Anyone looking for a limited series that requires no prerequisite reading should consider picking this up. DC clearly put a lot of resources into making this title a worthy book. It's not a hastily produced cash-grab like we see in so many other limited series. Read Full Review

Solid storytelling and sweeping art combine to form a terrifying tale that proves there is a dark side to being a superhero. Read Full Review

In a timeline with a harrowing 24-hour news cycle, Heroes in Crisis #2 is an exhausting read that reminds us that we are all struggling. It is a series that shows us that no matter how powerful you are, how powerful the world perceives you, you are still vulnerable. You are still human, and there's something intriguing in that meditation. Read Full Review

This issue ramps up the pace and moves the story forward in interesting ways. The killer remains a mystery, but King leaves plenty clues for observant readers to pick up on. The excellent action, in-depth mystery, and beautiful art have left me theorizing endlessly and eagerly anticipating the next entry in this run. Read Full Review

I will admit that I read this book multiple times for this review and I cried every single time. What Tom King and Clay Mann have given readers in just two issues is fantastic. Like Identity Crisis before it, this is a story that shows readers that even the most heroic have their breaking points. Read Full Review

The stakes have been raised, without killing another character. This issue focuses on the mystery, and it is stronger for it. While I had to recommend the last issue with a big caveat, this is no longer the case. Tom King is known to be able to craft amazing stories, and I feel like this issue signifies he will bring that craft over to "event comics." Read Full Review

As the Trinity continues its investigation into the heinous events that transpired at the Sactuary, it becomes clear that there is more to this tale than initially thought. Tom King continues to produce on his plot-driven examination of what it means to be a superhero in the DCU. Read Full Review

A murder mystery is as good as the pace of its reveals, the respect to reader's intelligence, and the underlying theme that makes it relevant. So far, "Heroes in Crisis" earned its keep as a story to watch. Read Full Review

Heroes in Crisis #2 raises some concerns about the series' direction, but it also tells a very compelling story. Read Full Review

King continues to face personal challenges head-on, creating a commentary that some reader, somewhere, might need to hear. That's not to say every comic should include these moments, be this deep, or personal, but Heroes in Crisis set out to do exactly this from its inception. And quite frankly, it's managing to accomplish that task quite well. Add in beautiful artwork from Clay Mann and Travis Moore, and you're left with one hell of a final product! Read Full Review

The first issue was solid and second continues the pattern. This is an event you'll likely either love or hate and I'm enjoying it as it explores layers we rarely see discussed when it comes to superheroes and all of that is wrapped up in a nice murder mystery. Read Full Review

A good issue due to fantastic confessional scenes, even if the mystery is moving a lot slowly. Read Full Review

Even though this issue left us with more questions than answers, the emotional moments are what continues to drive this series forward. While the intensity has been drawn back a bit with this issue, the final page will want hook you enough to continue on. Clay Mann is doing the work of his career and thankfully it's on a stage where potential readership is at it's highest. Read Full Review

I was not as impressed with the visuals this issue as with the previous one. Like I wrote above, the guest-filling was not as strong and Clay Manns work did not feel as polished as the first issue. I still like this comic, but this issue is not as remarkable. It is still a must pick comic though. The cover will remind some readers of Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia. Read Full Review

You have to give the DC marketing guys & gals a pat on the back, For a book in which, not a lot happens, there is an awful lot of chatter online that will increase interest in the book. King and Mann are in the midst of creating something really good or potentially a repetitive narrative right up to the last issue. As always, time will tell; for me, I am willing to keeping giving all involved the benefit of the doubt, for a couple more issues at least. Read Full Review

There's a ton of potential and some great moments here, but right now it feels like an odd fusion of a character-driven King thriller and an event comic, and I'm not sure either part works 100%. Read Full Review

I continue to be impressed with the bold choices that this series is making and Tom King's writing is amazingly dense and insightful. Read Full Review

There are a few minor annoyances but the sentiment is still there in full force. Heroes In Crisis is still very much a mystery that we're to solve along with the characters. It's going to be a journey with plenty of emotional bumps and memorable moments. Read Full Review

The artwork is absolutely outstanding. I'm a bit concerned that Clay Mann got an assist from Travis Moore on three pages; I hope that's not indicative of scheduling problems with the workload. I'm definitely into this series for the long haul, but I think the real questions raised about Sanctuary will end up going forever unanswered: Why it was thought to be a good idea in the first place? Read Full Review

The plot thickens as we continue to get candid looks into the minds of our favorite characters. King continues to explore what being a hero or villain really means and it is all rendered with beautiful artwork from the art team. Read Full Review

After an extra week delay, Heroes in Crisis #2 doesn't offer any answers to last issue's questions. With seven more issues to go, King doesn't have to reveal a lot…yet, but there wasn't much here to suggest outside of body count spoilers that this event might be a better read in trade format. Read Full Review

Overall, I did like this issue. The story is very character focused which is really the main strongpoint of the series. The actual story itself I do find to be alright, but the story also did not move along in any major way in this issue. Read Full Review

