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Action Comics #1054 shows the heart of Superman

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Action Comics #1054

As Superman and Natasha Irons race to save Steel from the newly transformed Metallo, the Super-Twins are lost–and alone–against the nightmarish threat of the Necrohive! How will Lois and the House of El find them? There’s something rather quaint and relaxing about Action Comics #1054. While the comic is full of action, it also is very positive getting to the heart of what makes Superman super.

Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Action Comics #1054 has the Necrohive and Metallo causing terror and the people of Gotham not quite sure as to what to do. Some of the sentiment has turned against Superman and his family, a play off of the b xenophobic as well as general distrust of people doing actual good in our real world.

Metallo, much like today’s zombie online sheep, is being manipulated by someone else, driving the chatter against Superman no matter how clear he is in the right. And Johnson has Superman confronting Metallo in a solid fight that is full of eye-popping visuals and excitement. But, most importantly, Johnson has Superman stay true to himself. In spite of Metallo’s negativity and being convinced Superman will murder him, Superman reaches out his hand to help his foe. No matter how beat down he has been and the destruction Metallo has wrought, Superman remains true to himself in even helping his enemy. He’s the ultimate good doer. There’s an interesting reflection on the vitriol thrown at so many online and their willingness to turn the other cheek and attempt to still do good. Superman remains his positive self.

The art by Mazy Raynor, with color by Matt Herms, and lettering by Dave Sharpe looks great. There’s something about this series so far that has remained steady delivering a colorful, cheery look, no matter how brutal fights might get or how down moments might be. The look has matched the attitude of the comic. There’s some great visuals and the fight between Superman and Metallo looks solid.

Dan Jurgens continues to write and draw “Home Again” taking place some time ago in a “lost tale.” Jurgens is joined by Norm Rapmund with color by Elizabeth Breitweiser, and lettering by Rob Leigh. The story involves an alien princess trying to find Superman and instead finding Jon. It’s been entertaining though this chapter feels a bit predictable towards the end.

A new story also begins in “Steel Forged” which focuses on John Henry Irons. Written by Dorado Quick with art by Yasmín Flores Montañez, color by Brad Anderson, and lettering by Dave Sharpe the comic is a good one introducing John and beginning to set him apart from Superman. It adds a little depth to what I remember of his introduction way back in the “Reign of the Supermen” storyline. Where it goes should be interesting and feels like a nice way to spotlight more of the Super family.

Overall, there’s something rather nice in Action Comics #1054. The comic doesn’t have the doom and gloom of so much of what has been put out there and instead delivers the uplifting tale you’d hope from Superman. It has the action without the dark cloud hanging over everything. It’s been a while since I’ve really been into Superman and DC is delivering a monthly dose of positivity that’ll keep me coming back for more.

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, Dorado Quick
Art: Mazy Raynor, Dan Jurgens, Yasmín Flores Montañez
Color: Matt Herms, Elizabeth Breitweiser, Brad Anderson
Ink: Norm Rapmund Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Action Comics #1052 continues a super new direction

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Action Comics #1052

Metallo has attacked and done some damage. The crown jewel of Superman’s new Metropolis is in ruins, and the increasingly violent Blue Earth movement is keeping the entire Super-Family on their toes. Action Comics #1052 does a solid job of balancing the action from the previous issue, the family aspect that has returned to the series, and setting up a solid mystery regarding Metallo.

With a main story written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Action Comics #1052 is interesting in that at first the story contradicts the recently launched Superman #1. Metallo is being manipulated but by who? He hears a voice telling him what to do and we’re led to believe it’s Lex Luthor up to his usual antics, even behind bars. But, in the newly launched Superman #1, Luthor is trying to help Superman. So what gives? That answer and more is here as Metallo’s plans see more questions raised but also a bit clearer at the same time.

But, what stands out about this new starting point is the focus on Superman and his family. It’s not just Clark, Lois, and Jon, there’s the extended family of other Superman characters and the refugees from Warworld. It delivers the heart and in a way grounded aspect of the series.

