DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: The Metal Legion #2 – Ian Flynn, Writer; Adam Bryce Thomas, Artist; Matt Herms, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Last issue of this fun event comic brought back the heroes of the DCU and Angel Island back together again, with everyone wasting no time reuniting with their superhero buddy. We even got some fun new pairings, like Supergirl and Cream immediately becoming BFFs. But behind the scenes, the bad guys were plotting too – and this issue shows us exactly what they were up to. Luthor has invited Dr. Robotnik into the Legion of Doom, despite the grousing of some of his teammates, and they’ve immediately begun scheming on how to take over both worlds. There are some great segments as the villains swap targets, throwing everyone for a loop, but my favorite part of this issue had to be Catwoman and Rouge’s role. Luthor has brought Selina in, Eggman is working with his favorite thief – but both of you should be more careful about trying to hustle a hustler, boys. Just pure fun.
Poison Ivy #45 – G. Willow Wilson, Writer; Leandro Fernandez, Artist; Arif Prianto, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: I haven’t been the biggest fan of this “Mayor Ivy” story, between the breakup with Harley, the seeming turn of Ivy back towards straightforward villainy, and the heavy-handed themes, but this issue seems to be ramping up as we head towards the big crossover event with Batman that might end this storyline. Ivy has become increasingly desperate to track down Batman, laying into Commissioner Savage and alienating her few remaining allies as she terrorizes the city’s media. But a force she can’t intimidate is closing in – the Parliament of Trees, who wants her to account for the power she’s stolen from them. These segments, as Ivy crosses over with genuine cosmic powers she was never meant to touch, are some of the series’ best and the guest art by Leandro Fernandez delivers some of the best visuals in this book in a while. I’ll be interesting to see how Wilson ties everything together in the end.
Harley & Ivy: Life & Crimes #6 – Erica Henderson, Writer/Artist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Erica Henderson’s charming reinvention of the early days of Harley and Ivy’s relationship concludes here, with an issue that finds them in the clutches of Clayface – the second time for Ivy. This take on the shapeshifting supervillain is one of the darkest I’ve seen, turning him into a sadistic slaver and adding some serious emotional doubt to the idea that they’re going to escape. That forces both of them to confront some past trauma and ultimately get past it to start building a future together. The real star of this issue, though, is Ma Hunkel – who even gets to put on the ol’ metal pot again for old times’ sake. The issue ends by completing the framing segment, as Harley and Ivy celebrate how far they’ve come as only they can – with some good old-fashioned mostly victimless crime. The art and characterization is top-notch, and this series has been a breath of fresh air given the rough patch these two have had.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
