Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown!
It’s Wednesday, the best day of the week! Let talk about comics, shall we?
The Flash #19
Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Jesus Merino and Carmine do Giandomenico
Joshua Williamson has got his groove back with this title.
This storyline picked up the pace in this final chapter of the current arc. Williamson does a great job tying it up and prepping for next month’s big event.
Barry Allen and Wally West travel to the Australian Outback in this issue. They aren’t there for pleasure though…they are there for Captain Boomerang. Captain Boomerang is the last person to have seen Wally’s father (the Reverse Flash) alive.
And let me tell you, there are some cool revelations in this issue.
The art by Merino is solid yet again. It is a great setup for next month’s storyline…”The Button”.
This is a nice lead into that storyline and let the games begin!
RATING: B
Deathstroke #15
Written by Christopher Priest
Illustrated by Carlo Pagulayan
Most of you who read this column on a regular basis know how much I absolutely love this book.
It’s one of the few books I read…then re-read again once a storyline is completed. I do that because the stories are so involved that I enjoy going back and finding all the subtle details in Priest’s work.
This is the book of Priest’s career. I’ve always liked his work, and this book is still on fire and I can’t get enough. He excels here.
In this issue, Deathstroke faces a rival assassin called Deadline. Deadline isn’t a generic villain by any means…in Priest’s capable hands Deadline is a violent and formidable threat to Slade Wilson.
I also like the addition of the new Power Girl, she’s a well developed character and I can’t wait to see how her arc plays out. You can’t ask for better than this.
This book also has the best rotating roster of artists. Every issue is great from cover-to-cover no matter who is drawing it.
Pick this one up- awesomeness abounds!
RATING: A
Mother Panic #5
Written by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Shawn Crystal
This title reads like Batman on acid and that’s okay!
Jody Houser has one of the strangest titles in the marketplace right now. I love every issue that she writes…but it’s a bit daffy, so you just have to embrace it.
Of all the Young Animal Titles, this is at once the strangest and the most compelling.
A prime example is one of the characters named Pretty.
Now Pretty may or may not be working against Mother Panic. The whole thing plays out like a strange Victorian mystery almost, but with superheroes. If this sounds like something you might like, then pick this up.
Shawn Crystal is growing on me as an artist. This book had such a strong opening three issues that his art threw me off a bit last issue when I first saw it.
This is a compelling series.
Pick it up and give it a shot. It deserves to be seen.
RATING: B+
Doom Patrol #5
Written by Gerard Way
Illustrated by Nick Derington
At long last issue number five of the Doom Patrol is out!
It feels like a long time since issue number four…maybe because it has been! This is a great issue but I had to re-read the first four to figure out where the heck I am! It’s had a wacky shipping schedule.
It was worth it, however, for the read.
The story by Way is really great and it captures what I love most about the Doom Patrol. The characters are delightfully bent! It feels completely skewed from other pedestrian comics and I have to say it is so much fun to read.
This is the issue where the team comes together. But there are so many unanswered questions. It’s all up to our lead female, Casey Brinke, to figure out what it all means.
The art by Derington is fantastic. He’s like the bow on this wonderful package.
Pick this up and be wowed. And then eagerly await the next issue…coming soon! (Hope! Hope!)
In truth though, I don’t mind waiting for issues if they are this good.
RATING: A
Detective Comics #953
Written by James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Christian Duce
Man, this issue starts off with such a great cover!
I was excited to open the comic up and dig in. I wasn’t disappointed either: this issue is very strong! Tynion is killing it on Detective and now that he has found his voice, watch out!
The League of Shadows storyline continues here.
The battle continues! It’s exciting and each page is full of energy! In this issue there is also an unexpected ally for the team.
And it sets the story in a whole other direction.
The art by Duce is strong, and it kept the aforementioned energy going.
I love this story. It’s headed to a grand conclusion and I love this ride.
RATING: A-
Suicide Squad #14
Written by Rob Williams
Illustrated by John Romita Jr. and Eddy Barrows
This was actually another really great issue of the Suicide Squad. I have to be honest, I don’t really expect much from this title after the first ten issues. Once they got Jim Lee off the title, however, this has gotten stronger. This issue is another decent one for sure.
Harley Quinn is on the loose here.
She has a mission: To hunt down a villain named Rustam.
The problem is, Rustam has a new ally on his side.
And that ally is none other than Deadshot. Then all hell breaks loose and it’s pretty darn exciting.
While I’m not sure Romita Jr. Is completely suited to this title, the art is still better than it’s been. It also feels like we are going somewhere.
The backup (or is it another story?) is pretty good one too. Barrows does killer artwork here. A good package overall!
RATING: B
Batgirl #9
Written by Hope Larson
Illustrated by Chris Wildgoose
I am digging the art by Chris Wildgoose on this title! He has added energy and a verve we really haven’t seen. Every page flows with excitement. It’s great to see someone jazz up this title in a new direction.
The storyline here is the Son of Penguin.
Barbara is dating the Penguin’s son.
If that sounds like it may make for a crazy comic book well, it does. It’s got humor, pathos, and just plain good storytelling.
Hope Larson shines here too and this story is the best she has written (thus far) for the DC Universe.
I’m hoping the quality persists and I hope that this creative team stays together!
RATING: B+
Future Quest #11
Written by Jeff Parker
Illustrated by Evan “Doc” Shaner
Future Quest is a blast! This is another great story with great artwork! Future Quest is a consistent, hidden gem. It’s nostalgic and fun.
The focus of this issue is Space Ghost. I happen to love Space Ghost. In Parker’s capable hands, Space Ghost has been made a viable, well-rounded modern character. Kudos on that.
Shaner has to be one of the most underrated artists out there too these days.
The story involves robots, monsters etc. and he just knocks the art out of the park with each panel. For more fun than you can shake a stick at, pick up Future Quest!
RATING: B+