That’s all helped by the art of Rafa Sandoval. With color by Matt Herms and lettering by Dave Sharpe, the visuals feel bright and hopeful, even when things are dark. The art matches the tone and Sandoval has a talent of really highlighting moments of humor and heart and caring that really emphasizes what makes Superman and his family so great.

But, the super comic is super-sized featuring two back-up stories as well.

Continuing “Home Again,” writer Dan Jurgens continues this lost tale of a mysterious alien looking for Superman and has come across Jon. With art by Lee Weeks, color by Elizabeth Breitweiser, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the second chapter sets up more of the various points of danger to come but feels like chapter in an overall story as opposed to really standing on its own.

Power Girl’s adventures continue in “Head Like a Whole” written by Leah Williams, with art by Marguerite Sauvage, and lettering by Becca Carey. It does a solid job of having Power Girl and Supergirl clash in a way and getting it out there of the rather odd position Power Girl is in. She’s a member of the Superman family but not really treated that way. It’s an oddity and there’s hints the dynamic might be explored more in future chapters. It’s a nice chapter and really emphasizes the “family” aspect of the comic.

Action Comics #1052 continues the new direction for the series and Superman family and continues to do an excellent job of balancing things. There’s the action and long story but it also focuses in on what makes the Man of Steel and the characters around him great. There’s a warm, welcoming, aspect to the comic that extends to every story within making this a series that focuses on Superman as well as his extended family.

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, Leah Williams
Art: Rafa Sandoval, Lee Weeks, Marguerite Sauvage
Color: Matt Herms, Elizabeth Breitweiser Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh, Becca Carey
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Justice Society of America #2 is a bit too insider baseball

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Justice Society of America #2

When it came to DC and Marvel growing up, I was mostly a Marvel person. I’d hop into DC during major events or changes but it was a world I generally wasn’t too familiar with. Especially after so many events, the continuity and history of characters to me was a bit confusing and a hurdle to get into. In recent years, I find the stories DC puts out to fall into those that respect and celebrate the past but forge a new path that are easy to get into or ones that go deep into continuity and history. Those latter stories are ones where much of the appreciation comes from the deep history of the characters and if you don’t know that, you feel like you’re missing out on a lot. Justice Society of America #2 is the latter unfortunately, a literal ride through history.

On its surface, Justice Society of America #2 is a simple story. Huntress, the leader of a future JSA travels back in time to find Doctor Fate to prevent tragedy. Writer Geoff Johns can’t keep it that focused though. Instead, Justice Society of America #2 features Huntress being ripped through time meeting various Doctor Fates in different eras. And, unless you really know those versions or eras, it feels like a big shrug of the shoulders. It feels like the meat of the comic relies on knowledge of who these characters and versions are.

There is something to the art featuring the talents of Mikel Janín, Jerry Ordway, and Scott Kolins, color by Jordie Bellaire and John Kalisz, and lettering by Rob Leigh. The different eras each bring a different style and look and all together, it’s the most entertaining aspect of the comic. While some of the characters are “the same,” there’s subtle differences in their look and style capturing each era.

Justice Society of America #2 follows a pattern of Johns’ recent work where the whole tends to be stronger than the individual part. While this issue doesn’t excite, it has references DC fans will appreciate, you just need to know the history. Hopefully, it all comes together eventually in a way everyone can enjoy it, but as is, this is for the diehard fans.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Mikel Janín, Jerry Ordway, Scott Kolins
Color: Jordie Bellaire, John Kalisz Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 6.75 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Pass

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Action Comics #1051 brings the family together for a super debut

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Action Comics #1051

I will admit I am not a regular Superman reader. I tend to check out new creative teams or events and then slink away soon after. It’s a character that I appreciate but with so much out there, there’s only so much time to read. Action Comics #1051 kicks off this year’s new DC publishing initiative, “Dawn of DC,” which brings in new creative teams and new directions for characters. It felt like the perfect opportunity to see what was going on with the Man of Steel and it might be enough of a start to keep me around for a while.

Action Comics #1051 is an interesting direction for the series which has at times focused on other members of the Superman family in that it does exactly that, focus on the Superman family. It’s everyone from Superboy to Jon, to Supergirl, and the Superman of China. They’re all here and more delivering a debut that delivers a vision of where the series is going to go and takes on an anthology spin. Not only is there a main story focusing on Big Blue and his pals but also two additional stories focused in on other members of team Superman.

