Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1: Honest to God, I have no idea what’s happening here. I’ve read every issue of this cross-over event, but I still don’t get it. [Sigh.] Let's just get to it.
We start this issue focused on a detective chimp named Bobo. (Seriously, if you think that part is excessively problematic, you might just want to check out here.) His continuing loss of IQ as well as water now boiling at 106 degrees give his (human) scientist colleagues their first hints that something is wrong with...physics. (It seems related to Barbatos’ scream to the Armies of Darkness, but I can’t be sure.) Then, we move onto Cyborg, Flash, and Raven aboard a ship called the Ultima Thule, which music apparently powers. (The authors present everything here -- from the Thule itself to Cyborg, Flash, and Raven being on board it -- as information I should already have. In fact, I couldn't remember the last time I saw Flash in this series; in searching my previous posts, I discovered it was in "Justice League" #33, when Cyborg convinced Flash and Raven to join him on this "Hail Mary" pass of a mission.) They’re looking for the frequency that will lead the Thule to the House of Heroes (whatever that is). We learn the Thule is apparently the Monitor’s ship and it’s searching for him, but Flash can redirect it because of his ability to control frequencies (I think). However, the Batman Who Laughs is on their tail in a ship called the Carrier, which is powered by a baby universe. (Yeah, just go with it at this point. It gets worse.) The Drowned reminds us her goal is to recreate her Universe, which is the only reason she’s helping the Batman Who Laughs. (I wonder if she's going to side with heroes at the end and get her Universe resurrected. This comment seems too specific to be random.)
Cyborg and Flash somehow realize they might be able to get the Multiverse back on track if they un-cage the baby universe in the Carrier. (I don't know why. If you do, hit me up in the comments.) Flash speeds onto the Carrier and frees the universe, and the wave of positive energy results in the Red Death expunging Bruce’s persona and thus freeing Barry from their cohabitation. (Sure.) Barry-the-former-Red-Death agrees to stay on the Carrier until the baby universe is too big to contain, and Barry-our-Flash flees. However, it turns out the Batman Who Laughs wanted the Thule to escape so he could fire warheads equipped with baby dark universes at it, turning the ship into a poison dart aimed at the center of the Universe (presumably the House of Heroes). Meanwhile, analogues from the 53rd Universe contact Bobo, though the Dawnbreaker reminds us the 53rd Universe doesn't exist. It turns out it does; they come from 2067, and they apparently have the answer to save the Multiverse.
Yes, talking chimps from the future are going to save the DCnU. And comic-book fans wonder why people make fun of us.
I'm not really sure where we go from here. We only have one issue left, and it seems impossible for Snyder to accomplish everything he set out intending to do. In theory, he was supposed to show how he had left all these Easter Eggs scattered through his run on "Batman," and they were going to reveal how Barbatos has been planning his assault for a long time. After all, we learned all the random metals mentioned during Snyder's run -- like batmanium, dionesium, promethium, etc. -- were part of Barbatos' plan to turn Bruce into his gateway to our world. However, the metals and Barbatos himself quickly faded into the background after 'Dark Nights: Metal" #2. Barbatos seems little more than a mindless pawn of the Batman Who Laughs, and the metals have been replaced by a random collection of objects -- Hawkman's mace, Plastic Man's egg, etc. Now, it's simply a matter of a series of deux ex machinas inevitably helping our heroes defeat the Batman Who Laughs and his hidden agenda. It's a far cry from where we started.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #42: This issue is a perfect annual story: the main story ties up a loose end from a previous event that would be difficult to do in the main title, the back-up story is charming, and the pin-up feature at the end is funny. Even if you're not a regular reader of "Amazing Spider-Man," it's a great issue if you just want a casual Spider-Man story. (OK, you probably are going to be a little confused by all the clone references, but otherwise it's pretty solid.)
The story involves the now-resurrected Enforcers informing a mysterious figure that Ned Leeds warned Betty Brant about something called "Blood Creek" during the period of time he was resurrected during "The Clone Conspiracy." Peter is angst-ridden as he watches Betty consult a psychic to try to connect with Ned again, as he knows she's not crazy. But, he's playing up his role as a skeptic in part to get her to put Ned's call behind her. Of course, Betty also reasonably points out they live in a world with Norse gods and Dr. Strange, so it's not insane to think she could speak to her husband in the afterlife. (Good point, Betty.)
