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Review: Heroes in Crisis #6

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Heroes in Crisis #6

Get a deeper look into the inner workings of Sanctuary. When heroes visited the facility, they relived their trauma through virtual reality, contending with the events that brought them there in the hope of reaching a meaningful resolution. That is, until the trauma took over and escalated these personal events into a full-blown crisis! Find out what pushed one of the superheroes over the edge and how it broke the machine.

For five issues we’ve gotten fake outs and twists and turns teasing us as to who the killer is and Heroes in Crisis #6 seems to deliver us the answer… which clearly isn’t the answer.

Written by Tom King, Heroes in Crisis #6 is an issue focused on three characters dealing with their trauma showing us how Sanctuary treats individuals using virtual reality. It’s something we’ve seen before and feels like a filler issue used because a few elements couldn’t be filled in elsewhere. It’s the first issue where I don’t feel like it adds much to the story beyond two things. The tragedy is shallow, the empathy little, and the fakeouts obvious.

The issue seems to finally answer who killed those staying at the facility which we know isn’t the answer and feels like yet another fakeout. It also points to who I’ve thought was the killer from the beginning and if it is, the event will feel more hollow than thoughtful.

Heroes in Crisis started with interesting promise of the exploration of exploring PTSD in heroes but at this point it feels like a dragged out murder mystery forgetting the tragedy we saw in those first few issues. Instead we get the same played out experiences as if we ourselves are placed in Sanctuary to experience trauma ourselves. And maybe that’s the point? But still, there’s something missing in this issue in both its presentation and what it lacks in adding to the overall narrative. It feels like we’ve seen most of this with different characters. When it comes to the exploration of Sanctuary it doesn’t add anything new.

The art mainly by Mitch Gerads is good. Gerads is always fantastic in that way and with some pages by Clay Mann the art is the most interesting thing about the comic begging us to look for visual hints and clues. Unfortunately that’s mostly blunt in many ways lacking finesse that has delivered for the previous five issues.

Heroes in Crisis #6 feels like a bad detour as the series drifts further away from the concept of heroes dealing with trauma. As a piece of the greater narrative the issue is fine but as we see in a few panels, the torture porn aspect of it all is emphasized here. It shifts from an attempt at empathy to an Eli Roth film.

We’ll see where the next few issues take us but this feels like a distraction. An added on issue that in the end it’s unsure as to what exactly to do with. It’s bloat that shifts the tone and focus of the story and not for the better.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann, Mitch Gerads
Color: Mitch Gerads, Tomeu Morey Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 5.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 5.0 Recommendation: Pass

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Heroes in Crisis #5

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Heroes in Crisis #5

We’re at the half way point with one pretty big reveal to tease us more about what might have happened that resulted in the numerous deaths at Sanctuary.

Heroes in Crisis #5 is an interesting issue broken into three storylines. First, there’s the dealing with the leak that Sanctuary exists. Superman and Wonder Woman confront and acknowledge that in the public with a statement that threads throughout the issue. Then, there’s the investigation by Harley and Batgirl. And third there’s the investigation by Booster Gold.

Writer Tom King delivers an interesting issue that feels like the strongest of the series so far as it really lays out the need for mental health care and that there’s nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to it. Superman lays it out, the point of Sanctuary and people seeking care is a good thing. King feels like he’s making a statement to the reader more than anything and sadly it’s something that does need to be said.

King uses more confessionals to explore the various issues the heroes face and it’s everything from multiple deaths to addiction to abuse. All of it is tragic in its own way and it’s hard not to feel some empathy concerning what’s presented.

Then there’s the dual investigations. Both are interesting and it’s Booster’s that has a reveal that’s beyond intriguing. What I thought was going on might not be the case and now where I was once convinced as to who murdered the heroes, now, I’m not so sure.

What’s interesting about the two investigations is that they’re both being done by a duo. There’s Batgirl and Harley and Booster and Blue Beetle and the two pairings are very different in their approach and attitude. It’s an interesting comparison and the approach feels right for some reason.

What really stands out is the art by Clay Mann and Tomeu Morey which is truly breathtaking at times. There’s a level of detail that’s unreal with spreads that are absolutely amazing. Beetle and Booster on a couch, the folds of Harley’s outfit, the small things make the issue stand out in some of the best art I’ve seen in a long time. This is a comic where you’ll linger on the pages looking at what’s included.

This is an issue that feels like things are coming more into focus and the actual detective work begins. We’ve gotten what feels like false starts to the series in some ways but this issue really moves the story forward and gives us our real first clue as to what happened. This is a perfect middle point that has me excited to see where the rest of the series goes and it reminds us what the series is about, the trauma people experience and that it’s ok to seek help.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann and Tomeu Morey
Story: 8.75 Art: 10 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Action Comics #1007

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Action Comics #1007

(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Steve Epting
In Shops: Jan 30, 2019
SRP: $3.99

The Kobra Cult conspiracy ensnares Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen, drawing the attention of the Man of Steel. But be careful, Superman-there’s more lurking in the shadows of Metropolis than just a snake cult.

