Superman: Father of Tomorrow #3 – Kenny Porter, Writer; Danny Earls, Artist; Nick Filardi, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: This is one of the most intriguing Elseworlds DC has put out in some time, giving us a Superman who is fully driven by science – maybe too much so. Jor-El has worked to transform Earth into a utopia of technology, but he’s increasingly frustrated by humanity still clinging to violence amid all his help. Lois asks him probing questions about his plans for Earth, Martha tries her best to get him to pull back from his constant work, but he’s lost in a mix of grief and determination. That’s made many people worried about him – including Sam Lane, who is going to increasingly desperate measures to counter the potential threat of an alien takeover. However, it’s really Lex Luthor’s rise that defines this issue. In a world of science, Lex has turned to magic, studying under Dr. Fate and other magical masters – but as the issue ends, it becomes clear that his plan for the power isn’t what Kent Nelson had in mind. Intriguing concept and very strong execution so far.
Dark Knights of Steel II Special: Heir to the Sea #1 – Tom Taylor, Writer; Riccardo Federici, Artist; Arif Prianto, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: This is a reprint of backups from Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter, but they’re being reprinted as a one-shot because they’re essential reading for the upcoming vol. 2 – where Aquaman becomes one of the key characters. But in this story, he’s a child – pursued through the seas by the mad Emperor Manta, whose reign he threatens. His wounded mother manages to get him to safety just in time for them to be found by Jonathan and Martha Kent, feared warriors in the Kingdom of Wayne, and they choose to adopt the orphaned boy – which comes in handy when he starts coming into his incredible powers gifted by the sea. This story has elements of both Superman and Aquaman’s origins, of course, but also King Arthur’s upbringing. We’re just seeing the beginning of Arthur’s story here, but it’s a great foundation for how the Kents became the heroic guardians we saw in Taylor’s original story as well.
Harley Quinn #64 – Elliott Kalan, Writer; Carlos Olivares, Artist; Marissa Louise, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: It’s the most chaotic issue of the series so far, as Harley – or rather Bat-Quinn – has been poisoned, kidnapped, and dropped in the middle of an abandoned amusement park where her landlady Mrs. Grimaldi has been taken. As she makes her way through the carnival from hell, all her previous villains come out of the woodwork. One by one, she tears through an army of incompetent but surprisingly deadly foes including Penny Plunderer, Colonel Blimp, Forehand before finding Grimaldi’s hiding place and uncovering the villain behind the whole thing – which comes out of left field, but also makes a surprising amount of sense. This series often errs a little too much on the side of purely silly – both in terms of the villains and in terms of Harley’s current bizarre identity crisis – but this issue shows that the creative team really has a great action scene or two tucked away in their back pockets.
The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #6 – Chris Condon, Writer; Jacob Phillips, Artist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: The creative team behind “That Texas Blood” has built a fascinating mythology here, combining a pulpy detective thriller with World War II era intrigue and supernatural goings-on. In this final issue, Ezra Cain boards a biplane to prevent a Nazi superweapon from destroying New York, and Jacob Phillips’ art creates some truly stunning fight scenes. I do think the plot gets a little less interesting as it shifts to full-fledged action, but that doesn’t make the visuals any less thrilling. But once the action is over and Ezra survives, there are some really touching moments that tie up the more human elements of the case. This series feels like it’ll read really well as a full story, because the last third was really one big action segment split up by issues, but I am glad to see a sequel planned for next year. The idea of fusing the thrills of Indiana Jones with the intrigue of The Maltese Falcon is two tastes that go surprisingly well together.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
