Doom Patrol # 5

This is part of the big BLACKEST NIGHT event and the Doom Patrol must battle a team made of deceased former Doom Patrollers. Considering the number of Doom Patrol members who have died, you think this issue would have an army of undead heroes going after Robotman and company. But the creative team have restricted themselves to using only a few of the older characters, so those hoping to see a zombie Coagula will be disappointed.

This issue actually seems more dramatic than previous issues. Instead of embittered wisecracks, we are seeing some genuine passion in the characters-- be it Robotman, Rita Farr or even the zombie Celsius. All the characters are truly desperate and even the ending-- while something of a cheat-- does show what lengths the heroes will go through to stop the bad guys.

The art may be done by a fill-in team but it actually suits this issue perfectly. All the undead Doom Patrollers look frightening, yet strangely recognisable.  It is a wonder that Justiniano is not assigned to a more high-profile DC title.

The Metal Men back-feature is amusing but relies on the old JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL gimmick of making the lead characters look like childish idiots in order to get laughs. Granted, the Metal Men have often been goofy and comedic but it gets worrying to see them acting like fools when their boss, Doc Magnus is in mortal danger.  It is like they genuinely don't care for him-- except for the clingy, obsessed Platinum. The old heroes-as-idiots thing has become overdone by Giffen and co. They need to start finding humour in other places. At least the art is quite good, giving a nice surreal-but-realistic look to what is essentially a domestic comedy.