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I like dark stories, but I wish the dialogue was better. I don’t get why King often writes such weird ones.
The secrets of the DC Universe are hacked! Sanctuary wasn't supposed to keep records, but now that the A.I. is compromised, superhero secrets are leaking all over the 'Net. Booster and Harley set aside their differences to focus on who they believe is the real killer (assuming one of them isn't lying, that is). Meanwhile, Batman and the Flash continue to investigate the mysterious murderer. The answer can be found in Sanctuary...but is it safe to go digging in the crime scene?
This series is setting the bar really high, in terms of script and visuals. It's also pushing the boundaries of what comics are capable of, as a storytelling medium. This isn't a comic that I would give a kid to read, so Bill Maher can stick that in his pipe and smoke it. Some people won't accept that comics can be as well written and engaging as prose; I humbly and wholeheartedly disagree. Some would scream “But they have pictures!” I would say , “So do movies, and aren't some of those brilliantly written? Does the fact that they have images negate the writing?” No… and it's the same with comics. This medium is akin to cinema for me, but with unlimited imagination comes unfettered storytelling and a limitless SFX budget. Read Full Review
An unabashed look at the issues faced by the heroes of the DC Universe. Read Full Review
I don't think I can get over the art from this team enough. The way everyone looks and the expressions we get off these characters are some of my most favorite work in comics now. Read Full Review
Heroes in Crisis delivers its best issue with a powerful and inspiring message. Superman's speech is one for the ages. Read Full Review
Powerful and enthralling, Heroes in Crisis is a well-crafted thought-provoking machine. Five issues in and the series continues to impress; Heroes in Crisis #5 is a highly-entertaining must-read issue. Read Full Review
Clay Mann has extremely beautiful art throughout this issue and everything is gloriously detailed. Do yourself a favor and check out the art, especially the splash page with Booster and Beetle. There is a hidden message in it that is extremely clever. Read Full Review
Another great issue at the halfway point of this series. Read Full Review
I enjoyed Heroes in Crisis #6 and if you've been following the series, you will too. Read Full Review
This is an issue that feels like things are coming more into focus and the actual detective work begins. We've gotten what feels like false starts to the series in some ways but this issue really moves the story forward and gives us our real first clue as to what happened. This is a perfect middle point that has me excited to see where the rest of the series goes and it reminds us what the series is about, the trauma people experience and that it's ok to seek help. Read Full Review
Heroes in Crisis #5 is light on plot but heavy on emotion and powerful superhero imagery. Read Full Review
Although we are no closer to learning who the killer or killers are, we do get some more clues as we the reader try to solve The Sanctuary massacre. All in all, probably my favourite issue so far due to the characterisation and dialogue not to mention the amazing art of Clay Mann! As a result, Heroes in Crisis #5 gets my comic of the week. Read Full Review
All that said, I still think Heroes in Crisis #5 is worth reading. I still think the character work is top notch, and while the collection's strengths will hinge on future installments, the scenes are more than captivating for me to forget everything else going in the world for just a moment and that's something. Read Full Review
Heroes in Crisis #5 was definitely one of the stronger issues of this book. There's a lot going on at this point, but there is an appreciation for the sense of urgency that this creative team has put into this story, as well as the pay-off that we get with each passing issue. For such a personal story, Heroes in Crisis continues to be the full package for one involving superheroes on such a scale. Read Full Review
Heroes In Crisis continues to be a perplexing series, and if the final few pages are any indication the plot is about to become thicker. Read Full Review
Overall, this is a fantastic issue that starts to really hit the nail on what the series was advertised as doing – speaking about mental health through the eyes of superheroes while also having an intriguing detective story to keep us intrigued too. Read Full Review
The ending delivers a massive clue as to the culprit's identity, and to say it's going to be controversial will be putting it lightly. But this issue is definitely a big improvement. Read Full Review
Overall I think this book delivered big time, but mostly all at the end as a major plot element has been revealed which will make us question the current way we look at this mystery. It adds a ripple that many have hoped for and opens up a doorway that is filled with so much hope but also so many more questions about what this means. Read Full Review
Even though there are shining moments in HEROES IN CRISIS #5, they aren't enough to save it. The plot is tired and adds very little to the overarching story. At the halfway point, we've made little to no progress. The testimonials are wonderful character moments, but they're isolated and have diminishing returns. The art is phenomenal, but the content doesn't match. Read Full Review
To keep the reader engaged as you slowly reveal clues and not give the story away is a 'hero's journey' in itself. I do not envy King; he's put his emotions on his sleeve and is writing from the heart. Hopefully, the business side of the industry doesn't sink its claws in him too deep. Read Full Review
