The week, most of the stories wrap-up their current plotlines because next week is the “I Swear, It’s Not a Reboot” Rebirth of the DC titles. As happens in superhero comics, some of these stories basically reset to default. In some cases, it makes a satisfactory, if not perfect, ending, and it other cases, as we’ve seen the last few weeks, it feels rather abrupt.
But the real stars are outside the realm of continuing superhero titles. One is Legend of Wonder Woman, which we’ve consistently lavished praise on, and the other is the surprisingly awesome epic and our book of the week, Future Quest, by a pair of creators who did great by Shazam and have managed to make this series about old-school Hanna Barbara characters some of the most fun in comics.
The Superman/Wonder Woman #29 – Peter Tomasi, Writer; Jorge Jiminez, Artist; Alejandro Sanchez, Colorist
Ray – 7/10
Corrina: It’s Okay.
Ray: First up, the good news! This issue, despite being the final issue of Superman/Wonder Woman, doesn’t have all that much focus on the relationship between the two heroes. Most of the interaction between them is devoted to them trying to protect each other in the heat of battle as the mysterious energy Superman possessing the escaped con rampages. This villain, which has taken up the entire story from part one through seven as the main threat, is still lacking in characterization of motivation, although Tomasi does do a good job of capturing just how that amount of power would drive an already unstable mind over the edge.
The New 52 Superman spends most of the issue engaged in battle with the villain, so the really interesting stuff here falls elsewhere. I enjoyed the interaction between Lois Lane and Batman as he takes her away from the battle. Perfect amount of snark and determination out of Lois and Tomasi’s Batman has a sarcastic streak I enjoy. Also, Supergirl’s determination when she finds out her cousin is in trouble was great. Can’t wait to have her in an ongoing comic again. The star of this issue, though, is the family from Superman: Lois and Clark, as the original Superman retreats to his secret fortress, forcing a realistic confrontation when Lois finds out he’s been keeping it from her. This is very much the calm before the storm, as next issue will have huge repercussions for Rebirth, and on its own it’s a fairly solid read. I do wish the actual core of the story – Superman’s final mission – was getting more time than the villain.
Corrina: It is sad how little I care right now about this Superman dying. There are parts of this story that made me care but in this one, he’s not even attempting to sort out or understand the energy Superman. (As Lois clearly tried to do in the last part of the episode.) Rarely have we seen this Superman use his intelligence.
And, yes, whew. This series is finally over. That’ll be good for both characters, in the end, as whenever Lois shows up, it’s clear she’s a better foil for Superman than Wonder Woman. Lois is a contrast. Wonder Woman and Superman too often have the exact same personality. So dull.
I’m slightly curious as to the origins of the energy Superman and how they play into Gene Luen Yang’s new Chinese Superman. We’ll see.
Aquaman #52 – Dan Abnett, Writer; Vincent Cifuentes, Penciller; Juan Castro, Inker; Guy Major, Colorist
Ray – 8.5/10
Corrina: Excellent Set-Up for Rebirth
Ray: This is an oddly timed run, because Abnett started out with one arc to finish this series out, and will be continuing as lead writer on the upcoming biweekly Rebirth title. After reading this issue, it makes a bit more sense, as this issue concludes by revealing the core mystery of Aquaman: Rebirth and leaving me much more excited for the title than I was before reading it.
When we last left off, the action was divided between two villains. Mera was interrogating the mysterious supernatural sea monster Dead Water, who was actually a human with ties to sea pirate Scavenger. Aquaman went to control Scavenger, and the two wound up getting into your classic superhero vs. robot criminal scrap. The final issue is heavily devoted to this battle, as Dead Water escapes and we find out the truth of Scavenger’s role in Dead Water’s creation – he left him and his crew to die, leaving Dead Water with agonizing guilt over leaving his fellow workers to die. Scavenger didn’t do much for me as a villain, but the conclusion to Dead Water’s storyline is surprisingly dark and powerful and hints at a mysterious, supernatural force lurking in the water behind his transformation. It seems like the next big threat in Aquaman may just be the ocean itself, or at least what’s lurking in corners of it that not even Aquaman has explored. That has me excited for where Abnett will take this next.
Corrina: I love, love the concept of this mysterious supernatural force that may be the oceans itself. It’s been the best thing about this short arc, along with Dead Water himself, who did manage to make me care even in so short a time. But it’s clear in this issue that all Dead Water’s abilities did was make worse his own rage issues.
