DC Comics 2017
Written by Steve Orlando
Penciled by Felipe Watanabe
Inked by Scott Hanna
Coloured by Hi-Fi
Lettered by Clayton Cowles
So last issue the Extremists showed up on Earth pretty much right after Batman had put this team together. So pretty untested and green it becomes clear that they are no match for the Extremists. So it would appear that the Extremists have come directly from failing to protect their last world and have come to this Earth to do things all over again only the right way, through subjugation I’m guessing.
Okay after reading this issue and seeing the way that Steve has brought this to us I began to wonder if this were the right way to go about things. Yeah I know armchair quarterback and all that jazz but still I thought hmm was their appearing out of the blue like that in the midst of a mission the right way to introduce them or would letting what this issue revealed they’ve done be the way to start things? I mean they could’ve had the opportunity to really establish themselves on this Earth before encountering any of it’s superhero population. Now Bats and his team have the knowledge but are left with wondering what to do with it. So yes it was the right way.
If I am left wondering about the story what would have worked best and how the characters should be reacting to the events that unfold then yeah Steve played this out beautifully because i’m already invested. I was pleasantly surprised and mystified by some of the actions that have taken place here. I’m completely fascinated in seeing the prospect of what is and what impact that will have moving forward. I think while there may be shades of Queen Bee and Black Adam going on here it’s a just different enough to set it apart but still make you quiver.
Love the interior artwork here and it’s amazing attention to detail that we see. I mean that Felipe has taken this amount of time to detail these characters really makes them pop and come to life for me. Okay so backgrounds aren’t used as well but hey that’s a learning curve thing and for now i’m okay with since he attempts to do some. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are utilised well so i’m thrilled with his eye for storytelling.
While i’m still questioning the use of Lobo for now i’m actually alright with his presence. I mean Bats obviously has something on him or some understanding we aren’t privy to which keeps him here and under control otherwise the group dynamic is interesting. While they aren’t friends, yet, they are teammates and that has it’s own learning curve as they become accustomed to being around each other. Loved Canary’s line about knowing what a functioning team looks like and it’s true however when this one gels and it will it’s going to be one that will seem as natural as can be.
The best team books take extremely different eclectic and varied characters who on their own aren’t as interesting as they are within the group setting. This showcases that along with it doesn’t require the most powerful beings to make the strongest of teams.