The Flash #17 – Simon Spurrier, Writer; Vasco Georgiev, Artist; Matt Herms, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: This new arc has had some of the weird elements of the first year, but with more of a human focus. The core plot, involving Wally splitting his consciousness into two Flashes so he can vacation with his family while staying on the Justice League, leads to some funny moments but also has a bit of a tone issue at times as his mind starts to slowly unravel. This coincides with the family being welcomed to Skartaris by Warlord, as the heroic pilot turned barbarian king also seems to be acting oddly. It soon turns out that it’s not Morgan at all – but rather one of the most ruthless villains in DC history, taking his shot at a new realm to control. Things take a step up in intensity in this issue, with some great visuals as well. While the plot can still rely a little too much on exposition-heavy sci-fi plot devices, this arc at least returns to the emotional core of the previous run.
Harley Quinn #47 – Elliott Kalan, Writer; Mindy Lee, Artist; Triona Farrell, Colorist
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: Harley Quinn has a thriving new business bringing creative destruction to Throatcutter Hill’s gentrifiers and driving her new nemesis (and crush?) Althea insane, but a good thing can only last so long. Along with her partner in crime Chicken Fingers, Harley’s decision-making is already getting worse, and she’s already dealing with personal drama like her landlady’s son having a crush on her. She gets a new gig robbing an elite restaurant (with a hilarious concept that perfectly satirizes modern fine dining), but it turns out that the restaurant is hosting a high-level party for criminals – a Clayface reunion, bringing in every single version of the messy Gotham villain. Naturally, breaking in for a robbery doesn’t go all that well for Harley, but it’s great to see do many character deep cuts. One last twist at the end sends Harley’s mental state spiraling, setting up an awkward cliffhanger for next month.
Power Girl #17 – Leah Williams, Writer; David Baldeon, Artist; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorist
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: After a particularly intense arc introducing a new arch-nemesis for Power Girl, this issue gives us a much lighter story and a new artist in David Baldeon. Paige has decided to move in with Natasha and Lilith in the Star, a massive dilapidated apartment building they’re renovating. This means more room for Streaky to fly around – and the cat gets some adorable moments thanks to a gift from Axel that she mistakes for a cat toy. The girls, along with their friend Mariposa, decide to throw a housewarming party – but it’s very quickly interrupted by the Void Three, a band of mystic elemental villains who Power Girl has encountered before. After they cause a breakout at Stryker’s island, all hell breaks loose and it’s all hands on deck to protect the civilians at the Star. This issue has a distinct sitcom vibe to it, and while it’s definitely a chance, it’s a welcome one.
Little Batman: Month One #3 – Morgan Evans, Writer; Jon Mikel, Artist; Ian Herring, Colorist
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: With Bruce Wayne missing after being kidnapped by Scarecrow (and secretly totally able to escape, but staying put for strategic reasons), Damian is on the case. He has to get away from Alfred and his mysterious babysitter (who I very much suspect is Talia), but he’s well equipped for patrolling the streets. This version of Damian might be sunnier and kinder, but he still has a lot of skills (including a hilarious alternate persona that’s…a lot less effective than he thinks it is). However, he’s also able to turn on the intimidation and interview the Joker, who gives away some of the behind-the-scenes stuff about Scarecrow. We’ve got quite a few villains making surprise appearances in this issue, but the main strength is that it’s building on the really sweet father-son bond that was established in Merry Little Batman. This is an odd project, but a really endearing one that I’m glad DC has found a way to continue.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
