery.
The Bendis era of Superman has begun. During the Man of Steel miniseries, a few storylines were laid out for the coming series. One storyline, which will be expanded here in Action Comics involved a mystery of arsons in Metropolis. Superman worked alongside the Fire Department to fight the fires, but the mystery of the cause stumps even the greatest minds. At the end of the miniseries, however, a little boy reveals that it was Superman that was causing these fires. This couldn’t be true, right?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
After another night on patrol, Clark heads to the Daily Planet for the usual news round-up. During the meeting, Ms. Goode, a new reporter, files a story of Superman causing the fires across Metropolis. Taken aback by this claim, Superman heads to the fire station to speak with Deputy Chief Moore. The pair confronts the kid, who admits that he was paid by “some bald guy,” to say it. As Clark begins his investigation into this person, a group of what appears to be gang leaders meet in secret to discuss their plans.
With a name like Action Comics, one would expect a ton of action within the issues. This is not the case, but there is quite a bit to enjoy. Superman’s presence makes the lawbreakers in this issue look like incompetent idiots, which is quite funny. Superman approaches a crook firing a machine gun at him as he catches bullets, all the while he’s asking them about the fires with a smile on his face. It’s hilarious to see moments like this, but still, have severe investigation moments and intrigue. This new threat is intriguing, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes with them. There are, however, two problems with this story. As I mentioned before, there isn’t that much action, with it only being the opening. Then there is the final page that left me frustrated and with questions. Those two nitpicks aside; I had fun with this issue.
Art:
Patrick Gleason hops into illustrating this Action Comics arc and knocks it out of the park. His style has always fit Superman comics by walking a line between being cartoonish but not enough for readers to be distracted from the serious parts. Alejandro Sanchez helps the illustrations with his masterful colorwork, allowing the world to feel warm and welcoming. It looks great and is a perfect match for Action Comics, as well as Superman in general.
Conclusion:
This was a nice first issue for the arc, despite the nitpicks. It’s humorous and intriguing with its characters and story with art to match. I cannot wait to see where the story, as well as the series as a whole, goes from here.
The world of Doomsday Clock continues to grow but at the cost of story focus.
It’s been a strange ride in Doomsday Clock so far. The last issue had us all over the place, following several different characters. The new Rorschach escapes Arkham Asylum with Saturn Girl as his mission points him towards Pittsburgh. There he finds “the light” that will bring out Dr. Manhattan: the Golden Age Green Lantern. Back in Gotham, Ozymandias escapes the hospital he was kept in after his fight with the Comedian and comes face-to-face with Batman. The pair fights each other due to their conflicting morality, which leads to Batman getting captured by Mime and Marionette. Before they could relish their victory, the Joker arrives and captures all three. What will transpire between these three humorous mad folk?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
We follow the story of Mime and Marionette, both in the present and their origin. The origin of the pair follows them as children, growing up across the street from each other. The woman who would become Marionette was once an illegal immigrant named Erika. She grew up in the loving care of her puppet making father, who would continuously pay off the cops. She would befriend Marcos who would grow into Mime and lived her life until tragedy struck in her own home. In the present, the Joker takes the pair and Batman to a gathering of villains far below Gotham. Due to the growing restlessness on Metahumans, several villains believe they should leave for Khandaq, where Black Adam offers political asylum. While Joker tries to show off the identity of Batman, a surprise guest appears: The Comedian.
Anyone who has read Watchmen knows that it had cutaways to build on character pasts. It made the characters more intriguing and lifelike. It’s clear that is what Geoff Johns is hoping to accomplish here, but there’s one major problem. Where Watchmen was kept to a monthly release date, Doomsday Clock is more sporadic. While this origin is interesting, the long periods of waiting just leaves me wanting the core story. Last issue, we had a cliffhanger where Rorschach found a Green Lantern that hasn’t been seen in over seven years! Readers want to learn more about that instead of Mime and Marionette’s tragic tale. Geoff Johns wants this world to grow, but this reviewer just wants to see the core moving forward. Hopefully, these storylines come back together sooner rather than later.
Art:
Despite my issues with this comic, it’s still the best looking comic out there. The art of Gary Frank is so dark and gritty; it fits the world perfectly. There are parts in this story where the level of detail in violence made me physically cringe. Despite the missteps of this issue, it’s obvious the art will make Doomsday Clock iconic.