After some sleuthing on both their parts, Betty and Peter realize Ned's original source works at Empire State University. He informs Betty the supposed Battle of Blood Creek from the Revolutionary War never happened. Dun-dun-DUN! Before he can elaborate further, the Enforcers arrive and take them hostage. (Ain't that always the way?) Spidey helps Betty escape, and they later head to City Hall to talk to Glory, who apparently still works there despite the Kingpin now being in charge. (Would I want a former investigative journalist on staff with access to classified records if I were the Kingpin? No. No, I would not.) They learn the statue in the park outside the building dedicated to Blood Creek was commissioned for millions of more dollars than it should've been. Before they can learn more, they flee when the Kingpin and his security guard arrive, after an alarm alerted the Kingpin someone was looking into the Blood Creek records. Yet another source helps Betty escape into "hidden New York," the vast network of tunnels laid for various unrealized purposes. He informs her the statue is made of pure tritium, a particularly explosive material. But, the Enforcers arrive before he can tell her more. (These guys' timing has really improved over the years.)
Thankfully, the villain -- Ernesto Karnelli, the "long-hidden leader of the shadow arm of the Maggia, the Undermob" -- narrates the tale. The Undermob built the sculpture at a significant loss outside City Hall as the ultimate Doomsday device; if one of its leaders is poised to be convicted of a crime and go to jail, the Undermob could blow up City Hall and the courts. Devious! Karnelli takes the Enforcers with him and flees, planning on detonating the bomb from a distance, but Spidey hears Betty's screams and arrives on the scene to stop them. (In a public-service announcement, Spidey tells us always to scream. Now you know! And knowing is half the battle. G.I. Joe!) Meanwhile, Betty escapes to stop Karnelli's right-hand man from proceeding with the detonation using a control panel in the statue, and she arrives to find a homeless guy trying to stop him as well. Once the dust settles, it turns out the homeless guy was Ned Leeds, who fades into the crowd!
You can tell Slott has been wanting to tell this story for a while, as it not only makes it a little clearer who escaped from "The Clone Conspiracy," but also firmly establishes Ned Leeds as one of the clones who survived. One of the more frustrating parts of "The Clone Conspiracy" was Slott's decision to leave who survived intentional vague, so this issue at least goes some way to addressing that. Plus, it's some time well spent with a supporting cast we haven't seen lately, with some great Spidey zingers to boot!
Avengers #680: This issue is another solid installment, as the Avengers reel from the loss of Johnny Storm. The authors do a great job showing everyone's emotions. In fact, Voyager's speechlessness at the news (and particularly her struggle to convey her sympathy to Rogue) makes me feel like she may be a real character after all and not just some temporary plot device. Voyager teleports Rogue and her team to Antarctica where the ice/water Pyramoid has appeared, and Rogue murders Corvus Glaive in a fit of rage and revenge. Meanwhile, Sam has to address the fact he's not only down Johnny but also Red Hulk, as the General's "hour of power" expires. Thankfully, Voodoo and Wanda use a spell with "difficult to source" ingredients to switch places with the General, bringing Sunspot and the Wasp with them. (The "difficult to source" part is important, because Voodoo warns Sam -- and the reader -- he's not going to be able to do so again, complicating the Avengers' ability to arrive on time to meet the game's threats as they appear.) Sam's team heads to Los Alamos via an awaiting Quinjet where the air Pyramoid has appeared. (Separately, Toni has started to figure out the elemental connections.) Meanwhile, Simon stops by the hospital where Hank and Nadia are caring for Jarvis. Pushing his powers to the limit, Wonder Man confirms Jarvis isn't afflicted with radiation, undermining their "Avengers flu" theory. Also, it seems pretty clear the Challenger's back-up guy is the Hulk. In other words, it's bad out there, folks.
