In a final, climactic battle for control of HALO and all its secrets, it’s the WildC.A.T.s versus the Seven Soldiers versus the Court of Owls! Winner take all! WildC.A.T.S. #12 wraps up a wild run that finally brought the Wildstorm characters into the DC Universe in a way that makes sense and works.

WildC.A.T.S. #12 delivers a satisfying ending to Matthew Rosenberg‘s run on the classic characters. As I said in my early reviews, the series has done a solid job of integrating the Wildstorm characters into the DC Universe, giving them opponents that make sense and encounters that don’t feel out of place.

While WildC.A.T.S. #12 doesn’t really stand on its own, it does wrap up the series bringing various plots together and connecting those final dots. As a finale, it works well, though at times it feels rushed.

What Rosenberg nails, and it shows in this issue, is the connection of the team members to each other. This is a dysfunctional team that butts heads and argues with each other but the second some outside force comes for them, they rally around their brothers and sisters. There’s a love there that’s only present in a squabbling family. And, it leaves things open in a fun way where we’ll hopefully get more of that dysfunction and fun.

The art by Danny Kim and Tom Derenick slips a bit in the issue. Not sure what’s up but the early half of the comic doesn’t have the usual polish and splash we’ve seen delivering a little but of bump in an otherwise fun ride. They’re joined by Elmer Santos and letterer Ferran Delgado. WildC.A.T.S. #12 isn’t the flashiest comic, in that it doesn’t deliver moments that stick with you, but it does deliver fun visuals and small details that pop. Grifter lighting up a cigarette while facing down Halliday and the Court of Owls is as cool as you can get, encapsulating the character in one panel. Maul going on a rampage is fun in a “Hulk Smash” sort of way. And the ending pages… they tease a lot for what might come delivering the mental state of the characters through images alone.

I’ve enjoyed the entire run and a bit bummed to know WildC.A.T.S. #12 ends the current run. There was a fun aspect of the series remixing these characters a bit as they get folded into the DC Universe more. Hopefully, it has laid the groundwork for more of that and this isn’t the end but only the beginning for something more down the road.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Danny Kim, Tom Derenick
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Grifter is still making his way back to his Earth while the rest of the team is made an offer they can’t refuse. WildC.A.T.s #9 makes things really interesting as three stories bounce around adding to the threat and delivering the fun action the series has been delivering since its debut.

WildC.A.T.s #9 continues its trio of focuses. Matthew Rosenberg delivers solid time to each moving things along in entertaining ways and making sure to deliver some surprises for each.

Grifter delivers the emotion of the comic as Rosenberg has done so much for the character. To make it back to his world he must kill someone but in doing so, he condemns another world. That world features his brother and his former lover, both want him to not do what he needs to. All of it is a bit tragic and is sure to haunt Grifter as the series continues.

The WildC.A.T.s team itself is being made an offer by a mysterious individual who promises them support. It’s clear there’s others who really want the team on their payroll and a surprising name is dropped, one that could open up the characters for a very interesting future. This part of the story delivers the humor the series has packed in.

Then, there’s Voodoo who’s capture by the Court of Owls and their superhero team. It’s interesting to see where it goes and the friction there but it also delivers a great ending full of action. It’s a bit of been there, seen that overall, but the scene is entertaining in its own ways.

The comic continues its solid visuals from Danny Kim and Tom Derenick. There’s such a great balance of drama, action, and humor when it comes to the visuals. A line is delivered with a great look on a face or body language, it helps deliver each punch. The duo is helped by Elmer Santos‘ coloes and lettering by Ferran Delgado.

WildC.A.T.s #9 continues a great story and integration of the characters and series into the greater DCU. It’s been fantastic and delivered with each issue nailing key moments and doing a solid job of folding so many classic characters.

Story: Matthew Rosenberg Art: Danny Kim, Tom Derenick
Color: Elmer Santos Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purhcase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle