Heroes in Crisis has been up and down in quality delivering a comic that at times nails its concept of heroes dealing with PTSD and at other times coming close to torture porn. Heroes in Crisis #7 gets things a bit back on track as the series begins to wrap up with an issue that focuses a bit on exactly what happened but also the trauma of three characters, Wally West, Booster Gold, and Harley Quinn.

Writer Tom King focuses the issue a bit revolving around those three characters at it explores each of their trauma while also driving the story forward. It’s what the series was pitched as and much more of what I expected.

Through various segments we see Wally West discuss his issues and dealing with them in a way using his powers. The empathy towards him builds until that final page where it’s hard to not feel sadness for his experience, especially about his possible death. I say possible as the issue touches on the time difference in bodies though doesn’t explain it yet. We also get some interesting things concerning Poison Ivy which points to the obvious that not everything we’ve witnessed in this series is as it seems and some of the deaths will be “undone” when things wrap up.

The rest of the comic mostly has to do with Booster Gold and Blue Beetle and Batgirl and Harley Quinn who have clashed as Harley and Booster battle each other. That too is cathartic in numerous ways as the two characters have their own breakdowns before getting their act together to eventually save the day. The highlight though is Batgirl and Blue Beetle who chat as Harley and Booster battle.

The art is split between Clay Mann, Travis Moore, and Jorge Fornes with color by Tomeu Morey and lettering by Clayton Cowles. Despite three different artists, the issue is smooth as far as look and there is some very solid pages and panels that’ll have you linger. Small artistic details add to the story enhancing the enjoyment and the emotional connection.

The issue gets back to basics in some ways exploring the emotional issues these three characters have due to their heroic nature and at the same time drives the murder mystery story. If only every issue was like this, the series would stand out more than it has and possibly have avoided its ups and downs in quality and focus.

Story: Tom King Art: Clay Mann, Travis Moore, Jorge Fornes
Color: Tomeu Morey Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.85 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review