DC Comics reviews 1/18/22 – Nightwing #88, Catwoman #39

Icon and Rocket Season One #5

Writers Reginald Hudlin and Leon Chills maintain the momentum of this first season by having the heroes confront some hard questions. For Icon, it’s if his efforts are putting his younger partner, Rocket, in harm’s way in a manner he can’t keep her safe. And if so, would it be better for his ally Xiomara to mentor Rocket as part of The Love Corps.

Rocket is worried her efforts to solve the drug crisis isn’t proving effective and is causing more harm than good. As the cover teases, there’s some interaction with Rocket and another Dakota hero, Static, in the classroom. This sets up a weird exchange that has Rocket ditch school with a new student she just met.

Another weak spot remains artist Doug Braithwaite’s struggles in consistently making Rocket and other teen characters look youthful. Braithwaite has a rougher style that tends to make his characters look more hard-edged and world-weary. That’s great for Icon, but not so useful for Rocket.

Besides a few predictable plot choices, this was another solid issue of Icon and Rocket that’s proving this modern take on the Milestone pillars is just as engaging as the original.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10