Picking up from the previous issue, the featured story is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by Rafa Sandoval, color by Matt Herms, and lettering by Dave Sharpe. “Speeding Bullets” sees the return of Metallo as the Super crew are taking all that they’ve learned over the years in an attempt to usher in a new age of technology to help Metropolis and the whole world. There’s a treatise in a way, driven by Superman’s time on Warworld. The plan is to do more and we see this “team” attempting to do exactly that. This feels like the first time in a while that the Super-family is exactly that. They have a shared goal and vision and are going to do what so many of us has wondered why they haven’t, use their powers to “do more”. It’s also a chapter that has one of the best moments ever between son and mother that is both horrific and funny. But, most importantly, there’s a balance of a group of superpowered individuals that you can see the good in and want to cheer for mixed with some great action and a reflection on how a world might really react to them. This is the new status-quo and it looks like it’s going to be a good one. The art is wonderful with some great visuals that do a fantastic job of mixing those family moments with big explosions. This story alone is worth getting this issue.

“Home Again” takes things back a bit. Written by Dan Jurgens with art by Lee Weeks, color by Elizabeth Breitweiser, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the story takes place a bit after Superman and Lois moved to California. They return to the home with Jon picking up after the story from The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special. It’s just a tease of what’s to come but Jurgen’s writing and the art delivers a story that feels like a bit of a classic in some ways. Jurgens has such a handle on the characters it’s a fantastic read with a slow build going in an unexpected direction. The art by Weeks, Breitweiser, and lettering by Leigh has an ominous feel to it creating an interesting mix with Jurgens’ storytelling style. It’s the perfect morsel to have you excited to see what’s next.

Wrapping things up is “Head Like a Hole.” Written by Leah Williams with art by Marguerite Sauvage, and lettering by Becca Carey the story ties into the current “Lazarus Planet” event going on. Power Girl’s powers have changed and she’s now working as a counselor helping heroes. There’s a bit of Heroes in Crisis to it but the story takes on a touching subject of helping Beast Boy after his tragic experience. It’s not all depressing. The colorful pop art mixed with some funny moments brings a levity to what could easily have been a downer.

Action Comics #1051 is a solid start to the series. With a new anthology focus, it has a little bit of everything making it easy to change things up and keep things fresh. The trio of stories each have their own strengths with a variety of styles and voices and a wide focus. Overall, a solid start to the “Dawn of DC.”

Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, Leah Williams
Art: Rafa Sandoval, Lee Weeks, Marguerite Sauvage
Color: Matt Herms, Elizabeth Breitweiser Letterer: Dave Sharpe, Rob Leigh, Becca Carey
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Justice Society of America #1

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Justice Society of America #1

When it comes to its classic heroes like the JSA, from an outsider, it feels like their use has been a bit lacking. They show up with major events being key players but beyond that where they sit in DC history is a bit unclear. Justice Society of America #1 might clear some of that up? It’s kind of hard to tell with this debut from writer Geoff Johns who’s carving out his own corner of the DC Universe.

Justice Society of America #1 takes us through time kicking things off with a 57 year span of events teasing out events that have happened leading up to the current time. The death of Bruce Wayne’s parents, the birth of Helena Wayne, it all centers the story around Batman and Catwoman’s progeny, The Huntress.

In her modern time, she’s assembled a new JSA full of “reformed” villains and Wonder Girl, creating the dysfunction you’d expect. Their current focus is the disappearance of Doctor Fate, a mystery sort of answered leading up to the comics’ shocking moments that really sets things in motion.

Justice Society of America #1 is an interesting start that plays out like Johns’ recent efforts with DC. Doomsday Clock, Three Jokers, Flashpoint Beyond, they all center around a mystery and then playing with DC’s classic heroes. Johns shows he knows his DC history and has no problem with mixing things up in controversial ways and here it feels no different. Where it goes should be interesting with the muddled status the classic JSA characters have in the current DC continuity. What will change? What will be different? All of these series feel like pieces of a grander puzzle and story Johns is putting together.

