Welcome, friends to another installment of “The 3cap,” our weekly recap of DC’s three weekly titles: “Batman Eternal,” “Earth 2: World’s End,” and “New 52: Futures End.” Each week, we will take a look at the each issue released, while recapping the action and asking the burning questions. If you spot something we missed, make sure to leave a note in the comments!
Batman Eternal #41
Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Kyle Higgins
Illustrated by Joe Quinones
Reviewed by Vince Ostrowski
News, notes, and debuts:
– First of all, lets talk about Joe Quinones and what a magnificent weapon he is in DC Comics’ artistic arsenal right now. If you asked me to pick one artist that doesn’t have a regular gig that I would love to see on a DC ongoing, he’d certainly be the pick. He’s on the same visual wavelength as a Babs Tarr or a Darwyn Cooke (the former being the ongoing artist of the hugely praised “Batgirl”, the latter being a master of the craft whose recent DC variant covers tempted comic readers with a vision of a DC Universe that many would prefer to the one we have today). Quinones’ art is probably best described as playful, but oftentimes that notion masks the idea that artists like him can tell a serious and straightforward story, even though that’s exactly what he does in “Batman Eternal” #41. Quinones’ art is the perfect choice for an issue centered on the more youthful members of the Bat Family, but it’s no less short on action or intrigue than the average issue of the weekly has been. And when it comes to Harper Row’s ultimate transformation into the hero she was destined to become – it’s difficult to imagine anyone else ushering that in, now that Quinones has.
– Did I bury the lede? Yes, this is finally the issue where Harper Row dons the costume we’ve seen in scant glimpses of the future and more or less officially becomes “Bluebird.” The writers did a decent job of leading up to it, somehow managing to include a speech from Tim Drake about the gravity of it all without being too brooding or cliche.
– The other major development is that the Mad Hatter has been pinpointed as the source of the technology that caused Jim Gordon to shoot to kill in the opening issues of the series, as well as the techno-nano virus that has been infecting the Gotham City youths (including Cullen Row). Another stand-out reveal from Joe Quinones.
Three Eternal Questions:
1. But the Mad Hatter isn’t really the big bad, is he?
The DC3 finds it hard to believe that the Mad Hatter is going to bring Gotham to its knees, find out Batman’s identity, and strap a shirtless Bruce Wayne to the shattered Bat Signal (which has now been shattered in various media for dramatic effect more times than Steve Rogers’ shield). But really, the origin of the nanovirus is one of the major mysteries we’ve been waiting to solve (a point I brought up last week in this very column), and now we have the answer – even though it turns out that the answer was given to us up front. Early on in “Batman Eternal” someone mentions that the mindcontrol technology is startling similar to the kind that Jervis Tetch uses. Well, I guess that was our answer.
But no way is some pint-sized dude in a 10 gallon top hat going to be the big bad of a years long Batman epic. He’s the very definition of a “pawn” – a convention we’ve seen used time and again, to great effect, with Batman’s extensive rogues gallery. With about a dozen issues left, there’s room for a greater monster ahead.
2. Who hired the Snake Eyes lookin’ guy to protect Steph Brown?
Okay, the answer is pretty obviously: Catwoman. I set up my own spike there.
3. What role will the nano-controlled Bat Family have in Gotham’s overtaking?
If there’s one twist I could see coming is that a nano-controlled Red Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, etcetera, could have a major role in bringing Gotham City down (and Batman with it). After all, we were lead to believe that the villain knows that Bruce Wayne is Batman based on the opening page of issue #1 (“Watch, Bruce…Watch as you lose everything”).
Continued belowMaybe one of Batman’s allies unwillingly spills the beans?
It’s amazing to think about how many times we can go back to that key issue of “Batman” for information about the events of “Batman Eternal.” Here’s what we know, based on Scott Snyder’s “Batman” #28: Catwoman will end up with Stephanie Brown in her captivity, and she’s the key to saving Gotham. Batman and Bluebird are teamed up to get to her in Catwoman’s hideout. But the rest of the Bat Family is nowhere to be found. Are they still under control? Are they participating in the downfall of Gotham? Will they eventually help the villains bring Batman to his knees? The writers are promising a shake-up in the Bat books for 2015 – could it be the reverse of ‘Death of the Family’? Could the rest of the family be responsible for their alienation from Batman? Could Batman go M.I.A. in time for, oh I don’t know, a ‘New 52’ version of Azrael to take his place or something?
Earth 2: World’s End #15
Written by Daniel H. Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, and Mike Johnson
Illustrated by Scott McDaniel, Eddy Barrows, Eduardo Pansica, Jorge Jiminez, Robson Rocha, R.B. Silva and Tyler Kirkham
Reviewed by Brian Salvatore
News, Notes, and Debuts:
Let me start off by noting that the Andrea Sorrentino covers have been an absolutely great addition to the book – they set a tone for the series that really doubles down on the stakes that the book has set forth. That said, it also sets entirely unrealistic expectation for the quality of the art inside the book.
