Jenny Sparks #5 – Tom King, Writer; Jeff Spokes, Artist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: The second Tom King book this week, this title has become an interesting way for him to exorcise some of his lingering demons from his time abroad in the security services as well as a way to unravel some of the VERY complex details of the Wildstorm Universe’s role in the DCU. Each issue is split into two main narratives, one in the past and one in the present. The past one is highly entertaining this issue, with Jenny teaming up with a pair of unlikely companions – Matches Malone and Clark Kent. She knows who they are, of course, but they need more deniability to discuss this mission with her – which is essentially elevating her to the role of a sort of secret guardian for the DCU. They want her to keep an eye on the heroes – and if necessary, take them out if they go rogue. This is complicated by the fact that she is extremely drunk during this issue and has no desire to stop.
But in the present day, she’s taking things much more seriously. Captain Atom has released one of his hostages – and the old man who had his cancer cured may be key to stopping the mad superhero turned wannabe God. A flashback to Captain Atom’s origin reminds us of just how screwed up it is – while also adding some interesting wrinkles that he may not have been entirely innocent of what he was accused of. The character’s origins were always similar to Dr. Manhattan’s (who was originally supposed to be him, actually), and this is one of the few stories that leans into that and makes him a much darker character whose God-like powers might have driven him to insanity. We’re ticking down towards the end, and it seems not just likely but a foregone conclusion that not everyone will make it out. This is a comic that’s definitely not going to be for everyone, but it’s deeply compelling for me.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
