As anticipation for “Forever Evil #2” grows, more Villain’s Month entries whet the appetite. But certain trends are growing with each issue. Here’s a look at the latest offerings.
DEATHSTROKE #1 (Teen Titans #23.2) : It honestly saddened me when I suddenly remembered that Slade Wilson USED to have his own monthly series in The New 52. I hadn’t noticed it’d been cancelled until I saw they gave him this one-shot. For reasons unknown, writers Corey May and Oooma Wendschuh use this opportunity to rewrite Deathstroke’s origin in the New 52 continuity. The changes they make quite frankly lessen the character in that they take away his whole connection to the Teen Titans and make the fate of Slade’s son Grant almost trivial. Meanwhile, this issue’s subplot (an assassination) is somewhat confusing in that it’s unclear who the target is, why Deathstroke was hired, etc. This issue does nothing to advance the “Forever Evil” storyline either.
PENGUIN #1 (Batman #23.3) : I’ve noted previously that the best issues I’ve read in Villain’s month are the ones that elicit sympathy for the main characters (Poison Ivy, Deadshot, and Killer Frost leading the pack in that regard). Let’s face it, Oswald Cobblepot is NOT someone one can easily sympathize with. Instead, writer Frank Tieri shows us why the Penguin is a capable villain who deserves consideration as an opponent for Batman. While not advancing the “Forever Evil” story or tracing into Penguin’s origins, this story does show readers that Cobblepot is a more adept fighter than one would think, but also a master manipulator with cunning plans and a vicious streak that stretches a formidable distance. Christian Duce’s artwork complements the story nicely.
CLAYFACE #1 (Batman The Dark Knight #23.3) : Cliff Richards does a great job on the artwork for this issue, with really nice color from Matt Yackey. It’s John Layman’s story that makes this one recommendable, though. It not only advances the main storyline, but does so with a lot of good humor and a really nice comical twist. You may not sympathize with Basil Karlo or understand his origins better, but it’s still a great read.
RA’S AL GHUL #1 (Batman & Robin #23.3) : It’s a semi-thankless task trying to cover the history of Ra’s, given his longevity, but writer James Tynion IV does an admirable job hitting the highlights of Ra’s career. Along the way, there’s a fun subplot which advances the main storyline. Jeremy Haun provides some decent artwork, with very good coloring by John Rausch. Amusingly, Ra’s is the second of several Batman villains who, upon hearing that the Justice League is “dead”, shrugs off the news by saying “Nahhhhh, HE’LL be back soon.” I guess even in The New 52 continuity, death and returning from the dead is just par for the course.
SHADOW THIEF #1 (Justice League of America #7.3) : It’s a pleasure to see longtime comic persona Tom DeFalco still active in comics and his work on this issue as writer is exemplary. Once again we have a main character that the reader can sympathize with, and a compelling origin story that keeps the reader entranced. Add in the really good art by Chad Hardin and excellent coloring by Chris Sotomayor and you’ve got a great issue that’s easy to recommend.
One more week of Villain’s Month to go.
