Comic Book Reviews (Week May 5, 2021): Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point Issue 2, Wynd Issue 6 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (May 5, 2021). I will be covering Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 2, Wynd issue 6, Eve issue 1, and more!

I have no choice but to begin my review round-up by talking about Batman/Fornite: Zero Point issue 2 because it’s just that great. While I understand certain Batman fans not wanting to pick up a story featuring a crossover with a video game meant for kids, I urge you to give it a try. As far as my opinion goes, not reading Batman/Fornite: Zero Point is a disservice to your credentials as a Batman fan. I say this because the Caped Crusader in this particular story is the Batman we all enjoy reading about.

From writer Christos Gage, with dynamic pencils by Reilly Brown, Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 2 opens with Bruce trying to make sense of the weird time-loop he’s stuck in. Seeing him analyze the hints and information his “past” self dropped for his “future” self is a highlight of the current issue.

The Bat/Cat fan inside me couldn’t help but smile through the issue as Bruce teams up with Selina and they put their analytical skills to the test. As Bruce mentions, while they both have no memories of their past lives, emotions remain intact and we all know Bruce and Selina’s emotional bond is strong. The panels where Bruce sacrifices himself for her safety (she saves his life earlier, too). My heart!

Kudos to Gage and his creative team for delivering a narrative that features Batman wearing his detective hat and going up against the absurdity that is Fortnite. I can’t wait to see what will happen next and who crosses paths with Bruce.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

X-Men: Curse of the Man-Thing Issue 1

Writer Steve Orlando brings his exciting and action-packed story featuring Man-Thing and tons of Marvel heroes to a close with X-Men: Curse of the Man-Thing issue 1 (with art by Andrea Broccardo). I’m impressed by how Orlando made me care about Man-Thing (even if temporarily). And that’s saying something because I only care about a limited number of fictional characters.

The finale has Magik appear to help Man-Thing defeat the Harrower. Even if you don’t know a lot about Man-Thing/Ted Sallis, Orlando does a good job of reintroducing the character and making him stand apart from Swamp Thing over at DC Comics. With how things ended, I’m here for Man-Thing’s redemption journey. Due to being the guardian of the doorway to all realities, I wouldn’t mind seeing Man-Thing getting to interact with Wiccan (who is supposed to become the Demiurge) down the line. Take Man-Thing to space!

Seeing Magik bring her team, called the Dark Riders, offers some comedic moments. I like the idea of her mentoring a team of mutants that have unconventional appearances.

Coming to the Storm stuff, as a fan of Ororo Munroe, of course, I was excited to see Orlando’s take on such an iconic character. Even though she’s not the main character in the current story, I still think she’s utilized well. Due to Harrower burning the entire planet, it made sense for Storm to want to do something about it. The mutants in Krakoa can easily stay back and let humans deal with the huge problem in question, but Storm’s powers make her share an empathic link with Earth. She can’t remain on the sidelines and see the Earth’s ecosystem be destroyed.

Orlando gave me the Storm I have been waiting to see for a while now. Even though Krakoa prioritizes the well-being of mutants, the core of Storm’s character is of one who fights for the planet and everyone in it. Not only that, she’s known for her compassion and being a diplomat. She’s about bringing people together. The current issue has her teaming up with Thor to summon worldwide winds to carry dangerous pollen away. Tony Stark compliments her ability to make everyone work as a team. That’s the Storm I like. And that’s why I’m appreciative of Orlando showcasing Storm in such a manner, especially after the mess that was the recent Children of the Atom Issue 2.

Like, what the heck is this?

I will laugh out loud if these mutant kids Storm wants to protect end up not being actual mutants.

Anyway, thanks to Orlando and other writers (King in Black by Donny Cates and Black Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates) for giving me the version of Storm I like to see even if it’s not being portrayed in the current main batch of X-Men books for some weird reason.

