Justice League #34
Publisher: DC
Writer: Christopher Priest
Artist: Pete Woods
Colorist: Pete Woods
Cover: Pete Woods
Justice League gets a new creative team with Priest (Deathstroke) and Woods and things are already looking up for readers of the title if not for the League themselves. Priest wastes no time in giving the team a threat worthy of them and while they go about doing what they do best it’s when the cracks begin to show that makes this such a good issue. That main crack here seems to be Batman whom is considered one of the most dangerous members of the team. However, Priest shows us the fault in being the IT guy and putting that amount of pressure on yourself as parts of the mission were failures because of Batman. Despite all of the superhero activity in this issue the highlight (at least for me) would be the opening sequence with Simon and Jess then that moment between Clark and Bruce. Priest doesn’t forget the humanity of these larger than life characters and that’s what makes for a great issue here.
The visual storytelling from Woods is just as exciting and definitely is fit to move the story of these legendary superheroes. From the double page spread of Green Lantern dealing with the aliens to the rest of the League saving lives throughout the issue he moves it along almost flawlessly. With a story and art this strong from the creative team it’s definitely a wise choice to pick this one up. 4/5
Batman/TMNT II #1
Publisher: DC
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Freddie Williams II
Colorist: Jeremy Colwell
Cover: Freddie Williams II & Jeremy Colwell
Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reunite after last year’s hit crossover event. This time around the Turtles run into Karai who is currently tracking rogue members of her clan. However, Donnie ends up on the receiving end of a beatdown from some Elite Ninja and he’s questioning the meaning of strength. Tynion uses Donnie’s issues as the springboard that brings Batman into the story and once again the crazy crossover shenanigans begin! If you enjoyed the previous crossover know that Tynion brings that same energy to this issue and you’ll be hard pressed not to pick up the next one. Especially after seeing the visuals from Williams who just brings the narrative to another level. From the sewer fight to Bane’s full reveal there is not one bad looking panel in this issue. If you’re a fan of Batman and TMNT then this should be in your read pile. 4/5
Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #2
Publisher: DC
Writer: Tony Isabella
Artist: Clayton Henry
Colorist: Pete Pantaz
Cover: Clayton Henry, Mark Morales, & Tomeu Morey
The latest issue of Black Lightning actually gives us more time with Jefferson Pierce than his crime fighting alter-ego and it’s just as great as last issue. After being set up and made to look like a killer he’s got cops and criminals after him. However, Isabella expands on the emotional weight of it all for Pierce while having him deals with the actual problem as Black Lighting. Whether he’s feared or hated now is troubling for him and it’s laid out with dialogue that is very much on point. The supporting characters are very solid and Anissa shows up! just like before, Clayton Henry is magnificent with the visual storytelling here. The quiet moments carry just as much weight as when Black Lighting is delivering electrified beat downs on the bad guys. The only drawback with this issue is that we didn’t get more time with it’s villain, Tobias Whale. 3.5/5
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