Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Don Kramer (p), Keith Champagne (i)
Publisher: D.C. Comics
Plot:
After a string of loose ends and various plot threads run through the opening half of this issue, we see Wildcat and Powergirl encounter a band of terrorists in the middle of a dastardly plot. As the two go about the business of being heroes, we see the Crimson Avenger arrives on the scene, but her helping hand is quickly turned against our two heroes, as she comes gunning for Wildcat for something he has done has earned him the wrath of her guns.
Comments:
The big cliffhanger ending is a bit of a non-starter as I do believe Grant Morrison established during his JLA run that this character has the ability to come back to life after receiving a life-ending injury. Than again if I wasn't aware of this ability, I must admit I would be a little concerned, as it's a fairly effective cliffhanger moment, as we see the guns go off and the splash of blood to tell us that these weapons have struck their target. Plus, the simple fact of the matter is that this issue also offers up a rather surprising revelation about the Crimson Avenger's guns, as we see the bullets they fire are not your ordinary bullets, but rather they are something far more impressive. In fact the biggest surprise I encountered in this issue was the scene where we see these bullets take down a member of the JSA who has been shown time and time again to be bulletproof. The sheer brutality of this attack by the Crimson Avenger also effectively crosses her off the JSA's Christmas card list, and I imagine the team will be quite eager to see her brought to justice for these attacks. There's also the question of what mystery event in Wildcat's past has made him the target of the Crimson Avenger's vengeance. The rest of the issue is also somewhat interesting, as we see the various loose ends are touched upon, and by in large resolved.
As for the art, I take it that Don Kramer is the new regular artist, and based on this issue it looks like the departure of Leonard Kirk won't be overly jarring from a visual sense, as their styles are very similar. The art is nice and expressive, and there's a fair amount of detail on the page, so that the talking heads scenes are visually engaging as there's always something to keep one's eye interested. The art also does some nice work detailing the little moments, such as Jakeem's expression when he spots Captain Marvel and Stargirl in the hallway. The art also does some strong work on the action sequences, as the big impact moments come across quite well, with the arrival of the Crimson Avenger being particularly effective.
Final Word:
Following on the heels of a big sweeping arc that I found a bit hollow, I'm glad to see this next arc looks to be a more personal affair, as the main plot of the issue has Wildcat running up against the vengeful wrath of the Crimson Avenger, for some yet to be revealed injustice he played a role in. However, well over half the issue is handed over to the resolution of a handful of subplots, as we see Dove makes her way back into comic limbo, while Sand's return from the dead looks to be set in motion. We also see Jade & Alan manage to mend fences with Todd, who looks to be completely cured of his "I'm an evil villain because my daddy didn't love me" mental disorder. However, the real reason this issue earns itself a recommendation in my book is that it features the return of the Crimson Avenger who I find a very engaging character with a very cool gimmick, and she's also puts in a pretty decent showing as she takes down one of the JSA's more powerful members. Some fans might be annoyed by this easy takedown, but I think the surprise factor makes it a very effective scene.
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