Although not as powerful as the previous issue, Tom King only delivers a handful of clues in this issue about the mass murder in the first issue. I felt that issue 2 focused on the vulnerabilities of the heroes of the DCU which did work well. The dialogue was good, although a few moments such as Harley Quinn defeating the trinity was a little far fetched or Batman being caught again lying to his friends Superman and Wonder Woman again. The art was great, however it did seem a little disjointed compared to the first issue due to the two artists but all in all, a relatively solid issue about the mystery of Sanctuary. Read Full Review

There's still time for King to turn it around - but he's got a long way to go. Read Full Review

This is a well-crafted story from some of comics' top talent, but there's an ugliness to it that is ruining whatever story Tom King is trying to tell. Read Full Review

The story widens in scope a little, but I find it difficult to see this as a story happening in the DCU. It's more like a super-dramatic episode of Hogan's Heroes. Like super-dramatic, like Colonel Klink's head was removed mysteriously. And then Corporal LeBeau punches Corporal Newkirk? I haven't worked out the allegorical details. Read Full Review

Heroes in Crisis #2 isn't great, but at the very least it is something beyond a drab and bloodsoaked mystery box. Read Full Review

But it has also meandered into questionable character moments for major players and strained credibility. It continues dealing out the 'death of your favorite characters' hand to galvanize interest and investment. Frankly, at this point, it's not easy to care whether the fatalities are actual or counterfeit; this well-trod avenue just feels tired and temporary. In its styling, the series is golden. Whether it manages to rise above the surface it's treading, and in the artful manner it should, is still in question. That's where the faith comes in. Read Full Review

Amidst moments of brilliance, King fails to craft a cohesive and sensible enough narrative to sustain a Crisis-Level event. For many readers, the brilliance of Mann's artwork may not be enough to pull this series up by its bootstraps and elevate it to the level of the hype. Read Full Review

Tom King has written a number of great comics but this isn't one of them. Read Full Review

I didn't care for this issue. The art is solid and I like a lot of the aesthetic choices. I like Barry Allen's small inclusion because that was the first time I felt invested in something. Barry discovering Wally's death was effective. Other than that, this issue isn't working for me. I don't find the story interesting yet. Read Full Review

At this point, I would not recommend spending your hard-earned money for Heroes in Crisis. This story is probably going to be a more enjoyable read in trade paperback format. Read Full Review

After only two issues it's clear that Heroes in Crisis suffers from many of the same problems as most superhero events, but has dressed these topics up in a serious tone that disallows even the possibility of stupid fun. Read Full Review

We're two issues in and now I can say with certitude: I have never read a comic book series like this one before. I've read a million comics but I have never read a comic book series like this one before. I want to give every panel a 10 but I have to hold back for the issues that I anticipate will pack an even greater emotional wallop, because I can feel them coming.

I remain saddened by far too many deaths of characters I dearly love, but when I can look past the fact of the deaths (it takes some effort), I find virtually every panel of these two issues to be exquisite.

Two issues in Heroes in Crisis feels like a matter of two amazing creators making their best work while telling one of the most impactful stories in modern comics. To me it feels like a masterpiece in the making. When I can get past the deaths. It's not nothing; it's hard.

By the time I re-read #1 last night, the shock had receded somewhat for me. I'd become accustomed to the fact of it. I'd processed it a bit I guess. It took that time for me to fully separate the story and the quality of the story and the impact of the story from real feelings of grief at having lost loved ones.

We lifelong readers of superhero comic books, even those of us with a lot of friends and family IRL, come to think of these characters almost like they're family too. We take what happens to them personally. Of course we do. So it hurts to lose them and the anger from many fans over that is real and understandable.

I'm familiar with the anger that inevitably comes with grief, so I wouldn't argue with someone that disagreed entirely about this series and couldn't get past the deaths sufficiently to appreciate the story or even give it a chance. After all, anger is as valid a response to grief as any.

But this story wouldn't be what it is without the deaths. They're a necessary ingredient. That so many storied characters could be wiped out so suddenly is reflective of the arbitrary nature of the human cruelty and violence that's become increasingly common as we see one mass murder after another until, sure, we're still shocked every time but we're no longer surprised.

Are the deaths in this series cruel to fans? I would say "yes." Are they callous? I think they are. Editorial is cruel to have stolen these characters from us, these characters with so much potential that we loved so dearly. So are the creators. They also robbed us of these characters we love. But they did it in service of a deeply sensitive, deeply emotional story. I'm reminded of the old Nick Lowe song "Cruel to Be Kind."

As for issue 2, what a whirlwind! It felt so full and yet by the time I hit the cliffhanger on the final page I couldn't believe it was already over. That issue took me everywhere but it did it so quickly. And the economy of the storytelling, the gut-punch of the smallest line, puts me in a mind of Samuel Beckett more than any other artist.

As for the mystery at the center of the series, I feel certain many clues were dropped in this issue, but I was so busy feeling that story I couldn't play the detective. I can't wait to read it again to pore over every detail I failed to absorb on my first reading.

This story is supposed to hurt and it does.