Conclusion:
While the backstory of our mad couple from the Watchmen universe is interesting, it doesn’t satisfy months of waiting. The art is dark and beautiful, but Doomsday Clock is beginning to grow too big for its own good. We have reached the middle of the series, yet we keep making detours to flesh out the world. There could be no more distractions going forward, but right now, I am worried about this comic.
This epilogue of the recent Flash story arc is an emotional roller coaster for the speedsters.
The Flash War has come and gone, and we’re left to pick up the pieces. Hunter Zolomon, Wally West’s Reverse Flash, summoned new forces alongside the Speed Force to try and alter time in his favor. While both Flashes ran to stop him, Barry knew the only one fast enough was Wally. Wally defeated Hunter, but at a terrible cost to his wellbeing. Not only did Zoom vanish, but he closed off Hypertime, preventing time travel for all speedsters. With no way to get to his family through those means, Wally begins running, hoping his children appeared in this world. Will the Flash Family recover from the war?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
The story takes place a week after the war had finished, with Wally still running across the globe. Barry is left to try and pick up the pieces, but unfortunately isn’t doing a fantastic job with it. While Iris refuses to stop waiting for Wally, Kid Flash denounces his family ties and runs off to join the Teen Titans. Commander Cold, the leader of the Renegades of the 25th century, takes up residence at Barry’s apartment while trying to figure out how to get home. Without much choice and the fact he can’t keep up, Barry decides to wait for Wally with Iris.
This issue doubles as both an epilogue for The Flash War as well as a love letter to Wally West. Throughout this issue, we read Iris’ written history of Wally, and it reminded me of why he is so great. Every positive moment and feeling of the character is brought up here, reminding us that he was indeed The Flash for an entire generation of people. It also does a fantastic job humanizing the character, making him feel more relatable than ever.
The ending of the story is both heartbreaking and a sigh of relief. Wally has gone through more and more heartbreak over the course of the series. It’s very clear, especially by The Flash War, this is weighing down on him and is affecting him. He has been traumatized by it all, and at the end, he is getting help. This means he’ll be gone for a while, but to see him finally stopping and getting help brings a bittersweet smile to my face.
Art:
Scott Holins is the illustrator for this issue and, as it stands, its okay. It fits the story well enough, keeping it grounded, but it doesn’t do the Flash’s powers justice. It’s not terrible by any means, but when you think Flash you see some creative uses or designs for the power. I bet if there were more action scenes, Holins could flex that creative muscles in terms of powers. However, for this more emotional story, it fits just fine as it is.
Conclusion:
I enjoyed this issue. While not action packed, it’s incredibly emotional as it ties up the end of the war. While it will be a while till we see a Flash crossover of this magnitude again, I can’t wait to see where both our scarlet speedsters will go from here. I highly recommend this issue, especially if you are a fan of Wally West.
James Tynion kicks off this magical mystery tour by sending Wonder Woman around recruiting her new Justice League Dark team. But why? It turns out, when our heroes broke the Source Wall, they broke magic too. But, who does she get to join? Who’s the big bad? And, who’s the boss? I’ll give you a hint: it’s not Tony Danza.
As solicits and conversations began about Wonder Woman leading Justice League Dark, curiosity set in. How could Wonder Woman lead the magic community? Well, Tynion makes it work.
The reality is the magic community doesn’t think the Justice League can solve a universal-wide magic problem. So, no one wants to help Wonder Woman. This makes total sense. The League is known for their fists, action, science, and technology. Magic has nothing to do with any of that nor should the magic community trust the individuals that caused the problem initially. Tynion kicks off the series with a perfect reason and direction.
Later in the Oblivion Bar (love this place), Tynion explains magic so eloquently. He says magic is “beauty, horror, and ecstasy” together. He later says, “the world would be a cold, dead place devoid of miracles” if magic didn’t exist. That was one of the most epic explanations of magic I’ve ever heard. With statements like that, Tynion is able to wrap the reader’s feelings around magic and make us sympathize with Wonder Woman and the magical community. Excellent job and a great start on the series!
Magic the Gathering
As Wonder Woman goes on her quest to save magic and gather up a team, we find out some interesting tidbits that were intriguing and should play a huge role in future storylines. Tynion introduces the death of Zatara, Bobo being the protector of Myrra and owner of Nightmasters sword, Man-Bat working for the Government, and Justice League Dark headquarters being located directly beneath the Hall of Justice.