While there is no doubt about it's beauty, "Heroes in Crisis" #5 still raises more questions than it answers. And if the emotional aspect of the book is solid, its mystery component is still up for discussion. Read Full Review
We finally get some hints that an actual story exists in Heroes in Crisis, just in time to right the ship and bring this whole thing home. Read Full Review
Heroes in Crisis isn't a perfect book by any means, but it does many things incredibly well. The themes presented here are some of the best in comics today, and this issue really drives home what this book is about. While some of the character work is questionable, and the plot needs some improvements, this chapter provides some hope that we could be in for some good advancements as we move into the back half of this title. Read Full Review
Those of you waiting for the trade will eventually hit this point in the book and have an "ah-ha" moment. For the rest of us, its an "about damn time" moment. Read Full Review
Now that the cat's out of the bag, it's time to come clean about Sanctuary...and people are pretty cool about it. Some new stuff is learned about one of the murders, Batgirl shows up Batman, and it would be an alright issue if we weren't four from the conclusion--two of them having been inserted as after thoughts to carry it out another few months. Read Full Review
Heroes in Crisis #5 marks the home stretch of the series, but there's still no tangible sense of urgency or a deep investment from the hero community to solving this major atrocity in their backyard. Read Full Review
With four issues to go, there's still plenty of time for nuanced discussion of these topics, but that just makes this outing even more of a missed opportunity. Read Full Review
Batgirl lying to Batman (unconvincingly) and getting away with it.Booster Gold getting the drop on The Flash.Superman giving a longer speech than the one that got cut from SUPERMAN IV.Here, take a look for yourselves: Read Full Review
I'm hanging onto this series by my fingertips - I just can't work up much interest. (Mostly because of the mass murder of perfectly good characters.) I sometimes get the impression that today's comics companies would prefer that I stop bothering them with my business. Read Full Review
Mostly what kills this issue for me is tone. The mystery finally took an interesting turn and the art is enjoyable. But the issue feels like it's all over the place and I don't think it works. The comedy doesn't make me laugh and intrudes on the heavier subject matter which, while interesting, feels like a backdrop as opposed to a focal point. Read Full Review
Heroes in Crisis #5 makes some small gains but actively undermines its chances of improving in any real way. Read Full Review
I would only recommend Heroes in Crisis #5 to the most die-hard Tom King fans. Everyone else should skip this issue. In fact, this story is so dull and lacking in content and plot progression that I do not even think it will be a good read in trade format. Read Full Review
Overall, Heroes in Crisis suffers from trying to wrap its hands around some weighty subjects without really knowing what to say. Read Full Review
To sum up, this isn't worth anybody's time. I can't believe Tom King sat down to write this, I can't believe Clay Mann sat down to draw this, and I definitely can't believe that DC and all of its editors and various heads of publication read this issue and okayed it for publication. Reading this, and hearing about the few layoffs that were in the news last week, make me seriously wonder about the state of DC Comics and if there is anyone truly competent running the ship. Read Full Review
What an emotional issue! Supermans speech was so inspiring an touching. Brilliant writing by Tom King.
Alongside a brilliant art by Clay Mann! His Superman is one of my favorites! Amazing!
Two things im dying to know is WHO was the person with red gloves that found the rose at the beach and HOLY CRAP!!! The dead Wally is 5 days too old??! So, does that mean his not the real Wally?!!!1 Im HYPED for the next issue!!!!!!! Cant wait!
(Im convinced that these people comimg here to say its bad because its bad every single month, arent even buying the comic. They probably read it online so that they can say how bad it is, even if its not. People who hate a book, dont continue to buy it every single month. You dont fool me.)
I'm coming around to this book. Still upset about Wally. Superman's speech was very well written. If you don't feel the emotions in this chapter I don't know what to tell ya especially with the last page. Clay Mann may very well be one of the absolute best artists in the entire comic business.
I love the speech Superman gave! Also this is my 460th review.
It's moving somewhere, finally, but at a very slow pace. Pretty decent speech by Superman, but it felt too dragged out. I am still enjoying this, but really wish it would start moving forward much faster.
No strong cringe moments, unlike some past issues. I liked Superman's statement. I liked Mann's figures and scenery. I liked Booster/Beetle. YET I didn't walk away feeling satisfied, like the story has forward momentum. The last page felt somewhat gratuitous without more context.
Superman's speech kind of dragged on, I thought it didn't sound like him, but I guess he is a writer lol. I had fun with the rest of the book.
Not bad but seem as a transitional issue when we are in the middle of the story.
There is a link to who really did it. There is a good superman speach (Even if he can take less panel). I really don't know what to think.
Love the Booster dumb idéa.