Thank you, Tom King. Thank you, Clay Mann. Thank you, DC Comics. Screw it, I'll even thank Dan Didio. You guys are breaking my heart. Please don't stop. more

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Talon1load - Oct 31, 2018

Wow. Just wow

hesfkshgf - Oct 31, 2018

why doesn't Wonder Woman stop Harley? Why does she just stand there and do nothing?

Batman Jones - Oct 31, 2018

I felt the same way about your review, Talon. Different strokes...

Talon1load - Oct 31, 2018

I almost strained my eyes initially from them rolling so far back in my head but then I was just impressed by your dedication to building King up. Definitely don’t agree but I appreciate your passion.

Amazing Psycamorean - Dec 2, 2018

Hahahaha, man.

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So far this series is laying some pretty impressive groundwork. It is highly character driven. What surprised me the most is that while we are all comfortable with Batman bettering "super powered" adversaries by his wits alone, we find the thought of Harley Quinn doing the same incongruous. Credit Tom King with some impressive writing which both intrigues, drops clues and keeps us off balance. Here's hoping the series does not run out of steam.

superman sou eu tendo uma crise de identidade

The second part don't give much more than the first one. King take is time but I love the version of Harley he write. I love the harley Mann draw (With the Bruce Timm outfit I love so much). But reading it just after the one & before the third give another feeling.
One I really love !

Cover - I take the Sook Variant and love it, but isn't in link. 1/2
Writing - I find it well construct even if it's not give much, and is very slow. 2.5/3
Arts - Love Clay Mann arts ... Poison Ivy & harley are such a wonder together ! 3/3
Feeling - There some part who really echoing in me. 2/2

I enjoyed reading this, although the pacing is a bit choppy. Interested to see where this goes.

"EH, NO NEED TO WORRY, SKEETS! I'VE LEARNED A THING OR TWELVE IN ALL MY YEARS FIGHTING THE CRIME. FOR EXAMPLE. IF YOU ARE IN A TRICKY SITUATION, YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF...
WHAT WOULD BATMAN DO?"

I liked this issue a lot, art is great, story is interesting, and I can't wait to see where this is going.

The best part of this book was definitely the trinity going to the sanctuary, absolutely brilliant in my opinion. it makes me connect with them even more, makes them more relatable. I loved it!

Now, the only thing that was bothering me was that Harley Quinn managed to escape batman, superman and wonder woman so easily. Also, what penguin has to do with the story? I hope we'll get an answer for that.

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Many people will dislike this series because of its premise alone. "Why do we need a gritty, psychological break-down of all these chipper heroes?" I understand that--but at the same time I'll take anything so long as the story is good. And I'm really digging the mix of humor and pathos so far.

Solid issue great dialogue for the most part abit worried about the pay off and wasn't too keen on the trinity getting ousted by harley but can let it slide

I liked this edition, the story is getting more interesting about the murder. But the Harley Quinn vs Trinity part was a little embarassing, I have my doubts if them let she escape and all that was a plan to track her, what doesn't make much sense too.

Clay Mann's art is really powerful here. I liked a lot of this, especially Barry's reaction to hearing Wally's news. It's good to see some of these characters let loose, I have always wondered if Harley and Superman especially are burying pain deep down.

My main problem with this issue is the length and Harley.

I thought the book was too short. But with my issue with Harley is why didn't she stay at Sanctuary to maintain her innocence? I liked how he took advantage of WW's compassion of the situation to get the lasso but I don't like how Batman lunged at someone clearly off their rocker with the lasso of truth.

I really enjoyed Clay mann's pencils as well the color's (don't know the colorist).

Genuinely excited to see where this goes.

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mynameisraj - Oct 31, 2018

*she

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Great art, story is somewhat interesting. Not too keen on some of the things that have happened, but this is only the 2nd issue.

****Spoilers*****

Heroes in Crisis #2 meanders a bit but manages to remain one of the better reads on the shelves this week despite its flaws. 

The bulk of the comic covers the Trinity (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman) and their investigation following the murder at Sanctuary and their confrontation with Harley Quinn.

The rest of the issue follows Booster Gold as he conducts his own haphazard investigation. Boosters search for answers goes about as well as can be expected as he totally botches enlisting Flash to help him. 

Harley, on the other hand, manages to get the best of the Trinity with relative ease. I'm not sure I buy the believability of the scene. In fact, I call bullshit. We've seen Tom King pull this trick before with Catwoman taking down 3 speedsters over the course of a few panels. Its a narrative cheat to establish a character's ability. It trick works in a vacuum but it strains the comics credibility when Harley almost immediately takes down Batman like a chump. 


None of the patient interview scenes are quite as interesting or poignant as the previous issue. It's not Tom King's fault that the first issue was so great but it really makes this issue feel lackluster in comparison. 

Outside of the gripes, Clay Mann and Travis Moore's art continue to impress. Penguin makes a cameo and looks just like Danny Devito from Batman Returns. This got a huge grin out of me. It was also cool to see Harley Quinn in her original TAS costume.


 
The good thing is that the issue isn't bad just mediocre and could easily return to form next issue. Let's hope that is the case. The premise is interesting, the art is great and the writer is gifted. I'm sure that this issue is a minor hiccup and the series will bounce back.... 