But the multi-page fight scene with the pirate Scavenger felt like it went on too long and Scavenger was too blah a villain for me to be invested. It did give Cifuentes a chance to showcase some great Aquaman fight sequences, though, and show how powerful Arthur can be. As Ray said, it bodes well for this book’s next issue, whatever the numbering will be post-Rebirth.
Wonder Woman #52 – Meredith Finch, Writer; Miguel Mendonca, Penciller; Diana Egea, Juan Albarran, Inkers; Stephen Downer, Colorist
Ray – 2/10
Corrina: An Inglorious Ending
Ray: I’m amused by the name of the colorist on this issue, because “Downer” is by far the best way I can think of to describe this dud of an issue. Finch’s Wonder Woman has wavered from decent to terrible over the course of the run, and it definitely ends on the latter point. The story of Zeke’s mysterious illness comes to a rushed, ugly, and unpleasant close as it seems like Finch is essentially clearing house of the entire Azzarello mythology to make way for Rucka.
That’s probably a necessary evil, but there had to have been a better way of doing it. Hecate was never a great villain, but her random change here into a lovestruck monster in love with Zeus made no sense. Hera’s random heel turn throws out 50 issues worth of character development to turn her into a fleshed-out character and almost makes the audience feel stupid for trusting her in the first place. Zeke and Zola are written out as Zeke is seemingly “killed”, transforming him back into Zeus, and Zola retreats to Themysrica to try to cope with her grief. All said, it seems unnecessary for any of these characters to ever be mentioned again, which is deeply disappointing. Azzarello’s mythology-driven run seems like something Rucka would have been great at playing with. As it is, it’s a fresh start for Wondy next month. She very much needs it after this run.
Corrina: I’m not sure we can lay the particular blame for Zeke’s transformation at Finch’s feet, given that DC seems to want to slide that whole plot aside. It’s too bad because it was a good part of the Chiang run. Note to comic creators: don’t write a baby into your stories. It never ends well. The last time I can remember ending semi-okay was Selina giving up baby Helena (father unclear) back post new 52. Otherwise, babies get killed or written out or aged up. It never goes anywhere interesting. (Wait, now someone will find a story to prove me wrong….)
Finch’s writing has matured over her run and her stories always seem to be better when someone besides David Finch is on art, which is interesting. But her run was eminently forgettable and quite depressing. When we last saw Donna, she was unhappy about not being able to save a child because fate and Diana has the same problem here. Oh well. I guess we have the wonderful Legend of Wonder Woman to read instead.
Harley Quinn #28 – Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Writers; John Timms, Moritat, Artists; Alex Sinclair, Colorist
Ray – 6/10
Corrina: Not As Funny as I Hoped.
Ray: While I admire the urge to give us the closest thing to a Harley/Deadpool crossover we’ll ever get (this is also likely the impetus behind the oddball “Gwenpool” comic), I’m not really enjoying the current “Dead Tool” story, involving a brain-damaged former victim of Harley’s who has become an ultra-violent power-tool themed vigilante determined to win her heart. While Harley’s always been prone to random outbursts of violence, this storyline has had an ultraviolent mean streak with body counts in the dozens per issue, often somewhat graphic.
The fact that the “guest” Dead Tool gathered for the wedding are all renowned criminals sort of mitigates that a bit, the jokes about the pedophile priest were a bit off-putting. The ruthless new police commissioner working for the mayor pulling a face-turn one issue in was unexpected, and while the Mayor doesn’t make for a great villain, he’s kind of funny as a hopelessly ineffectual one. What sort of saves this issue is the final segments with Harley and Dead Tool, which somehow manage to be sort of sweet while also giving Harley the opportunity to say some rather important things about obsessive pursuers and respecting people’s personal space. Not the worst issue this comic has done, and definitely a step up from the Gang of Harleys spin-off, but this arc doesn’t quite work for me. Interested to see how Palmiotti and Conner wrap up this run before Rebirth.
Corrina: It’s a good try but Deadpool himself, being a parody/meta-commentary, resists being used as meta-commentary-satire in another comic, even in disguise. He has some funny lines in this and, as I said last week, Conner & Palmiotti probably should get a run on Deadpool proper, but it doesn’t work in this story nearly as well as I wanted. I also couldn’t tell if Harley liked or hated the way Red Tool courted her. Disliked maybe? I thought she’d moved beyond people imposing themselves on her.