The art by Mikel Janin is solid to look at delivering moments that are action packed and emotional. With Jordie Bellaire on color and Rob Leigh‘s lettering, the visuals at time really pop. It’s the rabbit hole moment later in the comic where things really stand out. The art stands out as the hits begin to come and the initial villain is revealed and dismantles the JSA in an interesting fashion. The sequence is inspired, coming out of nowhere to deliver a real surprise all around. The comic goes from 0 to 60 at this point in every way and the art stands out.

Justice Society of America #1 is an intriguing start of a comic. The latter half is excellent with a surprising sequence that sets things in motion. The first issue kicks off a mystery that has potential, but like a lot of Johns’ recent work, we’ll have to see where it takes us.

Story: Geoff Johns Art: Mikel Janin
Colors: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Rob Leigh
Guest art: Jerry Ordway, Scott Kolins, Steve Lieber, Brandon Peterson
Guest color: John Kalisz, Jordan Boyd, Brandon Peterson
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.9 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Task Force Z #11

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Task Force Z #11

Task Force Z has been full of twists and turns. The comic has elevated it’s rather silly concept of a Suicide Squad but zombies into something far more. The series has been a hell of a lot of fun and an emotional ride with lots of surprises and lots of fantastic use of its horror roots. It’s one of the best surprises of 2022. Task Force Z #11 is a fine example of exactly that. The issue takes all of that and mixes it into a packed issue that’ll make you squirm, enjoy some action, laugh at some moments, and appreciate the entire package of a comic.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, everything feels like it’s coming undone. Jason Todd is pissed at his new boss Harvey Dent who has been less than honest about Task Force Z and what he has known. The latest lie involves “Bane” who isn’t actually Bane but Gotham, brought back from the dead and implanted with memories of Bane. So, it’s a Bane who can fly. Or is it a roided out Gotham? It doesn’t matter, it’s an insane concept that works so well for a series that bathes itself in B-movie clichés and Sunday afternoon schlock horror.

With a return of Gotham, who else are we going to get? That’d spoil the issue which has Jason pissed and on the warpath. That’s pretty much him through most of the series. There’s also Mr. Bloom, a character that Rosenberg has elevated to new heights in entertainment. What started as an interesting villain so long ago has turned into a top-tier one manipulating the best and doing so with a deliver that’s fun and off-the-wall. A villain you want to see what he’s going to say and do.

The art by Eddy Barrows continues to impress. With ink by Eber Ferreira, color by Adriano Lucas, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the comic does an amazing job of balancing its superhero and horror roots. It draws a fine line between the two mixing them up and delivering a style that works so well. The team also loves its B-movie horror aspect of it all. Small details add so much to the comic like vials hidden around or tubes full of strange liquid, straight out of a mad scientist’s office. But, when it’s time for action, the comic keeps its style but delivers the punches and bullets with flair. The style is so perfect for what’s being crafted and I’m not sure where else it might work, if it even could.

Task Force Z #11 is another amazing issue. The twists and turns have been coming fast and the issue is punctuated with humorous moments that cut through its twisted story. It’s a series that more should be reading and see what an underrated gem it is.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Eddy Barrows
Ink: Eber Ferreira Color: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

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DC celebrates 30 Years of The Death of Superman with the Original Creative Teams

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30 years ago, Superman sacrificed himself to defeat Doomsday. To celebrate the special anniversary of this defining moment, DC has reunited the original creative teams of Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding; Roger Stern and Butch Guice; Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove; and Jerry Ordway and Tom Grummett for The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1. Available at comic shops on November 8, the comic features four all-new stories that explore the lasting impact that Clark’s death had on his family and friends as well as nine pinups and variant covers by some of the top names in comics.