Rating C +

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Mann has never been better. King has. But there are enough memorable moments and interesting character struggles (that are great in theory, but not execution) to solidify this series as a must-read.

"I'm going to boop you again"

Easily my favorite parts of this issue are the two patient interviews that are opening and closing it. I really enjoyed seeing Harley being silly (not dumb or stupid) around Ivy and Superman's interview touched on a subject I never really thought about. Does "playing" two vastly different people on a daily basis can mess a person up? Even Super Clark-El of Steel?

But what is in between these two pages is good too. The portrayal of the Trinity really worked for me here. This three know each other very, very well, so King's sometimes super-scarce dialogue fits for their scenes. Harley in her classic jester outfit was a nice surprise and her poker opponent seemed tough.

And that would be a less clumsy segue than usually. Clay Mann and the rest make her look awesome in that outfit and that strand of blonde hair sticking out was a nice detail. Penguin looked just revolting and Mann is quickly establishing himself among my favorite artists to draw Man of Steel.

Yeah, I'm going to read issue #3. more

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hesfkshgf - Oct 31, 2018

what happened to Penguin being shot in the face? Batman went to Jason and told him that Roy was dead and said that Penguin was still in intensive care so the timeline is not lining up at all. Tom King never cares what goes on in the DCU as a whole!

Talon1load - Oct 31, 2018

Research is for lesser writers apparently.

egonnn244 - Oct 31, 2018

Judging from Green Arrow and Titans I assume this whole series or this issue at least takes place before Arsenal's funeral. It all seems pretty fresh since Barry didn't know and at Arsenal's funeral was half of the League. As for Oswald, he didn't die. Not that death ever stopped any comic book character before.

Talon1load - Oct 31, 2018

He didn’t die but he was in a coma when Bruce went to tell Jason about Roy so that’s a big inconsistency.

egonnn244 - Oct 31, 2018

I think it's a small inconsistency. In today's Drowned Earth we can see one panel where Titans with Garth are helping in Japan, where in last week's Titans, that takes place at the same time, they get separated. Garth stays behind and Titans boom room to somewhere. Things like that just happen. If Penguin would die, I would have a problem with this, but as long as his head was still attached to his shoulder and no one declared him dead, I can live with inconsistencies like that.

hesfkshgf - Nov 1, 2018

He was in a coma right after Roy died though. And the Titans there is off (though it must be happening during the Titans issue since Ms. Martian has just teleported to Batman), but that is bad too! Both are bad examples of not knowing what is going on.

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How does a pengiun play cards? 🤔🧐😧

I don’t think Tom King likes Batman very much. He makes him pretty incompetent a lot. He also seems to not give a damn about any kind of continuity. Besides that, I don’t hate this story. It has potential. I like Clay Mann’s artwork.

So Harley Quinn can now get the drop on the big 3? Terrible. Brought the whole book down-

This is getting bad really fast

The issue is less dreadful and boring than the series' debut, but it's still hardly a decent, enjoyable comic to read. The worst part about it is the fact it's just... boring and tenseless for the very most part, and Tom King's signature minimalistic, repetitious style of writing doesn't help. It worked in his first few Batman story arcs, but I wouldn't expect to witness it in a huge event involving so many characters and having such a huge impact on the entire DC universe.

There's few genuine improvements compared to #1, and I'm glad to see them. Harley's classic costume is back, she doesn't have her usual ultra annoying and overused gimmicky accent Palmiotti, Conner, Tieri, Sebala and Humphries all love so much in her solo comics, and her romantic fan service fan fiction relationship with Ivy is finally dead and gone. Yeah, if Ivy is indeed dead, it's a huge loss, since she's one of Batman's most interesting and developed villains and I love her very much, but in the bigger scale, the more garbage created by Palmiotti/Conner is removed, the better. If you remove a tumor, you gotta remove some healthy tissue around it as well to ensure no damage cells remain.

Bad thing, Harl is able to effortlessly beat the trinity, which to say at least, will spark some controversy. I can understand Deathstroke being able to outsmart Supes and being an equal to Batman, and I can fully understand Harley beating them all in real life when it comes to merch sales, but in an actual fight, with 3 versus 1... come on, King, don't be silly.

Overall, Tom King is still underdelivering - the comic is a slow, boring read, and I can't recommend it. It's still just a boring tale of events following more interesting massacre and deaths of fan favourite characters. Meh. more

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Walt's Comics & Books - Oct 31, 2018

Do your publish your reviews on a site or on youtube? If not: you should. I'm a fan!

Nihilist - Nov 1, 2018

Thanks a lot! No, I do not, sadly - recently I don't even review everything I read, due to lack of time to analyze these books and write few words about them. Can't imagine writing proper video scripts, it would take so much time :)

Walt's Comics & Books - Nov 1, 2018

I get it. Used to do reviews for a German site and every one took AGES to finish. Youtube is better, just turn the camera on and start talking, it's what everyone does ;)

Comix4fever - Nov 1, 2018

😤Harley and Ivy make a great couple! Also Conner and Palmiotti wrote the best Harley series ever! What is so “unwholesome” about writing her with a Brooklny accsent???????

