In this penultimate issue, Sterling Gates prepares for a battle of multiversal proportions. Good thing Vibe is on hand to save everyone. Wait…Vibe?
Written by Sterling Gates
Illustrated by Derliss SantacruzVibe is stuck in another dimension, where he must stop an alien invasion of Earth and rescue his brother—who is busy trying to kill Vibe! No problem, right?
First off, and I hate having to do this, but it bears pointing out that the cover of “Vibe” #9 has bears absolutely no resemblance to the story within. That is, other than the fact there is, in fact, a betrayal. It’s one thing for covers to be misleading or deceptive for story sake, but this case is utterly perplexing, especially with the melodramatic trade dress DC has become so fond of. Minor gripe over.
Even with its cancellation looming over head, Sterling Gates has done more with a Vibe ongoing series than anyone could have expected. Gates has established a terrific supporting cast, an engaging conflict, and made Vibe one of the few interesting teenage heroes in the entire DCU. Just as Geoff Johns redefined Booster Gold into a secret guardian of the time stream, Gates has given Vibe a unique and interesting hook for readers to latch on to. Protector of the multiverse, definitely has a nice ring to it.
Really, aside from “Earth 2,” “Vibe” has given us the clearest look at the revamped multiverse of the New 52, and that’s especially the case with issue #9. “Vibe” may not be the biggest title at DC at the moment, and understandably so, but it’s surprising how little attention it gets from the publisher. There’s big stuff brewing in these pages, the sort of stuff that might build to a major “Crisis” in years past.
Unfortunately, the plug has been pulled, and it comes across in the issue’s presentation. Gone are regular series artists Pete Woods and Andres Guinaldo, with artist Derliss Santacruz handling the art. Santacruz does a fair job, with few technical faults, but there’s nothing particular noteworthy on display here either. It’s simply “acceptable.”
From a plot standpoint, “Vibe” #9 is balanced quite well. Gates manages to set Vibe up for next issue’s climatic finish, with a pretty great cliffhanger, while also touching in on the supporting cast back on earth. Agent Gunn is a terrific character, arguably the most interesting to come out of the series. His conflicting interests, protecting Vibe and his family while also remaining loyal to A.R.G.U.S., is just as compelling as Vibe’s multiversal romp. His game of cat and mouse with Amanda Waller comes to a head here, and the implications for Vibe and his family don’t look promising.
With just one issue to go, it seems unlikely that Gates will be able to wrap up the book’s various plot threads with any modicum of satisfaction. It’s a shame that this book was never able to overcome its name, even with the JLA moniker. The New 52 is hurting for strong teenage characters, and Vibe fits the “Spider-Man” mold quite well. “Vibe” #9 is far from the series best, with unremarkable art and some generally goofy characters among Vibe’s new “Justice League,” but it’s still a fun installment of one of the New 52’s most underrated series.
Final Verdict: 6.8 – Browse. It’s late in the game, and the audience is already starting to leave, but if you stick around you might find something to enjoy.
