Comic Book Reviews (Week December 16, 2020): Batman Issue 105, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel 17, and More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (December 16, 2020). I will be covering Batman issue 105, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel issue 17, and more!

Okay. Yes. I know that in my previous comic book review round-up I said I’d be taking a break from reading the current Batman series by writer James Tynion IV. However, considering Batman issue 105 was going to be the last offering before the series went on a break because of the Future State event, I decided to pick it up. And you know what? I’m glad I did. It was so bad, I laughed throughout.

The new big bad that Tynion was hyping up, Ghost-Maker, ended up being (as I suspected from the beginning) someone who had his feelings hurt by Bruce when they were young. Here’s my quick recap of what happened!

Young Ghost-Maker: “Come with me. Let’s fight crime around the world, together! As partners! A couple!”

Young Bruce: “Gurl, bye.”

Current Ghost-Maker: “Fight me!”

Current Bruce: “No.”

Current Ghost-Maker: “Okay.”

Current Batman: “You want to stay with me, though, and be my Sugar Daddy?”

Current Ghost-Maker: “Sure!”

You don’t believe me? Here are the receipts!

There’s no reality in which Ghost-Maker isn’t queer for Bruce. Also, I have to say that I’m kind of impressed by Bruce using Ghost-Maker’s feelings for him to fund his operations as Batman. I wonder what Selina will think of this particular relationship.

At this point, I would like Tynion to leave Batman alone and focus on giving us a story about Harley Quinn. His writing really shines whenever she’s around.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Read it for the laughs! 

King in Black: The Immortal Hulk Issue 1

From writer Al Ewing and artist Aaron Kuder, this has got to be one of the most enjoyable comic books I have read in a while. There’s not a single line of dialogue, and yet, you’ll be able to understand everything as the current version of the Hulk addressed some deep-rooted emotions while dealing with killer Symbiotes.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

King in Black: Black Cat Issue 1

By writer Jed MacKay, King in Black: Black Cat issue 1 showed Knull’s attack from Felicia Hardy‘s perspective. Compared to the big guns like Dr. Strange and the X-Men, it was understandable for Felicia to feel inadequate. I liked how the hope in her dwindled as she continued to see Knull’s forces take down one hero after the other.

For street-level heroes like Black Cat, they don’t think too much about huge threats because they know the Avengers will deal with them. But this time was different. It was Felicia’s turn to play a role in hopefully turning the tide of war in favor of the heroes. I’m looking forward to seeing if she will be able to complete her mission.

As for Storm’s involvement, we know she was the MVP in King in Black issue 1. Knull stopped her himself. However, the current issue was focused more on Dr. Strange and what Felicia thought of the Sorcerer Supreme. The way things transpired in this issue was very different from what happened in King in Black issue 1.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel Issue 17

While fans of Ms. Marvel continue to address (in their own ways) the current casting controversy surrounding the upcoming TV series on Disney+, at least we have writer Saladin Ahmed to give us an enjoyable comic book run.

Ms. Marvel issue 17 had Kamala team up with Dugan to take down a common enemy. Uncle Brett aka Monopoly is back to turn people into capitalism-hungry zombies! I enjoyed the bickering between Kamala and Dugan. It was nice to see Dugan realize what he was doing by going after young heroes. The scene where Kamala placed Dugan’s people on rooftops was hilarious.

As for who snitched on Kamala, I liked how this issue gave us the answer without dragging it out. I can understand why said person made such a decision, and I’m okay with them having an argument with Kamala as long as everything’s mended between them in the end.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Big Girls Issue 5

From writer Jason Howard, Big Girls issue 5 gave us a showdown between Ember’s team and Joanna’s army of Jacks that concluded in a very unexpected manner. I’m here for Ember being able to connect with the Jacks and realizing they aren’t just hungry monsters. Let’s see if Ember’s empathic nature can help normal humans see things her way.

As for the ending, (without giving spoilers), I call foul on censoring a particular portion of that panel! 

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Barbalien: Red Planet Issue 2

I got to know about Barbalien: Red Planet while reading some tweets about a new queer comic book story. With the story by Jeff Lemire and Tate Brombal, the narrative’s about a queer shape-shifting alien trying to go about life while dealing with his sexuality, homophobia, the AIDS crisis, and doing his best to save people.

I know that’s a lot, but the script by Brombal handled everything in a very emotional and satisfactory manner

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP! 

Power Rangers Issue 2

From writer Ryan Parrott, I can always count on the Power Rangers series to keep delivering enjoyable issues. After kidnapping Drakkon from the Power Rangers on Earth and making Zordon very angry, the Omega Rangers got attacked by life-sucking vampires in space. I loved the horror aspect surrounding the villains, with our Rangers struggling to stay alive.

The issue also planted the seeds for conflicts we will get to see down the line. Drakkon’s going to try and get under the skin of the young heroes. And I think doubt in Jason’s leadership ability will continue to be questioned.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!  

–

You can read our review of Nightwing issue 77 here.

You can read our review of Commanders in Crisis issue 3 here.

Which comic books did you read this week? What did you think of Batman issue 105?

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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