Nihilist - Nov 2, 2018

I already addressed my criticisms of Harley-Ivy fan fic romance under RosenRose's review, and I tried to do it in relative depth, so forgive me for not repeating all of that here. Feel free to check out that comment. As for her accent, it's overused and annoying, serving as BOTH the joke and the punchline, which never ends up well, and which I often bring up while reviewing Harl's comics. Finally, Conner and Palmiotti writing the best series? Not by a long shot, but to each their own. I hate it.

JordanT4021 - Nov 2, 2018

Agree for the most part. The Harlivy romance just doesn't work for me and the relationship is so noncommittal to the point I wouldn't even consider it as representation. Its just more baiting. The most annoying thing is the concept of man pain has been switched. Ivy has been killed for the benefit of Harley Quinn's character development. A character who has been around for over 50 years with a large fanbase is wiped out behind the scenes simply to give motivation for a different character.

Walt's Comics & Books - Nov 2, 2018

On the other hand we all know Ivy won't stay dead. But yeah, it's lazy writing.

JordanT4021 - Nov 2, 2018

God I hope so. She's my favourite comic book character so I'll be extremely disheartened if she doesn't. I was looking forward to that possible Swamp Thing rumour too.

Nihilist - Nov 2, 2018

Well, if only she was killed to let Harley progress as a character. That won't happen. Unless an actually talented writer, like Sean Murphy, takes over her comics. But I swear, aside from him, only talentless hacks were writing her in the last 8 or so years, starting with Jams Patrick, and then Palmiotti and Conner whose (fan fic) work on Harl I loathe with all my heart.

JordanT4021 - Nov 2, 2018

Preach! I despise the Palmiotti and Conner series wholeheartedly. Such a strange warping of a character. Never understood how they managed to keep it going for so long. Something that always irritated me was that it wasn't consistent with the way Harley acted in any other series that ran alongside that one. For example, Suicide Squad and the Harley Quinn series ran side by side but she could be two different characters. But I suppose that's just DC and its constant inconsistencies.

Nihilist - Nov 2, 2018

Absolutely, but I'd go even further and call this "warping" straight "degeneration" or "devolution". Dini and Timm's Harley was funny, lovable and upbeat, but also held a lot of heavy backstory with being a victim of manipulation and abusive relationship. James Patrick turned her into a female Deadpool wannabe, Palmiotti and Conner jumped his bandwagon and turned her into a one dimensional shell with this entire accent gimmick and fan fiction storytelling. And the trend continues to this day...

ohhaimark - Nov 3, 2018

Glad to see I'm not the only one who hates Palmiotti/Conner's Harley Quinn. Also, you are 100% in calling it a "devolution." BTAS Harley was SO good! Everything else has either felt mediocre or just absolute garbage!

egonnn244 - Nov 4, 2018

Don't really know who James Patrick is and I enjoyed twenty-something issues I've read of Conner/Palmiotti first HQ series for what it was. But I would gladly check someone else's work on the character if you are willing to recommend Nihilist. Aside from White Knight what do you think is worth checking out?

Nihilist - Nov 4, 2018

Patrick wrote The Most Important Day of the Year - terrible comic, the first to my knowledge which portrayed Harl as a Deadpool wannabe. As for recommendations, sadly I don't have many - pretty much Dini's work, that's it. Mad Love is phenomenal, The Bet is short, funny and nails the Harley-Ivy friendship, Kind of Like Family gives Harl more depth and personality than her entire New 52 run altogether, Harley And Ivy was fun, from what I remember. The rest I know are cameos and animated work.

egonnn244 - Nov 4, 2018

Much obliged, thanks.

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Harley best Batman? Now that’s crazy! This issue gave me bit and pieces of a lot but that’s it. Tom King extended the story to two more issues so he has more time to explain things out, so please King, give me more instead of chunks of pieces. While reading this, it feels like there is no emotion behind the characters. I’m not feeling anything from this and something this heavy should make me feel.

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Nihilist - Oct 31, 2018

I could understand her besting Bats - it happened in Mad Love, after all. And that's a great comic. But her besting Bats, Supes and WW at once? Nope, not a chance. I'm on this with you.

myconius - Oct 31, 2018

but when Harley got the one-up on Batman in 'Mad Love' it was actually believable. she played on his vulnerability, made like she was done with the Joker and was scared for her life. she then sprang a decoy ambush and caught him off guard. ...in this story Harley just overpowers Batman like he was nothing. same with Superman and Wonder Woman. they all just stood there like dummies.

Nihilist - Oct 31, 2018

Exactly, my friend. Even Scarface is less of a dummy than them in this comic. Good writing can lead to some unexpected twists and "weak" characters finding ways to win. Priest made Deathstroke stand his ground fighting Superman, and it felt good, believable, tense. King failed spectacularly with this one, on he other hand.

myconius - Oct 31, 2018

perfect example there with Deathstroke fighting Superman! if done right, a battle versus a Super being can become an epic moment in comics. like Atom and Green Arrow vs. Darkseid in 'Rock of Ages'. but Harley getting the best of the Trinity just feels like lazy writing. this was as bad as when King had Catwoman take out all the Flashes.

waltgator93 - Oct 31, 2018

Feel like recently DC is making Harley seem more and more smarter. They wanna push her so much that even for a comic book is unbelievable and turns fans away

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Submitting a late review to this, because while I probably thought it out at the moment I did not actually write it. Spoilers follow, clearly, as I go in depth into my take on this issue.



