Brad
Meltzer follows the standard mystery formula of letting the reader know
the killer isn’t who they thought it was. Although they only thought it
was the killer because he implied it himself in chapter one. The issue
begins with a major fight scene between Deathstroke and the satellite
era League, who proceed to charge at Deathstroke one at a time, as if
they’re in an old Kung-Fu movie. Deathstroke beats the stuffing out of
the heroes, until they all dog-pile him, which is apparently more
effective than trying to use their individual powers against him.
Doctor Light is reminded of a similar instance (spoiler) in which the
same people dog-piled him, only Batman may or may not have been
involved, depending on whom you believe. (Dog-piling. Yeah. That sounds
like Batman. Deathstroke has pre-planned methods of taking everyone
down, and Batman hugs rapists around their middles. Maybe they
mind-wiped Batman, and then Deathstroke picked his brains out of their
garbage.) We then find out some dirt on the league, and Sue Dibny dies
again, or something to that effect.
Brad shows an exceptional
writing ability, choosing to have Green Arrow narrate the fight scene,
and then, later, have Green Arrow spill the beans to Flash about what
was going on until then. This provides a sort of perspective, as GA has
the least to do with mind-wiping the villains, and the most to do with
actually taking action and bringing down Deathstroke. As opposed to
someone like Zatanna, who’s all talk. Literally. There is also
something to be said about flaunting characters who obviously have no
place in the story asking themselves who else will be killed, and it’s
not something good. Nevertheless, an entertaining read, if only for the
fight scene, and the subtle fact, not noticed by many, that the Atom
can not come to the rescue at the beginning of the next issue, as the
phone has been disconnected.
As for the art, Morales is great. I
was never confused as to what was happening, unless I was meant to be.
After all, it is supposed to be a mystery story.
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
Brad
Meltzer follows the standard mystery formula of letting the reader know
the killer isn’t who they thought it was. Although they only thought it
was the killer because he implied it himself in chapter one. The issue
begins with a major fight scene between Deathstroke and the satellite
era League, who proceed to charge at Deathstroke one at a time, as if
they’re in an old Kung-Fu movie. Deathstroke beats the stuffing out of
the heroes, until they all dog-pile him, which is apparently more
effective than trying to use their individual powers against him.
Doctor Light is reminded of a similar instance (spoiler) in which the
same people dog-piled him, only Batman may or may not have been
involved, depending on whom you believe. (Dog-piling. Yeah. That sounds
like Batman. Deathstroke has pre-planned methods of taking everyone
down, and Batman hugs rapists around their middles. Maybe they
mind-wiped Batman, and then Deathstroke picked his brains out of their
garbage.) We then find out some dirt on the league, and Sue Dibny dies
again, or something to that effect.
