The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #7
Publisher: DC
Story: Bryan Hill
Pencils: N. Steven Harris
Inks: Dexter Vines
Colors: Ross Campbell
Letters: Simon Bowland
Cover: Denys Cowan, Bill Sienkiewicz, & Steve Buccellato
Once again Bryan Hill has taken a DC favorite and twisted that character into something different yet familiar as we meet the next adversary for Michael Cray. The latest happens to be John Constantine and what Hill manages to accomplish here not only gives readers a new version of the character but also making him feel like he’s a major threat to Cray. It’s the perfect introduction weaving science and the occult together that shows almost immediately that Constantine is a threat that Cray is not ready for. As for the main character himself, Cray is about as damaged as they come and the creepy inner voice of his is downright scary in this issue. Enhancing the idea that Cray walks the fine line between anti-hero and madman. We also continue to see a better version of this character with each issue thanks to Hill’s narrative and not allowing Cray to become a trope.
N. Steven Harris continues to deliver some good looking artwork that builds on the narrative’s tense moments and along with Vines and Campbell creates an atmosphere worthy of a suspense thriller. Not sure if it’s just the high angles and close-ups or those long perspective shots of the corridors and rooms but it all comes together and keeps you turning the pages. The redesign of the character at the end is another great touch on a classic DC staple and looks fantastic.
In a world of predictability it’s nice to not know how Hill’s arc will turn out or where Cray will end up when this wraps. However, you should give this a shot if you want a new look at some old favs backed by some solid storytelling and layered character building of the protagonist. The creative team isn’t playing around here so understand that Michael Cray is most certainly a title worth picking up from your LCS! – 4/5
The Flash #46
Publisher: DC
Story: Joshua Williamson
Pencils: Scott Kolins
Colors: Luis Guerrero
Letters: Steve Wands
Cover: Dan Panosian
I have to admit that Wally West isn’t one of my favorites in the Flash family so with the last few issues focusing on him before Flash War there hasn’t been that connection with me that many have been excited about. However what I can say this issue is that if you are new to the Flash mythos Williamson does an excellent job at getting readers acclimated and ready for Flash War. He drops the necessary gems that deliver some backstory on Wally’s longtime foe, Hunter Zolomon aka Professor Zoom. While pushing the narrative along and revealing some surprises that have to do with Reverse Flash and his actions during this series. We also see the continued relationship building between Barry and Wally that hits on certain events that those longtime fans will enjoy.
The legendary Scott Kolins handles the art here and from Thawne’s high speed entrance in Zolomon’s cell to those emotional talks with Barry and Wally this is a solid looking issue. Guerrero’s colors really help to add the speed and it’s always cool when a colorist makes sure to differentiate the lighting of the Flash’s as they run. It’s a small thing but it goes a long way when you know that one is blue and the other is yellow. There’s also the panel of Barry breaking Batman’s monitor then we get a repeat of Zolomon doing the same to his but flipped. It’s a nice visual moment that works on several levels. The only thing that was a slight annoyance was an unrecognizable Zatanna. I just feel we shouldn’t have go guess who a character is when they’re featured prominently in a panel and are the sole occupant.
The prelude to Flash War really does get you pumped for the upcoming event especially when you consider what Williamson will be surprising us with. Wally was the key to the DC Rebirth so hopefully big reveals are on the horizon. 3/5
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