Converse Convergence Finale Part 1 Of 2: Week 8 Of DC Comics’ 2015 2-Month Event Reviewed In Full! Spoilers! An Occasion to Celebrate!

Columns, Reviews, Top Story

Welcome back to my 9-part column called Converse Convergence where I assess each week of DC’s 2015 2-month event. We’re now onto Week 8! The final week!

Week eight! An occasion to celebrate!! It’s been a whirlwind of nostalgia. There should’ve been enough different flavours to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Given the massive nitpicking I’ve done with CONVERGENCE #8 and BOOSTER GOLD #2, I’ll post tomorrow as part two of this extra-length column. In the meantime, read the synopses and spoilers for the other nine concluding books.

Converse Convergence Week 8 Part 1 banner

This is the fourth and last week DIVERGENCE. *sniff* These teasers have been more addictive than a bag of chips!! I vaguely recall a list posted online of what series would be previewed in each Convergence title but I never really paid attention to it. I’m glad I didn’t cuz I’m experience the good kind of anxiousness and anticipation, wondering what new edition is going to appear or what continuing book will be spotlighted.

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CONVERGENCE: ACTION COMICS #2 (of 2)
“” (22 pages) by Justin Gray, Claude St-Aubin, Sean Parsons, Lovern Kindzierski & Hi-Fi, Steve Wands

Power Girl kisses her honey-bunch goodbye as she preps to battle Wonder Woman. Flying into Mother Russia, she is knocked down by a missile. X-Ray vision allows her to spot an invisible aircraft. Three guesses as to who’s piloting it. A brutal combat commences. Lex and spouse Lois are safely locked away in his lab. Not for long! Stalin storms in with his soldiers and demands a swift execution. Lex never doesn’t have a plan (I realize the double negatives, ease up). He unveils his latest and greatest invention: G.I. Robots. With them, he will save Moscow and be the hammer that will topple the USSR. The two plots parallel somewhat. Lex’s motives are purely selfish (duh!) but this failsafe will spare the Russian people. WW lassoes around PG and slam dunks her into the pavement. She is distracted when Superman arrives. PG rams her as payback. Kal proposes a truce and a team-up. Lois is disgusted by her husband’s amoral actions. She will not be part of his brave new world. Curses! Foiled again!! Especially by his counterpart nemesis Superman. Wondy will take over Moscow. The Kryptonians fly home to their loved ones. Kal delivers his love for his cousin. She tells him to spare the sentimental stuff until things are truly resolved.

There’s more where that came from! This issue indicates that it is to be continued in CONVERGENCE #6. As stated in last week’s column, the Earth-Prime as well as diversion versions of the Supers make an appearance.

Hits: 5.5/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: SINESTRO [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: BLUE BEETLE #2 (of 2)
“Legion of Doom!” (22 pages) by Scott Lobdell, Yishan Li, Dave McCaig, Saida Temofonte

Three men, two non-powered, against at least twenty teenagers, super-powered. Place your bets!! The odds favour whom here? After introductions, insults, and a mild pissing contest, Blue makes a quick retreat into The Bug with his cohorts. Before that happens, he electrifies the roof of his love craft [natch!] His assistant Tracy has vital info for them: the Legionnaires’ profiles are pulled up. She says that their flight rings act as communicators and bio-scanners. Plus, Ted’s supercomputer deciphered Interlac in less than a second. While Beetle formulates a plan, he asks Captain Atom and the Question to distract the time-tossed teens. Cap holds his own against Cosmic Boy, Andromeda, and Invisible Kid. Beetle ponders the grouping of Computo, Saturn Girl, and Sensor. Question holds Brainiac 5 at bay with a stumper. The trio Beetle was surveying enter the Bug. He hacked into their flight rings and had them act as a homing device. When he proposes a compromise to the three women, they pause and contemplate. An earthquake halts the back-and-forth. Hub City is decimated in less than a minute. Saturn Girl summons all members to discuss surrender. Cap is devastated at disappointing. Question takes it more in stride. Surprisingly, Blue shrugs it off. He is expert at the art of deception thanks to the trio he summoned. It’s a temporary solution but for now it has worked. All parties fly away, with Telos seen in the sky smiling.