The Mayor and the new police chief are somewhat cardboard. I liked the group of sinners in the Church. It’s a great visual, and we need to give some credit to the art team there.
Superman: American Alien #7 – Max Landis, Writer; Jock, Artist; Lee Loughridge, Colorist
Ray – 4/10
Corrina: Promise Wasted.
Ray: This book has been a bizarre mixed bag since the beginning, alternately telling an affecting and realistic story of a young Superman growing up in a world more like ours than the classic DCU and a bizarre millennial Superman tale that seems to love making him as unheroic as possible.
This final issue somehow manages to manage both in one, as Superman faces his first A-list villainous threat – Lobo. Reeling from an uncomfortable conversation where he confessed his love to Lois, Superman is confronted with a 9/11-like disaster scene at a skyscraper that Lobo has leveled, and the two get into an ugly series of insults and threats before beating the hell out of each other to a rather extreme extent. Superman doesn’t normally get beaten up this badly, but this reminded me more of his fight with Doomsday more than anything. I was amused by Superman literally throwing Lobo into space to end the fight, and the final scene with a near-unconscious Clark and Lois watching over him was surprisingly sweet. Overall, though, what a bizarre and clearly out-of-continuity take on Superman. Unlike Legend of Wonder Woman and even Zero Year, I don’t think this modern retelling of the origin will be remembered for long.
Corrina: First problem: I hate Lobo. Second problem: I hate it when Clark sleeps with Lois without telling her he’s Superman. That’s so deceptive.
As you can see, I’m already biased before I picked up this book. What I did like? Superman proving himself to be more formidable than Lobo in short order and the toss into space. Also, though Jock has mostly worked on Batman, he does a great job here with Lobo and the scope of the battle.
Yes, it’s sweet the book ends with Lois and Clark. But given their courtship was never shown, it feels unearned. All this series has shown me is that Max Landis is certainly not the guy to reboot the film Superman.
Titans Hunt #8 – Dan Abnett, Writer; Paulo Siqueira, Artist; Hi-Fi, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Corrina: Good, Not Great.
Ray: Much like Aquaman, this book is very much a prequel to a Rebirth title by the same writer, and much like Aquaman, it did its job of getting me excited. People expecting this to be a neat wrap-up to the story will probably be a bit disappointed because it actually left me with many more questions than I had when I started.
After seven issues of build-up, the final battle with Mister Twister is finally here, as the demonic trickster’s plan is finally revealed. He needs all the Titans – all ten of them, which is more than I expected and at the crux of the mystery – to gather via Mal’s song and give him physical form again, allowing him to open a portal to his master’s dimension. Just who is this master? That’s a big question. I don’t think it’s Darkseid, but the first name that comes to mind is Trigon. Sure, he’s appeared as a rampaging giant monster in the Lobdell Titans, but I think we’d all be happier if that was forgotten. The action is a bit chaotic, but the characters that make up the Titans are top-notch here. Even characters like Hawk and Caveboy get some great moments as they unite against the villain, and I was amused by Dick’s callback to the Titans’ famous catchphrase. There’s a lot of unanswered questions, but this works very well as a prequel to Abnett’s Titans. I, for one, am definitely along for the ride.
Corrina: Caveboy? That’s Gnaark to you, Ray. 🙂 In all seriousness, the strength of this limited series has been the characterization, from well-known characters like Arsenal to obscure characters like Lilith/Omen and to forgotten characters like Gnaark. I especially love the revamp of Mal Duncan as a composer–a callback to his Bob Rozarkis Titans days as Hornblower–and putting Karen firmly into the group as well at the end.
The “defeat” of our villain is anti-climatic, which is why I didn’t rate this higher but this series is absolutely the best these original Titans have been written so well as a team in a long time. (It’s been o long that I can’t remember the last great original Titan team story.) Glad we’ll see more of them and I especially look forward to the obscure characters taking the lead, especially with so many of the others being needed in other books.
Robin, Son of Batman #12 – Ray Fawkes, Writer; Ramon Bachs, Artist; Mat Lopes, Colorist
Ray – 7.5/10
Corrina: Somehow, This Feels Sweet.