If I were to nitpick, well, I would have loved to see Orlando mention Storm’s magical potential and have that part of her being play some kind of role in dealing with Harrower misusing Man-Thing’s supernatural abilities.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Nocterra Issue 3

From writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel, Nocterra issue 3 continues to offer a thrill ride as Val and her crew tries to escape from their very persistent pursuer. This issue also fleshes out the world and certain characters. We get to learn about how the infected humans undergo a complete metamorphosis and there could be a hivemind in play because every infected human is talking to some mysterious dark being.

There are a number of religious parallels being made in Nocterra, but it all makes sense in the context of such a story featuring a narrative about the connection between darkness and light and unwanted human interference due to curiosity.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Eve Issue 1

From writer Victor LaValle and illustrator Jo Mi-Gyeong, I hope Eve finds an audience. The first issue is full of wonderful twists and some serious talk about climate change as we get to meet our young protagonist, Eve, tasked with saving the world. At least, she’s willing to do what needs to be done. So, there’s that. I think having her be hesitant about her mission wouldn’t have had the same impact during the debut issue. She’s ready to do what’s required and I’m ready to see her journey.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Wynd Issue 6

With issue 5 released in October of last year, I’m glad this series has a new installment. Wynd issue 6, by writer James Tynion IV and illustrator Michael Dialynas, opens with a flashback showing how Oakley’s mom found baby Wynd and made him part of her family. Jumping to the present timeline, we get to see some nefarious politics in play as Yorik’s father, the Duke of Pipetown, accepts the Vampyrium’s plans to bring Yorik back to Pipetown after killing all of his friends. The Vampyrium (a community of vampires) are against the formation of the Human-Faerie Alliance, and apparently, so is the Duke.

As for Wynd and his crew, we’re introduced to Yorik’s cousin who is ready to sit on the throne. He also has an assistant named Teek. I don’t know about you, but I’m on Oakley’s side. I think she was right to say that Wynd should be open to interacting with other people who like him, such as Teek, instead of hoping something might happen between him and Thorn (who is too focused on Yorik anyway).

While I’m not a fan of relationship drama, the one in this book has a cute vibe I want more of. I would like to see Wynd strike a friendship with Teek and getting to know other people. But before that can happen, I need to brace myself for General Zedra’s attack. That vampire means business.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Before I finish up with my review round-up, I have to talk about Storm’s role in Marauders issue 20. Marketed as a goodbye to Storm from the series, the issue had her teammates share their best stories about her. I liked Bishop’s story about how he once scared a group of bad guys by simply threatening them with Ororo’s name during a natural thunderstorm.

Due to Storm’s powers being able to encompass the planet, I always wonder why her planetary range isn’t used more. If I were on an X-Men team I would have Ororo on speed dial, requesting her to summon a hurricane, blizzard, or something similar when facing powerful villains while she sits safely in Krakoa.  

Anyway, while I liked some of the stories being told, I’m still not ready to go back to buying the X-Men books. Marvel Comics continues to tease a big role for Storm. But until said role has been officially revealed (it’s supposed to be unveiled in a month or two), I’ll be saving my money. Thank you very much.

As far as my opinion goes, Storm’s been wasted as a character in the Marauders series. I mean, the fact Storm fans are actually happy she’s leaving the book is a clear indication. Not only that, but certain readers have also shared that Iceman and Bishop are also being wasted. And you know what? I agree with them.

Marauders never felt like a “team” book to me. Frankly, it was a Kate Pryde and Emma Frost book featuring Storm, Iceman, Bishop, and Pyro as supporting or minor characters. Let’s see if the narrative decides to focus on characters other than Emma and Kate after Storm’s departure.

With writer Gerry Duggan being the main writer on the upcoming X-Men relaunch, will it, similar to Marauders, also focus on a character or two even though it’s supposed to be a “team” book? Can Duggan even deliver a team-centric comic book where every member has a significant role to play? We will find out soon enough.

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You can read Khai’s review of Commanders in Crisis issue 8 here.

Which comics did you read this week? Did you enjoy Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 2?

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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