Comic Reviews 05.24.2021

 Hey y’all. It was a pretty good week in comics. Especially for art. Even comics I couldn't find anything to write about like Amazing Spider-Man #66 and Justice League #61 looked phenomenal. There was no Featured Review this week, but next week’s should be a fun one. Unless something surprising occurs, the new Mister Miracle series’ debut will feature. Reptile #1 also has an outside shot as ours one I am very excited to read.

That's next week though. Let’s focus on this week’s reviews!

Spoilers for: Way of X #2, Nightwing #80, Wonder Girl #1, Radiant Black #4

Way of X #2

Writers: Si Spurrier

Artists: Bob Quinn

Colors: Java Tartaglia

Letters: VC’s Clayton Cowls

Design: Tom Muller

Cover: Giuseppe Cammuncoli and Marte Gracia

I have no idea what is happening in this series. Not in the bad ‘this doesn’t make sense’ way, but in the ‘this is wild and unpredictable’ way. Early in this issue it seems as though the vast potential of the initial installment is being curtailed and replaced with a rote ‘Legion is out of control again’ plot. Then the metaphors and allegories hit and it becomes clear this series is sticking to it's guns. Those guns are named Onslaught, Legion, and Nemesis.

Do not misunderstand, this is very much Nightcrawler’s story. The scene where he shoots Legion’s brain is incredibly powerful and a statement of intent for both the character and story. In making the choice to break with his faith in such a clear manner, Kurt is demonstrating his commitment to his personal evolution and whatever new faith he—and a small group of others—is developing. This is shaping up to be a X-Men story unlike any prior in an era largely defined by how different it is.

David Haller gets a ton of play here as both the central conflict and pseudo-messiah. It is explicitly stated that he is not meant to fill the latter role, but the framing of the story and art sure do make a different argument. Spurrier’s other pet character, Dr. Nemesis, makes a return and has been setup as the perfect foil for Nightcrawler. Faith vs Science and all that. The promise of the trio (and Pixie?) confronting the return of Onslaught is tantalizing.

While the art in this issue is quality throughout, the aforementioned murder of Legion is the standout. The framing and striking colors make the moment feel as important as the writing suggests. It is truly a stunning sequence panels and the best among any in this week’s reviews.

Nightwing #80

Writer: Tom Taylor

Artist: Bruno Redondo

Colors: Adriano Lucas

Letters: Wes Abbott

Cover: Redondo

This comic is just good. It’s a great mix of effective character beats, intriguing plot, and stunning artwork. Redondo and Lucas are one of, if the best, art teams in comics right now. Every single panel exudes charm and confidence. This comic would still be worth buying if every issue was “silent”.

But it’s not silent and leads to a bunch of fun! Tim Drake shows up to go under cover—and question Dick and Barbara's relationship status. , he’s going by Robin again, I guess? He is wearing the Robin symbol and Dick calls him by that name. With Damian's Robin status somewhat up in the air, he must have decided to retake the title. It's strange the character seems unable to evolve beyond the role.

This is the third consecutive issue to raise the question of Dick and Bab's relationship. In every instance it's felt as if the answer they will reach the conclusion they are a couple, something that has not been true in some time. Beyond that, there is a niggling feeling in this writer’s guy there is going to be a wedding in their future. With issue #100 coming in less than two years, it seems entirely possible.

Whatever happens, this team seems to understand the characters and their bonds with each other enough to be trusted. Enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.

Wonder Girl #1

Writer: Joelle Jones

Artist: Jones

Colors: Jordie Bellaire

Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Jones and Bellaire

If it weren’t for Nightwing #80, this would be easily the best looking comic of the week. Jones and Bellaire have a great feel for each other that makes every panel shine. From the opening near-dialogueless opening pages to the big introductory splash page of our hero, the use of color, framing, and engrossing page layouts are the star of this issue.

It’s a good thing the art is so engrossing because there is no story here. There are a couple fun moments like Yara running to rescue a man from a car before I explodes and flirting with a tour guide/bus driver. Beyond that, there are a few cryptic scenes of various Wonder Woman characters. And then the issue ends. It’s very insubstantial.

Overall, Wonder Girl #1 is a decent issue. Not a must read but certainly one worth your consideration for the art alone.

Radiant Black #4

Writer: Kyle Higgins

Artist: Marcelo Costa

Color Assistant: Rod Fernandes

Letters: Becca Carey

Cover: Eduardo Ferigato and Costa

While the twist is foreshadowed a bit too heavily immediately before it happens, it’s a pretty good twist! ‘Shitty best friend becomes protagonist’ is not an unheard of turn but the execution in this series has been impeccable. Marshall is a type of person that really bothers me, but the prospect of seeing other sides of the character and his growth are exciting.

It helps that this issue drops a ton of lore. There’s a robot looking guy inside the black hole that creates Radiant Black…I think? It might just be a projection inside the mind of the black hole’s host. The issue implies the hole is some sort of parasite that needs a host to fight in an upcoming war. It's all very Jaime Reyes and that's exciting.

The scenes between the hosts and the parasite are especially cool. The way each panel is framed is interesting and eye-catching. The colors in these sequences are particularly striking as the warm background colors clash with the cooler colors of the characters and series overall.