Cover - The jason variant. Not link but damn good. 1/2
Writing - The construction seem good. But I think I expecting a little more than what I find. If I wasn't spoiled about the skeet spoiler I think I would have take a grudge at Batgirl. 2/3
Arts - Just magnificent. Even if one Sup speach it would feel more as arts book that comics strip. Very nice pics but seem too disconnecting or like a DCU album illustration. 3/3
Feeling - Very mixed. 1/2
"I'M BATMAN. I DON'T DO PRESS."
A decent issue.
If there's one thing I don't get is that how come, Batman, "the world's greatest detective" can't figure out what is going on, while Booster Gold and Batgirl seem to get closer to solving the mystery? I'm mean it's pretty stupid if you ask me.
I still like where this is going tho. We got a big clue that wally might not be dead and the story is progressing a little bit, Even tho I still wish that it would be in a faster pace because we are more than halfway through and yet to get some real progress.
Booster Gold and Blue Beetle's team up is still awesome, Superman gave an emotional speech and the art is superb. I just want to story to progress faster and in a way that makes sense (like Batman figuring out how to solve the mystery and live up to his reputation as the world's greatest detective).
I did enjoy most of it tho, so there's that. more
THE GOOD:
-The art was soooo good.
-The Booster/Beetle romance was great this issue. Natural, not trying too hard.
-I'm not super keen on the history of Commander Steel, but his monologue looked to incorporate elements of his past in cool ways. I don't know, I could be wrong.
-Nice to see the mystery finally progressing after several issues of nothing.
-All in all, good therapy sessions this time. No standouts. Harley's was powerful, I suppose. Nice to see a weak spot with her after all of her ridiculous god-like powers this issue.
-Superman's speech was pretty good. It didn't hit as hard as I wanted it to, but still pretty good.
-Towards the end of this issue, when we see all those different characters… that was awesome. Blue Devil's scene was the prime example of how to invoke emotion in a single panel, as opposed to prattling on, trying to do so, with little to no effect.
THE BAD:
-Eh, I'm not much for that depressed Booster with "a smudge in his glasses" from the Gift story arc. Its not the worst thing, I just prefer to see Booster as a brighter character in the DC Universe (he's also my all time favorite superhero so… y'know).
-Batgirl's dialogue this issue was just …. ew!
-I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of dark stories.
-For some reason, something about this issue just didn't click with me. I liked the last few issues of this one a lot, but this just felt wrong. Why, I for some reason can't put my finger on. more
I like dark stories, but I wish the dialogue was better. I don’t get why King often writes such weird ones.
Yeah, I'm just not super into dark stories at the moment. I much prefer brighter, more fun stories, but if a darker story is executed well, I'll love it. This and many others are starting to come across as trying too hard. As for the dialogue, Tom King's dialogue is basically one big gimmick, that people liked at first, but are growing very tired of. If he would realize he tells his best stories without the robotic repetition, he might lose some of these haters.
I like both, but that’s why I like Batman comics, because they often are dark. I grew tired pretty fast of his dialogue. So many characters sound the same& often talk over nothing, but random stuff.
I actually like the sanctuary bits, including super's speech, and the booster/beetle moments. But the whole "mystery" is still pretty bad and the dialogues were worse than in the previous issues.
I mean it's got some good Ted Kord moments but that's it
This series as a whole does not have much story to it. In this issue, nothing much happens until the reveal at the end. This series really should have been 4-5 issues instead of 9. Really just killing time for most of the issue.
The really sad part of Heroes in Crisis going off of the rials is that the premise is such a no-brainer.
A murder takes place at a superhero trauma center, whodoneit?
The series has arguably the industry's best creative team on this series and yet is still bombing hard.
So what's the problem?
Don't worry I'll get to the review eventually but don't expect much. I need to get this off of my chest.
Heroes in Crisis is not an event and should not have been sold as such. It's a mini-series on par with Justice League Odyssey. It's not terrible but it's not all that great either. The comic could have worked but only if it was sold as a graphic novel or in trade.
We're 5 issue into this series and there has been next to no progression or development for any of the lead characters. There has been little to no action outside of a few head-scratching sequences. There is no urgency or payoff in sight. What we have is essentially a series of events tied together by a premise that has been clearly overthought. Heroes In Crisis should have been easy to love but it fails in every step it takes along the way.
Even worst, the series is broken up into 3.99 segments, excluding tie-ins this series will total about $36. If it was a graphic novel it wouldn't be so bad as it stands Heroes in Crisis is an obvious grift from DC comics.
I hate saying that DC Comics is ripping off its audience but it's becoming painfully obvious with this book. If issues 2-4 were excluded from the series you wouldn't have missed anything.
Heroes in Crisis #5 continues the meandering. Booster Gold and Blue Beetle search for clues regarding the murders at Sanctuary. Harley Quinn & Batgirl search for Booster and Superman gives a speech.
