DC Comics 10/19-21 – Batman #115, Nightwing #85

Black Manta #2

So far, Black Manta hasn’t been all that thrilling. That’s the trick with books based on villains. They need to keep their edge and stay villainous or the book runs the risk of making a quality bad guy into a poorly defined anti-hero. James Tynion’s The Joker has been a tremendous example of how to make a villain book work.

Chuck Brown is writing Black Manta more from a perspective of adding some depth and perspective to make him more likable. Enduring villains survive through the decades because of an inherent coolness factor that makes them fitting to be the antithesis of the hero. They don’t need justification for their actions and Brown has created a reason for Black Manta to act the way he is in this story.

Manta nabbed a stone that’s killing him and with Gallous’ help, he’s got to track down the larger version in order to survive. Gallous is an odd partner/sidekick as she’s snappy and not remotely fearful of Black Manta.

It’s a case where building up Gallous is making a fearsome character like Black Manta look weaker to some degree. Not every character needs an Oracle or Felicity Smoak and thus far, Black Manta definitely doesn’t need the help.

Artist Valentine de Landro provides a smooth art style. It’s not overly detailed and in some cases is too minimalist, but the presentation is solid. Marissa Louise brings in bold sweeping colors that engulf the page.

Black Manta is showing potential, but a few choppy scenes are holding it back from reach high tide.

Rating: 7 out of 10