This issue however, with the addition of R.B. Silva, is probably one of the best looking of the entire series thus far. Silva is one of the finest draftsmen in comics right now, and his technique adds a nice dimension to a book that, at times, can look a little sloppy.
Most of the issue simply moves the various plot points forward – Dick finds himself on the trail of his son, Hawkgirl and the Flash find the former Fury, the avatars, again, fail to do anything of note, we see Darkseid repeat his mission (destroy Earth) for the hundredth time. However, there are two interesting developments that happen in the issue:
The first is that the Mother Box that was connected with Jimmy Olsen has been returned to Mr. Miracle, but it appears that, at least some of, its powers remain within him. I said this earlier, and I’ll say it again – bringing in Olsen to this already quite Kirby-ish book was a very wise decision, if only to make longtime readers happy.
The other is Superman sacrificing himself to save his friends/the world. So many times in the New 52, Superman has chosen to not act like Superman, so it is nice to at least have his Earth 2 counterpart act selflessly. By sacrificing himself, he frees the avatar of the red, which hopefully will turn the tide of the war.
Three Worldly Questions:
1. Can Lois’s story not end horribly?
The dialogue between Clark and Lois at Clark’s death is absolutely heartbreaking. The two reminisce about the tranquility that comes from death, and yet, Lois is trapped in a deathless existence (or so we are led to believe). This is an interesting inversion on the classic Superman trope, where he fails to age at the same rate that Lois does. Instead, Lois is faced with an eternity without Clark – a truly terrifying idea – albeit one that is sort of undercut by “Futures End,” but that’s another story.
2. What, exactly, is the plan re: the Furies?
So, Jay and Kendra find the former Famine, and she says that there is a way to stop the Furies, but the cost might be too much to bear.
Jay has been the heart of the book since the start, and the one least likely to make decisions that would hurt others – will this be pushing him towards making a tough decision, or will he continue to be the moral compass of the series?
Continued below3. Did Barda just pull a Smithers?
Famously, there was a coloring mistake on an early episode of The Simpsons where Mr. Burns’s assistant, Smithers, was incorrectly colored as an African American character. Well, I think someone did the same for Barda in this issue. Compare an image from issue #11:
And issue #15:
Whoopsie. Allan Passalaqua!
The New 52: Futures End #37
Written by Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, and Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Aaron Lopresti
Reviewed by Zach Wilkerson
News, notes, and debuts:
This issue picks up, once again, with Constantine and the Justice League Dark in the House of Mystery. In a bit of a jarring non-sequential story-telling, the astral projection of Constantine is still sticking around, offering his two cents on Frank’s current dire straits. We also get a bit of insight into the fate of Gemworld, as well the injury that gave Amethyst that gruesome scar. This section, unfortunately, is marred by some pretty heavy-handed exposition disguised as conversion.
Back on the Justice League satellite, Ronnie and Madison attempt to recreate Dr. Yamakaze’s teleportation tech in order to separate themselves. Meanwhile, Dr. Polaris attacks Metropolis in an attempt to draw out Firestorm but gets Shazam and Stormguard instead. I have to say, the broken record that is Dr. Yamakaze is starting to get pretty grating at this point. His complaint against the league, the withholding of potentially life saving tech, is valid. However, the character’s approach and general whininess makes him feel like more of a joke than a formidable foe.
In a very well crafted scene, that giant DNA bank from last issue comes crashing down literally and figuratively. Susan starts asking the hard questions, leading Mercy to accelerate Faraday’s timetables. I never would have expected it, but this segment of “Futures End” is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
In an update on Brother Eye related business, Mr. Terrific continues to prepare the launch of the uSpheres while being a total tool. Finally, Terry and Plastique bask in the afterglow, Tim comes home, BatJokerborg attacks, Bruce says “no…”
Three Future Questions:
1. What about Gemworld?
So, we now know that Gemworld isn’t exactly destroyed, just under constant siege by parademons. This leaves the potential for either a return to Gemworld or an invasion of magic wielding Apokoliptians. With only 11 issues left of “Futures End” remaining and the big battle with Brainiac still on the horizon, it’s unlikely we’ll see this anytime soon. However, if (once again, a big if) DC decides to pick up from the 5 years later timeline, it would be awesome to explore these threads later on. In Geoff Johns’ “Darkseid War” perhaps?
2. Where on earth is Fifty Sue?
Let’s face it, Sue probably isn’t dead. However, what isn’t so clear is how this assassination attempt will affect her. With her burgeoning relationship with Lana still rather fresh, will this perceived breach of trust turn Sue back to her harsh, murderous ways? One thing is certain, things just got a lot worse for Faraday and Rock.
3. A return to Lemire’s “Superboy?”
Last issue revealed Smallville’s secret dark side, and a I discussed those implications at length. However, I failed to make a connection that instantly stood out to me and was reinforced with this issue; the thematic similarities with Jeff Lemire’s “Superboy” run. For those who haven’t read it (and you most definitely should), the run deals with a secret supernatural history of Smallville. The idea is one that I adored. It’s a big stretch, but I would love to think that Lemire is getting a chance to carry on threads from that criminally short but delightful run. If only we had a real Connor Kent to go along with it.
