Aquaman #32
Writer: Jeff Parker
Artists: Paul Pelletier, Sean Parsons, Rick Magyar, Rain Beredo
Cover Artists: Paul Pelletier, Sean Parsons, Rick Magyar, Rain Beredo
Publisher: DC
This book may be titled Aquaman, but time and time again Mera has proven herself more than deserving of having her name on the cover. For the most part, Aquaman’s role in this issue was to setup the next arc. Scientists spliced a bunch of animals together, as they do, and the newly created creature gained sentience and attacked the scientists, as they do, and now none of the sea creatures will listen to a word Aquaman says. While that is an interesting premise, the focus of this issue was on Mera and the citizens of Atlantis who deem her unworthy. Mera, for years now, has been a wonderful example of a strong, well-written female in comics. She is strong willed, she speaks her mind, and she’s amazingly powerful. Her acceptance as an outsider female has been a major character plot since Arthur claimed his throne, and it is great that this is being addressed in a major way. 4.5/5
Batman #32
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artists: Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and FCO Plascencia
Cover Artists: Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and FCO Plascencia
Publisher: DC Comics
With Zero Year winding down, it was only a matter of time until Batman and Riddler actually came face to face, and by the end of this issue that is exactly what happens. This penultimate issue takes Batman, his team, and the viewers on a roller coaster ride through to the finish. The Riddler, who has often been underestimated by creators and fans alike, shines in this arc as he outsmarts Batman at almost every turn. Snyder, Capullo, and Miki are absolutely killing it with these last couple issues, and it’s a shame there is just one more. With none of Batman’s plans going accordingly, it will be exciting to see what Snyder has in store for us in the final issue. 4.5/5
The Flash #32
Writer: Robert Venditti and Van Jensen
Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC Comics
Time Travel, in general, is difficult to work with. Time travel across multiple points in time can get even murkier. While it hasn’t exactly reached a point where the time travelling is confusing, all of the future Flash’s time jumps don’t seem particularly related or even relevant at this point. Obviously, Robert Vendetti and Van Jensen have a plan, and if the rest of the issue is any indication, it should all resolve itself nicely. There were two scenes that were particularly well done, the one where Barry and Wally connected for the first time, and the one where Barry and Leonard shared a moment for the last time. While Vendetti and Jensen are doing a great job with the story, Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse are doing just as fantastic of a job with the art. This art team is delivering a gorgeous book that just leaps out at you. Their redesign of the Flash costume looks absolutely amazing, and their art just increases the overall intensity of the book. 4/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