Action Comics #1007

Preview: Heroes in Crisis #5

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Heroes in Crisis #5

(W) Tom King (A) Clay Mann (CA) Trevor Hairsine
In Shops: Jan 30, 2019
SRP: $3.99

The secrets of the DC Universe are hacked! Sanctuary wasn’t supposed to keep records, but now that the A.I. is compromised, superhero secrets are leaking all over the ‘Net. Booster and Harley set aside their differences to focus on who they believe is the real killer (assuming one of them isn’t lying, that is). Meanwhile, Batman and the Flash continue to investigate the mysterious murderer. The answer can be found in Sanctuary…but is it safe to go digging in the crime scene?

Heroes in Crisis #5

Preview: Heroes in Crisis #4

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Heroes in Crisis #4

(W) Tom King (A/CA) Clay Mann
In Shops: Jan 02, 2019
SRP: $3.99

Wonder Woman versus…Booster Gold?! Diana finds out the hard way that Booster can be a formidable opponent when his back’s against the wall. Of course, being the prime suspect in a superhero massacre and exposing a secret trauma hospital for metahumans will do just that. Meanwhile, Batman and the Flash combine their detective skills to investigate what went awry at Sanctuary and uncover a serious glitch in the system-not to mention an explosive, spoiler-ific secret!

Heroes in Crisis #4

Review: Heroes in Crisis #4

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Heroes in Crisis #4

Booster Gold is captured by Wonder Woman. Harley is still on the run. Batman and The Flash are attempting to figure out who did it and Superman has a confession. There’s a lot packed into the fourth issue of Heroes in Crisis and it’s both good and bad making for rather mixed issue.

Writer Tom King continues his murder mystery with pages dedicated to the confessions from Sanctuary interspersed throughout. This exploration of the trauma heroes experience is some of the most interesting aspects of the maxi-series as it reminds us, the readers, that these giants are very much human. Heroes in Crisis #4 has some interesting ones, including Batgirl who references a certain infamous and controversial storyline, Blue Beetle who gives us some bromance, and Black Canary who… well it’s just solid in how it’s presented.

While the topic of PTSD runs throughout the four issues, the series is more focused on the murder mystery, who butchered the heroes in Sanctuary? This issue drops some hints as both the prime suspects, Booster and Harley, have their moments that point to their innocence… and maybe their guilt?

It’s an intriguing issue that really hints as to who may be behind it all with one aspect really being emphasized. Superman’s duality is explored as Lois has been receiving videos of the confessions from the medical facility (hello HIPAA violation). Videos that Batman claims have been erased. That’s clearly not the case pointing to the prime suspect, Sanctuary itself. Yes, there’s a chance that the program behind the facility is the actual murder and if that’s the case, this maxi-series may wind up being more eye roll than anything else. But, there’s a lot still to go in the story and things may still weave and change.

But, out of the four issues, there’s some things here that fans of DC Comics will want to see, primarily Booster Gold and Blue Beetle back together again. Why does that duo work so well? Beetle explains in the comic for those who might not “get it.” It’s some fantastic artwork and has me hoping for a Clay Mann Booster/Beetle series down the road. The presentation is solid and out of all of the moments, that’s the one that really stands out.

The art by Clay Mann is fantastic and the real draw to this issue (no pun intended). Along with Tomeu Morey on color and Clayton Cowles on lettering, the art is solid. There’s a proper focus and a few pages that really stand out. There’s the Batgirl confessional whose visuals tell you everything you need to know. There’s the pages of Booster and Beetle together which by the end will have you saying “f#!k yeah!” Then, there’s a 21 panel page between Batgirl and Harley Quinn that’s actually a little daring in how it’s told. But, there’s also some issues like a page spread of Lois Lane that’s a little too sexy to make sense at all as presented. It’s a bit pin-up and takes you out of the story.

There’s a lot to like about the issue with some humor breaking up the seriousness of the series and moments that have you looking forward to what comes next. Then there’s other moments like the Lois pin-up and a few scenes where it’s hard to tell when they happen that makes things a bit disjointed in flow and tone. It’s a mixed-bag of an issue for an otherwise intriguing event series and for a writer who generally nails these things. Hopefully it’s more a bump in the journey than a sign up things to come.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann
Color: Tomeu Morey Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Heroes in Crisis #3

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Tragedies deepen as more secrets behind the “superhero hospital” called Sanctuary are revealed! What compelled Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman to create it in the first place? How was it built? And if the hospital truly is alive via A.I., who – or what – is the brain of “Sanctuary?”

