Written by Mike W. Barr, Jai Nitz
Illustrated by Phillipe Briones, Scot Eaton
Published by DC Comics
There is a great story in this comic and there’s a story that is not so great in it. Luckily, the good story is the first one in the book, so let’s focus on that a bit more. It’s just such a vast drop in quality between stories that’s it’s extremely noticeable.
So, the good story. Katana is going up against Kobra. The issue starts innocently enough and Katana is meeting up with Maseo. She sees him and kisses him. A few things happen.
Then, he helps her and becomes her spiritual guide in a sense. Together, they go to a place they is deeply scary: The Realm of Madness.
Mike W. Barr writes a wonderful tale. He’s got a great take on Katana and her world and he’s just a great writer in general. The relationship between Maseo and Katana is well developed as is her relationship with Gabrielle. I’m enjoying it very much.
Briones works very well with Barr’s script and it’s a very well illustrated story. There’s a great twist at the end that will surprise any reader. They should just extend this issue and make her story the entire issue. It’s very good.
The second fight scene is a prime example of how to write action in comics and keep the characters developing. But we are in the hands of a master so it makes sense that it’s that excellent.
The second story features the Suicide Squad Black going on a mission. It’s boring and the art is incredibly uninspiring. Scot Eaton gives us some of his dullest art ever and the story by Nitz is just flat. Luckily the first story shines brightly and makes the second seem like you don’t have to pay much attention.
RATING: B
