Batman: The Dark Knight #26
Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Artists: Alberto Ponticelli and John Kalisz
Cover Artists: Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn
Publisher: DC
Having an entire issue without any form of dialogue is a tough sell. The art needs to be amazing and the story needs to be solid. This issue does a good job in both regards. The art, by Alberto Ponticelli and John Kalisz, is well done and effective. Ponticelli has a very rough, sketchy style that worked well in some instances and did not work so well in others. Considering this was a silent issue and its success hinged on the art, it did come as a let down that the art in the issue did not fare as well as some of the previous issues with more established artists. The story was decent enough, following the troubles of an illegal immigrant who is kidnapped and forced to work in a factory. While certain scenes, like the one where Batman gets netted, are a tad strange, the story is for the most part nicely established. 3/5
The Flash #26
Writer: Christos Gage
Artists: Neil Googe and Wil Quintana
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC
With a new creative team, it is the start of a new journey in Barry’s life. Christos Gage does an absolutely fantastic job with this issue, putting a spotlight on one of Barry’s best attributes: his dedication to doing good. As the fastest man on Earth there’s almost nowhere Flash can’t go, so Spitfire, a high flying villainess, perfectly tests his limits. Gage writes a smart, adaptable Flash that is able to use his scientific knowledge to catch the bad guy. Brian Bucellatto and Francis Manapul did such an amazing job with their run, Gage made the right choice in taking this series in a new direction. Neil Googe and Wil Quintana do a terrific job with the art on this issue. Googe’s bold lines coupled with Quintana’s sharp contrast in colors make for a gorgeous book. 4/5
Teen Titans #26
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Tyler Kirkham, Art Thibert, Dan Green, and Arif Prianto
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC
It has been a long time since this series was anything other than a chaotic mess. Scott Lobdell puts the rest of the Teen Titans on hold while giving the readers an origin story for Kid Flash. His back story is sad, heartbreaking, and by the end of it you’re not only feeling bad for him, but it seems ridiculous that he’d even be arrested. The rest of the cast takes a back seat in this issue, and while this is a team book, it works out remarkably well. There are certain instances that make little sense if you aren’t reading other titles, such as Superboy 2.0’s existence, however for the most part the story reads without any confusion. Tyler Kirkham’s art, with Art Thibert, Dan Green, and Arif Prianto, is great in this issue. Kirkham, who should be a household name at this point, has always done and continues to do a great job with fast paced, action based scripts such as this one. 4/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