That's it...
Admittedly the speech from Superman is the standout moment from the issue. The fictional heroes mentioned could easily be substituted with real-world Soldiers that sacrifice all to protect and defend the nation from enemies foreign and domestic.
It's legitimately a great speech and the only reason I didn't drop the score to an F. more
As a graphic novel, I would only consider paying $25 for this type of series.
Its time to give up on this
"I'm Batman. I don't do press"
Honestly, I don't know what to write. It's a mixed bag, just like the last issue. Only this time it's apparent that anything that I find "good" is just a cover-up that makes the "bad" easier to swallow.
So, what are the cover-ups:
- The art is great, as always with Clay Mann. The double-page spread with Blue and Gold is really good. It's so rare to see heroes just chilling. Harley swinging her hammer at Skeets or Shining Knight facing the dragon are all great-looking pages.
- I liked Superman's speech. It was a bit, I don't know, lofty? but I enjoyed it overall feel and the message.
- Batgirl and Harley's talk about murder and killing. It was just funny. Lighthearted and funny.
As for the rest:
- The dialogue. King's trademark, useless repetition and some really questionable sentences that made me think about how many times you can use the word "know" in one sentence before it's too much. And some dialogue was just confusing, example: Batgirl talking to Skeets.
- Booster's plan to steal everything and figure it out alone is just bonkers. It did give results, true, but it's still bonkers.
- And basically, the story is pretty much still in the same place that is was three issues ago. And that's just WOW. All that we "learned" in these five issues could have been condensed into two issues in my opinion. How it went from 7 to 9 parts is a mystery to me.
I would have rated it with a 5, but Booster's discovery makes me wonder, and hope, that maybe not everyone that died is actually dead and I think that's worth a 0.5. more
Does this story even know the direction it’s going? Feels like it got a shift. The dialogue for majority of these characters feel off especially Booster Gold. You can tell that Booster and Beetle had history but the feel wasn’t there. Unfortunately the rumor may be true with who the killer actually is.
I don’t think it’s that bad like some others do. The story definitely has potential to give an interesting story about the heroes inner conflicts& their conflicts with each other. However what ruins it for me is how bad the dialogue really is. I mean Batgirl is repeating „my place“ three times in one panel. Or Batgirls line to Bruce and I quote:
„Fine? Really? Cool. That’s cool. Thank you, Batman. You rock!“
WTH?! 😂
What also doesn’t make sense is how the characters act. There is no explanation why Barbara would team up with Harley& let her run around. So Harley gets the victim card once more, especially with the last page, but at least Jokers joke was really funny. Overall we don’t get anything new apart from that Wally might be still alive. Maybe this story is good, when the final issue is out. I‘ve read worse, but also better stories. I would rather recommend people to wait for the trade, maybe the story adds up more. more
I've heard Tom King discuss his work on the Word Balloon podcast. He comes across as the type of writer that dares editors to tell him what to do. He got the Batman group editor changed early in his run...
I see, but I los think it’s because Didio likes him& that’s why King has so many freedoms. He got some stories people liked I get that, but I still wouldn’t have hired him for 100 issues.
I laughted out Loud at Protector Scene. And Last page was actually good. But yeah it's a train wreck.
Mann’s art continues to shine while king’s writing shows some improvement. Nevertheless, the heroes continue to act out of character, specially blue beatle (I can’t see why he would follow booster’s crazy plan). I like Superman’s speech because it shows a little bit of grief about the lost heroes. In the end, I feel this improvement might be too little too late. Also, as I said in other reviews, I am sure Wally is the killer. I hope I’m wrong and king has something clever prepared for the final issues. Wally has endured enough in the hands of dc editorial...
We shouldn’t be more than halfway through the series with no clue what’s happening. I feel like large parts of the series could be skipped and I wouldn’t know less than I do having read it all.
I...I can't do this anymore, guys.
I gotta quit another Tom King series.
I don't have the fortitude.
The tedious 9-panel grids.
The forced attempts at postmodernism.
Interminably sluggish pacing.
Lack of any answers or progress with the central mystery.
Bland characterization.
Themes thrust in that haven't been previously established.
I still like the first three issues. But I'm not forking over any more money for ANOTHER Watchmen wannabe. Even Moore himself has decried people's obsession with copying him. People should forge ahead and intake new influences to show off what the comics medium can truly accomplish. This ain't it.
If people find meaning in Tom King's stuff--good. Maybe his particular sensibilities can hook new readers. But this one (reader) is tired of the Tom tropes. more
It really has the post-modernism/nihilistic philosophy garbage I can't stand. It has no place in mainstream comic books. Sort of like Steve Ditko falling quickly from grace back in the day. It's not what the medium of superhero comics is meant to convey.
