DC Comics 9/28/21 – Justice League #68, Robin #6

Icon and Rocket Season One #3

What’s made this run of Icon and Rocket resonate so much is the timing of black heroes leading the charge to change the world for the better. Icon and Rocket take bold steps to eliminate the drug trade. In a space where alien invasions are commonplace, tackling a real life problem has often felt too unrealistic.

Writers Reginald Hudlin and Leon Chills’ take feels grounded in reality from both the positive and negative side of proactive heroes not sitting around waiting on costumed villains to punch.

There is a super powered villain in the mix and Hudlin and Chills reveal Mr. Lord’s first action was to deal with a potential situation in Kansas. That reaffirms that the events in the Milestone universe are occurring on an entirely different Earth.

The dynamics with Icon and Rocket are different as well as there’s a true sense of mentorship beyond the ability to use powers. Icon is teaching Rocket valuable lessons while preparing her for the threat of Mr. Lord and others.

Doug Braithwhite’s art was very smooth this issue. Braithwhite easily conveys the difference in perspective from Icon and Raquel whether springing into action or how they process information.

Brad Anderson’s sumptuous colors provide a lifelike hue to the action making it grounded and less out of this world — the correct approach for this series.

Icon and Rocket continues to be a very pleasant surprise and is establishing itself as a can’t miss series.

Rating. 9.5 out of 10