To be honest, none of the comics we covered this week were home runs or anything. Even the best of the bunch only took top spot because nothing else stood up to challenge it. But I’m actually happy I have a chance here to highlight Red Hood and the Outlaws. While this particular chapter isn’t completely indicative of the kind of quality this book is capable of, this series in general really is one of the better books you probably aren’t reading. Our own Brian Warshaw has been handling the reviews for this book since it hit the shelves, and nary an issue goes by where he isn’t lauding the book with some kind of praise or another. As Brian has put it: “DC’s most surprising Rebirth victory continues to delight.”
Now, lets take a look at this week’s comics in descending order from highest to lowest scored.
Red Hood and the Outlaws #15
Score: 7.5/10
Crime in Gotham is no more! Bolstered by Bizarro’s new-found intelligence, the Outlaws have cleaned up the streets. But when Gotham’s other protectors launch an investigation to figure out why, things get a bit more complicated for our heroes.
-Brian (read full review)
Suicide Squad #27
Score: 7.5/10
Williams returns to form with this chapter of Suicide Squad, and I couldn’t be happier! This issue is high energy, a lot of fun, and contains quite a few laughs as well! It’s nice to see the characters represented so well after an arc of questionable plots and decisions, but this turn makes everything feel right again.
-Josh (read full review)
Detective Comics #966
Score: 6.5/10
Dense as all get out, this issue succeeds thanks to its intents more than its execution. I like what Tynion is trying to do, and considering Tim is my favorite Robin, of course I’m glad to see him back in action. Still, this issue verges on information overload at points, aided mostly by the fact that I’m not familiar with the story it’s referencing. The story and art both suffer from the same problem: the broad strokes are interesting, it’s just the details that aren’t engaging. I appreciate what the story is accomplishing, I just wish it was handled with a tad more finesse.
-Jay (read full review)
Justice League of America #16
Score: 5.5/10
Justice League of America #16 is basically “What’s Ray Palmer Been Up To?: Part 2.” It’s a filler issue, even though we do gain some ground with the plot. The problem here is that it’s hard to care. So much plot and narrative are shoved down our throat so quickly, that the moments meant to create an impact don’t land their punches the way they should.
-Josh (read full review)
Dark Nights: Metal #3
Score: 5/10
Throughout the course of this story I found myself bored, unconcerned, vaguely offended, underwhelmed, uninterested, and left with far too many questions. And not the good kind that keep you coming back for more, but the bad kind that stem from far too much time spent by the author trying to be clever and not enough spent to make sure things track.
-Brandon (read full review)
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #15
Score: 4.5/10
Another month, and another issue of Batgirl & the Birds of Prey. It’s exactly what you’ve come to expect: sloppy plot, poor logic, terrible dialogue, and crap characterization. The only difference with this issue is that there’s a ton of guest stars, and the initial excitement of these characters help give BatBoP a small jolt of energy and excitement. Just a teeny, little bit.
-Josh (read full review)