Readers are set up for some crazy stories ahead, and Tynion dangles multiple plot threads out there showing us that this series is here to stay. Will we get Nighmaster and Zatara back? Can Man-Bat work on the side of good? How can the magic community use their abilities to help if they go haywire? Who is the Upside-down Man? How is the Tree of Wonder not connected to the Green? Does anyone else smell crossover events? I’m excited just talking about it!
The Art
Overall Bueno, Fernandez, and Anderson did a fantastic job with the art in the first issue and complimented each other so well. The Tree of Wonder looks gorgeous, AND the Swamp Thing art is drawn with so much detail that readers can tell the stage isn’t too big for this art team.
Bueno, Fernandez, and Anderson don’t lose sight of the minor details on huge fight scenes or splash pages. Look no further than the final splash page for proof and see the intricate branches weaving off of Swamp Thing. Or, look at the panel of Man-Bat taking his classic serum and raging out into a huge bat monster. The detail in his fur and wings is so impressive. I see great things in this teams’ future.
Should you buy this issue?
You bet! Tynion connects the events from DARK NIGHTS: METAL, JUSTICE LEAGUE: NO JUSTICE, and even JUSTICE LEAGUE to make this series fascinating and important. Readers are given nuggets to the magical realm with characters like Jason Blood, Zatanna, Constantine, and even Zatara BUT Tynion and his team still make the comic feel like a Superhero story.
I love interconnected universes, and if this is a snapshot of the future of the comic, as well as the DCU, JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK should play a huge role in the future of the DCU. You need to get this issue and hop on board now, especially after finding out Constantine killed Zatara somehow (jaw-dropping to me) AND that one of the Justice League Dark members will bring the destruction of magic and the world.
Should you add this to your pull list?
Definitely! Tynion does an amazing job making readers feel like they are reading a book about magic, mystery, and the occult BUT giving readers the familiar sensation of characters they know like Wonder Woman and Swamp Thing. Even though parts of the issue were heavy in dialogue, Tynion makes new readers in this realm feel comfortable moving forward while igniting an interest that has had fans clamoring since REBIRTH.
Put this in your pull for at least the first arc and see where it goes!
What did you guys think of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
Using quick pacing, witty humor, colorful, eye-popping art, and classic adventure storytelling, Jeff Lemire and Joe Bennett lead readers through another Terrific tale. Will the Terrifics escape? Is Algon the true villain mastermind behind all of this? Will Lemire official name the dog Muttamorpho? Let’s find out!
The Terrifics #6
STORY BY: Jeff Lemire and Joe Bennett
INKS: Sandra Hope and Matt Santorelli
COLORS: Hi-Fi
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
THE TERRIFICS SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
We last left The Terrifics trapped in the Elemental Realm by Algon. His goal was to trap Metamorpho there in his place so he could be free. But, our heroes gain the upper hand, sneak back through the portal home, and use the Orb of Ra to close the door behind them. The issue doesn’t end there! It turns out, Doctor Dread orchestrated everything since day one, and now he’s going to kill the only person who could help the Terrifics get back to normal; Tom Strong!
Just Terrific
Readers finally get part of Mister Terrifics backstory, which is fantastic. If I was to guess, people probably know very little about Terry Holt. Now, it looks like his wife, Paula, was in a car accident and died. As much as it was interesting to get a glimpse into Terry’s past, how it happened was a bit confusing.
Was it a dream? Is she trapped in the Elemental Realm too? Lemire and Bennett were probably using this issue as an opportunity to introduce his past and nothing more, which was needed in the story. However, I wish it was more clear as to “how” it was happening.
Plastic Man is a Hit
The extra detail involved with Plastic Man is awe-inspiring. Not only does Lemire and Bennett make him witty and humorous, but how they choose to draw him is what adds so much to the book and the character. For example, when he searches for his team, his eyes turn into binoculars. Or, Plastic Man sings songs to himself while he turns his body into a doom buggy driving around to find his team. These are just some examples of the silly extras that make Eel a hit!
Lemire and Bennett do a great job making Eel goofy while also showing readers that he can be earnest, astute, and thoughtful. More and more, readers see that Plastic Man is indeed reliable, but at the same time, he beats to his own drum. Lemire and Bennett hammer this idea home throughout the issue. He’s not the rock of the team. But, he’s the glue that will hold everyone together.
