While I wasn’t super impressed with Batman #33 in its entirety, I’m very intrigued to see where the story is headed. Talia Al Ghul has been a love interest of The Dark Knights since the 1970s, ranging anywhere from genuinely endearing to fairly antagonistic. At this point it isn’t entirely clear what route writer Tom King intends to take, but if I were to guess, I can’t imagine she’ll be completely ok with her one time “beloved” taking a new lover. Let the drama unfold!
Now, lets take a look at this week’s comics in descending order from highest to lowest scored.
Harley Quinn #30
Score: 8.5 / 10
Harley’s bid for mayor is about to get turned on its ear as she pulls a publicity stunt to try to pull ahead in the polls while simultaneously falling hard for Mason Macabre who I’m really hoping is not long for this world. The book may telegraph too much, but I’m frankly okay with that and am not hoping for some big 11th-hour twist. This is the second book this week in which I wish Scarecrow was more of a main villain, but his rather theatrical exit from the mayor’s office is well worth wading in.
-Elena (read full review)
Nightwing #31
Score: 7.5 / 10
Better indeed than its predecessor, this issue of Nightwing brought me back on board with Seeley’s final arc. With some intriguing plot developments, bits of humor, and some truly outstanding art, this book is back on the road to greatness. Fitting for such a strong talent’s swan song on the title.
-Jay (read full review)
Titans #16
Score: 7.5 / 10
Titans #16 makes a ton of headway concerning plot progression, but there are so many reveals/ “resolves” that it doesn’t have a chance to properly deal with any of them. You’re ultimately left with these reveals and not much else. For some, this will be more than enough to satisfy you, and – like me – will have you eagerly awaiting next month’s issue! For others, you might reach the last page, wish you’d gotten more, and move on to your next book. Either way, the future looks bright for Titans (the book itself, not necessarily the team) if Abnett can maintain a central focus!
-Josh (read full review)
Injustice 2 #12
Score: 7 / 10
No matter how crazy and cluttered Injustice 2 gets, it’s still a good read. Not sure everyone will love this somewhat predictable pre-climax to the problem of infiltrating Ras Al Ghul’s sanctuary, but it does deliver on the visuals as these artists always do. While I don’t feel very sanguine about the appalling behavior of our “heroes”, it’s clear that this is the dark path Tom Taylor wishes to take us. I just hope ultimately there might be a bit more pot of gold hope at the end of this rainbow rather than mere sackcloth and ashes for a doomed world.
-Elena (read full review)
Trinity #14
Score: 7 / 10
I’ll never love the concept, but Williams is winning me over by cleaning up some of his mistakes and making his villain quite a bit more compelling. Marion, Florea, and Robeiro turn in a very exciting visual, deftly navigated by Steve Wands, and all of a sudden, Trinity is an enjoyable read once again. Here’s hoping this is the start of a trend!
-Brian (read full review)
Batman #33
Score: 6.5 / 10
While I’m very interested in where this story is headed, I felt that the execution of the opening chapter left much to be desired. It’s got a lot of filler, a lot of missed opportunities for character exploration, and a lot of sand…
-Brandon (read full review)
Batwoman #8
Score: 6 / 10
I feel like this story is spinning its wheels a bit as it attempts to get traction between Kate’s intimate personal drama back on Coryana and the overarching vast conspiracy of the Many Hands of Death. And rather than building on the connections between these two things and advancing the story, this continues to feel like a side-mission or detour.
-Elena (read full review)
Super Sons #9
Score: 5.5 / 10
Coming off an unclear plot direction, the rather abrupt ending and dissonant art make this the weakest issue of Super Sons yet. There are individual moments and character beats that are incredibly strong, along with some amazing visuals from Jorge Jimenez, but it never gets to be enough to make the issue great.
-Jay (read full review)
Batman: The Drowned #1
Score: 5 / 10
Here’s a universal tip for writers: reconsider whether you should start your narrative by suggesting that your story is one that “should never be” because invariably there will be people in your audience who, after reading said story, will no doubt agree with you. Wholeheartedly.
-Elena (read full review)
Justice League #31
Score: 3 / 10
A busy, sentimental finish to a run that hasn’t earned our sentiment, Justice League #31 feels like one last twist of the knife. I’m relieved that it’s over, but even after a year of suffering, I’m still more disappointed than anything else.
-Brian (read full review)
