Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death #6
Writer: Amy Chu
Artists: Al Barrionuevo & Cliff Richards
This week, Amy Chu’s mini-series centered on one of Gotham’s deadliest femme fatales draws to a close and does so in satisfying fashion. It’s just too bad Clay Mann didn’t stick around to do interiors, but Al Barrionuevo and Cliff Richards both did outstanding jobs. Another positive was the inclusion of Swamp Thing, who added a certain weight to the story and always feels like a natural fit when paired with Poison Ivy.
Honestly, I felt this was the best issue since the first. Not only has Ivy been given a nemesis in the form of Grim, but she also has a semblance of a supporting cast and their possible return is left open-ended. That actually helps this function as a standalone mini-series, which is all it will likely ever be (sales aren’t yielding an ongoing).
Quite frankly, Ivy’s supporting cast, as befitting of her as they may be, isn’t nearly as good as Harley Quinn’s. Should Ivy ever get an ongoing title, a complete retooling may be best. In fact, it’s probably a certainty because it will likely be so far down the line that a new writer will want to create their own status quo.
Swamp Thing #6
Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Kelley Jones
I’ve been raving about this title month after month, so it comes as no surprise that its conclusion delivered on all fronts. Swamp Thing #6 includes an ingenious twist that cements it as one of the character’s definitive tales. After all, you can’t tell a definitive story without a hero’s archnemesis (hint, hint).
This issue was nothing short of a triumph and a fitting finale to what has probably been the best mini-series so far this year. Kelley Jones helps keep the darkest of the DC Universe at their darkest (expect major payoff involving the mystical characters who have appeared thus far) and, if Len Wein wanted this to act as his final Swamp Thing story, he couldn’t go out on a higher note.
New Suicide Squad #21
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Gus Vazquez
The penultimate issue of Task Force X’s New 52 exploits sees them wrap things up with the Fist of Cain, a group of radical zealots. Expect to see stunning artwork and layouts as several characters who will appear in the upcoming feature film – Harley Quinn, Deadshot, El Diablo, and Captain Boomerang – all have their proper spots.
All in all, New Suicide Squad #21 is a thoroughly entertaining and action packed read featuring the Worst Heroes Ever with a dose of the esoteric that you would expect from a Batwoman comic.
Injustice Gods Among Us: Year Five #12
Writer: Brian Buccellato
Artist: Marco Santucci
This is one of those installments for those who love Injustice stories centered on the Batman Family, which you may have been able to surmise from the cover art.
I’ll say this: a major supporting character dies, leading to a very emotional and visceral final few pages. Morals are called into question, setting up what will no doubt be a powerful issue #13.
Scooby Apocalypse #2
Writers: Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Howard Porter
With all of the formalities out of the way, we can now get a real glimpse of what to expect from this series as the apocalypse is in full swing. It’s kind of like they dropped Scooby-Doo characters into a Resident Evil game, yet it still hits familiar beats from the classic cartoon series.
I don’t care what anyone says. I really like this book.