Team Chemistry
Lemire and Bennett do a terrific job making this team feel like they’ve always been here. They are giving readers what REBIRTH promised: hope, fun, love, family, and connection. This is the first book since the relaunch of REBIRTH that feels this way to me. And, I never realized how much I needed it.
Just the simple family dynamics between the characters like Metamorpho’s nickname for Plastic Man (Silly Putty), or adding a dog to the family (Muttamorpho), or how Mister Terrific comes off like everyone’s Dad, contributes to making this issue hit the essential elements that have been missing for years in DC comi.cs
Jus.t one more thing
The issue appears to wrap up quickly. After a couple of punches, the team just got the upper hand somehow. It just felt too quick. Then, the Terrifics managed to escape the Elemental realm just as fast. As much as I enjoy little dialogue and fast-paced issues, I still want more of an explanation as to how they escaped so easily.
Lastly, readers see the parallels between the Terrifics and the Fantastic Four. Now, we end this issue with Doctor Dread. Holt’s humor at this spot is hilarious but is this villain mastermind meant to be their Doctor Doom? I don’t know how I feel about that yet.
Should you buy this issue?
Yes! However, it’s not a great jumping on point. If you read the last issue, as well as the series to his point, you got to read this. Under the leadership of Lemire and Bennett, the four panel layout tells a great story of each character simultaneously and really throws readers into the story. It’s not text heavy, and this creative team lets the art tell the story.
Should you add this to your pull list?
Definitely! This series is fast, fun, and loose. Hi-Fi makes this issue so bright and colorful. The images pop off the page. It’s humorous, witty, and action-packed each issue. This series isn’t mind-blowing or revolutionary to the industry, but it’s something DC has needed for a long time.
Lemire and Bennett take a bunch of C and D list heroes and make them feel like they’ve always been together. This character team works! This creative team works! And, it’s perfect for all pull lists.
Lemire and Bennett: it looks like you went with Elemental Dog. That’s not a bad name. However, I said this in the last review, and I’ll say it again: how about Muttamorpho? It does have a great ring to it!
What did you guys think of THE TERRIFICS #6? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
Led by Rafa Sandoval, Sergio Davila, and Jordi Tarragona’s fantastic art, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps put their plan into action with a little help from Hector Hammond and a certain Corps leader with an engineering degree. But, was it enough to stop the Darkstars?
John’s two-fold plan pays off! Hal and Hector Hammond break the Darkstars psionic link while John manages to somehow stop their teleporting abilities. Leaving the Darkstars vulnerable for a platoon of Green Lanterns, the issue ends with the showdown between the Darkstars and the Green Lantern Corps. Who’s going to win? If I were a betting man, I’d say Hal and Pals.
The Art
By far, the best part of this issue was the fantastic art by Sandoval, Davila, and Tarragona. They are just so dang good at drawing action, fight scenes, and epic battles. The detail these three put into each character, including the background and images far in the distance, is so impressive. Heck, looking at the hulking size of Arkillo standing over the other lanterns or the way they use Morey’s colors to help show the Darkstars teleportation are just two of the many examples of how talented this art team is when working together. I would love to see this art team together after this series ends.
The Meh
Venditti gave readers roughly 17 pages of “stuff” in it, and 4 of the pages were spent recapping the story to this point. Honestly, the last issue ended with readers knowing that Hammond was going to uses his “God Brain” to break the Controllers link to the Darkstars. So, technically if we include the pages that involve Hammond breaking the link, half of Venditti‘s issue is gone, and readers aren’t any further than the last issue.
Next problem, how does John nullify the Darkstars teleportation? All the readers are told is John made something to do it. Readers need more than that Venditti. The biggest solution to this fight took place off-panel, and that’s unacceptable. We need to know where this plan came from and why it works. Venditti‘s writing here felt like he’s moved on to other pastures by this point and it really seems out of character for him.
I know artists and writers work ahead. Maybe Venditti was chugging along until #48, and that’s when he was told the book was ending? So, he had to wrap this bad boy up quick. Who knows?
Should you buy this issue?
I was very unhappy with this issue. I know the series is ending, but this felt like a wasted issue. We got about nine new pages of stuff that readers knew was going to happen anyway. The art was the biggest saving grace. Just looking at this issue alone, I wouldn’t get it. However, if you’ve been reading and collecting since it started, you don’t have much of a choice.
Should you add this to your pull list?
Not anymore. It’s going to be over next issue. So, you either already have it on your pull list or you don’t. Don’t add it now. But, I would keep it on your pull list if you’ve already had it on for one last ride.
