Aquaman #14
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Pete Woods, Pere Perez, Marlo Alquiza, Ruy Jose, and Tony Avina
Cover Artists: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Rod Reis
Publisher: DC
The breakout star of DC’s new universe is without a doubt Aquaman. This series took one of the most popular characters, and often the most ridiculed character, and turned him into a major hit. His supporting cast has grown and has developed into an exciting team. The stories have been superb and have really done a great job of balancing character growth with fast paced action. This issue features the current King of Atlantis, Aquaman’s brother, and also marks the return of an old threat. With the crossover with the Justice League coming up, this book is bound to become more exciting and more connected with the rest of the DC Universe, where it had otherwise been rather isolated. 4/5
Batman: The Dark Knight #14
Writer: Greg Hurwitz
Artists: David Finch and Sonia Oback
Cover Artists: David Finch and Nathan Fairbairn
Publisher: DC
There are certain scenarios when a long arc is necessary to tell a strong story. Unfortunately, this arc has gone on too long and is still not done. Scarecrow is, like most of Gotham’s villains, one of the more well known villains outside the comic book community. His motives and methods are well known and are fairly unique to his character. However, in most circumstances, he’s written in almost the exact same situations: he develops a new fear toxin, he goes after Batman and Gotham, and then he loses. Hurwitz is doing a decent enough job here, however, he’s following that same basic layout. The arc started out strong. The flashbacks to his past were insightful, the use of the children and their sweat was haunting, but the story has been drawn out too long without anything new and exciting happening. 2.5/5
The Flash #14
Writers: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Cover Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Publisher: DC
Manapul and Buccellato’s epic attack on Central City continues as King Grodd attacks right after the Rogues. Grodd is angry, a little crazy, more powerful than ever, and unfortunately for Flash, he’s brought his Gorilla army to Central City. The Flash has been consistently one of DC’s strongest books, and this issue is no different. The issue is fast paced, well written, full of action, and is an all around excellent comic book. Manapul and Buccellato are utilizing everything that makes the comic book medium so unique, so flexible. Their art is molded and adapted to fit their story in a way that can only exist in comics. 4.5/5
Teen Titans #14
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Ale Garza and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Mark Irwin, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC
While half the team stayed behind because of their injuries, Red Robin, Superboy, and Wonder Girl ventured off to fight Diesel and reclaim Wonder Girl’s powers. While they end up getting the job done and Wonder Girl regained her powers, this issue demonstrates a huge weakness the team has: none of them truly trust each other. They all have their own secrets, and that’s preventing them from working together as a team. Lobdell is doing a good job developing this team. With every issue we get to see more and more of each character’s personalities and character traits. However, the series is now 13 issues in, and while they are a team, they’re not particularly unified. Bunker aside, most of these characters wouldn’t consider any of their other teammates a friend, and considering the Teen Titans used to be groups created by best friends, it’s a weird dynamic. 3.5/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