Ray: I’m a bit disappointed that Gleason left this title before its conclusion, but Fawkes and Bachs have done a strong job of filling in. This is one of my favorite issues of Fawkes’ because he understands at its core what Damian’s story is really about – a kid whose parents went through the world’s nastiest breakup, and he’s currently caught in the middle, deciding whose path he wants to take. That’s obviously a relatable story and one that can be nicely mined for both angst and comedy. The issue’s got some great action scenes, as no comic set during a raid on Dinosaur Island could fail to deliver on those terms, but I will say I still feel like Suren Darga is a pretty weak villain. He’s clearly meant to be a dark mirror to Damian, but that only goes so far.
I was amused by Damian’s tactic to deal with him, though – show him compassion, make him believe he can be more than his father demands of him – and then sucker-punch him. The ending indicates not all may be as it seems there, though, which makes sense. Damian growing as a person, finding a second family in Maya and Goliath (both of which sort of steal the issue a bit) has been the highlight of this run. I’m looking forward to the conclusion, and I’m hoping that whoever takes Damian into Super-Sons continues with this characterization.
Corrina: All superhero scions should have a Goliath. He’s easily the most fun thing about Damian and fits in well with Damian’s established need to take care of animals. From a story standpoint, it also makes Damian rushing in battle more realistic. Despite being trained as an assassin all his life, Damian is just a little boy and sometimes little boys need some muscle. In a way, Damian’s final confrontation with Suren is an amalgam of all the strengths that are embodied in Damiam’s companions: there’s his intelligence, Maya’s compassion, and Goliath’s brute force. Suren fights alone and that’s his undoing.
He and young Jon Kent should make quite the contrast as a team. At least Damian and Goliath will be able to fly to keep up with them.
Martian Manhunter #12 – Rob Williams, Writer; Ben Oliver, Artist; Gabe Eltaeb, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Corrina: Solid Ending.
Ray: I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the beginning. A huge-scale sci-fi epic with shades of Identity mixed with Mad Max: Fury Road in an apocalyptic multi-planetary epic, it completely altered the Martian Manhunter’s mythology in a game-changing way. In some ways, this was its undoing. That isn’t to say it’s a bad issue – it’s a very strong story with a focus on grief and loss that gives us an insight into J’onn’s psyche. But coming into this issue, I thought “How is this title going to wrap everything up in one issue”? Turns out, there was a lot less to wrap up than I thought. Because virtually everything we saw in this series was a lie.
We already knew that most of the characters we were introduced to, like Biscuits and Wessel, were manifestations of J’onn’s mind, but despite this the deaths that occurred had impact. This issue takes it a step further and reveals that the Martian refugees, even Ma’ale’fak himself were all manifestations of J’onn’s mind as he went through the throes of a mental breakdown while dealing with his grief over losing Mars. By and large, it’s a compelling wrap-up to the story, although it’s rather a fast mood whiplash from the epic previous issue, and Pearl’s fate is kind of depressingly abrupt. This is the kind of divisive twist ending that leaves people screaming on message boards over movies for months. I don’t hate it on the surface, but I kind of wish there had been another issue or two to explore it. J’onn’s future is left ambiguous as he heads for space, but I wonder if a stint as head of the DEO is in his future. Thanks for the ride, Rob Williams.
Corrina: I didn’t dislike the ending as much as Ray did but I was bummed that, once again, the changes to an origin were reset back to the default. What’s left is an excellent story that may or may not ever be used again. That’s good for those who want to read the story later but bad for those of us, like me, who hoped to see these changes stick, as they made the Martian Manhunter more interesting and more off-beat than he’s ever been.
I’m not entirely sure what was true and what was false there at the end. I was glad to see the little girl changed back to a little girl instead of a cynical warrior but bummed to see the rest of them put aside.
Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #5 – Amy Chu, Writer; Clay Mann, Stephen Segovia, Pencillers; Seth Mann, Sandu Florea, Art Thibert, Inkers; Ulises Arreola, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Corrina: My Least Favorite Issue of This Series
Ray: Gotta say, I’m rather amused by the abrupt mood whiplash in this issue. We just came off a bizarre sci-fi plot involving Ivy creating animal-plant hybrid babies and investigating mysterious murders at her workplace. This issue, the plant-babies are growing at an abrupt rate, and Ivy suddenly finds herself as guardian to a trio of super-powered teenage mutants with dangerous plant powers and the same rebellious instincts as every other teenager. Complicating this is the fact that Thorn, the plant-child rescued at the end of last issue, is still displaying some post-traumatic dangerous behavior, and is leading the other two down a bad path.
