Teen Titans #17
Publisher: DC
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Pencils: Scot Eaton
Inks: Wayne Faucher
Colors: Jim Charalampidis
Letters: Corey Breen
Cover: Dan Mora
On the heels of the Super Sons crossover and the events of Metal we get a Beast Boy centered story as the team tries to heal. While attempting to pick up the pieces of their home Percy brings the drama and with it some hints regarding Beast Boy’s past and his feelings of loneliness right now. There’s a nice amount of teen angst while we also get a brief superhero moment for the team. While these events tie into Beast Boy’s new fans it’s clearly evident that their leader has some alternative motives.
It’s an overall solid issue that’s easy to just get into even if you’ve missed the last few. Eaton, Charalampidis, and Faucher deliver some nice visuals and give the rescue sequence an intense feel. Though it was confusing as to what Kid Flash brought to the moment but it was good nonetheless. Sure it’s a bit predictable but Percy makes it a fun read and we just might get to know this version of Beast Boy a little better. 3/5
The Silencer #2
Writer: John Romita Jr. & Dan Abnett
Pencils: John Romita Jr
Inks: Sandra Hope
Colorist: Dean White & Arif Prianto
Letters: Tom Napolitano
Cover: John Romita Jr., Sandra Hope, Dean White
I’ll go ahead and give Abnett and Romita Jr some props because I was hesitant about this series due to the other New Age of Heroes titles not holding my interest. However, this issue has me locked in with it’s action filled story that does exactly what it’s supposed to do and throws in some heart along the way as Honor is attempting to not get pulled back into her former violent life. Not only has the creative team made Honor a character worth reading about but you want to learn more about what her journey was before she decided she wanted the quiet life (see what I did there?) and left Talia Al Ghul’s employ. With strong art that elevates the narrative I’d suggest this one for fans who want straight up action and a new character that doesn’t flinch even in the most impossible odds. 4/5
The Flash #41
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Pencils: Carlos D’Anda
Colorist: Luis Guerrero
Letters: Steve Wands
Cover: Carmine Di GIandomenico
I didn’t think Williamson could do it but he finally delivered an issue where Barry was the least exciting person to read in every single panel he appeared in. His self loathing was laid on pretty thick so when I was excited to read my least favorite Flash (that’s right, the original Wally West) I knew I was in trouble. So it’s a good thing D’Anda and Guerrero’s art is strong and Williamson has the supporting cast really shine here. Though there was a design issue that bothered me because Kid Flash’s hair was completely wrong and his trademark lightning bolt part wasn’t their either. Overall, the story was entertaining but could have used less of Barry doing his best Eeyore impression. 2.5/5
Mera: Queen of Atlantis #1 (of 6)
Writer: Dan Abnett
Pencils: Lan Medina
Inks: Richard Friend
Colors: Veronica Gandini
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover: Nicola Scott
After suffering an injury that hinders her ability to breath underwater, Mera finds herself a Queen in Exile, living in Amnesty Bay. While this issue begins with a nicely rendered action sequence both the majority of the issue bounces between Mera longing for her love Aquaman and building toward the return of Orm, The Oceanmaster. The artwork is really good and both Mera and Orm look amazing throughout the book, however it doesn’t do much to bolster the blandness of the narrative. Mera is such a badass character and I went into this hoping to see her to stand up as a solo female lead in the way of Wonder Woman but so far she’s missed that mark. I found myself more interested in what Orm was going through and that’s sad considering i’ve never really liked him as a character. I hope issue #2 can right the ship a bit here because after all the years as Aquaman’s “sidekick” she is deserving of this spotlight and the way this is going Orm is going to steal all her shine. 3/5
Eric Snell
esnell@comicattack.net
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