What did you guys think of HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #49? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
Bryan Hill continues his fantastic run on Detective Comics by reintroducing a Batman that’s been missing for years. His Caped Crusader is dark, gritty, smart and has been sorely missed. But does Batman get any closer to finding out who Karma is? And, does Karma strike again? Let’s find out.
Detective Comics #985
WRITTEN BY: Bryan Hill
ART BY: Philippe Briones
COLORS: Adriano Lucas
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
DETECTIVE COMICS SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
Batman takes a drive to clear his head and figure out who Karma is, BUT he finds out too late. By that time, Karma takes a bus full of kids hostage and burns a reporter alive on TV to send a message to the Dark Knight. Karma wants a trade: the bus of kids for his kids.
Alfred is Back!
There is so much to like in #985. Hill does the little things that add up to make this issue one of the best Detective Comic issues I’ve read since REBIRTH began. For example, readers get snarky Alfred back.
Alfred is a friend, a father figure, a coworker, and the only person alive who can shoot straight with Bruce. This has been missing from the character mainly because Tynion’s Detective Squad overshadowed some of the other classic characters like Alfred and Commissioner Gordon. But, Hill gives readers both of them back!
The Detective is Back!
Hill‘s inner monologue of Bruce is perfect. This is something that has been missing as well. It’s what shows the reader how cunning, smart, and organized this detective can be. The entire scene when Bruce is speeding in his car on the cliffs was an essential part of this issue.
This is how Hill not only shows readers who Karma is but how he figured it out. Hill guided the readers throughout this entire issue but still made Batman the smartest guy in the room. Lately, Batman writers want to make readers think he’s so intelligent by answering questions and finding solutions off panel. But that’s just confusing and comes off sloppy. Hill has been doing the opposite and I love it!
Hill Explains
In #984, I stated in my review that it seemed silly that Karma could take down Orphan and injure Batman so much that he’s wrapped up in bandages. I said that Tynion painted Hill into a corner with Orphan’s hand-to-hand combat skills. Well, Hill dodges that bullet and explains that fight away quickly and effectively. He uses mind reading as the answer. If you can read minds, then you know the attacker’s next move. This could make any average fighter ten times better, AND it’s the explanation readers NEED when reading comics.
Hill made a comic book villain in a mind-reading mask seem genuinely realistic. My goodness; that’s hard to do. Karma shot and killed the bus driver, kidnaps a bus of school children, then kidnaps a reporter and burns her alive on TV. Readers see it all unfold, and it elevates this superhuman story into something that feels like it could happen, which has been missing from a comic that is supposed to be more gritty and real. Spectacular job Hill!
The Art
Briones and Lucas help Hill paint this dark story with the design and color. Any panel containing Bruce or Batman is drawn so dark, but it felt like the opposite was done on purpose. Panels without our Dark Knight were bright and vibrant. They focused on facial reactions and emotions throughout and helped to elevate the level of terror that Karma was inflicting in his captures. Not only is Hill bringing back Detective Comics to where it needs to be, but Briones and Lucas played a huge role in setting the dark and gritty tone this book has been desperately missing for years. Excellent job team!
Final Thoughts
I was strangely bothered by Bruce’s hair. It seemed shaggy and weird at spots. I know… nitpick. It’s nothing that hurt my score it just annoyed me. But my big question is: why was Batman such a douchebag to Karma in Markovia? He sprays him with Scarecrows gas and leaves him there. I’m all for a brutal Batman. I genuinely love Batman that way but it just seems out of character in Hill’s book as well as REBIRTH in general.
Should you buy this issue?
Absolutely! This Batman finally feels like the Dark Knight. Sure, the last issue he got his butt kicked. But this issue, readers see a smarter and more calculating detective. Hill gives readers explanation for Batman’s actions, as well as a purpose behind his actions, and answers that we’ve had since the arc opened. Readers leave the issue knowing Karma’s abilities, how he was created, and even why he’s faired so well against Bruce and his family so far.
Should you add this to your pull list?
Hill has created the best Bat Book out now, and possibly since REBIRTH. Heck, he even gives readers Commissioner Gordon. Geez, I didn’t realize he still existed! Briones’ art mixed with Lucas’ colors makes this series great to look at. Hill doesn’t oversaturate his issue with dialogue and makes the panel transitions easy to follow. If you want a Batman comic that looks like it’s heading back to its roots, Hill’s Detective Comics is for you.