As Ivy continues to try to piece together the motivation behind the murders, Thorn convinces her “sisters” Hazel and Rose to go out clubbing with her. A chance encounter with a creep at the club leads Thorn to lash out in her trademark horrific way, and as Ivy struggles to deal with her rebellious charges, she attempts to commune with the Parliament of Trees for answers – only to be attacked by a familiar giant plant monster. Definitely, a lot of interesting beats in this issue that I’m looking forward to seeing play out in the finale.
Corrina: I wish something more off-beat had been done with Ivy’s children than to make them into stereotypical party girls. So many crazy and imaginative ways to go and instead they do this? And sexualizing them so much made me more than a little uncomfortable.
Ivy as mom is definitely amusing and that her girls seem to lack a conscience will likely spell their doom when this wraps up. I was surprised to see the Parliament of Trees in this issue but pleased. One thing I’ll say about this book: I cannot predict where it’s going. That’s a good thing.
Sinestro #23 – Cullen Bunn, Writer; Martin Coccolo, Oscar Bazaloua, Scot Eaton, Pencilller; Martin Coccolo, Wayne Faucher, Inkers; Blond, Colorist
Ray – 7/10
Corrina: Finally, a Vulnerable Sinestro
Ray: Villain titles are a rarity, and successful ones are even more so. A masterpiece like Magneto’s recent solo book (also by Cullen Bunn) are a rarity and are usually the product of a character who works more as an anti-hero. Sinestro has shades of that, but he’s never had quite the same character development and motivation that Magneto did. This title has always been an interesting one, focusing more on Sinestro’s long-game plotting and his interactions with his daughter, but it suffers from the fact that he’s just not surrounded by that many interesting characters besides her.
23 issues in and most of the Sinestro Corps are still essentially ciphers. The story begins with a battle against the Sinestro Corps and then continues into a plan by Sinestro and his daughter to terraform the new homeworld of Korugar. The art is great, especially in the terraforming segments, even with three artists on this book. However, it feels like Sinestro talks more about his master plan than he actually does anything. Giving him his own series was an interesting move with its highlights, but I’m ready to see him take his rightful place as Hal Jordan’s arch-rival again.
Corrina: I’ve not found this title an interesting one in, say, ever. Mostly, it’s bored me because it’s about an omnipotent villain always being one step ahead of everyone. This issue, however, did interest me because it’s the first time that Sinestro has shown any serious vulnerability. That made him more three dimensional and I finally paid attention.
Of course, now that the title catches my attention, it’s over.
Doctor Fate #12 – Paul Levitz, Writer; Sonny Liew, Artist; Lee Loughridge, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Corrina: Little Abrupt But Good.
Ray: There are some big spoilers at the end of this issue, but as a whole it’s one of the most satisfying and enjoyable since the earliest issues, with a perfect balance of the surreal and realistic. In the aftermath of his battles with Anubis, Roman ghosts, and death itself, Khalid is facing an even more threatening foe – the academic discipline committee. Facing expulsion for his excessive absences, he seems doomed until the Dean drops dead from a heart attack mid-sentence. After failing to revive him, he sees the dean’s spirit transformed into a bird and fly away. He chases it to the afterlife, where he has another brief confrontation with Anubis. Liew’s art is spectacular in any scene involving the Egyptian Gods, so it’s great to see him back at his strengths.
I really liked all the scenes involving the supporting cast as well, and it’s not every hero who avoids expulsion by chasing the Dean’s soul to the underworld. The reveal of Kent Nelson at the end, seemingly asking for his helmet back, is a big twist, but I think that it’s probably a fake-out. Khalid’s got at least four more issues to go in his series. I hope they’re as good as this one.
Corrina: For me, Liew has always been the star of this new series. His art brought a fresh new look to Doctor Fate and the gods. Also, having an Egyptian-American become the new Doctor Fate made so much sense. I’m was pleased to see Khalid put his life back together after it had been ripped apart by being Fate, including going back to his focus on medical school.
But then Kent Nelson showed up and now I’m worried DC hit the reset button again to make Kent Doctor Fate once more. That would be a loss to go back to the past. I guess we’ll see.
