52 Week Thirty-Four
DC Comics
Writers: Waid, Morrison, Rucka, Johns
Artists: Giffen & Bennett & Jose
This issue, a lead dies. Really dies. There’s a body and everything. What that means for Booster Gold fans is certainly uncertain (as no one ever said only one lead would die in this series) but it’s a big moment. Combine that with a murder, an illegal interrogation, and one reference to cheese sandwiches, and this is a full installment of every fanboy’s favorite weekly series. The holiday theme is far more muted, and that makes this particular portion of the plot much more substantial. Certain plots have built to a head, and Lex finally takes direct action next week. This book is regaining some of its early momentum.
Score: A
Connor Hawke: Dragon’s Blood #2
DC Comics
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Derec Donovan
An athletic contest that everyone except the lead knows is more than it seems is a hoary hook for readers. Fortunately, those same readers have been begging for any sort of tale focused on Connor Hawke, the son of the original Green Arrow Oliver Queen. So there’s some compensation that there’s a story at all. The other quirky contestants are entertaining in their own ways, even if only a couple of them are going to be relevant to what’s really going on. Though the mystery is only beginning to take shape, the story has enough action and color to draw readers into the next installment. Donovan’s art is certainly no small part of this. His ability to accurately depict human figures and overall light touch help sell a book that is more about what happens in each moment than
Score: B
Blue Beetle #10
DC Comics
Writers: Giffen & Rogers
Artists: Hamner & Albuquerque
Hey what?! The artist’s name is in the title of this issue. Huh? This story is centered around Jaime’s friend Brenda, who was shunted off to an alien planet last issue. She survives the move as well as an impromptu alien attack with the help of a Kirby-esque co-combatant. The next installment promises to be the first time Jaime uses the full power of the armor. Stay tuned for more exuberant, age-appropriate adventure!
Score: A
The Flash #7
DC Comics
Writers: Bilson & Demeo
Artists: Adrian & Thibert
Seven issues in and this new series really hasn’t found itself at all. The arbitrary change in locale is good for a background or two, but considering nothing happens there (and our hero moves to two other places to do his thing anyhow) it just seems like a waste of pages. The return of Inertia is well done, but it just seems like the only bright spot in a book without a three-dimensional impressive protagonist. The art has progressed past its too slapdash beginnings, the villains are taking shape, but Bart Allen as the Flash still rings hollow. Flash fans will continue to hope that Wally West returns at the conclusion of 52.
Score: D
Guy Gardner Collateral Damage #2
DC Comics
Writer: Howard Chaykin
Artist: Howard Chaykin
Alright, so my review of the previous issue of this series was a bit heated. And this issue is only a slight improvement (the scenes with Guy and the Guardians read true). Still, this is a prime example of a story that could have worked if it had either another lead, or was written by someone who understood the lead. Combine that with over-inked, over the top, derivative art, and this was slightly less of a debacle than its predecessor.
Score: D