What did you guys think of DETECTIVE COMICS #985? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason’s Castle Rock (which makes it debut July 25th on Hulu) takes a slow yet deliberate approach to universe building without sacrificing storytelling or character development.
Shaw and Thomason seemingly thrive at developing richly-flawed characters, who are a staple in most Stephen King novels. From the first few moments of the show’s opening, it seems obvious who the hero might be, but even that comes into question.
“Take any house in this town…every inch is stained with someone’s sin,” says Dale Lacy, the former warden of Shawshank Prison (played by Terry O’Quinn). The root of evil in Castle Rock isn’t found in one character but in a litany of characters all of which have something to hide. Each new character’s arrival is just another opportunity for Shaw and Thomason to ratchet up the tension.
Castle Rock’s narrative centers around the return of lawyer Henry Deaver (Andre Holland from The Knick and Moonlight) to his hometown of Castle Rock, Maine after receiving an anonymous tip about abuses at Shawshank. The new warden of the prison is seeking different ways of increasing the space for the inmates and through the course of her search, discovers that a whole wing of the prison has been left unused. The guards are immediately sent down to investigate and low and behold they come across a boy (played by Bill Skarsgård, who has been imprisoned for some reason) locked in a cage. What reasons could one have to do such a thing? Could the boy be something much more sinister than a typical prisoner?
Castle Rock has a solid cast all of which have a background in working with King’s source material. Sissy Spacek and Skarsgard have played two of the more iconic characters created by King (Carrie and Pennywise). Rounding out the cast are Terry O’Quinn (Silver Bullet), Melanie Lynskey (Rose Red), Ann Cusack (Mr. Mercedes) and Frances Conroy (The Mist). Together, they blend into an effective ensemble understanding what their roles are.
Shaw and Thomason adapted a non-linear timeline which worked quite well within the structure of the show. Not one segment of a particular storyline felt intrusive (quite the opposite actually) as Castle Rock seemingly floats from one sequence to the next.
It’s as if this town isn’t real and all of this is nothing more than a dream. The pacing of the show might frustrate some fans, but if you stick till episode 3, the payoff begins. Horror fans will appreciate how meticulous the show’s creators are in setting up the nightmarish conditions, which are yet to unfold. King fans will enjoy the numerous Easter eggs which are easily pointed out.
The only thing the show’s creators could focus on is getting right to the issues plaguing their families. While in the long run, universe building is important, but giving audiences a reason to stick around is even more critical. People could bail after a few episodes instead of giving Castle Rock a shot. Shaw and Thomason really should have put their best foot forward in the first couple episodes.
Overall, Castle Rock is a solid show whose appeal will span from the biggest Stephen King fans to people, who enjoy being scared as hell on a weekly basis.
This week sees the release of Aquaman #38 (check out an exclusive preview for this here!) and Mera Queen Of Atlantis #6, two comics that have heavy implications for Atlantis and it’s citizens. Dan Abnett, seasoned scribe, and writer of both issues took some time out his busy schedule to surface for a bit and talk to us at Monkeys Fighting Robots about the end of the Corum Rath arc, the importance of both Aquaman and Mera as characters, the future of Atlantis, and much more.
Dan, first, thanks for taking the time to do this. I know it’s a busy season for you guys. Dan Abnett: My pleasure!
For those who haven’t been reading this arc can you give a brief description? DA: The usurper Corum Rath has seized the throne of Atlantis, and everyone is suffering. He’s a tyrant. Aquaman is leading the fight against him inside Atlantis while (in her own series), Mera is rallying allies (and battling Ocean Master) on the outside.
Corum Rath has such a great ending to his arc. What made you decide to go so tragic? DA: Thanks. I felt it needed an emotional punch, not just the simple downfall and defeat of a bad guy. Rath was a complex character, not just a pantomime villain. He’d got into something too terrible to get out of alone.
Was the ending something you had in mind from the beginning? I ask because it’s such a great moment and feels like such an epic event in the DCU. DA: Yes, it was planned for a long time, in collaboration with Scott Snyder and the Metal/Justice League team. You can’t just do something like that and not let anyone else in the DCU know.
