Reviewer: Mathan “Buzz†Erhardt
Story Title: Down To Earth: Part 1
Written by: Peter David
Penciled by: David Lopez
Inked by: Fernando Blanco
Colored by: Nathan Eyring
Lettered by: Jared K Fletcher
Editor: Lysa Hawkins
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins in the past with the initial meeting between Black Mariah and Fallen Angel. Dolf is explaining to Lee why he’s going to give her a place in Furor’s. But then Lee decides to come to the aid of one of Black Mariah’s lackeys, which she happens to be disposing of. The two battle and Lee loses. Fast forward to the present, Lee is “talking†to Juris about recent events, and we get a glimpse into their complex relationship.
We then see Lee coaching soccer and dealing an aftereffect from the past storyline, when she sees Black Mariah. It appears that Black Mariah, who Lee had beaten the last time they quarreled, wants a tiebreaker. They allude to their last fight (which is a tale that has yet to be told) and then set up a meeting. But Fallen Angel decides to take the advantage and surprise Black Mariah. Then we see just how far Fallen Angel is willing to go to get the information she wants.
Peter David is doing a great job. The tale that he is telling is so captivating. I want to learn more about every character. Plus this title has it’s own mythology around it, just take a look at it’s message boards over on the DC site. David does a great job of using transitions, flashbacks and witty conversation to tell the story. What’s really great is that the passing of time feels real; particularly the way characters relate and talk to and about each other. This book is the most real feeling book on the market. But it’s depth can’t be ignored.
Lopez and Blanco make a great team. This book is all about chemistry, and they make an excellent compound. Bete Noire looks scarier than Gotham and Bludhaven combined. It is so very distinct without being particularly detailed. The look of Black Mariah’s powers is pretty cool, and these guys do a great job of action. This book has one of my favorite teams on the market.
