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Aquaman #11
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Andy Lanning, Jonathan Glapion, and Rod Reis
Cover Artists: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Rod Reis
Publisher: DC

Everything that this series has been leading up to is coming to an explosive finale, just not in this issue. The Others, those that are still alive, have reunited once again to take on Black Manta. It turns out that, unbeknownst to Arthur and his merry gang, there was one final Atlantean artifact, which looks to be more powerful than all the others. As far as setting up a grand finale, this issue did its job perfectly. All the pieces have fallen into place, and all that’s left is the final battle. The Others, as a group, aren’t all that exciting; as individuals, a couple of them are interesting, but Johns is doing a good job of keeping their importance to a limit. Mera, though her part was short, continues being a major highlight and asset to this series. The art in this book is spectacular. With all the aquatics and action, Reis and company are producing a beautiful book, where every page is an absolute delight. 3.5/5

Batman: The Dark Knight #11
Writer: Greg Hurwitz
Artists: David Finch and Sonia Oback
Cover Artists: David Finch, Richard Friend, and Jeromy Cox
Publisher: DC

Scarecrow has returned, and like all good villains he’s set his sight on Commissioner Gordon. Hurwitz, upon taking over as writer, has started off strong. While Scarecrow has never been one of my favorites of Gotham’s rogues, Hurwitz does a fantastic job of juxtaposing the villain we know as Scarecrow with the innocent child he used to be. The children in this story, the little girl who escaped, the one being tortured, and even child-Scarecrow, really pull at your heartstrings because of the innocence they are able to maintain even amidst the violence and torture. David Finch’s artwork really shines in this issue, and I can’t help wondering if that’s a direct result of him no longer being the writer. Regardless of the reason, this book looks amazing once again, and the art is an aesthetic companion to the dark story Hurwitz is writing. 3.5/5

The Flash #11
Writers: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Artists: Marcus To, Ray McCarthy, Ian Herring
Cover Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Publisher: DC

Barry Allen is dead, has been for months, or at least that’s what everyone believes; the truth is a lot less glamorous. Barry believes that by remaining “dead,” the people who were close to him will be safer, and he’ll be able to do more as The Flash. Step one on his new journey was to find a job, which he does, as a bartender. Unfortunately for him, that specific day just happened to be the day when two supervillains decide to duke it out. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato continue to demonstrate the proper way to reboot a title. The Flash has always had a solid Rogues Gallery, and Manapul and Buccellato have done an impressive job of introducing established characters into the new DC, in a manner that honors their history while bringing a fresh take on things. Barry Allen being dead doesn’t seem like it is a plot that can last for long, but so far it continues being a fresh take on things. Marcus To, who is on art duties, delivers remarkable pages with gorgeous art that we’ve all come to expect from him. 4/5

Teen Titans #11
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC

After months of being hunted down by the evil corporation N.O.W.H.E.R.E., the Teen Titans want nothing more than a relaxing day of hanging out and fighting crime. Unfortunately for them, Wonder Girl’s past is rearing its ugly head. For the better part of this series, Wonder Girl’s origin, everything from where she got her powers to why her appearance is so closely tied to Wonder Woman’s, has been hidden away somewhere deep in Lobdell’s mind. With this issue we’re starting to get a look into that origin, and it appears to be a dark and gruesome history. While Cassie’s previous origin did a great job of linking her to the Olympians and Wonder Woman, this origin appears to be less straightforward and infinitely more problematic. The timing of this breakdown fits perfectly with where the series is at right now, because chaos does a great job of bringing a team together, which is just what this team needed. The art in this book is fantastic. Booth, Rapmund, and Anderson are delivering a gorgeous book that leaps out at you on every page. 4/5

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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net