@Superheroes for Hire I wouldn't say postmodernism or nihilism has no place in superhero comics. My problem is that King is attempting to say something profound here merely by saying heroes are damaged. Just having Harley Quinn say Joker hits her isn't inherently deep.
This isn’t even worth the time talking about why it’s terrible. It’s all be explained by others. Just know that it’s bad and King has no place talking about anyone’s trauma.
the biggest shame of this comic....
is that such beautiful art is wasted on the garbage writing, as Tom King mocks the mentally ill.
My main problem is the dialogue and that the plot doesn’t move forward. I mean it’s #5 and still not that much happened apart from murders we already saw in issue1
this series has been spinning it's wheels and going nowhere. ...the only thing it's achieved is killing characters for the cheap shock value.
Yeah, but maybe we get the wow effect at the end. It’s not that bad compared to other stories.
No, it’s the other way around. When a powerful hero gets turned into a baby in HIC and gets portrayed like a total idiot, we can talk.
Darkseid is only a fictional character. Heroes in Crisis is exploiting and misrepresenting a very real illness that many people are afflicted with. ....sorry, but i think the misrepresentation and exploitation of the mentally ill is much worse.
you really should read this article about sufferers of PTSD being very put off by King's story. . . . . https://www.comicsmnt.com/?p=1685
I don’t think HIC addresses mental illness at all, no matter how much King or fans are claiming it does. All it did was showing, that the heroes have problems too. That’s really it. It’s not like King was disrespectful towards PTSD patients. So I Stick with Darkseid War being worse. HIC didnt ruin every character yet.
Thank you for the link, but honestly that article makes no sense. I mean since when does Batman know how to treat trauma/ mentall ill persons? He beats then up regularly, so saying Sanctuary was a bad idea is just stupid, because it’s obvious that it is. But I don’t blame Kung for it, it fits Batmans character. And people are offended by everything. Some were offended, that Bruce is circumcised, others, that DC didn’t make Penguin& Riddler really gay in Gotham, others that the art treats women
disrespectful ( welcome to comics) etc. People are ridiculous these days. That’s the main problem.
i blame King plenty. exploiting the topic of mental illness (especially misrepresenting) is a jackass thing to do. especially with his history of promoting suicide like it's a cool thing.
King's intention came across as legitimate. So for a book to come out that barely addresses mental illness, and when it does it's really poorly done, is bad. Especially considering King was talking to mental health professionals and then disregarded their advice.
The characters may not have known how to properly care for these people, but nothing so far has said that this is why things went awry, or even questioned the methods used at Sanctuary. Maybe if it did, this would be a better comic. But what you're trying to do is take all the problems with the concept of this series and say that it's okay because it fits Batman, when the writer, who is playing it straight, is the one who conceptualized the entire thing.
I don’t think so. Does it mean he isn’t allowed to write what he wants just because some people are taking it too personal? I don’t think so. The main problem with this series is the bad dialogue, not the idea itself. DC treated mental ill persons ( villains) bad since ages& nobody complained. Now it’s a problem because it’s about the heroes. Not to mention, that King didn’t even portray PTSD yet. I mean when?
I don’t get the problem here. First it was the ridiculous outrage about the art, now it’s King being disrespectful towards people, who suffer under depression. It makes sense for the characters. If Bruce knew anything about how to treat trauma, he wouldn’t be Batman. And how boring would a story be, if the heroes would whine about their „problems“.
King went on a news tour about this book, trying to make it sound like it was about mental health and REAL issues. And then we get this horseshit.
Well guess I must have missed that then. People are thinking it’s Wally, who killed them. That would make sense, if he wanted to make a PTSD story. But who knows
I agree with Darkseid. Not about the Darkseid War, but about the outrage with mental health in this book. I think it's blown way out of proportion. They advertised it as a book about mental health. So I thought the book will show that heroes, these gods, also have problems like this, so people in real life that have this issues won't feel ashamed and the healthy ones will take notice of the problem.
I would have never expected from a comic book that it would tackle such a complex topic accurately. It's not the right medium.
As for the harmful portrayal of women. I really can't take with this subject. With enough will you can always find something that is "wrong". With HiC it seems that there is believe that there is some malicious intent behind these drawings aside from just looking good.
Women in comics are what mainstream considers pretty and/or sexy. And as long that they don't have outfits like Mileena in MK9 I think it should be okay. I mean, most men in comics have muscles that have muscles. It's over the top and mostly unrealistic, yet no one seems to have a problem with that. Rant over.