There’s a running gag about being the leader of the pack. The other two refuse to acknowledge Ted’s intelligence and resourcefulness.

Question could be Riddler but his brain-teasers require more thought. I love how an elevated IQ like B5 can’t find the answer to “When is the ending reflective of a time to be?” (I’ll admit I don’t know either :$) I also like how he riles Karate Kid by refusing to answer what he did to B5 as well as psyching out the Kid when he refuses to identify himself after he’s been asked “You’re The Question?” “Am I?

Hits: 6/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: BLACK CANARY [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: CRIME SYNDICATE #2 (of 2)
“” (22 pages) by Brian Buccellato, Phil Winslade, Lovern Kindzierski, Rob Leigh

Justice Legion A take more of the centre stage in this second part. Flash tries to make contact with Johnny Quick. Aquaman lunges at Power Ring. Wonder Woman beats the machismo out of Ultraman. Batman attempts to strike an alliance with Owlman but the villainous Thomas Wayne, Jr. flees uninterested since he’s not a hero. Johnny shamelessly beats down on his speedy counterpart. Batman then slows him down with neurotoxin. Power Ring puts a bubble around Aquaman’s head in order to deprive him of air. Aquaman comes up with the most ingenious counter-attack: he dehydrates the H2O molecules from PR’s body until he passes out. An unseen assailant knocks out the Neptunian. Superman tries to pierce a hole in the dome. Batman tells him to direct his heat vision downwards. Kal needs to desperately recharge with solar energy. Bats descends to explore while Supes ascends to see if the sun is past the dome. He doesn’t make it. WW defeats UM by depleting him of his solar powers, thanks to her AI bracers. Owlman seeks to seduce Wondy but she isn’t buying it. Before he’s pummeled, he cocks his head and mutters “Lois?” Superwoman is resurrected!! Huh?? The opening of the dome retriggered her immortality and transported her to the battleground. The two women come to blows. The impending earthquake doesn’t impede them. Sadly, Batman’s line breaks and he’s nowhere to be found. When the dust settles, Superwoman rises from the rubble. Game over.

Women rock in this book. The spotlight shone so brightly on Superwoman the first issue. This time around, Wonder Woman has the most screen time as evidenced in the narration. Once again, I announce my feminism. I respect Brian Buccellato’s choice to focus on the superior sex.

Hits: 8.5/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: CYBORG [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: DETECTIVE COMICS #2 (of 2)
“War and Pieces!” (22 pages) by Len Wein, Denys Cowan & Bill Sienkiewicz, Chris Sotomayor, Travis Lanham

After a two-page recap, the intrigue increases. Red Son Superman put himself in front of the Batmobile. Luckily, Helena is still alive but unconscious. He uses his super-vision to find Dick. Child’s play. Dick knows better than to pick a fight with an ultra-powerful opponent. All Supes wants to do is talk. Helena pulls her psycho schtick. Their convo is interrupted by a lead-infused smoke grenade. It is the Batman of Russia!! He is public enemy number one of the nation. It’s a proud accomplishment. Helena asks him to unmask. He obliges even though he barely looks at himself. Sure enough, it’s the spitting image of her deceased daddy. She thanks him. Batman gives them a secret weapon to incapacitate the overlord. It’s a game-changer. Batman says “do svidaniya” to his newfound friends and bolts. Supes finds the Dynamic Duo in less time than it takes to breathe. They are being pounded until Robin opens up the mystery box. Huntress recognizes it as Kryptonite. This is foreign to the communist tyrant. Supes is already turning into a skeleton when Robin realizes that he cannot commit homicide (extraterrestrialcide?) In no time, Supes rises. The people are out for blood. He will not appease them since Robin and Huntress are noble fighters. He proposes joining forces to solve the crisis. Telos announces that the rules were fringed upon with consequences to follow. Helena and Dick are back where they belong. Helena cannot reconcile the bloodthirsty nature within her. The Bat-signal lightens the night sky. Exit: Robin. Enter: Batman!! Dick has finally accepted the mantle. He will carry on the legacy. Huntress is beaming.

