DC Comics reviews 4/4/23 – Batman #134, The Flash #796

Icon vs. Hardware #2

This has been a fascinating time traveling story. The kind that more often than not sounds good, but the execution is lacking. Writers Reginald Hudlin and Leon Chills are going the full route in exploring the consequences and repercussions of Hardware screwing with the timeline in hopes of a better outcome for himself, Alva Industries and the world itself.

Only Icon can see the full measure of the danger of this time reconfiguration effort leading to the inevitable showdown between the two heroes. Hudlin and Chills have made the story much more impactful than the norm by allowing Hardware’s actions to play out. It’s almost like Icon gives Hardware a chance to make his future succeed before intervening once it reaches its breaking point.

Artist Denys Cowan being back on Hardware is a pleasant throwback. Cowan’s art might look somewhat crude compared to some of his peers, but his storytelling has few rivals. Yasmin Flores Montañez handles the Rocket subplot with more of a conventional animated style. Christopher Sotomayor’s color have a real vibrancy to them allowing for a nice explosive pop. Andworld Design’s lettering is sharp and clean fully conveying the emotion playing out in the story.

There’s an unexpected cameo this issue, but it makes sense in the grand scheme of the story while opening up plenty of possibilities for the future of the Milestone brand.

Rating: 9 out of 10