If you're not going to portray mental health well, don't make it the focal point of your press regarding that comic. Unstoppable Wasp just did an issue that showed a very realistic portrayal of Bipolar Disorder, backed by research and medical professionals. But you didn't hear about it because the writer and Marvel didn't spend their time hyping up that aspect of the comic.
And while I didn't find the stuff with female characters offensive, at least they could've done more than paint on their costumes and clothing over a nude female body.
Excusing the writer for their garbage work and blaming it on the medium itself is an insult to comics.
mental illness is a disability. and with this series Tom King is mocking the disabled.
I don't think he's mocking mental illness. I just think he doesn't know what he's talking about.
Well, ok then. I just think it's a completely ridiculous accusation. Tom King's only "crime" here is the inability to tell a compelling story. That's it.
i don’t find it ridiculous at all. it’s very possible that you take the subject of mental illness as lightly as you do because you might have not had anyone close to you affected by it. it’s not an easy thing to live through or watch someone deteriorate because of. the gross mishandling and portrayal of people that have to deal with this is not only a great disservice, but it paints a bad picture of it as well. hence why i call it a mockery.
I would be apprehensive of assuming things like that about other people. You're bound to make incorrect assumptions. You're right, it’s not an easy thing to live through or watch someone deteriorate. But you know what's worse? Being the one that is deteriorating.
I know mental ill people as well& I also read a lot about mental illness, but I don’t think HIC is mocking them or is didrespectful towards them. As it was said, it’s a comic, I don’t expect a comic to portray complex things well or deep. Plus that comics actually already mock mental ill people by how the villains are often treated, so it’s a little hypocritical to be offended by HIC, but not by other comics. As for women I think the butt window of Harley was more disrespectful.
you are both entitled to your opinions as i am to mine. we can all agree to disagree and move on as i find this subject not only depressing, but also exhausting. stirs up too many bad memories i'd much rather put back to rest. thank you.
Thanks, Darkseid. Oh, myconius you are so, so funny, I'm rolling on the floor from laughter.
Lol, this a bit ridiculous. It's just comics. Everyone chill out. This doesn't have to be the internet.
The general problem is a tent pole "event" series to be based upon such a dour topic. People are nitpicking because the story must not be meeting their basic expectations for comic reading. King and DC should feel the heat, because this story does not appear to be resonating with maybe chunks of the fan base. We want our heroes to show us the way through trauma, not leave us in despair.
@YourGreenMuse I agree. Kings story isn’t worth it anyway. @ Superheroes For Hire I see, now I know why I don’t feel offended, because I could never identify with cheerful& happy heroes like Flash, Nightwing, Tim or even Superman from the beginning. That’s why Batman is ok to me, because he isn’t so optimistic& more realistic. However if we talk trauma, there is always a specific trauma that is either linked to heroes or villains. Like parents/ beloved persons are often dead, when it comes to
Heroes, but abuse, bullying, disfigurement, loneliness, rejection is often just linked to villains. Did we ever have a hero, who was disfigured like Two Face& overcame it? I don’t think so. That’s why I personally don’t feel offended by it. I try to see the good pertain both villains& heroes. You can even find good characteristics in a villain like Darkseid.
I feel dumber for having read this dialogue. Every character speaks like a 12 year old. They know words but not how to structure them in a sentence or say the same thing 5 different ways. Also to beat the flash all you have to do is say what's that. What is he a dog. How stupid is his rogues gallery to not figure that out.
I like how superman is making a speech to the world and ends it by saying the heroes are fighting for the American way. Way to know your audience.
4/10 the art was great and that's all. Probably why half this issue is splash pages bc the story doesn't offer anything.
What a trainwreck. It's not as bad as the last one because nothing still happens. Superman talks to the press. And that about it.
And why bother with this synopsis DC, if nothing happens in this issue like the synopsis says? Falsee marketing to make someone interested in this event because King's writing isn't making it?
Still tries to be too deep and it fails miserably. We see so many heroes while Superman talks, but why? They are not part of the event? I think they aren't. Can't remember. BECAUSE IT'S BORING.
Art is still pretty good. Not oversexualized potrayals of women this time. That's a plus? A positive. Yeah. It's a positive. I'll take it.
+Women aren't potrayed as bad in art as the last time.
+Art?
-EVERYTHING ELSE. Boring. Bland.
So why I read this you may ask? Because still, deep down, I hope King can make this good or reveal it's a dream or something, I don't know. I just hope. And every issue I lose more hope then I thought I could. more
I initially wanted to to give this a 5, because as middling as it was it had a scant few decent moments, but the last page is idiocy like no other. I even believe a 4 is being generous.
I will start off by saying I believed the Blue&Gold bros were well portrayed and I enjoyed their interactions, while their plan was decidedly dumb their acknowledgement of the same shows a small degree of self-awareness present.
