Reviewer: John Babos
Story Title: Trial by Fire Part 2: Witness for the Prosecution
Written by: Marc Andreyko
Layouts by: Jesus Saiz
Finishes by: Fernando Blanco
Colored by: Steve Buccellato
Lettered by: Pat Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Comics
DC’s Solicitation
The super-villain trial of the year continues! The heroes who witnessed Firestorm’s final fate take the stand, but Kate Spencer’s strategy backfires. And the tabloids threaten to “out” her as Manhunter!
The Review
The trial of the century continues with perrenial b-list villain Shadow Thief on trial for the murder of Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond) in the pages of last year’s mega-succesful Identity Crisis mini-series.
We see a string of heroes take the stand to help make the case for the prosecution, Los Angeles Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Kate Spencer, the alter ego of DC’s newest Manhunter.
First Hawkman takes the stand.
Then Superman.
The legal banter and seeing both these heroes on the witness stand being cross-examined, a role they are not immediately familiar with, was another example of this book’s uniqueness in terms of the comic book superhero genre. It started in full force with the previous issue’s hilarious and all to real take on serving a subpoena… to members of the Justice League!
Its followed up this issue with Superman’s integrity being questioned by an eager and crafty defense lawyer. Readers understand both sides of this semantic battle. Superman is torn and makes a tough choice that could tip the legal scales in the Shadow Thief’s favour.
Writer Marc Andreyko brings the winning formula of TV’s Law and Order to the pages of Manhunter. Readers sympathize with Kate and the heroes and have a level of disdain and muted respect of the intrepid and cunning defense attorney. We also get into the heads on the characters, particularly Kate, with her very human reactions to the defense’s tactics. Brilliant and illuminating.
Someone is also snooping into the accident from issue #2 that saw Kate’s son injured after he found and set off her Manhunter baton. Will Kate’s gas leak explanation hold?
The understated, but human moments that are peppered in each issue add to the realism of this book. Kate is a conflicted, but loving mother. She actually gets Superman to autograph a picture of himself for her recuperating son. Its these “touches” that gives Manhunter a real feel to compliment the surreal nature of super heroics in comic books.
Readers also get a glimpse of the book’s next major plot that starts to simmer on the back-burner. There is a hunter going after those who have worn the mantel of Manhunter in the DCU! The turn of events in this issue that kick of this subplot should have some longtime fans saddened, but intrigued. Time will tell.
For a look back at the history of DC’s Manhunters I suggest that you visit here.
The art continues to be another strong suit of this title. Jesus Saiz and Fernando Blanco on pencils and inks deliver some exciting courtroom drama.
From the use of “camera angles” to show the regal nature of Hawkman, a very conflicted Superman, a shrewd defense lawyer, and a fiery ADA, the shots really help strengthen the emotional connection of readers to the plot.
The subdued coloring also gives the book a different visual feel particularly for a title with a dark titular anti-hero and the very gray legal moments in the courtroom. The light, but bright colors offset the grimmer parts of the tale well and adds to the visual delight of the book.
The challenge in this issue? How to keep the interest of readers when there is not one in-costume scene with the book’s titular character. No Manhunter action beyond the cover.
Is that a problem for me? No. Its not a regular occurrence here and I think readers of Manhunter are of a sophisticated variety. If the story is good, they will come.
