Firestorm #12 Review

Archive

Reviewer: Mathan “Review Maybe Late, But My Taxes Weren’t” Erhardt
Story Title: Learning Curve: Part 2

Written by: Dan Jolley
Penciled by: Jamal Igle
Inked by: Rob Stull
Lettered by: Phil Balsman
Colored by: Chris Sotomayor
Editor: Stephen Wacker
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue began as the last one ended; with Firestorm (composed of Jason with Ronnie talking to him in his head) being confronted by some of Ronnie’s old enemies; Typhoon and Multiplex. Multiplex uses some of his new powers to toy with Jason. Typhoon also blasts Jason, as he’s a bit more bitter than Multiplex is. Multiplex, with a little help from Typhoon, multiplies himself and swarms Jason.

Meanwhile, Jason’s pop is preparing to make sacrifices so that Jason can go to college, as a way to make amends for his mistreatment of his son.

Back at the battle Ronnie gives Jason a clue as to how to beat Multiplex, but Jason misinterprets it. While Cliff Carmichael watches on, Jason destroys Multiplex’s duplicates causing the original to suffer a mental feedback. Ronnie is appalled at Jason’s disregard for life and takes control of Firestorm, reverting the hero to his traditional look. He then subdues Typhoon and shows Jason that being a hero isn’t taking the easy route out.

But then Ronnie notices that Typhoon has a bit of circuitry on the back of his neck, indicating mind tampering. And then Cliff Carmichael appears. To be continued.

Jolley writes an action-packed issue this month. He showcases the differences between how Jason and Ronnie deal with threats. He does a good job of showing how Jason takes some shortcuts in regards to the “hero” aspect, while Ronnie has the benefit of experience, in terms of ramifications of action. It’s a pretty good issue.

Igle returns after taking last issue off and the book looks great. Much of the issue takes place in storm clouds, which gives it a bit of a dreary feel, and makes Firestorm’s bright costume stand out all the more. Multiplex certainly looks cooler than ever, and more menacing. Igle and Stull do a great job of capturing Jason’s frustration with the situation, as well as Ronnie’s reaction to Jason’s frustration. Sotomayor’s coloring really stands out this issue, especially with all of the energy effects.