Written by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Ibrahim Moustafa
Published by DC Comics
This has been one of the strangest books in an already strange comic book line. But it’s ending in two issues.
Writer Jody Houser seems to be in the “oh why the hell not” part of the book and it’s been a decent enough time.
In this issue, Violet Paige decided to go public again!
This leads to one of the most fun aspects of the book previously: seeing our main character act obnoxiously!
Houser handles that part of it really well and it’s really nice to be able to live vicariously through her.
This is how the book starts out.
Then, we are shown a Gotham where there are alternate takes on the Batman characters. We see a Cult of the Bat! We see an out of control Joker! We see Mr. Freeze and a terrifying Scarecrow! It’s awesome how Houser spins these characters.
It’s also great to see Houser bring down drama in the mix. Paige is reunited with her brother but things are tense! Let’s hope their conflict gets resolved.
The best scene in the book is in the park when Mother Panic fights a kid dressed like the Joker. It’s brutal to read and harrowing. I was on the edge of my seat throughout.
The art is just what this title needed all along: A strong visual identity that is consistent. It’s a shame we are getting it right at the end. But at least we are getting it. And it’s awesome indeed.
RATING: B+