Hits: 7.5/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: FLASH [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: INFINITY, INC. #2 (of 2)
“” (22 pages) by Jerry Ordway, Ben Caldwell, June Brigman, Roy Richardson, Veronica Gandini, Rob Leigh

Hex and the Dogs of War pick up the pace and the punches as they battle the inheritors of the JSA. Several members narrate for the readers’ benefit. Brainwave remains ‘catatonic’ but he’s aware of all that is occurring around him. He is unresponsive due to an alien presence affecting him. Typical tussles transpire until things go sour. When Jade is swarmed by a mob, Obsidian almost loses his cool. The tremors begin just as Brainwave is ready for action. A fusion generator pops up. Brainy says it may be of use. He then immobilizes Jonah. Obsidian seizes the opportunity and envelops him in darkness. His origin is presented in silence. Todd snaps out if when he sees that his sister Jennie is no worse for wear. Both sides make peace and begin pulling people from the wreckage. Brainy addresses Telos and makes a plea bargain. As the Infinitors fly away, Hex’s city is blown up. Dr. Fate appears and tells them it is beyond their help. Fate takes them to JSA HQ. The founding members inform the youthful adventurers that they are retiring and the kids are now the brand-new JSA. Star proposes merging the ‘franchises’ since his team is actually incorporated. Say hello to JSA-Infinity. Note: the last three pages continue from CONVERGENCE: JSA #2.

Hits: 7/10

Sweet treat DIVERGENCE: BATGIRL [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: JUSTICE SOCIETY of AMERICA #2 (of 2)
“One Last Time” (22 pages) by Dan Abnett, Tom Derenick & Trevor Scott, Monica Kubina, Dave Sharpe

The Weaponers of Qward are sure making the rejuvenated old-timers work!! Savage, ruthless, and brutal. The JSA have zero time to reacquaint their bodies with their powers. Fight and save. Jay is especially ebullient. The ensuing battle has brightened their spirts. Most of their energies and efforts are spent destroying a pesky Qwardian killing machine. Coordination and experience guarantee a win. The dome comes down and the quartet find themselves appropriately aged. They are about to grab coffee to commemorate. Kent tells them he is going to see Infinity, Inc. and inform them that they must now carry the torch. Note: this is a minor tie-in to CONVERGENCE: INFINITY, INC. #2. Absolutely gorgeous art and gratuitous action shots!!

I’d forgotten how days like this felt.” – Flash “We used to be heroes. It was a pretty great life.” –GL “We still are. All over again.” – Hawkman “One last time.” – Fate

That was a helluva thing.” – Alan “Today, you mean?” – Carter “Yeah, today. And I mean the rest.” – Alan “It was a helluva life. All those days. All those times. It was a Golden Age. I didn’t think it would ever end. And when it did…I never dreamed we’d get one last turn. A final bow before the house lights came up.” – Jay

You remember that one time…” – Jay “Which one?” – Carter “Jay, I remember them all…” – Alan

Hits: 9/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: PLASTIC MAN and the FF #2 (of 2)
“…Into the Fire” (22 pages) by Simon Oliver, John McCrea, John Kalisz, Saida Temofonte

No peace in their time. Yet. The Brother Eye cyborgs are making mincemeat of the Nazis. As ludicrous as it sounds, the FF will spare them further extinction due to the overwhelming odds. Plastic Man is a little miffed at Doll Man’s observation but knows that he’s right. Silver Ghost shows up and proposes they cast aside their enmity. He captured one of the ‘borgs and has been analyzing it. It is a Superman who temporarily reactivates and almost chokes Phantom Lady. They’ve been labelled bugs. Plas and Ghost scout ahead for intel. They come across a massive merging of the mechanoids. Ghost gives Plas explosives. After they shake hands and part ways, Plas notices immediately that they are fake. Plas spots Ghosts who refuses to lend a hand. He is after the power source. Plas surprises him after dodging the killer bots. Here’s a twist! The explosives are authentic. When Plas tosses them, BOOM! The earthquake catches them off guard and inadvertently saves Plas’ life from Ghost’s wrath. Plas tosses the tech that Ghost so desperately wants. He then flings himself off the floating piece of rock. KABOOM! You can say that Silver has given up the ghost [natch!] Plas’ origin is presented at the beginning. Throughout the story, Plas struggles to accept both halves: the former criminal and the current hero. At the end, he embraces his merged personality.

