Normally, this week, there are significantly more comics. However, due to the fact there is a fifth week this month, the comics I normally purchase are more spread out throughout the month. So once again, this week’s edition of Electronic Ink is short. (You can almost hear my editor, Jenn, rejoicing through the screen, can’t you?)
The Flash #5
First up is the newest edition of Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul‘s run on “The Flash.” This issue continues the story of Barry Allen‘s first case back since returning from the dead. The issue opens with the Flash speaking with the 25th Century version of classic Flash villain, The Top. In this case, the Top is a member of a future police force named the Renegades. They are basically an alternate version of the team of Flash villains, the Rogues. The Renegades have been sent back in time to arrest the Flash for the murder of their version of the Mirror Master, the Mirror Monarch. The catch is the crime hasn’t happened yet. As is revealed in this issue, the Renegades think that by pre-emptively arresting the Flash, they can prevent the murder.
Meanwhile, the Rogues have discovered that the original Mirror Master had created an item that could be used if the Flash ever returned. They are attempting to break the glass case surrounding the item but are being prevented by the remaining members of the renegades. The Top tells the Flash that the glass case is trapping beings called the Mirror Lords. One of the Mirror Lords will take control of the Flash’s fiancée, Iris, and cause her to become his greatest nemesis. The Flash and the Future Top arrive during the battle and try to calm the situation. Unfortunately, at that moment, Captain Boomerang‘s power goes crazy and he starts shooting boomerangs everywhere, breaking the glass in the process. The issue ends with the revelation that the Top has not been completely honest and the Flash being hauled to the future to meet the Judge.
Overall, the issue was enjoyable, although it seemed to be a deceptively quick read. As I was reading it, the issue seemed to fly by. However, after going by through it again for this post, there was a lot that happened. I am wondering if it was just information overload. I am torn on the art style as well. (You can check it out on the cover.) I think the looseness of the lines fits the fast nature of the book. But as a personal preference, I prefer a lot of detail in my comic art. So while I would never say the art is bad, it’s just not my cup of tea. Overall, I would rate the comic 3.5 out of 5. It was enjoyable but not something that I will want to read again.
Justice League: Generation Lost #10
Next is an issue of Judd Winnick’s “Justice League: Generation Lost.” In this issue, we learn that what was hinted at in the last issue is exactly where the series is going: the Kingdom Come future which involves Magog commanding a version of the Justice League that causes the destruction of Kansas via Captain Atom exploding. Max Lord has a vision of that future thanks to the White Lantern that resurrected him. Although the mission that will keep him alive consists of him preventing that future, Max appears to be helping it come about by equipping Magog with a more powerful weapon.
Meanwhile, the team that is hunting Max (Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Fire, Ice, Rocket Red, and Skeets) are re-grouping after Max’s attempted invasion of their base last issue. We learn that when Max returned, he activated several Checkmate cells throughout the world. The team decides go and hunt these down. Before they leave, Ice and Fire have a heart-to-heart, where Ice renews her commitment to the team and to her friendship with Fire. We also learn why other heroes still haven’t caught on that Max has returned from the dead. Batman is shown noticing that something is up, but as he attempts to investigate, with Alfred and Power Girl backing him up, they all forget what they are doing midway through. The issue ends with the revelation of what else Max has been up to.
I, once again, really enjoyed this issue. The artist for this issue is Joe Bennett. His art style is good but not as enjoyable as Aaron Lopresti’s. I especially liked Bennett’s work on the conference room scene. Winnick’s script is great too, although his Batman was so nondescript it was hard to tell if it was Dick Grayson or Bruce Wayne. I enjoyed Fire and Ice’s reunion scene, but with recent announcements about the future of the comic, the scene takes on new meaning. It was recently announced that Ice would be undergoing a revamp and that a member of the team will die. This scene heavily foreshadows that person will be Fire. I’m a little tired of every comic storyline being spiced up with death, so I have to say it causes a cloud to hang over this issue. But judging it on its own merits, I would give it four out of five.
Justice League of America #49
The final issue I picked up this week was “Justice League of America”. This story is an interlude story, as writer James Robinson is in between story arcs. After a brief prologue showing some bonding between Dick Grayson and Supergirl, the story has a few brief scenes showing what the rest of the league is up to before switching to the main storyline of featuring Donna Troy and Jade. Robinson introduces new villain, The Bogeyman, who has the ability to force a victim to relieve their most traumatic moment so he leech power from it. He has a special spot for young girls (ew!). Predictably, they join forces and fight him off. The issue ends with an epilogue showcasing Dick Grayson Batman and Supergirl again.
I did not care for this issue. It could be the fact that I am having girls but I thought the villain was rather gross. It really took me out of the story. Honestly, I would have rather read about Batman and Supergirl’s adventures fighting the Murder Maestro. That sounded fun. This…this was boring. The only saving grace was the art by Pow Rodrix and Robson Rocha. They did a good job making each character look distinct. In the end I give this issue a 2 and that’s only because of the art.
Thus ends Electronic Ink Mini-Edition 3. Let’s hope this trend continues. Or I’ll have a very angry Juni.