Batgirl’s actions shown here were just a disservice to the character, because having her let Harley coerce information from a 25th century robot by hitting it with a wooden mallet is about as dumb as it gets. She’s a considerably tech savvy individual and more than capable enough to actually scan skeets and obtain this information through her skills, her time as Oracle demonstrates this. But it seems that this title exists only to show how great Harley is.
While I’m not familiar with the Protector he states he was basically made with the objective to combat drugs and his interview stating he ended up “doing all the drugs” might be a statement on how the war on drugs was/is a failed endeavor. This might a stretch on my part but it came off as more ridiculous than anything.
Superman’s speech which logical I find holds no significant impact since the basic fact that superheroes experience trauma and need a place to obtain help and support is something that should be obvious. Due to the nature of their operations it’s clear they would need assistance to be able to remain level-headed as at the end of the day most of them are actually people. Considering this a shock downplays the various story arcs that actually dealt with issues of this nature previously, and better I may add. It’s illogical.
The last page though is just about the dumbest thing there is, while Harley’s humor through the issue has just been various misses and it ends on another joke that fails to hit the mark, the fact she was a patient of Sanctuary is what I consider to be truly inane. They’ve stated Sanctuary was built to help heroes deal with their traumas, fears, addictions, etc. Well... Harley is not a hero. Decidedly so. It makes little to no sense for her to be there just like Poison Ivy who was briefly shown in issue 2. I can stretch my suspension of disbelief and buy she would be able to locate the place and wreak havoc there, but be admitted as a patient, now that’s asinine.
The “twist” that time travel was involved with Wally also fully ignores the damage to the time stream caused in Flash Wars which meant to make time travel impossible for speedsters so King straight up pulled a bendis there.
This issue has been the worst in the title since #1 and I do not believe it can correct it’s course to be good, much less earn its “Crisis” moniker, by the end. Do not buy this. more
"Why did the chicken cross the road?"
To get to a terrible comic writer's house.
Heroes in Crisis is just plain bad. It may feature some very solid artwork, but the story is so painfully boring, disjointed, pseudo-intellectually "deep" and in many cases out of character, it basically could be summarized with all the jokes, mockery and criticisms of New-52 era of DC Comics.
It takes itself so seriously and desperately tries to be perceived as mature, gritty, philosophical and groundbreaking, it ultimately not only fails to be either one, but also fails to tell a story. Any story. And that's what comics are about, aren't they? Doesn't matter good or bad, the story is the driving force behind comics, and Heroes in Crisis lacks anything I'd like to follow.
Yeah, there are apparently some connected arcs, too bad I don't care about a single one of them. I just can't find any redeeming qualities to this mess, the same way I can't say anything positive about the recent reveal of Birds of Prey movie characters. In both cases, iconic characters were bastardized and sacrificed for a failed (pseudo)artistic vision, to the point they don't resemble, even remotely, their comic counterparts.
It's terrible. It's boring. Uninspired. Bland. What a waste of time. more
One of my notes for the review I wrote was a small drawing of a hand slamming into a face against a wall. That what I felt when I read this, the necessity to facepalm at what I was seeing.
Unfortunately I think “pseudo-intellectual” has defined all of King’s writing after the Vision. I don’t read this series but I’ve kept up with it generally and it does seem like a bit of a garbage fire, which is sad because I know how capable a writer King is and his stuff has just gone so far downhill.
You can literally smell the pretentiousness coming from the page. Completely agree, it’s like watching someone stroke their ego.
Yeah, I absolutely agree, King went completely downhill. I loved his firt 2 Batman arcs, but his comics were on downward spirl ever since. Jordan nailed it by saying that you can smell the pretentiousness coming from the page. Couldn't agree more.
"smell the pretentiousness" yeah, that's pretty good. Sums things up well. And DCEU should be ended. Like a mercy kill, maybe?
Found a really good article about how sufferers of PTSD and other illnesses are finding the series. Definitely worth a read. https://www.comicsmnt.com/?p=1685
yes. definitely worth a read! …as sufferers of PTSD will find out that when they try to get treatment for their PTSD they’ll be murdered by someone else who has it as well. ...it's a cautionary tale.
JordanT4021 - i'm glad people are calling out Tom King for trying to exploit mental illness and people who suffer from PTSD. hopefully more people will come to this realization.
Good find, it's definitely worth reading and very insightful, especially if you don't know anyone who may have suffered from PTSD, thus may not know how to help someone with PTSD.
Turns out, there’s a better way of conveying someone’s emotional turmoil than stuttering, repetition and ellipses. Can someone forward that to King?
To spend longer than 5 minutes writing a review for this crap is 5 minutes too long, and I’ve already lost precious time reading the issue.
