Comic Book Reviews (Week June 16, 2021): Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point Issue 5, Project Patron Issue 3 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (June 16, 2021). I will be covering Batman/Fornite: Zero Point Issue 5, Project Patron Issue 3, Save Yourself Issue 1, Planet-Size X-Men Issue 1, and more!

Even though I enjoyed Batman/Fornite: Zero Point issue 5, I have to say that with things nearing the end, I’m missing the wacky chaos that ensued while Bruce was still stuck in the Loop. Now outside the Loop, writer Christos Gage gave us a lot of information about what Bruce and the others were facing. Apparently, Zero Point is where everything began. It connected to the rest of the multiverse and the people behind the Loop were using it for nefarious reasons.

I liked Batman figuring out how to use the technology around the Zero Point to send everyone home. Of course, we got to find out who the mole was in Batman/Fornite: Zero Point issue 5. While I would have liked it to be someone else, the predictability of the reveal made sense considering who the said character’s supposed to be.

There’s only one more issue left and I’m looking forward to seeing how Bruce and Selina will be able to get back home. Also, what’s Harley Quinn up to?

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up. 

Catwoman Issue 32

From writer Ram V, Catwoman issue 32 took a deep dive into understanding Selina Kyle. Depending on who you ask, Selina’s got a lot of layers. However, one thing’s for certain, you should never underestimate her. The fact that even Batman respects her abilities in DC Comics lore goes to show how formidable she can be. While the current issue took a break from the overall main narrative, it still served as a celebration of the iconic character.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Save Yourself Issue 1

While I wouldn’t describe Save Yourself as the type of comic book series I would consider checking out unless it’s been around for a few months, I’m glad I picked up the debut issue. From writer Bones Leopard, with art by Kelly and Nichole Matthews, Save Yourself is definitely a book you should consider supporting during Pride.

Set in a world with humanoid superheroes and other weird beings, this story looks ready to offer some very intriguing world-building. I liked how the focus remained on a normal human girl as she found herself realizing a dangerous secret about the three heroes the city looked up to.

Things aren’t what they appear to be, and I’m ready to learn more. I actually smiled at the contrast between the magical girl-inspired visuals and the type of story being told.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Seven Secrets Issue 9

Writer Tom Taylor allowed our heroes to relax for a bit in Seven Secrets issue 9. And while the heroes figured out their next steps, I enjoyed seeing the limelight shift to the perspective of the villains. The talk about sending money to the families of the foot soldiers that lost their lives for the villainous cause was interesting. It’s tough to create a well-written villain. That’s why I’m appreciative of Taylor’s work. Amon’s doing everything because he thinks that’s the right way. Such an outlook makes him an antagonist you can understand (even if you don’t agree with him), setting him apart from the usual bag guys we get.

As for the ending, Taylor gave us a reveal I really need a proper explanation for.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Time Before Time Issue 2

From writers Declan Shalvey and Roy McConville, Time Before Time issue 2 continued building the fictional sci-fi world where time-travelling is quite easy. I liked the explanation about how everything happened for a reason. So, while the Syndicate had certain rules, there seemed to be a lot of relaxation when it came to people jumping around the timeline.

We got introduced to a rival group and I have a feeling they aren’t supposed to be good guys either. So, yeah, I’m excited to see what will happen next especially because Tatsuo’s unwilling companion seems to be hiding stuff.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Compass Issue 1

Hmmm. I’m not sure I’ll stick around with Compass. But I did want to tell you all about it because I do feel certain types of readers will enjoy such a story. Personally, I would enjoy such a story more as a live-action series or film.

Presented by Greg Rucka (The Old Guard), the debut issue’s written by Robert MacKenzie and David Walker. We are taken back to 1242 in the Barbarian Calendar and are introduced to Shahidah El-Amin, a Muslim woman who is a scholar, adventurer, and a very capable fighter from The House of Wisdom. Apparently, the story has to do with finding the source of eternal life. Of course, there are other groups after it too and they want to stop Shahidah. The fictional narrative and real-world history are intertwined, which I think will appeal to a certain demo. It’s something different from what I’m currently seeing in the comic book market. So, there’s that.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Up to you.

Project Patron Issue 3

I was provided with a free digital copy of Project Patron issue 3 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

By writer Steve Orlando, Project Patron issue 3 had a number of interesting developments. I liked the opening scene where we got to know about folks who don’t agree with how Patron does things. Such people are asking for accountability, especially after the destruction caused by Patron’s unexpected crash.

As for our team behind Project Patron, keeping such a big secret and Conrad’s death are weighing on them. The funny thing about secrets is that they always find a pesky way to get exposed or fall in the wrong hands. We know that Matthew Mammon is in on the secret. He’s solely focused on exposing the truth and he’s going to be messy about it. The way he unleashed an incredible threat at the end has made me very excited to see what happens next. Poor Moro just got the hang of piloting Patron. He did fare well against Mechtatron. But what’s about to come next is on a different level.

Talking about secrets, Moro’s got a secret of his own, considering he’s been delivering reports about his group. Also, I’m not sure if I read the panel wrong, but it looked like Moro and Davin hooked up. (I could be totally wrong!) Even though Moro’s growing closer to his teammates, his secret could easily jeopardize it all.

Also, Matthew used his index finger to do this to one of his subordinates which… yeah, okay. Haha!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.   

–

Even though I’m still not buying X-Men comic books, I’m going to take a moment to talk about Planet-Size X-Men Issue 1 by writer Gerry Duggan especially because of the hype surrounding Storm’s role in it. Frankly, I wouldn’t recommend Storm fans to pick it up. Ororo got only 2-3 lines of dialogue and a single page showcasing her powers. It was a cool moment, but it wasn’t anything unexpected. We know she’s capable of doing such a thing and more! Also, why the heck was she wearing a respirator? Considering she’s an Omega-level mutant Goddess, one would assume she’s more than capable of making her own oxygen by playing around with the elements. Oh well.

What I got was the same old same old from Marvel. The promise of “potential” storylines for Storm. Apparently, she’s supposed to be a diplomat for Earth on Mars (which now houses the Arakko mutants). Remember the news, from 2015, about Marvel (allegedly) thinking of creating a mutant planet? It finally happened.

Anyway, unless Storm’s new position leads to some impactful storytelling it will be nothing but yet another fancy title bestowed upon her. Ororo’s supposed to be the High Priestess of Krakoa but we never got any explanation about what the role entailed. Here’s to hoping her being a diplomat has more depth to it.

As an X-Men fan, I have to say that I continue to be disappointed with how Storm’s being handled and the overall PoC representation in the current X-Men era. Moves that are literally changing the Marvel Universe continue to be made by Charles, Magneto, and Emma Frost, while Scott Summers and his family are still considered the epitome of mutant genetic makeup. PoC mutants are basically non-existent when it comes to major decisions.

There’s also the fact that when talking about mutants on Earth, Ororo continues to be the only WoC on the list of Omega level mutants. Sorry not sorry, but how the heck is it even statistically possible that the majority of mutants on the list of “known” Omega level mutants aren’t PoC?

Sigh!

As of yet, I will not be going back to buying and reading X-Men comic books.

–

You can read Jessica’s review of Nightwing issue 81 here.

Which comic books did you read this week? What did you think of Batman/Fornite: Zero Point issue 5?

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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