Justice League #47 – Robert Venditti, Writer; Eddy Barrows, Penciller; Eber Ferreira, Inker; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: Robert Venditti wraps up his second arc on Justice League with a strong issue that delivers both epic action and some nice quieter moments. Jim Corrigan’s attempt to ditch the Spectre has caused a wave of rage to sweep the world – seen in explosions of violence as big as a brawl on the floor of the United Nations, and as small as two children’s sibling rivalry spiraling out of control. But it’s also allowed the dark God Tartarus to escape his imprisonment, setting up a dramatic battle brought to life by the pencils of Eddy Barrows. Barrows has always been one of DC’s best action artists, and even if Tartarus is mostly a cipher, his attack serves as a good way to help the Justice League sort out some of their issues. This is really more of a Corrigan story than anything else, and has an interesting take on his bond with the Spectre. Big stakes, but ultimately this feels like a more intimate story than you’d expect given the cosmic beings involved.
Red Hood: Outlaw #46 – Scott Lobdell, Writer; Paolo Pantalena, Travis Mercer/John Livesay, Artists; Arif Prianto, Colorist
Ray – 6/10
Ray: The rumors are this title is wrapping in only a few issues, and Scott Lobdell’s time at DC may be over with it. This run, which has been going on in some way or another since 2011, has had its ups and downs, but this issue sums up many of the problems. It has its high points, particularly a pair of double-page spreads by the art team that create a twisty and surreal labyrinth. But too much of the book is dragged down by Lobdell’s convoluted personal continuity, as characters from Jason’s former cult try to figure out their loyalties and Artemis gets into an argument with another version of herself. The best characters here, Jason Todd and Bizarro, mainly seem to be confused and reacting to the bizarre events happening around them. The final four issues, if it plays out that way, will pit the Outlaws against one of the most iconic Teen Titans villains. That’s one way to go out, but I wish there was more to get invested in.
Teen Titans #42 – Robbie Thompson, Writer; Javier Fernandez, Artist; Marcelo Maiolo, Colorist
Ray – 7/10
Ray: Robbie Thompson takes over this title in full after co-writing the last few issues, but it doesn’t feel like the fresh start a new creative team should be. He’s locked into the previous arc’s storyline, and has to deal with the whole run’s problems – including that the team no longer exists. There’s a definite improvement in terms of characterization, with Damian seeming less like a sociopath and more like the troubled kid he should be written as. Flashback segments with Alfred are compelling, and the book seems to be setting up a conflict with Batman. The other team members are a mixed bag. Wallace and Emiko are written well, although Wallace’s crush is a cliche subplot. Roundhouse is still the worst part of the book, his interactions with Crush fall flat, and there’s still no way he and Damian should be able to be in the same room. A fight with Brother Blood minions and the mystery of the cult leader’s death seems to simply be a way to get the team back together. It’s an improvement to be sure, but the book needs a bigger overhaul than it’s likely to get in the next few issues.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
