Comic Book Reviews (Week June 2, 2021): Batman/Fortnite – Zero Point Issue 4, Basilisk Issue 1 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (June 2, 2021). I will be covering Batman/Fornite: Zero Point Issue 4, The Nice House on the Lake Issue 1, and more!

Of course, I have to open with one of the best Batman stories on the market, Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point. The fourth issue really pulled the narrative forward in a spectacular way. After escaping the Loop in the previous issue, the fourth installment opened with Batman facing Deathstroke (who held Selina hostage). In my review of issue three, I mentioned how I disliked Selina being used as a hostage during the cliffhanger ending. Thankfully, writer Christos Gage had other plans and Catwoman and Batman were able to get the upper hand against Deathstroke during the situation.

A lot got revealed in Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 4. Turns out, a number of people were able to escape from the Loop. However, they were now stuck on a weird island. Also, while they remembered all of the times they were killed when inside the Loop, they had no memories of their lives before the Loop. We even got introduced to a character who had been on the island for four years, unable to get free.

I liked how Bruce immediately took charge of the situation and gave orders to everyone to help find anything that could answer what was happening on the strange island. I also liked the explanation about how the group consisted of beings from different worlds. It helped explain why all of them weren’t human. Gage also continued to add in some sweet moments between Bruce and Selina. My heart!

With Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 4 ending on another cliffhanger that’s sure to cause mistrust within the group, I can’t wait to see what will happen next.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Batman/Catwoman Issue 5

Am I still reading the Batman/Catwoman series by writer Tom King even though certain readers continue calling it out for being confusing to follow and boring? I sure am. I can’t help myself. I won’t sit here and state that it’s the best book ever written. I can clearly see why certain readers have a problem with the narrative decisions King’s made. It’s just that I’m a fan of Selina as well as her relationship with Bruce. And I think Batman/Catwoman (even with very limited doses of Batman) has been offering something interesting when it comes to exploring a character like Selina.

Issue number 5 had Selina fight Harley Quinn. I could kind of understand where Quinn was coming from. Of course, she would want to be the one to kill Joker. Seeing an elderly Selina and Harley trying to knock each other out was weirdly fun. I was actually worried one of them was going to slip and displace a hip or something.

In the far past, we got to see Selina drunk and thinking about her connection with Bruce. She’s clearly confused about her place in Gotham as a young thief. And in the third timeline, we had Selina witness what Andrea planned to do with folk who wanted to join up with the Joker and how it linked to her son.

While I’m enjoying the jumps between the timelines and how the past versions of Selina tend to impact the older version, I do get how it can be jarring for readers. Also, the pacing can definitely be sped up a bit.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Up to you.

The Nice House on the Lake Issue 1

From writer James Tynion the IV, there’s been a lot of hype around The Nice House on the Lake issue 1. In a sense, this horror title might appeal to those who are into sci-fi. I’m more of a paranormal fan. So, certain reveals didn’t really feel too engrossing to me. However, I did like the overall disturbing vibe featuring a group of people being invited to a lake house due to reasons. I also liked how, except for one character, the rest of the cast are in their 30s. We don’t get a lot of that. So, points to Tynion for taking such an approach.

With how things developed, I think The Nice House on the Lake is ready to dive deep into the human psyche and explore how certain people react to… well, I don’t want to spoil stuff. In a sense, I’m not even sure if what we saw happen even happened. Also, if what happened did actually happen, it’s not something we haven’t seen before. And the fact that the story is being published by DC Comics, I doubt it will be able to push the envelope as much as it could have (visuals and story-wise) under a different publisher.

Anyway, I’m not sure if I’ll stick around for this series, though. But let’s see.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Up to you. 

Basilisk Issue 1

From writer Cullen Bunn, Basilisk issue 1 introduced us to a world where a bunch of people with (I’m guessing) psychic abilities kill a lot of people. However, two years later, we find out that one of the psychics, Regan, left the group and now finds herself teaming up with Hannah because Regan’s former associates have devious plans and need to be stopped.

It looks like Bunn has plans about exploring themes regarding seeking redemption, forgiveness, and dealing with a superiority complex. As for the horror aspect, there’s nothing too creepy going on. I did like the body horror, though. Anyway, I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next issue.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Up to you.

Nocterra Issue 4

Talking about another horror comic, Nocterra continues to be a blast. Writer Scott Snyder knows how to perfectly balance action and horror in the dangerous fictional world he’s created. Nocterra issue 4 showed Val and Bailey’s bond strengthen as they tried to find a powerful light source to weaken Em’s infection.

Along with the action beats, I enjoyed the flashbacks showcasing Val and Em’s past as they decided to leave their house after realizing no one was going to come looking for them. I’m so here to see more of their life as kids and how Val ended up becoming the woman she is in the present.

Nocterra issue 4 closed on an exciting cliffhanger which is going to continue expanding on the lore Snyder’s thought of. Also, I really hope Em’s able to survive the ordeal.

Tony S. Daniel and Tomeu Morey, as usual, did wonders with the visuals, especially when it came to monster designs, gore, and how everything should look under different types of light.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land Issue 4

Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land issue 4 served as a satisfying conclusion to Mike Mignola and Thomas Sniegoski’s mini-story featuring young Hellboy and the Professor’s exciting adventure on a mysterious island. Everything came to a close as expected. However, there was a moment I was worried about Scarlett’s fate.

Even though it was predictable, I did have fun reading such a story. And yes, I want more young Hellboy tales in my life.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

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You can Jessica’s review of the Poison Ivy: Thorns graphic novel here.

Which comic books did you read this week? Did you enjoy Batman/Fornite: Zero Point issue 4?

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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