This issue was noticeably better than issue 1, while I believed was a dumpster fire underserving of all hype and that failed to even compensate in the slightest for the casualties it caused.

I an very pleased that the writers had Booster Gold explicitly state that his force field was failing, because failure to do so meant something that stood against many far more dangerous threats being broken by diner silverware was idiotic beyond belief. So thanks for that Tom King.

Poison Ivy being counted amongst the casualties is about as senseless as Harley even being allowed anywhere near Sanctuary, but I guess convenience and hype is worth more than consistency in storytelling.

The biggest problem presented in this issue is how we are expected to believe Harley Quinn is skilled enough to face off against The Trinity and come out on top, which begs a suspension of disbelief far larger than this book merits. I can accept someone who is markedly NOT a hero being present in HERO rehab (Nowhere is it stated villains are allowed admission into Sanctuary), but that feat is preposterous. Guess her popularity will make her DC's Squirrel Girl.

Booster Gold being the perpetrator of the killings makes more sense, however, there are still heroes present who would be able to take him down so I cannot fully concede on this. Adding this past point if Booster Gold was able to defeat Wally West, he should be the clear victor in his fight against Barry Allen because Wally has proven THE BETTER FLASH.

The Trinity investigating the occurrences and their reactions to the casualties did elicit some emotion, but I still believe this event fails to compensate for the deaths that kicked it off and is far from living up to the hype. Seeing the writing improve from issue 1 has left me with hope that it can shape up to a legitimately good event, but it will take some doing for it to be worthy of its "Crisis" moniker. more

THE GOOD:

-Great art. Clay Mann continues to deliver in this issue.

-I love the therapy session scenes. In a typical comic, I would usually knock those for being too repetitive, but for now, the emotion and character depth these scenes display is too remarkable for me to care

-Very funny issue. I laughed a lot. I honestly think Tom King is a better comedy writer than anything else. Except for Nightwing, which he needs to stay at least ten feet away from ever writing again at all times.

-Really cool title page. A nice juxtaposition to the first page and just a cool looking splash that I would love to have hanging in my room.

-Harley Quinn's singing has grown on me. By dialing it WAY down and making it a little more funny, King has successfully captured a lot of what made his previous "repetitive" concepts good.

THE BAD:

-The unfortunate thing about this issue is that I just am not at all intrigued by the mystery. To correctly be like Identity Crisis, which I would like to point out is one of my favorite comics of all time (sorry haters) the series has to make the reader feel like they're at the edge of their seat constantly. They have to be guessing every possible suspect until the last issue. This series so far, has barely even touched the whole "whodunit" angle despite highly advertising it. Yes… I'm going to say it. The advertisements ended up having a bigger mystery theme than the book.

-Now, you may ask, what is it about, if not a mystery? Well, good question. So far, I'd say an adequate description of the series plot so far is "Booster Gold and Harley Quinn Doing Stuff." All joking aside, the plot isn't appealing to me either.

-Wasn't a fan of the fan service of putting Harley in her old costume for no reason. Not only has it been done before, there wasn't even an excuse to do so, like in Batman #53.

-I'm not a fan of how choppy this issue is. King's flat defunct Wes-Anderson writing doesn't go well with the abrupt transitions from scene to scene this issue has.

-Is this series ignoring Bendis's Superman? I don't blame them, considering that last issue. Still the Lois Lane continuity errors are too distracting for me to enjoy the completely unnecessary scene that took place with her. more

Boredom.

A bit of a mess. And none of the deaths will stick.

I tried to deduce whodunit based on the first two issues but failed come up with any conjecture that could be considered particularly promising and logical--wild and educated guesses are virtually nondifferentiable when it comes to this book, for the world depicted here is itself unreasonable. Under Tom King's pen, Harley beats the Trinity because she apparently can break Batman's neck before Superman, who is standing merely two steps away, can stop her. Who knows what ludicrous plots are waiting for us down the road and what nonsensical explanation we'll see when the mystery unravels?

Really, one might as well guess it's Steve Rogers who killed them all.

This comic is really failing to connect with me on an emotional level, and it’s making it hard for me to really empathize with the characters or care about their plights.

SPOILERS

If you think the first issue was vague or lacking on a clear narrative, wait till you read issue #2. This issue has very little progression from the first. The events of the massacre are still unclear, the killer's identity is still a mystery and no one seems any the wiser as to what sanctuary actually is. Obviously, we're still extremely early in the arc, however we remain as confused as the characters and we're yet to get to the bare facts.

In this issue, we learn about the death of Poison Ivy who is killed off panel by the mysterious killer. Not a fitting send off to a character whose been in comics for 52 years. Her presence in the story is seriously overshadowed by Harley. Her confessional is interrupted before she can speak her mind, her death is passingly commented on by Booster Gold and Harley seems relatively unaffected by her passing. It's a cruel death considering Tom King tweeted his admiration for Ivy fans days before the issue was released.

