Kneel Before Zod #6 – Joe Casey, Writer; Dan McDaid, Artist; David Baron, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: Zod has gone from the top of New Krypton to the bowels of a prison ship, having commandeered the United Planets vessel and placed it under his rule. He’s grown his skin back from last issue, too, and wastes no time showing the gang of rogues under his control who’s in charge. Zod is a rather brutish villain, always has been—preferring shows of force as a way to gain loyalty. That can often make him a difficult character to follow and invest in, but the story surrounding him is interesting as he gets pulled into events in both the Superman and Green Lantern titles right now. The most effective part of the issue is his hallucinations of Jor-El, as his old frenemy knows how to get under his skin even when he only exists in Zod’s mind. Also interesting—the identity of the villain, who could be heralding a major return, but her identity is unfortunately spoiled right on the cover.
The Batman and Scooby-Doo Mysteries #6 – Amanda Deibert, Writer; Dario Brizuela, Artist; Franco Riesco, Colorist
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: A new writer on this title pulls the Mystery Machine crew into one of the most twist-filled issues yet, as a bored Scooby and co. decide to sign up for an elaborate scavenger hunt—only to be tricked into breaking into a rare library. They’re quickly corralled by security and arrested for stealing—and neither Batman nor the police believe their explanation. After a call for bail money to… Bruce Wayne, who is more understanding than his alter ego, they decide to keep following the clues to find out who’s framing them. This is a classic Scooby mystery with one big twist—the kids (and dog) find themselves the subject of the mystery instead of simply trying to solve them. The identity of the villain comes after a hilarious series of failed unmaskings, although it makes me wish another character was guest-starring too. Overall, this is one of the better issues in this new volume.
Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum #5 – John Layman, Writer; Jesus Hervas, Artist; David Baron, Colorist
Ray – 7.5/10
Ray: A tie-in to a video game that has essentially come and gone, this is a series that always had an odd place in the DCU. After the first issue set up the concept, each following issue showed how one member of the Suicide Squad got Waller’s attention—and now it’s King Shark’s turn. Things start well, with a prologue showing how Nanaue feels connected to the millions-year-long legacy of the ocean predator, but once the Arkham riots begin, he struggles to keep control of what’s left of his humanity as the blood frenzy begins. Ironically, as a giant shark-man, Nanaue is probably the most human and sympathetic of all the villains we’ve seen spotlighted so far, but we know how this story ends. There are some great fight scenes, but overall this series has one overarching problem—it’s a prequel comic that essentially tells you to buy a $60 video game to find how it ends.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