Each of the original creative teams from The Death of Superman has reunited to tell a story that shows how some of Superman’s biggest allies reacted during and after his fateful battle with Doomsday:

  • “The Life of Superman” by Dan Jurgens (W & A), Brett Breeding (A), Brad Anderson (C), and John Workman (L) – A young Jon Kent finds out in school that his dad had died years earlier, as his parents never told him about that fateful day. In the midst of dealing with this emotional news, Jon and Clark need to team up to fight a new villain connected to Doomsday called DOOMBREAKER.
  • “Standing Guard” by Roger Stern (W), Butch Guice (A), Glenn Whitmore (C), and Rob Leigh (L) – The epic battle between Superman and Doomsday from the Guardians’ perspective.
  • “Time” by Louise Simonson (W), Jon Bogdanove (A), Glenn Whitmore (C), and Rob Leigh (L) – The story of how the death of Superman looked from John Henry Irons’s perspective.
  • “Above and Beyond” by Jerry Ordway (W), Tom Grummett (P), Doug Hazelwood (I), Glenn Whitmore (C), and Rob Leigh (L) – A powerful story of Ma and Pa Kent watching their son fight Doomsday live on television and going through Clark’s photo albums with the feeling that their son always prevails.

W=Writer, A=Artist, P=Penciller, I=Inker, C=Colorist, L=Letter

Highlighting the milestone, The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary will feature variant covers by artists including Jim Lee and Scott Williams; Dan Mora; Ivan Reis and Danny Miki; Francesco Mattina; Dan Jurgens; and Brett Breeding. Fans can also order a premium polybag variant that features a black armband with The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary logo and the main cover inside.

DC had previously announced details of The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, which will include Superman: Day of Doom #1-4 for the first time ever and will be available at comic shops and local bookstores on December 6, 2022. DC will also be releasing Superman #75 Special Edition featuring the original story by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding, which will be available at local comic shops on November 1.

Review: Task Force Z #10

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Task Force Z #10

I feel like I’ve said it with every review by Task Force Z shouldn’t be this good. A series about “zombie” versions of villains brought back to life for a new type of Suicide Squad sounds like such a silly concept. But, it works. It works really well. Led by Jason Todd, the characters in the series have been all over in being b-list, c-list, and d-list, but they’ve all brought a sense of fun. Task Force Z #10 is an interesting issue as the curtain is pulled back to reveal a hell of a lot of secrets including the secret of Bane and one major character reveal beyond that.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, the series as a whole has done a fantastic balance of mixing horror and the superhero genre. It’s found a balance in the plots, characters, details, and look of the series. This issue is a prime example as wild experiments are performed, the dead rise, brains transferred… it’s a lot to take in. Add in Mr. Bloom attacking and you have an issue packed with what has made this a really fun series.

The biggest thing are those reveals. What Mr. Bloom has been up to and how he did it are explained. The exact why and what is the goal is still a little out there but the issue has a mad scientist vibe about it all. It’s wildly fun and feels like a perfect B-movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon. It even has a host in a costume in a way with Mr. Bloom who takes center stage with the issue.

The art by Eddy Barrows helps it all. With color by Adriano Lucas, ink by Eber Ferreira, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the art does a fine balance. It’d be very easy for the series to lean heavily into its horror aspects making the characters and settings themselves such a part of the story. Instead, the comic has bodies that are clearly rotting and falling apart, hints as to what’s going on, but a solid superhero base to it all. The comic has a color/look that feels a bit like classic horror comics but the settings and characters keep their superhero roots. It’s impressive work and fun to see these corrupted characters and the small details added to make them that way.

Task Force Z #10 is an issue readers have been waiting for. It’s full of reveals and answers some questions. The end is definitely unexpected and a bit of a surprise. For those that have been reading up to this point, this one’s a hell of a lot of fun. For those missing out on the series, it’s one you’ll want to go back and read from the beginning.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Eddy Barrows
Inks: Eber Ferreira Color: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.45 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Task Force Z #9

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Task Force Z #9

I’ve generally loved Task Force Z. The concept is one that feels like it shouldn’t work, but it does, and does really well. Harvey Dent is in charge of his own version of a Suicide Squad. Instead of hardened criminals serving time, his is made up of Batman villains who died during “A Day”. They’ve been brought back using Lazarus Resin and are lead by Red Hood. It’s a gonzo concept and it’s awesome. Task Force Z #9 on the other hand is one of the weaker issues. Not because it’s bad, but mostly because it feels like one that could be skipped and you wouldn’t miss much.