Captain America #698: This arc might've been OK if we hadn't just come from "Secret Empire," but Waid makes Cap way too over the top here when it comes to his fanboyish devotion to freedom. We learn Rampart had Cap frozen so its leader -- now "King" Maximilian Babbington -- could set off a series of nuclear blasts that killed 90 percent of the population (i.e., "The Forty Minute War"). Earth's "do-gooders" all died containing the bulk of the radiation. The remaining 10 percent of America's population is now forced to buy the necessities of survival -- treated water, hazmat suits, etc. -- from the new elite, who live in a castle floating above the ruins of Washington. It's like "Elysium" meets "Hunger Games." Cap awakens in 2025 after Liang, the rebel leader, liberates his statue from the castle, where he's been used as a symbol of America (but "America" now being defined as the elites themselves). They're surprised when it turns out he's the real deal. A troop of "Rapidtroops" arrives to take out the rebels, and Cap is appalled when Liang has to sacrifice one of them because he didn't flee fast enough. He then randomly lectures her about the Bill of Rights. It's obviously tin-eared, given they're climbing through the ruins of Washington as he does so. It's like Cap appearing in "The Road" and complaining the Father just had to have more faith. Moreover, it comes after "Secret Empire" pretty extensively covered similar ground. I thought he was still reeling from how easily everyone followed Captain Fascist. Is his faith in freedom really that strong? Does he really believe in the Bill of Rights, given how quickly it was discarded during "Secret Empire?" After all, Captain Fascist made the point recently he never broke any laws; Congress gave him the power to do everything he did. I thought the whole point of this series right now is to portray a shaken Cap trying to rediscover his faith, not a resolute one seeing freedom everywhere. If I were Waid, I would quickly put aside the optimism we see in this issue and keep Cap focused on the challenge at hand, like in Remender's Dimension Z story.
Detective Comics #974: This issue is emotional, as Tim faces total collapse under the weight of the last few days. He’s frantically trying to recreate the Belfry even though the team has decisively fractured: Batman has expelled Batwoman, Azrael and particularly Batwing seem likely to go with her, and Spoiler leaves to get some time on her own. Bruce tries to help, but Tim breaks into tears, feeling he can’t escape the curse of the dark Future Batman he now feels destined to become. But, Tynion’s at his best when he pushes against comics’ most frequently cited tenet, that superheroes are supposed to be held to a higher standard when it comes to killing. Kate justifies her actions as something any police officer or soldier would do (and be celebrated for doing), but Bruce, Cass, and Tim stress they’re supposed to be better than that. Importantly, though, Kate points out they weren’t. They don’t have a response to Kate’s assertion that they had already let Clayface kill a number of people, and they just sputter when she stresses he could’ve killed an untold number more while they were looking for an answer that allowed them to keep the moral high road. Jake’s offer of a new outfit to Batwoman seems to presage the war between the Batpeople that Future Tim said was coming. Tynion makes that an exciting prospect, given his commitment not to ignore the emotional undertones here.
Falcon #5: First, I love the idea the personality Sam shed to leave Hell was Snap Wilson. Unless Barnes is undoing the Remender ret-con of the Englehart ret-con, the Red Skull created the idea of Snap Wilson to strike at the heart of Sam’s perception of himself as a hero: Snap is the man the Sam we know would never want to be. But, even the possibility he could be someone like Snap has successfully worn down his spirit for years; shedding Snap in Hell is a sign he’s confident in himself in a way he hasn’t been previously. Moreover, it creates a great antagonist, if Mephisto plans on resurrecting Snap as a real person to get revenge on Sam for bringing hope to Hell. (He and Steve could bond over both having evil twins.) Moreover, this arc wraps up nicely. Barnes cements Sam’s relationship with his two protégés, building out the supporting characters who made his run as Captain America so strong. In fact, Sam's ability to speak about his love for the boys seems a sure sign he's shed his baggage, embracing his role as a father figure in a way he hadn't previously (partly, I think, because of his conflicted feelings about becoming a father). I love the three of them joining Daimon Hellstrom and Dr. Voodoo for a nice meal after everything. I was skeptical when Barnes started down the supernatural road, but it’s hard to argue with his results. Sam is the Falcon once again, with his baggage firmly checked. It’s a great starting point for this next phase.
Marvel 2-in-One #3: We learn in this issue that the Fantastic Four gets its powers by being tethered to one another, meaning the prolonged absence of Reed and Sue will soon leave Ben and Johnny powerless. That’s some brilliant shit right there.
Also Read: Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #14; Bloodshot Salvation #6; Darth Vader #11; Ms. Marvel #27; Old Man Hawkeye #2; The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #5; X-Men: Blue #21; Youngblood #9
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