Comic Book Reviews (Week February 17, 2021): Batman/Catwoman Issue 2, King in Black Issue 4 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (February 17, 2021). I will be covering Batman/Catwoman issue 3, Future State: Catwoman issue 2, King in Black issue 4, and more!

Let’s begin by talking about Batwoman/Catwoman issue 3 by writer Tom King. The latest installment added Bruce and Selina’s daughter Helena into the picture. We know that Selina killed Joker. However, Helena, being a vigilante wants to get to the bottom of the murder. I think she suspects her mother did the deed, but she needs to find evidence.

Now, I understand that King’s decision to handle three timelines at once, with the narrative continuously jumping around the timelines after a couple of panels, might not be for everyone. But it’s working for me. It also urges you to re-read the issue to make sense of what’s happening and when.

Due to the current story being about Selina’s past coming to haunt her, I liked her troubled connection with the Joker. Batman and Joker are two sides of the same coin. So, it makes sense Selina would have some kind of weird criminal-ish relationship with the “other” side, too. While Bruce and the Joker are extremes, Selina’s caught in the middle. I’m looking forward to seeing what King has planned for her.

As for my gripes with Batman/Catwoman issue 3, while Clay Mann’s art is gorgeous in some panels, the over-sexualization of characters can get a bit too much. Also, did Bruce leave nothing to his numerous Robins and Batgirls after he died? I would like to know.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes. 

Future State: Catwoman Issue 2

From writer Ram V, Future State: Catwoman issue 2 concluded Selina’s mini-story as she tried to continue being a hero after Bruce’s death. Of course, Bruce’s not dead, but Selina didn’t know that until later in the story. The good thing is that Selina has it in her to stick to the heroic path even when she has lost Bruce.

As a fan of Bruce and Selina, I liked their reunion. Both of them have things to take care of in the Future State timeline. But even though they parted ways, they will find their way to each other very soon. They always do.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

King in Black Issue 4

I wasn’t expecting King in Black issue 4 to be so action-heavy, but I’m not complaining. I liked seeing the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers working together to defeat Knull’s forces. Storm and Thor teamed up to give us an electrifying panel. And Jean Grey was the real MVP as the Omega-level telepath decided to infiltrate Knull’s mind to figure out who could really stand against him.

I don’t want to give away who the savior is, but it does make a lot of sense. Even though I’m not a fan of the Symbiote side of Marvel Comic lore, I’m here for writer Donny Cates expanding such stories.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No. 

Power Rangers Issue 4

Okay, this is a serious question. Is writer Ryan Parrott incapable of writing a bad issue during his Power Rangers comic book run? I think he just might be.

Power Rangers issue 4 took our Omega Rangers to a prison where we found out more about Drakkon’s twisted mental state. I liked how Parrott didn’t double down on making readers be sympathetic toward Drakkon. Yes, he had it tough. But it’s Drakkon, after all. So, no need to feel sorry for him.

The location revealed at the end of this issue is going to make fans of the Power Rangers franchise so happy.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Barbalien: Red Planet Issue 4

From Jeff Lemire and Tate Brombal, Barbalien: Red Planet issue 4 continued the current heart-wrenching story set during the AIDS crisis. The entire issue is full of emotional moments. And as a major threat against come across Barbalien (who just went through a breakup), I can’t wait for the next chapter!

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Snow Angels Issue 1

From writer Jeff Lemire and artist Jock, Snow Angels issue 1 set an interesting premise for a bigger story. However, I do have to say that I wasn’t expecting the sci-fi element to be introduced so soon.

The first issue was about getting to know the main players, sisters Milliken and Mae Mae, as they’re out on a hunting trip with their father. They have been living in The Trench and have to follow certain rules. Apparently, the Trench is endless and one must never leave it. There’s also something called The Snowman that will kill you if you wander outside the Trench.

With how Lemire handled the mystery, I’m looking forward to learning more about the world Milliken is growing up in. I wonder if both Milliken and Mae Mae will serve as the protagonists or if Milliken will be the sole lead. 

Also, I have to state that Jock’s artistic style does make the snowy terrain look real. 

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land Issue 1

I was provided with a free digital copy of Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land issue 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

I don’t know a lot about the lore in the Hellboy franchise (most of what I’m familiar with comes from the live-action Hellboy films). So, I was a bit hesitant to begin reading this 4-issue mini-story. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on all things Hellboy to enjoy The Hidden Land.

If you’re into mysterious islands with weird creatures and something sinister hiding in the background, I think you’ll appreciate what writer Mike Mignola and Thomas Sniegoski have to offer. Also, kid Hellboy is a cute little lead character even though he’s considered an abomination.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

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Which comic books did you pick up this week? What did you think of King in Black issue 4?

Let us know.

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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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