DC Comics reviews 3/25/26 – JLU 17, Absolute Wonder Woman 18
JLU 17 starts the Aftermath arc as the team considers its next move with Superman’s absence. Absolute Wonder Woman 18 finds Diana needing more assistance from fellow magic user Zatanna. Check out these reviews and more.
Absolute Wonder Woman 18
Season of the Witch’s third chapter finds Zatanna returning, but as a foe or an ally. Last issue, Wonder Woman removed the parasite Cale used to control Zatanna. Now she’s back to offer some insight on the powerful magician that set her veins on fire though for personal reasons, she can’t help Wonder Woman in the fight.
Writer Kelly Thompson continues to do a fantastic job of making arcs feel like epics worthy of Wonder Woman. Season of the Witch has been an incredible read with some fun twists and developments without sacrificing story for spectacle. Zatanna has proven to a very fun character in the title already. As a fellow witch, she can relate to Diana in a different manner than her other allies.
Artist Hayden Sherman lays out spectacular pages that make this issue look like a fantastic blockbuster with a limitless budget. Between the character expressions and sweeping, sprawling action, Sherman has established a staggering visual for the series that keeps getting better with each issue. Colorist Jordie Bellaire’s masterful color combinations particularly in the lightning and fire effects is top tier. Letterer Becca Carey utilizes various fonts and text layouts to make the spellcasting stand out.
The Season of the Witch has been an intense arc and with this midpoint chapter, the directions it can go are encouraging as well as unpredictable ensuring this title remains one of comic’s best reads.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Detective Comics 1107
Writer Tom Taylor, artist/colorist Pete Woods and letterer Wes Abbott introduce the new Gotham City trinity now that Green Arrow’s set up shop in Batman’s town. Batman is trying to gain insight on what caused the mysterious deaths of two people with a third being potentially targeted. Provided GA doesn’t get in his way.
If there’s any comfort in Green Arrow’s stellar solo run coming to a close it’s that he’s in the capable hands of a strong writer like Taylor. He immediately nails the tone of Oliver Queen and Bruce Wayne operating in the same city. Add in Black Canary and Taylor has a fun dynamic that should appeal to GA/BC fans. Naturally, Taylor makes sure to remind readers of the extensive families both heroes have possibly opening the door for additional team-ups. Woods’ art doesn’t disappoint and his clean style lends itself well to the three heroes.
With a new mystery to solve, Batman, Green Arrow and Black Canary have the makings of a Terrific Trio that should lead to a captivating arc.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Green Lantern 33
For the legacy issue #600, writer Jeremy Adams writes three stories celebrating Kyle Rayner’s rise to the lead role in the series. Flash fans who remember when Adams seamlessly replaced Barry Allen for his successor Wally West already know there’s no need for worry. Newer readers should finish this issue feeling content that the quality of the book won’t vanish with Hal backing out of the spotlight.
Kyle is heading to Los Angeles to return to his roots while tracking down seven threats to the Lantern Corps with his new ally, Odyssey coming along for the adventure. Similar to how he showed his respect for legacy friendships, Adams quickly reunites Kyle with his JLA BFF Wally West. Odyssey has been a welcome addition to the GL ensemble though it’s disappointing Superboy couldn’t join the fun since he’s getting the solo showcase during Superman’s absence.
With the first threat, Adams essentially writes a story on the evils of AI and the corporate phasing out of true innovation and creativity. Yes, it’s heavy-handed, but it’s hard to find that comic book readers would argue with the sentiment. Adams’ regular GL artist, Xermanico, provides the art in this chapter while V Ken Marion tackles the art for the retelling of Kyle’s origin. Dan Jurgens and inker Norm Rapmund joins Adams to draw the origin of Hal Jordan, which also shows Hal teaming with Zayna while he explores the secrets of The Book of Oa. Adams making the Wonder Twins engaging characters in Aquaman and Green Lantern has proven to be a fun, unexpected development.
Adams tags out to give the original Kyle Rayner creative team of writer Ron Marz and artist Daryl Banks the opportunity to tell a new story. It’s a classy move that hopefully will lead readers back to their run. Colorists Romulo Fajardo Jr., Veronica Gandini, Adriano Lucas and Chris Sotomayor and letterer Dave Sharpe ensure the read is enjoyable throughout.
Kyle is in great hands with Adams and this extended preview of what’s in store for the characters should be encouraging for new and longtime Rayner fans.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
JLU 17
DC Comics storylines are starting to feel somewhat repetitive. A big cataclysmic event plays out leaving one of the DC Trinity away from their fellow heroes for a while forcing the remaining heroes to fill the void in their absence. This battle also makes some villains reconsider their position and, in some cases, seek to make amends.
JLU 17 picks up the familiar thread from Forever Evil (get the trade paperback on Amazon) and Dark Knights Death Metal with villains like Girder and Tar Pit actually saving people. Writer Mark Waid does a decent job with the concept, but how many times will the Justice League reluctantly allow Lex Luthor in their ranks? Some villains are just better served as villains instead of constant character rehabilitation projects.
In the wake of the events from DC KO, JLU 17 finds the tournament participants returning to Earth. Waid introduces a pretty intriguing concept with some of the combatants having to fulfill certain goals to ensure the future where the League is equipped to take on Darkseid and his Absolute Crisis schemes. Those clauses and conditions seem ripe with possibilities. More than trying to force Harley Quinn, Lobo and Starro onto the League again.
Waid is joined by Clayton Henry, whose art style makes him an ideal fit for the departing Dan Mora. Henry isn’t the permanent new artist, which is disappointing, but his work in JLU 17 shows why he should be the main choice. Henry channels Kevin Maguire, Evan Sciver and Mora with his streamlined classic style. Tamra Bonvillain’s rich colors are a strong complement to Henry’s art and Ariana Maher’s lettering is crisp and clean as ever.
Beyond the far too familiar been there and done that premise of villains joining up with the Justice League, Waid and the creative team do find some interesting new avenues to explore to ensure that JLU remains a title worth following.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Photo Credit: DC Comics
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