Comic Book Reviews (Week September 8, 2021): Batman/Catwoman Issue 7, Lost Falls Issue 2 & More!

Welcome to my comic book review round-up for the week of September 8, 2021. I will be talking about Batman/Catwoman issue 7, Lost Falls issue 2, Eve issue 5, and more!

Let’s open with Batman/Catwoman issue 7 by writer Tom King. The latest instalment continued King’s very polarizing story focusing on Selina Kyle and her relationship with Bruce and the Joker. At this point, I’m not surprised that a number of people I know have decided to stop reading this comic book series. A handful of them are waiting for the entire story to conclude to see if they will give it another chance.

In a sense, I can understand why certain fans feel King has no grasp over who Selina is supposed to be as a character. Not only that, the scene where Bruce, for some reason, decided to fight a team of police officers made no sense to me. Considering he was Bruce Wayne during that moment, why not pretend he got kidnapped by someone and that’s why he’s locked up inside the safe? Sigh!

Also, I do think the hoopla around Selina killing the Joker has been blown way out of proportion. She killed the freaking Joker. Gotham should be thankful.

Batman/Catwoman issue 7 also brought in artist Liam Sharp to replace Clay Mann. Opinions about Sharp’s art style will vary. I was more or less okay with the artistic work.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Meh!

Harley Quinn: The Animated Series: The Eat, Bang! Kill Tour issue 2

If you aren’t reading Harley Quinn: The Eat, Bang! Kill Tour by writer Tee Franklin, what are you doing? It is one of the most comedically enjoyable comic book series I have read in a while, and I want more! The second issue had Harley and Ivy, while still being pursued by a crazed Gordon, arriving at Selina’s to ask if she would be okay with taking care of Harley’s pet hyenas while she and Ivy are on their honeymoon.

I loved the interactions between the three characters as Harley tried to convince Selina to do her such a favor. Another interesting character moment focused on how Ivy looked at her relationship with Harley. Of course, Ivy would think about her future with Harley and if they had what it took to stay together forever. Not only that, but Harley’s very over the top personality also created some friction for Ivy.

Having said that, the two clearly love each other. So, I’m looking forward to seeing the two continue to work out their differences. Also, the jab at the recent controversy involving whether or not Batman went down on Catwoman took me out!

Max Sarin’s art is another highlight. The character expressions are incredible and there’s just a lot happening in every panel. I love it.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP! You can read it right now if you have a DC Infinite Universe subscription or you can pre-order it from comiXology.   

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Webtoon – Episodes 1, 2, 3

DC Comics has launched its first Batman webtoon. Batman: Wayne Family Adventures currently has three episodes for you to read for free. Episode 1, ‘Moving In’, is about Duke Thomas coming to stay at the Wayne Manor and Damian having a bit of fun with him. Episode 2, ‘The Last Cookie’ has a handful of Bruce’s BatKids fighting over the last cookie. And Episode 3, ‘Eyes and Ears’ focuses on Barbara’s role as the Oracle.

All three episodes, by writer CRC Payne and art by StarBite, are fun little reads featuring an interesting take on the BatFamily dynamics. If you’re into BatFamily stories that focus on their daily lives, I think you will enjoy this Webtoon.

Another thing I liked seeing was Damian’s skin tone because a lot of times it feels as if certain artists forgot Damian’s supposed to be PoC in the main Batman line.

The DC Comics/Webtoon partnership was announced last month. Along with this series, more Webtoon offerings featuring other characters in standalone stories will be released soon. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: READ IT! (For free!)

Mighty Morphin Issue 11

Writer Ryan Parrott had me worried about Zordon’s loyalty during most of Mighty Morphin issue 11. But, thankfully, Zordon’s true intentions were revealed by the end. We got a lot of information about how Lord Zedd was created and the role one of Zordon’s closest friends played in it. With a number of revelations being shared, I’m looking forward to seeing if Lord Zedd will offer the Power Rangers some type of conditional alliance to face the upcoming war. Also, what is Billy working on? I would like to know.

We got introduced to a bunch of new characters. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of them decided to switch sides down the line. Also, it is just me or does Zag saying Adam’s cute mean we are finally getting some queer representation in the Power Rangers franchise? Let’s see what happens.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Eve Issue 5

From writer Victor LaValle, Eve issue 5 brought this thought-provoking environment-centric story to a satisfying close. Of course, Eve was going to save Earth and humanity. I never lost hope in her. However, the way Wexler’s arc was handled made me roll my eyes a bit. In my opinion, the A.I-powered teddy bear faced no consequences for his actions.

I enjoyed Eve getting to interact with a version of her parents. The way she wanted to learn more about them but also didn’t want to waste any more time when it came to healing the planet made me smile.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Mamo Issue 3

Okay. I would like to see Mamo be adapted into a beautiful little indie game. There’s just something about this story that makes me want to spend as much time as possible in the fictional world writer Sas Milledge has created. Mamo issue 3 continued Jo and Orla’s adventure to find Mamo’s bones scattered around Haresden. We also got more information about the magic system being based on the concept of sharing one’s power and the recipient’s willingness to accept said power. In the world of Mamo, anyone can do magic. They just have to be willing.

With Jo calling in a favor from an old acquaintance, our two leads got closer to finishing their task. However, everything’s not as it seems. And I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

The Me You Love in the Dark Issue 2

I knew this story, by writer Skottie Young, was going to get a bit more creepy, but that still didn’t make a certain reveal in The Me You Love in the Dark issue 2 any less impactful. Similar to our lead character Ro, I too can’t help but be intrigued by the dark entity possessing the huge house she’s staying in. It could lead to danger. But I still want Ro to see this journey to the end. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Lost Falls Issue 2

I was provided with a free digital copy of Lost Falls issue 2 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own. 

From writer Curt Pires, Lost Falls issue 2 had our lead character Daniel Pynchon facing a whole lot of trouble as he continued following the ghost of a missing girl. The opening sequence answered how Daniel found himself in Lost Falls. There’s a purpose behind him coming there and I’m very interested in learning more about what Daniel’s supposed to do.

The town of Lost Falls is creepy as heck. In my opinion, Pires has created an engrossing narrative that features detective work and the supernatural. Having read the Youth series by Pires, it’s clear he doesn’t hesitate to add social commentary in his work. Lost Falls has that, too.

The panels have been divided between artists Antonio Fuso (pages 1-22) and Pierluigi Minotti (pages 23-36). I do feel both art styles complement each other. From what I can tell, the overall goal of the art (including the colors by Lee Loughridge) is to set a mood instead of offering readers highly detailed panels.  

I don’t know about you, but I want someone to call actor John David Washington or Ray Fisher, and let’s begin talking about Lost Falls being adapted into a live-action miniseries.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Don’t forget to read Jessica’s review of Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero.

You can read Brahidaliz’s review of Artie and the Wolf Moon here.

Which comic books did you read this week? What are your thoughts on Batman/Catwoman issue 7?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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