Out-of-Continuity Reviews:
Future Quest #1 – Jeff Parker, Writer; Evan “Doc” Shaner, Steve Rude, Artists; Jordie Bellaire, Colorist
Ray – 9/10 (Book of the Week)
Corrina: Fantastic
Ray: When DC’s new Hanna-Barbera line was announced, the main reaction was skepticism. Post-apocalyptic Scooby Doo? Mad Max Wacky Races? Hyper-realistic Flintstones? Confusion abounded. However, the exception to this was Future Quest. With an updated but timeless take on the characters involved and the fan-favorite creative team of Jeff Parker and Doc Shaner, expectations were high. Well, one issue in, consider those expectations met. The issue opens with a spectacular space battle years ago with major consequences for the heroes, and then segues into the present day, where the classic cast of Jonny Quest is off on an adventure.
I’m not entirely familiar with all the characters in this series, as most of the Hanna-Barbera spy comics were before my time, but I’ve always liked Jonny Quest and I’m glad to see the classic vibe of the characters continue with some much-needed updates. My interest flagged a tiny bit when it came to Birdman and his fellow spies, just because I don’t know what to make of the character, but the villain is intriguing, the high-adventure vibe of the series is exceptional and the multiversal mystery bringing all the heroes together is set up very well. And the cliffhanger? SPACE GHOOOOOOOOOOOOST!!! This is exactly how you take an old property and revitalize it for the current day. The other Hanna-Barbera properties have a hard act to follow.
Corrina: I watched many of these series as a kid, though some are even before my time. I loved Jonny Quest and Herculoids, liked Space Ghost but never saw Birdman or some of the other galactic heroes featured at the beginning of the book. That doesn’t matter and shouldn’t matter to readers completely unfamiliar with this universe, not after reading the epic battle that opens the story. (Aside: why are Parker and Shaner not doing a Green Lantern book?)
But readers familiar with the property? Will probably also love the meta-commentary on Dr. Quest’s callous disregard for his children’s safety.
Legend of Wonder Woman #6 – Renae De Liz, Writer/Artist; Ray Dillon, Inker
Ray – 8/10
Corrina: Wonder Woman in Action!
Ray: As the second act of Legend of Wonder Woman comes to a close (although a sequel has been announced!) the plot is heating up as the story moves away from the light-hearted fish out of water comedy of the previous arc. Diana and Etta are abroad in Europe now, working as medics in the midst of the war, and death is never far away. More and more soldiers are showing up scarred in both mind and body due to the Duke of Deception. The shift in tone is clear from the cover itself, a nearly all-black picture with silhouettes of zombies in the distance.
I’m not so fond of the shift to another villain using undead WW2 soldiers as minions (my least-favorite thing in Bombshells), but this issue is filled with little details that make it work really well. Diana’s heroic debut, in disguise protecting a group of soldiers from a zombie horde, is great, and Etta’s confrontation with Diana over her secrets, as well as her casual acceptance of the truth, and offer to give Diana a makeover were written really well. The friendship between Etta and Diana is the core of this series, and every scene between the two of them brings some much-needed light into this issue. The Duke doesn’t make much of an impression in his first in-person appearance, but this story isn’t about him. It’s about Diana’s debut as a hero, and on that note, this issue works very well.
Corrina: It’s a coincidence that this and DC: Bombshells both have a villain who raises the dead but perhaps inevitable because both series are set in the middle of a war. I don’t mind the supernatural element and it can work especially well in contrast to Wonder Woman, who is basically vitality personified.
And, yes, Etta and Diana’s friendship is the heart of this story and serves to take some of the dourness away from Diana. She has reasons to be so: she’s lost her whole world. But I’m glad to see her finally taking control of her new one.
I’m even more thrilled to know we’re getting a second series from De Liz and Dillon. ::tosses confetti::
Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Five #10 – Brian Buccellato, Writer; Mike S. Miller, Artist; J. Nanjan, Colorist
Ray – 4/10
The nihilistic final volume of Injustice continues apace, as Bizarro’s rampage across America leads him to Luthor’s hideout with Trickster’s body in tow. Not sure how to deal with the twisted creature that he created, Luthor promises to help Trickster and lures Bizarro into traveling to the fortress of solitude, where he unleashes a mind-controlled Doomsday on him. Superman, on the trail of Bizarro, joins the fight, and Luthor pulls one of his trademark double-crosses and removes the mind control blocks from Doomsday, causing him to attack Superman and giving him his best shot yet at eliminating the dictator who has taken over Earth. Then he goes back on it for no apparent reason, allowing Doomsday to snap Bizarro’s neck and bring the misbegotten creature’s rampage to an end. Another story comes to an ugly, unpleasant end as it seems like this series has said about all it has to say.
