Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: A Day After
Written by: Judd Winick and Geoff Johns
Penciled by: Ivan Reis and Carlo Barberi
Inked by: Marc Campos and Norm Rapund
Lettered by: Nick J. Napolitano
Colored by: Sno Cone
Editor: Eddie Berganza and Ivan Cohen
Publisher: DC Comics
Story Title: Who Was Donna Troy?
Written and Penciled by: Phil Jimenez
Inked by: Andy Lanning
Lettered by: Comicraft
Colored by: Tom McCraw
I do believe that Daron may hate me. I mean how else do you explain that I, Mathan Erhardt, have to do two reviews for two extra long books, with multiple creative teams on each book? Fortunately for Daron, this one was a great read.
“A Day After†begins right after “Graduation Day†and we see how each character dealt with the events of that miniseries. It provides excellent back-story for both The Outsiders and Teen Titans series.
“Who Was Donna Troy?†goes even deeper into how the books characters, as well as assorted other DCUers coped with Donna Troy’s death. Curious how Wonder Woman and Kyle Rayner dealt with the loss of Donna? Well read and enjoy.
The profile pages are a mixed bag. Some, like Deathstroke and Robin leave you clamoring for more. Others, like Grace and Metamorpho, leave a bad taste in the mouth. But overall you learn more about the characters.
I really enjoyed both stories. Winick, Johns and Jimenez really know these characters, and seem to care for them. The first story should clear up most questions that readers have regarding why certain characters act the way they do and the decisions they make. Why did Roy cut his hair? How did Jefferson Pierce react to his daughter’s decision? How did Roy manage to get Indigo? All these are answered.
Jimenez also answers questions. Phil even manages to address how Ollie’s death and resurrection affects the state of mind in the DCU. This is easily one of the most touching and heartfelt stories I have ever read. Every character rang true. For every fan that felt that Donna’s death didn’t get it’s due, this is the story for them.
The art on all stories was great. It was fun seeing Carlo doing Impulse again. And Reis’ art is growing on me. It was noticeable that Jimenez didn’t do his own inks, but the art still looked great. Very detailed as always. The profile pages were cool. I was kind of confused as to why Robin has two images for his profile (a first, I believe) but everything looked swell. Who knew Johns could draw?
I buy almost all Secret Files and Origins. I enjoy them all. But if you are curious about these two teams, this is the perfect place to start. I highly recommend it.
