Comic Book Reviews (Week October 13, 2021): Power Rangers Issue 12, Clear Issue 1 & More!

Welcome to my comic book review round-up for the week of October 13, 2021. I will be talking about Power Rangers issue 12, Mamo issue 4, Clear issue 1, and more!

Let’s begin by talking about Batman: The Imposter issue 1 by writer Mattson Tomlin. As the name states, the story literally deals with Batman having an imposter problem. The fake Caped Crusader’s been going around Gotham and isn’t shy about killing people. I liked how the narrative explained that while the G.C.P.D had been lenient with (the real) Batman in the past because he kind of made their jobs easier, they were going to draw a line when it came to the mysterious vigilante killing people.

Batman: The Imposter issue 1 was all about asking questions certain readers might have. Using Leslie Thompkins as Bruce’s therapist made sense because she knew him as a child. The fact a wounded Batman came to her door would suggest he was looking for someone to talk to. I think no Batman fan could deny that Bruce’s crazy. No wonder he attracted crazy villains. What sets him apart, though, in my opinion, is how Bruce trying to manage his emotional issues prevents him from causing harm to others.

With a young Bruce trying to reveal the identity of the imposter while also sitting down for daily therapy sessions with Leslie, we also have a young detective working on the same case. This is supposed to be a mini-series. So, it will be interesting to see if the young detective’s able to not only unmask the imposter but also find out about Bruce’s secret in the process. I liked seeing the progress she made. I too would question who would benefit or lose the most due to Batman’s presence disrupting Gotham’s criminal world and the overall economy.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Superman and The Authority Issue 4

Writer Grant Morrison’s Superman and The Authority came to a conclusion with the fourth issue. If you can even call it a conclusion because the door’s been opened for the team to do something big with Superman preparing to leave Earth to fight other battles. The final issue showed the team going up against Brainiac’s team and winning. I liked how confused Brainiac was when Clark took himself off the board. As Clark said, it’s time for Brainiac to face a new generation of superheroes while he attended to things off-planet. 

Does it have queer representation? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Black Panther Legends Issue 1

This is a 4-issue miniseries offering a look at T’Challa’s past and how he came to become the Black Panther. Written by Tochi Onyebuchi, I think you should consider picking up this book if only to learn more about T’Challa and Shuri’s childhood with their adoptive brother (a white kid) named Hunter who grew up to become the White Wolf. The debut issue showed T’Challa’s parents letting other nations interact with Wakanda. It also had T’Challa see how the outside world was different for him and Hunter due to their race. A young Storm’s going to show up in the next issue. So, I’m excited about that.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Power Rangers Issue 12

Writer Ryan Parrott gave us a more emotionally-centric story in Power Rangers issue 12. With Drakkon having betrayed the Omega Rangers (which… duh!), the Rangers are left to fend for themselves on a planet that’s dying due to the Empyreals. With no food, very little water, and the air becoming unbreathable by the second, Jason, Zack, and Trini tried their best to keep their hopes up. I enjoyed seeing them gradually come to the realization that this might be it for them. I think Parrott handled such a dire situation quite well, especially by having Trini talk about how sometimes all a hero can do is try even if they don’t succeed in the end. The trying is what really matters, depending on the type of fight you’re in.

Even though I knew the Omega Rangers weren’t going to die, seeing them face death didn’t come across as a gimmick. The conversations the three had with each other felt organic. We even got Zack talking about how he didn’t help the Hartunian ruler a couple of issues back. I think it was important for him to get that secret off his chest.

With the Rangers being saved by a new recruit just in time, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Mamo Issue 4

From writer Sas Milledge, we got more information about the magic system in Mamo issue 4. It’s all about forming connections. You have to give something up to receive something in return. From what I could understand, such a bond can be beneficial to both parties, if used right, or it could end up becoming parasitic. With Orla and Jo having no other choice but to battle Mamo, I’m very excited to see how they will ensure their win. This is definitely one of the best comic book stories currently out there.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP! 

Clear Issue 1

I was provided with a free digital copy of Clear issue 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

From co-creators Scott Snyder and Francis Manapul, Clear issue 1 introduced a new type of world where people used virtual technology called the Veil. Basically, people could directly connect to the internet via their neurological pathways. Such a level of connectivity allowed people to see their surroundings as they wanted. For example, you could roam around in a fantasy world or perhaps an old western. Also, no one else could see what you were seeing. You could even make other people appear different.

Of course, having the ability to veil things meant someone could tap into your neurological pathway and make you see what they wanted. Perhaps someone could urge you to jump from a waterfall (actually a very tall building) to your death?

Our lead’s a private detective named Sam Dunes who spent his time handling cases involving wives worried about whether or not their husbands had veiled them to appear different. However, things quickly changed for Sam once he heard about his ex-wife’s mysterious death. Sam’s also someone who stayed “Clear”, meaning there’s no type of veiling for him. He’s all about seeing the true world.

I think the debut issue did a good job of taking us into such a sci-fi world and presenting the neo-noir style the narrative will feature. With Sam’s ex-wife leaving behind a message, I’m willing to follow him on his journey to uncover the truth behind her death and how it might connect to some powerful and dangerous players.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Transformers: King Grimlock Issue 3

I was provided with a free digital copy of Transformers: King Grimlock issue 3 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Kudos to writer Steve Orlando for making me read and actually enjoy a Transformers comic book. The D&D vibe’s really doing it for me. Transformers: King Grimlock issue 3 showed the titular Dinobot teaming up with the Angalorians to face the Red Wizard. As for the Red Wizard’s identity, I wouldn’t be surprised if certain fans had figured it out earlier.

Even though Grimlock stood with the Angalorians and went through a bit of character development, the major relationship in this narrative is the one between Grimlock and the young warrior Arko. She’s definitely learned something from Grimlock even if it wasn’t the best thing to learn. The two butting heads is inevitable. I hope they both come out learning something important once their confrontation ends.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

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Which comic books did you read this week?

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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