You bring Mera in at a very pivotal moment in this issue. What draws you to her as a character? DA: She’s a great character, overlooked and underused. I think she’s the most unappreciated and under-estimated characters in the DCU. As soon as I started writing Aquaman, I realized that Mera wasn’t just a supporting character. Her personality and character demanded real prominence. There’s almost a danger of her overshadowing Arthur. She deserves wider coverage in the DCU. I’m delighted we got her first ever series, got her into the Justice League, and were able to give her such a big role in this story.
Have you always wanted to write Aquaman? DA: Absolutely. The combination of high fantasy, superheroics and a dash of SF has always appealed to me.
What makes Arthur so important to the DCU? DA: He’s got a bad rep (as the ‘joke’ superhero) that I wanted to repair. He’s one of the big icons, a fundamental part of the DCU core, but he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. The DCU is full of great characters, but to me, the ‘big six’ have always been Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Aquaman. He’s part of that core pantheon.
What kind of impact do you hope to have on the character’s legacy? DA: I hope people take him more seriously. I hope I’ve shown he’s one of DC’s biggest characters, and that the world below the waves is as complex and involving as anywhere else in the DCU. I just hope, really, that I’ve added to and strengthened his legend, in terms of stories, villains and supporting cast.
What’s next for Aquaman? Can you give us any juicy hints? DA: Well, there’s still plenty of big things about to happen. We’ve got two major crossovers coming in fast. Can you say “Suicide Squad”? And can you say “Major Justice League event”? A Justice League event with Aquaman as the focus!
And lastly, our founder at MFR, Matt Sardo, feels you were really good at re-inventing characters with your run at Marvel. What character at DC would you like to give the Star-Lord treatment to? DA: Thank you! There are so many DC characters I’d love to play with. Not saying any of them are broken or need fixing, but I know I could have fun with Adam Strange, Captain Comet, Dr. Fate, the Specter, a Green Lantern, Constantine and Zatanna, Warlord, Sergeant Rock… seriously, there are so many to choose from!
Both Aquaman #38 and Mera Queen Of Atlantis #6 are due for release on 7/25/18. You can pick them up at your local comic shop.
Well DC fans, we got something… but it indeed wasn’t a war. The story was more of a race than anything else. A race that ended in some heated discussion between our leading speedsters and some brand spanking new forces. But did this summer event do anything to progress Joshua Williamson’s 50 issue FLASH run any further? Was this “war” the blockbuster it was pushed to be? OR was this another story by DC pushed to make us forget about the delays and answers we have all wanted since REBIRTH?
WARNING: FLASH WAR SPOILERS AHEAD
FLASH FACTS
FLASH WAR, written by Joshua Williamson, art by Howard Porter, colors by Hi-Fi, and letters by Steve Wands began in FLASH # 47 and came to its conclusion with issue 50 on July 11th, 2018. So, where do we go from here moving forward?
MOVING FORWARD
Well, let’s attack the speedster elephant in the room. Bart Allen is back! Now, that got me pumped. Look above: this was an amazing splash page and cliffhanger for Williamson and Porter to end with to get fans excited. But, I feel this is all readers get any more. A story that leads to a reveal that leads to another reveal… and so on.
I honestly am excited to see Bart Allen back BUT are we going to get anything out of it OR are readers going to be drug along for another year with minimal answers?At first, I thought the Bart Allen reveal was just DC’s way of bribing readers to hang in there for another year without answers. But is DC the architect behind this war?
Williamson is…
In a recent interview on the Gotham By Geeks Podcast, Williamson was interviewed stating his part in the creation of this story. He wanted Wally in his book. So, he pitched a war to DC brass (Barry vs. Wally), and they bit on it over a year ago. DC wasn’t trying to push an agenda or answers to questions. This was all Williamson! This was never meant to give readers any answers to any question related to REBIRTH. This was all a ploy for Williamson to play with a new toy.
Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That
Another big reveal from Williamson was that time travel is now off the table for now. So, all this does is show the reader that Wally can’t try again to somehow change the past or future to get his kids back. It also guarantees that Bart is stuck in our time for now.
How can you access the Speed Force but not access time travel? Is Williamson saying our Flash’s have their abilities, but they just can’t go as fast? We see Wally run off at the end of the issue so he at least still has speed Force abilities.
And don’t forget that Commander Cold is also stuck here now as well. One can assume Williamson will have a showdown with the Captain and the Commander at some point. Are these the stories we’re going to get this coming year?
Use the Force Zoom
How does Zoom get these dazzling new forces? I understand that Wally ran so fast that he somehow broke the Speed Force BUT how does that release these two new forces? AND why do we need them?
