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52 Week Sixteen
DC Comics
Writers: Rucka, Johns, Waid, Morrison
Artists: Giffen and Bennett

This week’s issue of 52 focuses on the dual Khandaq plots. The Question and Renee Montoya investigate Intergang’s covert activities while Black Adam and Isis tie the knot. The contrast works thematically. The happier the Marvels get, the more dire the stakes for Renee and Vic, and the corner Renee eventually gets pushed out of is excellent counterpoint to the joy of the Marvels over the potential reformation its oldest wayward member. The motives for Intergang’s attack seem unclear. This sort of politically minded assault seems to bring no direct profit. Why would Earth’s premiere cartel stoop to such tactics for no materialistic gain? The fallout ought to be interesting enough to forgive the minor Metropolis quirks.

Score: B

Blue Beetle #6
DC Comics
Writers: Keith Giffen and Johns Rogers
Artist: Martin and West

This month’s Blue Beetle gives readers a basic understanding of the politics and intrigue inherent in El Paso. We learn where the less enfranchised superhumans have gone. The identity of La Dama is confirmed. The Posse and La Dama’s agents finally throw down. Various checks and balances are created in the eventual standoff. And then, one oddball character tips every to exactly what the scarab is. Is he correct or nuts? Read next month’s installment to find out. This month’s guest artist is a clear improvement from last month’s if only because the series’ former playful cartoony vibe is continued here.

Score: B

Batman #656
DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Andy Kubert

This month’s issue of Batman is just the sort of thing one might expect from Grant Morrison. There’s enough action and rococo machinations to fill three normal books. The setting is visually interesting while ironic, and mined for its possible additions to the plot. The twist at the end of the tale isn’t a head scratcher if the reader is a continuity buff, but it’s definitely too good to be true. The only problem with this issue, and this arc really, is the lack of emotional resonance. This is “put the hero through the hoops” plotting, and neither the Langstroms (used for their Man-Bat serum) or the recently surprised Batman will react to their reversals as people with feelings so much as chess pieces seeking an endgame. It’s clearly a choice of narrative momentum over characterization, and it’s the only misstep in this arc thus far. The Kubert art helps sell the tale’s bigger than life vibe, but it’s still not as meaty a story as it cold be if it were taken a bit slower.

Score: C

Flash #3
DC Comics
Writers: Bilson and Demeo
Artist: Karl Kerscl

This is the book that’s supposed to introduce readers to the concept of Bart Allen as the Flash and is not only failing to pull that off, but juggling a new indie superhero (The Griffen, Bart’s best friend) and a serial bomber plot. None of it feels anything but rushed, and considering the title hero of this book, that’s a huge error in pacing and judgment. The Jay Garrick segments seem in character, and if that’s really where this whole series was going, it might even be worth its first three sludgy episodes. But between Bart’s new connection to the Speedforce and potential love interest, it’s all just too much to hope for. At least the guest penciller gave the art some heart.

Score: D