Comics

The Flash: Season Zero #2

/ / Comics

The Flash: Season Zero #2Investigating the bizarre animal sightings and attacks around Central City, the Flash goes to the circus in The Flash: Season Zero #2. Thanks to the help of Cisco, Caitlin, and Harrison Wells, links the odd break-outs at the zoo, the bank robbery by a strong man, and an attack of snakes inside a skyscraper all back to the circus which just happened to be pitched outside Central City at the time of the accelerator explosion likely imbuing several performers with unexpected powers.

Much like the show, the comic continues to inject humor into the proceedings such as the Flash being forced to think outside the box to wrangle up a group of chimpanzees and failing yet again to offer an explanation for his absence during the Flash’s heroics that doesn’t make him look like a boob.

Although we don’t get a traditional Flash comic villain, the grouping of the circus freaks (and their evil clowns) led by the villainous Nathan Bliss adds to the danger as the Flash will be forced to take on multiple meta-humans at once for the first time. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Velvet #8

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Velvet #8Shifting its attention back to the title character, the latest issue of Velvet involves the hunted spy returning to London and breaking into the very super-secret spy organization which has been scouring the globe for her since she was framed for the murder of an old friend.

Although we see the actions Velvet Templeton takes once she has broken into the headquarters of Arc-7, the reasons behind those actions is still largely a mystery. Velvet risks getting captured and having to deal with Agent Roberts (who wasn’t fooled by her plan to clear the agency by strapping a fake bomb on its director inside the building’s parking garage) all to make a single phone call. I’m curious to learn just who the man in the back of the van is and why he is worth such an effort.

Providing action, suspense, and a few more breadcrumbs to the larger mystery at play, Velvet #8 doesn’t disappoint. Worth a look.

[Image, $3.50]

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Rocket Raccoon #5

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Rocket Raccoon #5Set around a campfire where Rocket Raccoon has been telling young children tales of his exploits, Rocket Raccoon #5 showcases Groot telling a story Rocket doesn’t want to share. Although limited in his exposition, we witness the events unfold through a series of panels which inform us of why Groot thinks so highly of the adventure but also why Rocket would rather forget the entire disappointing enterprise.

With every piece of dialogue, signage, and narration all being the same three words writer/artist Skootie Young delivers an unexpected adveture involving a treasure map, robot army, space adventure, high-stakes gambling, the retrieval of a mystical sword, a floating castle, mermaids, giant monsters, and a prize which is far from what Rocket expected. Simply put, it’s amazing.

Forced into telling a story nearly all through its art, Young delivers a campfire story that may bewilder (most) of the young campers but turns out to be the series’ best issue so far. Must-read.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Scooby-Doo! Team-Up #7

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Scooby-Doo! Team-Up #7Moving away from the super-hero team-ups (which I’ve very much enjoyed), the latest issue of Scooby-Doo! Team-Up sends the Mystery, Inc. gang back in time to Bedrock where they meet Fred Flinstone and his family.

Even for a Scooby-Doo comic this one’s a bit goofy, especially when the team jumps into action to solve the mystery of the Phantom of the Operrock who ruins a night out for Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty. It’s hard not to see the latest issue as a slight disappointment given how terrific it has been up until this point. Thankfully it’s still entertaining and does upon up new avenues for some very unexpected team-ups in the future.

Although not as strong as the rest of the series, Scooby-Doo! Team-Up #7 does have fun with having the Scooby Gang comment on the ridiculousness of caveman advancements. Other than a single scene not much is done with Dino meaning Scooby is left out of getting his own prehistoric pal. For fans.

[DC, $2.99]

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Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #4

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Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #4Trapped in the wreckage underneath the latest alien spacecraft to crash land in the area, Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #4 offers a few stolen moments between Usagi and Tomoe filling in some of the lonely future for the rabbit ronin should his path follow the template of events this version of events suggests.

Once again the mini-series delivers its share of action pitting Usagi and Tomoe against an entire spaceship of the octopus-like alien invaders. Thankfully the pair are able to hold their own until help arrives. However, on a larger scale their may be no help coming that can save the land from the alien technology (as I continue to wonder just how far Stan Sakai may take his War of the Worlds story arc).

In the middle of what appears to be a hopeless situation the issue offers a rather bleak picture of what’s to come. However, those with faith in Miyamoto Usagi know that the rabbit ronin has a knack for always finding a way. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]

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