The portrayal of mental health issues is damaging at best. The big twist in issue #2 is that someone has access to the confession tapes of our heroes and is using them to smear their names in the press. If anything, that encourages a stigma when talking about mental health issues, and gives the impression that its something that is to be hidden and ashamed of. I really hope future issues can clear this up, highlighting the importance in sharing and seeking help.

The story also feels almost emotionless. There are plenty of dramatic (albeit unnecessary) deaths, but very little genuine reaction from the friends or family of the dead. For example, Harley simply monologues about her poor life choices while throwing a rose into Gotham river in the memory of Poison Ivy. Seems like an under reaction to the death of someone she loved and cared for. more

This is gross. Let's just get it out of the way. The dialogue is still as bad as ever. It's like the writer has a dart board with, maybe, 3 different dialogue trees. There's the "character A says X, character B says !X" one, there's the "character makes innocuous statements, but break down, letting the audience know that this is *deep*" and there's the "character goes off on an unrelated tangent because they're incredibly single-minded, apparently". And these have to be broken up with way too many ellipses, by the way. As for the plot and characters, there's a lot of annoying things to talk about. First, I'm glad Harley and Ivy's relationship is basically a mother finding their toddler cute, that's all I can get out of "boop". Ivy is killed off panel, so that probably means she's the villain. I'm pretty sure the Justice League knows Batman has kryptonite in his utility belt (and yeah, it's not a bat belt). I'm pretty sure Batman has used said kryptonite on Superman in the past. But let's just act like that's not something they know. Harley Quinn takes out Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, because she's apparently as good as Batman. So good that Wonder Woman just stood there in awe after Harley flashed the kryptonite and let Batman go to make her escape. Harley's the next Deathstroke. I can't trust anything that snake in the grass, Skeets, does since he's apparently on Bane's elite Suicide Squad (watch them call it that). Harley was acting too competent, I guess, so Booster is now the WaCkY crazy one who can't shut up or take any social cues, or you know, words, into consideration. Which is not at all different than how he was before King turned him crazy, but whatever. Lois is a single track mind, and that only track is being an asshole, since someone's clearly trying to talk to her. But maybe it's the other person's fault for not realizing that Lois doesn't care. But then how would we know that Lois is a hectic and busy woman?? And what would we do without that dramatic "Wait, what"?? And finally, why is Superman so worried about the heroes being shown to be human? I know it'd violate their privacies, but he seems way more concerned with maintaining this air of perfection. But why? I'm pretty sure most people realize by now that the heroes are not perfect. In fact, they probably realized this the first time the heroes did anything and there was property damage and injuries left over. And if not, there's been so many stories about the public finding out that a hero is "just like you and me". I don't know, seems like a Superman only problem. Or it would be if Superman was never shown to be fallible, but that happens in every other story he's in. Anyway, I think this sucks, if you couldn't tell. more

both the art and story took a serious dive this issue.

from a base of 6, this gets a rating of: 3.
-2 because: yep.. Harley can do all that.. right. this is stupid.
-1 because: seems to be the book Tom King was born for- completely ridiculous

it seems Harley Quinn is now the most powerful character in the entire DCU.
this time she completely outfoxes the entire DC trinity.

characters act like complete idiots. dull robotic dialog. poor attempts at humor.
(why is everyone including Batman all of the sudden calling Batman’s utility belt his “Bat-Belt”?)
Batman carries Kryptonite in his *UTILITY BELT* he always has. everyone knows this.
so why does everyone act shocked at this reveal?

Tom King loves showing characters having emotional breakdowns.
another beloved character added to the list of the dead just for the sake of it.
trashy hack writing.

added points only for the art.

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Synthozoid - Nov 1, 2018

Enjoy disliking King's work on a regular basis, trolling King's fans, and Ninja Turtles.

myconius - Nov 1, 2018

i don't troll King fans. but i do retaliate when they come at me frothing at the mouth.

JBL Reviews - Nov 5, 2018

The Harley thing drove me crazy. It’s ridiculous.

myconius - Nov 5, 2018

Harley has become such an overpowered Mary Sue. she shouldn't need the kryptonite she stole out of Batman's *Bat-belt* to defeat Superman. all she has to do is swing at him with her baseball bat, or maybe just stab him with a pie knife.

JBL Reviews - Nov 25, 2018

Haha. Yes.

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Remember kids, the moral of the story is that if you seek therapy, you'll get killed!

Harley wants the Trinity’s attention but instead of staying at Sanctuary she runs and then lures them to her in some convoluted mess that ends with her beating the three of them. King, once again, makes Batman incompetent. Booster is now just a nutjob with no real explanation other than the other convoluted story that King wrote. The art was fine but the writing is bordering on pathetic and there is no way this guy should be paid to be a professional comic writer.

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myconius - Oct 31, 2018

they should just make Harley Quinn and her two hyenas (Bud and Lou) the new DC Trinity and get it over with.

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I appreciate Tom just lazily saying outright Harley is as good as Batman in only 2 issues of this, rather than limply trying to convince us as he did with Catwoman over 50 monotonous issues of Batman.

