Mother Panic #9

Mother Panic #9 is another issue with some great character work and a lot of emotion. It's dark and sinister with just the barest bit of hope shining through. Hopefully, Violet will come out on the other side of it as she continues to overcome her tragic and grueling childhood. Read Full Review

She, and we, are figuring out what gives her life meaning. It just might be as simple as knuckles meeting face. Mother Panic is an endlessly unfolding origin story, unseen pieces from the past continuously coming to light, contemporary actions changing her still. Here, finally, Violet Paige assumes the title of "Mother Panic." She is transmutation through violence. Epic, mystic, and splendid. Read Full Review

Mother Panic continues to delight issue after issue and I'm looking forward to reading a lot of these issues in a row eventually rather than the monthly run I'm on now. Each issue provides so much to dig into and enjoy that I'm eager to revisit it with a larger view in a single sitting to connect the threads that Jody Houser is weaving even better. John Paul Leon did a solid job throughout this arc in capturing the look of this vision of Gotham and Stewart's colors just took it up a few notches along the way as well. It's a very fun book that gives us a great look at Violet as we try to figure out who she really is and how she's been formed over time and experience. Definitely worth checking out in full. Read Full Review

A satisfying ending to the story arc, with enough threads left loose to keep us coming back next month.  Violet is becoming a character worthy of empathy, and her cast members are being fleshed out quite well.  It's unfortunate that it's taken us three story arc to get here, but better late than never. Read Full Review

A dark, gritty, engrossing look at a relatively simple catch-a-killer plot that demonstrates some of the protagonist's capabilities for new readers. Read Full Review

Meanwhile, the back-up feature, Gotham Radio, continues. It features an innovative layout that I genuinely appreciate. However, its the sort of method that must beused judiciously in order to be effective. On a three-age feature, it worksvery well. In a longer format, perhaps not so much. Read Full Review

My Take: I love Mother Panic as a title, but have to say this issue was a let down. I didn't care much about the killer and while it was fun to see Batman supporting Violet, her heroic ending fell flat. I like the cast of characters that are being assembled around Violet with Dr. Varma, Violet's Mother, Ratcatcher, etc. Though I think we do need a little more personal life. Right now her biggest problem is getting an operation for her implants. What will happen after that? Read Full Review