Sprechen sie Deutsch? II:
Leute zu treffen” – places to be. Wrong, Simon Oliver!! It’s means “People to meet.”
Wo ist es?” – Where is it?

Hits: 6.5/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: HARLEY QUINN [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: SHAZAM! #2 (of 2)
“Return of the Thunder” (22 pages) by Jeff Parker, Evan “Doc” Shaner, Jordie Bellaire, Saida Temofonte

The Marvel Family have rightfully returned to Fawcett City!! In the nick of time too since they help Bulletman and Bulletgirl with stray blimps. Cap tells Mary and Junior to stay behind and keep helping while he flies off to the enemy city. It’s Gotham by Gaslight. That city’s Dark Knight is just as clever and determined as any other incarnation. When Cap becomes electrified, he has a tête-à-tête (literally!) with Billy Batson. The two halves are able to communicate with each other. The magic spell has been affected. Cap realizes that they do not need to be dependent of the wizard. The two are truly in charge (pun intended!) Billy always says the word and gives Cap the push necessary to break free. After a crash landing, Batman’s aero-ship is shot down. The two quickly make nice and decide to investigate pieces of the city flying towards the dome. If you can’t crack it, go under. The duo are ambushed by Killer Croc. Good thing Cap is super-strong since Croc can’t maul him. One level up they find Mr. Atom and a gathering of Gotham’s most gruesome: Poison Ivy, Clayface, Harley Quinn, Jack the Ripper (Joker), Penguin, Double Man (Two-Face), Mr. Freeze, Riddler, Man-Bat, and Scarecrow. This is the new Monster Society of Evil!! The cavalry has arrived: the two Marvels, the two Bullets, and Tawky Tawny. Cap realizes that Mr. Atom is acting erratically. He doesn’t have telepathic powers nor cares about the Monster Society. When he tears apart the head, lo and behold Mr. Mind is found at the controls. Talk about skewed perspective! The old self-destruct-to-escape-rather-not-face-justice cliché is applied here. The skies clear. The victory doesn’t guarantee any rest. Cap is overjoyed to be with friends and family. More adventures await! Jeff Parker has such a grasp on the magic of this book. Make this an on-going!!

Hits: 9/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: CONSTANTINE the HELLBLAZER [8 pages]

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CONVERGENCE: WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #2 (of 2)
“The Seven Soldiers of Victory” (21 pages) by Paul Levitz; Jim Fern & Ron Wagner; Joe Rubinstein, Wayne Faucher, José Marzán Jr.; Paul Mounts; Tom Napolitano; Shannon Wheeler

Shining Knight duels with one extra-vicious Weaponer of Qward. Vigilante and Crimson Avenger are surrounded by a swarm of them. Scribbly Jibbet proves to be pretty much useless. The battle-hardened heroes stand their ground and never say die. Avenger and Vigilante realize they can use their foes’ weapons against them. Telos interferes by providing a more appropriate battle ground for Shining Knight. Sir Justin tries to reason with the Qwardian. Yeah, right!! The bastard stabs Winged Victory. The Weaponer is ready to hurl a bolt at the Knight when Scribbly bangs him on the head with a mace. Since Sir Justin spares the man’s life, Telos materializes and places them each back to their own cities. He will not punish but he leaves their fates completely up to them. The Qwardians still wreak havoc. Scribbly keeps writing so that this story will never be forgotten. Somehow, in the ravages of time, the chronicle will be kept. I liked the art better on the last five pages.

Hits: 5/10

—Sweet treat— DIVERGENCE: WE ARE…ROBIN [8 pages]

Comic book junkie, now blogger/reviewer. Trilinguist. Educator of many. Complex individual with simple insights.