Friggen awful event so far.

Tom King continues to prove that he should not be allowed to write comics for DC.

Wally West sends his regards.

This book might be the worst thing that DC has ever put out. Dan DiDio and Tom King have successfully RUINED DC Comics. The only thing that makes this book readable is Clay Mann's art. I am astounded that people are enjoying this book. Every day I pray that DiDio leaves DC and that they give King some writing lessons. What an abomination.

Awful issue. There is no way Harley could outsmart& beat the Trinity like that. I am sick of this ridiculous writing& forcing Harley on every story. Her classic outfit doesn’t make anything better, because it’s the same awfully written Harley, since New52 started. As for the plot there was no real plot.

Fuck Tom King. Fuck Dan Didio.

🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩🚽🚽🚽🚽🚽🚽🚽🚽🚽🚽

This book has nothing to do with mental health. The plot is zero and makes no sense. If Harley's plot was to get caught then why visit Penguin and not just stay in Sanctuary?
As for Poison Ivy's death. If you think that one less queer woman in comics is a good thing, then I understand why you'll like this. As a queer woman I can't support this.
Actual dialogue from the book:
Superman: Batman, I don't trust you, you have a case with cryptonite in your belt
Batman: No I don't
Superman: Oh, ok, I guess I won't check, I trust you.

(after one of the biggest massacres in the DCU, instead of mourning their friends)
Superman: Damn Batman, Harley is so good, she owned you
Batman: She's not that good
Wonder Woman: Boys will be boys, lol more

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mynameisraj - Oct 31, 2018

While I agree with you about why Harley left Sanctuary I have to disagree with you on Ivy. First we don't see her death and DC isn't targeting queer people I think the point of Ivy's "death" was was for Harley. Plus you are misquoting the book in the exchange between Batman and Superman.

egonnn244 - Oct 31, 2018

Sure. They "killed" Ivy because she "was" gay.

TP - Oct 31, 2018

Fridging is fridging. I said that I don't think one queer woman less is a good thing. Not once in my post I say she was killed because she was gay. Will Ivy come back? Obviously. Perhaps in this book too. Perhaps she's the killer, perhaps not. I posted something, feel free to agree or disagree. The positive thing is that DC sort of finally removed the whole mental health aspect from their promotion. Even if you like the book you'll have to agree it was misleading.

mynameisraj - Oct 31, 2018

I actually disagree, mental health issues arise in different ways. The confessionals are my favorite because we get a peek into the uncertainty of these characters as well as the issues they've clearly had on the road to who they are now. Also, what did you mean by, "As for Poison Ivy's death. If you think that one less queer woman in comics is a good thing, then I understand why you'll like this." ?

TP - Oct 31, 2018

The people cheering the death of a queer woman like this. I wish I could post a screenshot here about the people but they are not hard to find. Video confessions are Big Brother, not mental health treatment. Human contact is.

egonnn244 - Oct 31, 2018

Ok. I liked the issue, I'm homophobic. Got it.

TP - Oct 31, 2018

You have issues egon or trying to troll. Without success. Read again my comments.

egonnn244 - Oct 31, 2018

How am I supposed to understand this "The people cheering the death of a queer woman like this"?

mynameisraj - Oct 31, 2018

Confessions are meant so that the AI that is built with WW's compassion can help create simulations that will later help them. Also, are they "cheering" for Ivy's supposed death because they dislike the character or is it because they are homophobic? Their opinion shouldn't matter to you if you like the character.

Nihilist - Oct 31, 2018

Why are we playing identity politics when it comes to Ivy? I love the character, and I'm sad she's presumably dead, but her relationship with Harley is one of the worst things ever done to both of these characters.

Nihilist - Oct 31, 2018

It was pure fan fiction against their characters, so seeing less garbage remaining from the Palmiotti/Conner days is for the better in my book.

mynameisraj - Oct 31, 2018

What's wrong with their relationship if you don't mind me asking?

Nihilist - Oct 31, 2018

In brief, it's against Harley's initial portrayal - as super devoted and loving towards Joker, and him only. Then, it cheapens out her recovery from this abusive relationship. Ivy helped her to stand on her own, but then Palmiotti and Conner turned her into Joker's replacement, basically, so Harl instead of making a 180 turn, made a 360 one - it's just transference, a victim falling in love with her savior. Finally, a unique sister-like relationship was changed for a typical cliche romance.

Darkseid24 - Oct 31, 2018

I don’t believe Ivy is dead yet, but being queer isn’t the reason, why she shouldn’t die. It’s because she is a popular character& deserves better. Harley& Joker were way more fun together. It’s Harleys own fault, that she followed Joker. She enjoyed killing people, Joker didn’t force her to do that. Since he broke up with him, she turned into an annoying& ridiculously overpowered character, while Ivy became lame. Nowadays both are portrayed as hypocrites.

Walt's Comics & Books - Oct 31, 2018

Pretty good analysis there, Nihilist. I'm just happy I dropped this. If those dialogues really happened on the page, then... Tom Kind should go back to smaller books. He's so much better at writing them than the big guns.

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