To put it plainly, this is bad. Probably one of the worst, most unnecessary comic series I’ve ever read. The dialogue? Beyond convoluted and confusing to read. But hey at least it looks pretty.
This comic continues to disappoint me. I’m glad that the mystery seems to be finally getting somewhere, but that’s mostly because I want it to be over. Most of what’s happening is kinda stupid, and that last thing with Harley, oof.
DC really wants us to hate lois lane those days huh
plus, who cares if the joker used to hit harley?
first, everybody already knows that
second, she is being so OP lately that i found surprising that the joker didint break every bone in his body just by standing next to harley
but the biggest problem still how hard this is trying to be dark
it ends up looking like a 13 years old wrote this
tom king needs a break
Bendis and King are going to kill DC comics.
This is such an awful attempt at trying to say something profound. It's extremely clear that Tom King doesn't really understand how things like PTSD and trauma, in general, work. And every time he attempts to comment on it, it just comes across like a college thespian trying to impress everyone and show how smart and deep they are. It's a joke. At least there's a compelling story behind the completely maligned mental illness theme... OH WAIT, no there isn't. We got a half baked murder mystery that barely sees any progress in this issue and I doubt anyone could truly take all the clues, what little there are, and piece together what happened. This event sucks.
Tom King continues to prove that he shouldn't be writing anything in the DC Universe.
Wally West sends his regards.
Made an account just for this series. 32 year old with depression. Been fighting it my whole life. This book and especially the last two issues caused me to feel real shitty about it, spending my money to read this pile of crap. I've supported Tom King in everything he's done so far. But this is shit. From the treatment of characters I love and care to how mental health is portrayed in the book. I've battled with my thoughts, battled with my sexuality, I want both depicted correctly.
This is where I drop this book. One reader less is not gonna make a change but I will not get depressed and feel shitty for spending my money in this crap.
Good luck to those who will continue to buy it. If I could give it a negative score, I would.
EDIT: I didn't expect this to become so popular. This issue costs $4. But it's not about the money. It's about being exploited. This series was promoted as a story about recovery, health and mental disorders. It is not. It's filled with stereotypes that do not help. It makes people with mental disorders look like freaks. Freaks who kill each other. And uses superheroes to tell this story. more
Your review made me sad. Tom King has gone from "the new Alan Moore" to "a total douchebag".
I don’t take these stories so personal, but I also don’t think King was disrespectful towards mental ill people. All he did was showing, that heroes also have issues. Happened before, Jason also went psycho, because he couldn’t deal with his trauma.
Darkseid24 I face the same problem on Facebook, every time I try to talk about MY experience and how I feel for a book, people try to nullify my opinion and experience. I've supported everything from Tom King. This book, I feel it's disrespectful towards people suffering from mental disorders. Being one I feel it was disrespectful towards me. It's very simple and very clear.
Sorry to hear that, but how is it disrespectful? Nothing happened apart from characters getting killed off& heroes talking about their problems.
I sniffed out this series before it began and only bought issue 1 to sample. Even the most supportive fans have acknowledged odd characterization, non-traditional methods, and sour tone of this series. I've said it before, but I think this series is more about Tom King sharing his PTSD than presenting characters dealing with PTSD. I just don't think mainstream comic books should be about characters suffering from depression and PTSD. Superhero comics should be aspirational.
I keep reading it, because it affects so many characters. Could be true, but isn’t PTSD reliving trauma through flashbacks? I don’t think that was shown in any issue. As a fan of the villains& I’m reading comics just because of them, I don’t think they need to be aspirational, but that’s only my opinion. I understand if people have other expectations than me.
"I've battled with my thoughts, battled with my sexuality, I want both depicted correctly." How can King possibly depict your exact experiences?
Nicaragua In Crisis or how I learned to love CIA and forget about the crimes.
You should definitely buy this book if you like Clay Manns art which (despite the problems with the portrayal of women) is very, very good. This issue is a gallery of Mann's art but there's zero plot. A filler issue. The "twists" and "revelations" were leaked before Heroes In Crisis #1 was published. The dialogue feels disjointed and stiff. Even at Superman's speech, a moment that should have been inspiring and emotional, it feels empty. The Protector's confession page ... yikes. It's not funny. Was it supposed to be funny? To be a parody? Is this the point of the book? Don Delillo? To tell the readers how King reads Baudrillard or Kierkegaard?
You could skip this issue and it wouldn't matter.
What does matter is that the team behind the book killed and fridged fan favorite characters, destroyed things other writers were building for years to tell a story with zero emotional impact and coherence.
The good thing is that this issue will show exactly which reviews/comic sites are ADVERTORIALS and DC PROMOTED CONTENT, directly or indirectly. more
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