The Flash #11 – Simon Spurrier, Writer; Ramon Perez, Artist; Matt Herms, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: Can a comic be a breather issue if the fate of all the cosmos is at stake? That’s what this comic feels like, as the entire Flash family gathers to hear Barry discuss his theory of the cosmic forces messing with the Speed Force – and all the other forces. The entire family, at least, besides one. Wally is still missing in action, and the other half of the issue focuses on him being tormented by a duality of cosmic beings with different plans for Earth and humanity. The surreal, often Lovecraftian nature of these segments is a little hard to mesh with the lighter, funnier nature of the Flash family stories – especially in some great segments where Wade comes face to face with his past self. The art is great, especially in the Wally segments, although Bart being drawn younger than Irey and Jai has got to be a new level for the infantilization of the YJ crew. Overall, this comic continues to work in places but feels a bit muddled.
Power Girl #11 – Leah Williams, Writer; Adriana Melo, Artist; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: Power Girl is back to the grind after battling to save humanity from rogue Czarnians, and that means it’s date time. Her flirtation with Axel Gust has been evolving, and the two have a date planned – which means she’s going to annoy Omen until it’s time to meet him. At the same time, there’s trouble at work – her undercover gig at the Daily Planet is ending, and Lois wants to transition her to a more intense, in-the-field role that will take her away from Metropolis. As she struggles to decide her next move, the lovebirds have a date at the aquarium – which quickly descends into chaos when a villain shows up to liberate the sea life. This soon causes just about every secret to be revealed, and what could have been an ugly breakup turns into a field trip as Axel reveals his true identity – and it’s definitely not what I was expecting. This series is fun overall, and once again seems to be upending its core concept.
Harley Quinn #42 – Tini Howard, Joanne Starer, Writers; Sweeney Boo, Marcial Toledano Vargas, Artists
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: We’re reaching the end of Tini Howard’s run, with Harley Quinn on the run as both criminal elements like Mr. Freeze and the over-the-top Detective Pulaski are out for her blood. She’s found an unlikely ally, though – Tim Drake, as the two of them team up to infiltrate Freeze’s tower. This provides some great visuals – as well as some surprisingly profound conversations about bisexuality and some great one-liners. But while that’s going on, Pulaski continues to unravel. She’s suspended for abusing her power, tries to kill a fleeing Harley, and eventually gets a new proposition from incoming police commissioner Vandal Savage – to prove herself by finishing Harley off. It’s an interesting finish after so much of this run was dedicated to multiverse madness.
The backup, by Starer and Vargas, finds Harley in another strange dream as she goes up against an army of furious culture warriors trying to shut down the library – leading her to deal out some pro-book ultraviolence. I approve of the message and the visuals are great, but the whole thing is maybe a bit too Looney Tunes-esque.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
