Power Girl #2 cover, via DC Comics.
Power Girl #2 — Leah Williams, Writer; Eduardo Pansica, Penciller; Julio Ferreira, Inker; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorist
Ray — 8.5/10
Ray: The first issue of this series set up some interesting dynamics, with Power Girl taking on the new identity of Dr. Paige Stetler and investigating a mysterious virus that may come from Krypton — her Krypton, on Earth-2. Williams has a lot of work to do to establish her new identity and character focus, given how long the character has been in flux. My favorite moments here included Paige’s meeting with Lois at the Daily Planet, as well as some hilarious and adorable Streaky moments in the background. The main mystery involves some compelling little details about the wildlife of Krypton, but the weak link of the issue is probably the main villain Amalak. The ruthless space pirate crashed Paige’s party last issue, but now he’s getting more than he bargained for with some Kryptonian wildlife. Overall, this is doing a good job of giving the character the fresh start she needs.
Harley Quinn #33 cover, via DC Comics.
Harley Quinn #33 — Tini Howard, Gretchen Felker-Martin, Writers; Sweeney Boo, Hayden Sherman, Artists
Ray — 8/10
Ray: Tini Howard’s Harley Quinn is so much more bizarre than her other forays into the DCU, it’s hard to even recognize her writing style. That’s definitely the case with this issue, which finds Harley struggling to balance all her multiple jobs — especially once word comes in that a multiversal version of her has been murdered. That would be Harely Quinn from Captain Carrot’s world, and the fact that she’ll be fine as soon as they pull out the arrow doesn’t calm Harley down much. This causes strains on Harley’s relationship with Ivy, as well as in her new job as an unwilling intern for Lady Quark. There are too many subplots in this issue by half, but the tone is suitably chaotic and the ending is a genuinely bizarre twist. Overall, I think this run has an amazing sense of tone and Sweeney Boo’s art style is perfect for it, but the plot isn’t as strong as past runs.
The backup, by Felker-Martin and Hayden Sherman, is equally bizarre but in a completely different direction. It finds Harley in a haunted Gotham gone mad, filled with body horror and disturbing portals in the walls. What becomes clear towards the end, both in the way Sherman draws it and the plot, is that this story is highly inspired by the brilliant Japanese horror cartoonist Junji Ito — something I never expected to see in a DC book.
Unstoppable Doom Patrol #7 cover, via DC Comics.
Unstoppable Doom Patrol #7 — Dennis Culver, Writer; Chris Burnham, Artist; Brian Reber, Colorist
Ray — 8.5/10
Ray: It’s the final issue of this slam-bang wild-and-wacky superhero adventure, and what’s left of the team has a big challenge to face — the twisted combination of General Immortus and the old Doom Patrol villain known as the Candlemaker. With the base under attack and most of the team fighting the demon in the field, things get chaotic quickly, and all hands are on deck — including controversial former team leader Mento, who gets a chance at redemption, as well as part of Crazy Jane that has been locked up for the duration of this series. There are some really nice, subtle moments here, although I didn’t particularly like that the cliffhanger of the first issue involving Mallah wasn’t really addressed any further. However, the big twist comes at the end of the issue, with a shocking reveal that promises major new adventures — including a new version of one of the DCU’s biggest villains of the last ten years.
Steelworks #5 cover, via DC Comics.
Steelworks #5 — Michael Dorn, Writer; Sami Basri/Vicente Cifuentes, Artists; Andrew Dalhouse, Colorist
Ray — 8.5/10
Ray: With this penultimate issue, Dorn pulls things back and not only gives Steel a strong character piece, but delves into the villains as well. They couldn’t be more different — Walker, the mastermind, is almost a cartoon villain. All his misfortune is because he thought he owned Irons and his work, and was shocked that Irons had covered his bases. He ruined himself trying to undo the law, and is now out for revenge. Kelley, on the other hand, is a genuinely tragic figure, collateral damage in the war between the two men and now used as a pawn by the figure truly responsible for his misery. As John Henry ponders his future and if he’s doing the right thing for Metropolis, Walker pulls his trump card — a massive Steel robot that can not only neutralize the powers of Superman, but will likely damn Steel by association. It’s a strong issue before what’s sure to be an explosive finish.
Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #4 cover, via DC Comics.
Batman Beyond: Neo-Gothic #4 — Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Writers; Max Dunbar, Artist; Rain Beredo, Colorist
Ray — 8.5/10
Ray: Terry and his new partner Kyle have descended into the depths under Gotham, and now find themselves under the thrall of the mysterious Bat-Thing — the eldritch abomination that Batman sealed up here decades ago. That manifests in another series of nightmarish flashbacks, like Scarecrow gas but much more surreal. Terry’s take his troubled childhood and his relationships with his parents and brother and reflect them back on him in the worst way possible. But Kyle’s flashbacks are more intriguing — showing us his early years as a splicer who was low on the totem pole, his mentorship with an aging Constantine — and Constantine’s ultimate betrayal in the way only he could. Lanzing and Kelly have done an excellent job of getting us invested in this new character, even as the overall threat in this series is far more cosmic than I would expect from this franchise.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