Was the entire point of this “war” to drag us along to show us two new forces and give us Bart Allen? Heck, I’m still confused about JUSTICE LEAGUE right now. In JUSTICE LEAGUE, our heroes are dealing with something called the Still Force. Are these forces related? AND how many forces do we need? We went for years with only one force, and in a month we’ve got three more.
When it’s all said and done, will we all get our Planeteer Rings? Let’s put all the forces together and form Captain Planet!
Forced Plot Holes
After all of Wally’s memories come back, why would he trust Zoom? I know he wants to save his kids, BUT it’s not like they’re in any more danger than before. They’ll still be stuck in the Speed Force tomorrow after you formulate a better plan. Instead, Wally trusts the villain who has tried to hurt him and his family repeatedly in the past simply because he says he’s changed. I have three kids. I get wanting to jump immediately to their rescue, but I’m not trusting the person who’s tried to kill me in the past. I’m trusting my best friend, Barry.
In the Gotham by Geeks Podcast, listeners can hear Williamson’s love for comics, the Flash, writing, AND the scene when Wally pleads with Barry to help him get his kids out of the Speed Force. In the podcast, you can hear his passion as he explains the scene so thoroughly. My point is: where was that passion in the book? Why didn’t you channel what I heard in the podcast and put it into the dialogue of this war? After listening, I certainly can tell Williamson cares deeply about this book. But maybe he just needs to slow down and articulate the characters and their feelings much better.
Williamson said in the Gotham by Geeks Podcast that he’s working on issue 58! We just got 50! That’s four months ahead. Creative teams need to work ahead, but that puts him at Thanksgiving. Slow down. Give readers good dialogue with better explanations that have the same care and compassion for the character that I heard you have in the podcast.
Let’s get Hyped!
Why are we confusing readers even more by using Hypertime? So, now that Hypertime is reintroduced AGAIN, DC and Williamson can explain everything away now by saying; “…cause Hypertime…”
What happened to the missing ten years?
HYPERTIME!
Why are there 3 Jokers?
HYPERTIME!
How did the Comedian enter the DCU and not die?
HYPERTIME!
How do new 52 Superman and Pre-Flashpoint Superman merge?
HYPERTIME!
Where is the JSA and the Legion of Superheroes?
HYPERTIME!
Williamson just created his ticket out of any situation, and it’s bogus! I will be extremely disappointed if Hypertime is used to answer any of these glaring plot holes in the DCU.
Batman R.I.P.
Did anyone else notice this gem during the war? There is one casualty in this war: Batman. In issue FLASH #49, Zoom threw Batman so dang hard and so dang far that there is no conceivable way he survived. In case you forgot, take a look above.
Conclusion
The story wasn’t bad, AND I can tell Williamson loves the Flash BUT this war was misrepresented and gave us ambiguous answers. Howard Porter’s art is always fantastic, but this just felt like THE BUTTON all over again. THE BUTTON gave us no answers, more questions, and no real direction at its conclusion. Readers left this war with more speculation. THE BUTTONwas fun to read but looking back on it now; it told us NOTHING! Basically, that’s precisely what FLASH WAR was: this year’s BUTTON.
Readers get no answers about Wally at all; other than his memories are restored. But, we learned that BEFORE the “war.” Why doesn’t everyone else remember Wally, especially when he touches them? Why are his kids trapped in the Speed Force? Is Manhattan related to his disappearance at all? Again, we get no answers but leave with more questions. Readers get no war, or a real fight, or ending to this story. We get Bart Allen (which I’m excited for if it’s done well) and new forces (which I’m not excited for).
In defense of DC and Williamson, they never said FLASH WAR would give us answers to any of the REBIRTH questions we had. However, as a HUGE fan of DC characters, comics, and this universe, when do I pack up and move on? At some point, fans will quit you, babe! I’m getting tired of the same song and dance. Stop giving readers pretty flowers (Bart Allen) as a way to say “sorry.” They aren’t going to cut it anymore. Williamson said in the Gotham by Geeks Podcast that he finally started to hit his stride. What?!?!? It took 50 issues to figure this out? Come on man.
I left this issue saying: FLASH WAR, huh, YEAH, what is it good for?
Absolutely nothing.
Say it again!
What did you guys think of FLASH WAR? Comment below or hit me up on Twitter @dispatchdcu