Written by Matthew Rosenberg, Task Force Z #9 is absolutely entertaining. It just feels like a comic that has a few key moments that could have been stuffed in other issues. There’s action, there’s humor, and there’s some good twists, but overall, it feels like a “chapter” of the overall story. Many of the previous issues really felt packed and stood on their own in so many ways, but this one instead feels like a series of moments put together between a cover. A lot of the comic could be cut up and put in another issue and the narrative would still have flowed. It’s an important chapter but doesn’t stand on its own.

The art by Eddy Barrows continues to shine. With ink by Eber Ferreira, color by Adriano Lucas, and lettering by Rob Leigh, the series continues to look great. The team balances its superhero characters with a horror story. It does an excellent job of balancing all of that so that no one aspect dominates. For those that enjoy both genres, it’s a great combination.

Task Force Z #9 isn’t bad in any way, I want to make that clear. As part of the greater story, it’s solid. There really are some key moments that’ll play out over the next few issues. But, it doesn’t quite pack enough in on its own to stand out from the quality that has come before it. It’s a solid chapter in the greater whole.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Eddy Barrows
Ink: Eber Ferreira Color: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Rob Leigh
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.65 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Flashpoint Beyond #1

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Flashpoint Beyond #1

I’ll admit that I was a fan of the original Flashpoint even oh so many years ago. Yes, it was grim and gritty, but the alternate world was interesting and shook up DC’s classic characters. It opened up a world of possibilities, not just in the story itself but what came after. Flashpoint Beyond #1 takes us back to the world but one slightly different.

Focusing on Thomas Wayne, he knows this isn’t quite the world he lived in. There’s subtle differences and there’s others that know this as well. With a mystery of who’s trying to stop Thomas from correcting things as well as something going on in the main DC universe, Flashpoint Beyond #1 mainly focuses on Thomas’ story.

Written by Geoff Johns, Jeremy Adams, and Tim Sheridan the comic is an interesting one. There’s some aspects that are really great and then others that fall really flat.

What works well is Thomas’ story as a whole. He knows something is wrong and must deal with a world gone mad to try to solve the mystery. His “Alfred” is Oswald Cobblepot and his “Robin” is the son of Harvey Dent. The interactions with Oswald are fantastic and what’s done while Thomas is away is beyond entertaining and almost worth the read.

Where the comic falls flat is everything else. The threat of a world war feels like it’s taken out of Watchmen. It’s missing the countdown clock and nine panel pages. Then there’s what’s going on with Bruce and something with DC’s Timemasters. It doesn’t get much time and unless you know the character he’s dealing with, it has little to no impact.

The comic overall feels like it’s using concepts and plotlines that were meant for something else. With mentions of “The Button” which goes back to DC’s Rebirth, the comic comes off as the next step for “The Button”, then “Doomsday Clock”, but each is a choppy continuation of the other. With so many rumored changes of DC’s directions, it overall comes off as a comic that’s out years after it was meant to be.

The art is the highlight of the comic. Xermánico and Mikel Jani split the duties and while the styles differ, the overall visuals are solid. With Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Jordie Bellaire on color and Rob Leigh handling lettering, there’s a nice shift in styles depending on the world. Thomas Wayne’s world is dark with a gritty dirtiness about it. Bruce’s is a bit brighter and has a more traditional look about it. The style works for the comic quite well as it makes Oswald’s moments far funnier than they should be. There’s a dark humor about it all and a lot of that is driven by the visuals.

Flashpoint Beyond #1 has a lot going for it and maybe as it goes along things come together. But, as is, the comic feels like concepts from something else reworked multiple times into this. It throws out a bit too much and it’s interesting aspects at times feel like bad background scenery. The comic feels like it’s just slightly off, which may be rather appropriate since that’s what Thomas Wayne is experiencing and attempting to investigate himself.

Story: Geoff Johns, Jeremy Adams, Tim Sheridan Art: Xermánico, Mikel Janin
Color: Romulo Fajardo, Jr., Jordie Bellaire Letter: Rob Leigh
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

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