What is Sanctuary? We know this is the location heroes can go if they need help to deal with the issues they experience. It’s a hospital of sorts but up to this point, we don’t know much about it. This issue changes that as we learn how it all works and the more we learn, the more heartbreaking the series is.

Writer Tom King has delivered an issue that’s hard to not reflect upon and come out the other end rather depressed. Through various patients of the facility, we learn how Sanctuary works. We also learn those individuals’ pain. Why was Wally West there? What about Lagoon Boy? How about Booster Gold? King dives into them in various ways and reveals how much they hurt, each in their own way. And, that makes their deaths even more tragic and sad.

King reveals more regarding that as well as who the killer might be. But, the issue also throws up some flags that all might not be what it seems. I left it pondering if there’s not more going on and there still isn’t a rabbit hole for us readers to go through.

The art by Clay Mann and Lee Weeks with color by Tomeu Morey and lettering by Clayton Cowles is as fantastic as expected. It’s top notch work that has you focusing in on the details to enhance the emotional ride. The look on a character’s face or their body language says as much about what’s going on or how they feel as the words that King puts on the page.

This is a hell of a downer of an issue but it makes the story so far even more tragic. We’ve gone past the shock of it all to the point of realization of what has happened and who it has happened to. The team presents heroes not cut down in battle protecting the world but individuals murdered at their most vulnerable.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann, Lee Weeks
Color: Tomeu Morey Lettering: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Heroes in Crisis #3

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Heroes in Crisis #3

(W) Tom King (A/CA) Clay Mann
In Shops: Nov 28, 2018
SRP: $3.99

Tragedies deepen as more secrets behind the “superhero hospital” called Sanctuary are revealed! What compelled Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman to create it in the first place? How was it built? And if the hospital truly is alive via A.I., who – or what – is the brain of “Sanctuary?” Another layer peeled back in the biggest mystery woven through the entire DC Universe.

Review: Heroes in Crisis #2

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Suspected of murder, [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] find themselves on the run from the super-hospital called Sanctuary -with each thinking the other one is the real killer! It’s up to Batman to solve this heinous crime, but suspicion falls on him when Superman and Wonder Woman ponder just how much Sanctuary’s A.I. is telling them. Meanwhile, [REDACTED] tries to make a shady deal to hide from the Trinity, while [REDACTED] searches out an old friend to help him out of this mess-and only gets deeper in trouble.

That’s a whole lot of “redacted” in that description and going into this comic with as little information as possible is helpful. Heroes in Crisis #2 not only deals with the fallout of the murder of an unknown amount of individuals, but also peels back more about Sanctuary and those that have visited it.

Writer Tom King balances a lot in this issue with a few tracks along the way. Harley is on the run both wanting to get caught and not at the same time. Her actions as presented make her a prime suspect as to the massacre at Sanctuary. The trio of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are on the hunt for her and it’s not the eventual confrontation that is the key moment, it’s what it reveals. King intelligently adds a wrinkle to the situation with that reveal, one that will make relationships rocky going forward.

But what of our other suspect? Booster is on the run as well deciding what to do and his decision is simple, try to find the killer. That also might mean him. Unfortunately, he’s kind of rambling and while we can say it’s the trauma of the situation, he’s not off the hook. His intentions make it seem like he might be but again King gives us just enough to leave him as a suspect. It also expands the story bringing in another hero impacted by the events.

While all of that would be more than enough to enjoy, King uses confessionals to dive deeper into our heroes. Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, are all explored showing each have deep trauma. No matter how much we think of them as together, they’re not. They have flaws and while brief, it’ll make you think of each of them and how their confessions add to their characters.

There’s also revelations of more murdered individuals, with one being a shocker. That leads to the most touching moment as one character mourns their loss. What’s said is sweet and beautiful in a way and gives us an emotional punch beyond the shock and anger we’ve seen.

Artists Clay Mann and Travis Moore, along with colorists Tomeu Morey and Arif Prianto, and letterer Clayton Cowles deliver a beautiful comic. It looks great on every level and a high profile comic like this deserves art like this. The characters are solid with much of the emotion delivered through their facial expressions. Teasing just enough for us to get the situation and where they’re at. There’s also solid transitions between scenes as the comic might go from a fight to a quieter moment in a page. And the art helps deliver those highs and lows of emotion from a high octane fight to mourning. What details are focused on add to the narrative.

The first issue was solid and second continues the pattern. This is an event you’ll likely either love or hate and I’m enjoying it as it explores layers we rarely see discussed when it comes to superheroes and all of that is wrapped up in a nice murder mystery.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann, Travis Moore
Color: Tomeu Morey, Arif Prianto Lettering: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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