Comic Book Reviews (Week November 2, 2022): Batman Issue 129, X-Men Red Issue 8 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (November 2, 2022). I will be covering Batman issue 129, X-Men issue 8, Dark Knights of Steel issue 8, and more.

Let’s begin with Batman issue 129 by writer Chip Zdarsky. With Failsafe having taken over Gotham, the latest issue dealt with Batman realizing that it was time to put an end to his creation that is able to think like him. While I understood the plot convenience required to make Failsafe a threat to the numerous superpowered heroes coming to Bruce’s aid, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at some of Zdarsky’s creative choices.

You’re telling me that not a single teleporter was able to take Failsafe away from Gotham? Why wasn’t Raven called and asked to send Failsafe to the DC Comics version of Hell?

Having said that, it was very fun to see Batman try and keep at least one step ahead of Failsafe as the Caped Crusader worked on defeating a very bothersome threat. The cliffhanger ending has got me looking forward to reading the next issue.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP! 

Dark Knights of Steel Issue 8

From writer Tom Taylor, Dark Knights of Steel issue 8 continued to raise the stakes even though a bunch of characters tried to avoid war. It’s kind of tough to review this issue without getting into spoiler territory, but the final page was just wow!

There was also a nice little moment between Harley and Poison Ivy as the latter was prepared to do what was necessary for Harley.

My only nitpick would be that I felt some of the scenes didn’t have the intended emotional impact due to the series’ release schedule. Waiting a long time for a new issue to come out can do that to the pacing. Also, some readers might say that Taylor’s been relying on shock value instead of organically progressing the story. But to each their own, I guess, because I did enjoy this particular installment.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up! 

X-Men Red Issue 8

From writer Al Ewing, if I were to describe X-Men Red issue 8 in one word, it would be, “B*TTTCCCCHHHH!!!!!”

The latest chapter was that good!!!!

With Cable creating his own little team to get to the bottom of what Abigail Brand’s been planning, the reveal of the scope of her plan was incredible. I have been wanting Abigail to die. But having received all of the information via this issue, I couldn’t help but change my mind. You can’t kill off such a villain. I want her to be defeated, of course, but only for her to come back down the line even more evil-er. Abigail’s the definition of girl boss, gaslight, and gatekeep. I love it!

Due to Ewing handling space politics in this series, X-Men Red issue 8 made me smile a lot as it linked back to numerous events determining the future in the space side of Marvel Comics. Ewing’s ability to bring together long-standing comic book continuity is an incredible skill. There’s a war brewing, Abigail’s plan is still in motion, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next. 

From what I can tell, Storm’s going to be a factor in what’s to come. Abigail wondering where Ororo was is a good thing. And with Vulcan being reintroduced to the board by Abigail, the inevitable rematch between Storm and Vulcan has got me all excited.

Vulcan can basically be considered a mutant being that’s beyond Omega-level. Storm’s basically an Omega-level mutant Goddess. With both being energy manipulators, their previous confrontation was a battle of willpower that Storm won. Vulcan was described as a shell of himself during said fight. I expect the version of Vulcan in the upcoming rematch to be very different. Storm better have some kind of plan to handle him.

I have no idea how the fight will play out. I would be extremely happy if Ororo tapped into her Godhead to gain the upper hand. But whatever Ewing has planned, I can feel that it will be epic! 

Also, it looks like even though Ororo gave up her seat as Regent of Sol, she’s still supposed to be the Voice of Sol. Hmmm.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Golden Rage Issue 4

The fourth issue of Golden Rage packed a huge emotional punch as writer Chrissy Williams delved into what infertility meant for certain characters. The little skit performed by the two clowns was well-visualized by artists Lauren Knight and Sofie Dodgson. 

The story took a huge leap forward as Jay revealed more information about her past and what the government was planning to do with the island. At this point, I’m unsure about what the endgame is supposed to be, but I’m willing to stay on the ride… for now.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Earthdivers Issue 2

From writer Stephen Graham Jones, the second issue of Earthdivers dove a bit into how time travel worked in this fictional world. Jones brought up some interesting questions about what it meant to change the past to impact the future. The slightest change could cause a disastrous ripple effect. 

Even though our main characters trying to find a way to kill Christopher Columbus is understandable, what if a worse person takes his place down the line? Also, what if time itself doesn’t like you trying to change stuff? What then?

I’m not the biggest sci-fi fan out there, but I liked how Jones made me think through the narrative being presented.

Whatever Tad’s doing in 1492 is definitely changing things in 2112. But it might not be the change his team was hoping for.

Earthdivers is one of those comic book stories that would work amazingly in a live-action adaptation. Fingers crossed some network pays attention to it. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

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Which comic books did you read this week? What did you think of X-Men Red issue 8?

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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