Rapid Reviews - 16 March 2005 - Part II

Birds of Prey #80: "The Cold Light of Day": The problems with Thorn are sort of wrapped up in this issue, but the resolution isn't exactly satisfying. And various other plot threads are being pulled on in this issue as well, to the point that I almost can't follow it. This is one of the more continuity intensive books out there that I read.

JLA #112: "Divided": Well, hey, it looks like we get the name of the Syndicate's universe's Aquaman. It's Barracuda. Aquaman gets to lead the distraction League while two other teams wander off to fight other fires. I'm not going to give the ending away, but I was a little disappointed by the results. Still, it's nicely confusing and total obsessive fan enjoyment. JLA fans have to read this one.

Teen Titans #22: "War and Peace": I'm sorry. Despite Identity Crisis, I just cannot think of Dr Light as a real threat. Despite everything in this issue, he just doesn't seem like he's a baddie enough to handle a couple of Titans, much less the whole gang. Nice splash at the end, though. And finally, a Tempest appearance!

Wonder Woman #214: "Truth or Dare": Got this issue to find out what happens to Flash. Not much, apparently. He takes a beating and heals right up. I'm not sure whether to shrug or be disappointed. I guess I'll take the high road and just move on.

Batman Strikes! #7: "Icestorm": I like this design of Mr Freeze, although I like the last animated Batman version because he was such a sympathetic character. This issue doesn't give us any of his motivation or goals, just a nice fight with Batman. It's a well-drawn fight, but that's all it is. So, except for the redesign of Freeze, not much to impress anyone here. I'm not even sure how Batman won.

Incredible Hulk #79: "Tempest Fugit Part 3 of 5": So I was impressed with this issue... in one of the flashback scenes, there is a letter upon which you can see the stamp. The stamp is The Spirit. Ok, that's not the only impressive thing about this issue, but that's the bit that really jumped out and grabbed me because it was so cool. I'm enjoying this arc, and I'm really curious as to what is actually going on. Only a couple more issues until we find out.