Reviewer: Mathan “I Already Miss Monolith” Erhardt
Story Title: Earth and Sky
Written by: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Penciled & Inked by: Andy Smith
Lettered by: Pat Brosseau
Colored by: John Kalisz
Editor: Stephen Wacker
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins with Hawkgirl and Hawkman leaving a JSA meeting. Apparetnly Batman, fresh from his run in with The Monolith, wanted the NYC based team to know about it’s presence in the city. Carter recalls how he vaguely remembers hearing rumors about it in the ’30’s.
As they fly through the city, a helicopter transporting a bad guy crashes. Meanwhile Tilt and Alice (from The Monolith are attending a lecture about super criminals. The lecturer had planned on having the bad guy as a part of the lecture, but since the baddie has escaped the cuts the lecture short.
Alice and Tilt walk outside and are saved from a being hit by a falling car by Hawkman. It turns out the bad guy is none other than Solomon Grundy. Grundy and the Hawks fight. The Monolith comes in to help out. The good guys win.
Later Kendra and Carter go to a movie. They discuss their relationship, or lack thereof. The issue ends with some kids are playing around a haunted house. One of the children meets a sinister looking woman, and then a cry screams out.
Palmiotti & Gray have a knack for dialogue. The issue really shines when there is not fighting. The scene in the movie theatre is nice. Tilt and Alice at the lecture also showcases the talent. But the fight scene is boring. The part with the non-fazed New Yorker was a nice touch. I really hope the lecturer get developed more and isn’t just a toss away character.
Smith’s art is pretty good. The opening page looks great, as does the movie theatre scene. He draws a perfect Monolith. The super heroes all look huge, but in a good way. I do wish the slice of pizza on page #14 had looked better though.
