Writer: Judd Winick
Artists: Tom Raney (p), Scott Hanna (i)
Publisher: D.C. Comics
The Plot:
As Jade, Thunder, and Grace take on the demon empowered Sabbac they quickly discover that he's far more powerful than they are prepared to handle, with Grace ending up on the receiving end of a horrific injury. As the group regroups back at their headquarters, where they discover Sabbac plans on unleashing a host of demons, they find themselves joined by Black Lightning as they head for a rematch with Sabbac.
The Good:
The more I see of the character the more I'm becoming a fan of her, as this issue opens with a wonderful bit of action as Grace leads the charge against the demon empowered baddie Sabbac, and after putting on a fun display of her willingness to get her hands dirty, Judd Winick manages to deliver a jaw dropping moment, when Sabbac responds to her assault with a truly horrific counterattack. However, after a making this injury into something that sends Jade into a near panic, the book manages to remind us why Grace is such an endearing character, as I had to smile at the way the book presents the idea that she's okay. I also have to say I rather like the character of Sabbac largely because he's a refreshing change from the typical demon, as one has to smile in the opening pages as he apologizes to the women for smelling like sulfur and horse manure, or his little story about how he got his first suit, which coincidentally is also the first time he killed someone. It's also nice to get a member from the original Outsiders showing up in these pages, even if it's largely to act as a figure of authority that our group can thumb their noses at. Still, the cover to this issue, and the final confrontation scene does make it look like we can expect to see this character in action against Sabbac, and given he was always one of my favorite members of that book's cast I'd be delighted to see him in action, if only to show these younger cast members of the book how it gets done.
Tom Raney might not be quite up to the task of delivering twelve issues of art a year but he's good for enough issues, that when he's paired with a solid guest-artist I'm delighted by the prospect of him being this book's regular artist. His work is highly detailed and he's really quite good when it comes to delivering the action sequences, as the opening battle with the three women against Sabbac being a real attention grabber. I mean one has to love any battle that features an elephant pyramid. He also manages to fully convey the nightmarish quality of Sabbac's attack on Grace, as that shot of the character after Sabbac unleashes his attack is truly disturbing. Also while it's not a huge deal, I have to say I rather enjoyed the return of the Black Lightning's original costume (minus the afro wig), and the last page shot of our second guest-hero is a great looking shot of the character, as most times I have difficulty looking upon this character as dangerous, but this issue's shot of the character certainly does a convincing job of it.
The Bad:
I realize the last page is supposed to act as the big moment that will draw us into the next issue, but I have to say unless you're a fan of this mystery hero than the only thing this last page manages to do is dial down the level of uncertainty that our heroes will be able to win this fight. I mean it's nice to see this character, but since I'm reading this issue to follow the exploits of the Outsiders, using the final page to introduce a character who could conceivably defeat Sabbac all by his lonesome isn't the best way to leave readers on pins and needles as we enter the final chapter. I also have to say I found the issue was a little unfair to the character of Black Lightning as essentially the character arrives to drag his daughter kicking and screaming away from her new friend like a common thug, and when the character actually confronts the team with their horrendous track record, the Outsiders don't have to do anything but deliver snide comebacks and completely evade the issue until Indigo speaks up with her dire warning about Sabbac's plans. In fact Judd Winick seems to have made a habit of bringing up potentially interesting debates and then never following through on them. Also it's not a huge deal, and since she's the only member that can fly her absence is easily explained, but I do have to ask why Jade is missing from the group shot when the Outsiders challenge Sabbac in the final pages?
She's A Real Hothead:
An engaging villain, a battle in which our heroes look to be up against a threat that they stand little chance of defeating, and the amusing clash of personalities that is the staple of all Judd Winick written titles, adds up to yet another enjoyable issue. Now the arrival of Black Lightning was a fun surprise that would've been more effective is it hadn't been spoiled on the cover, and I have to say I wouldn't mind seeing the character stick around past this arc, as his protective father persona would nicely clash with the rest of the cast. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the character has a pretty cool power. The issue also manages to deliver a couple genuine surprises, as Sabbac's attack on Grace stands up as one of the most shocking moments I've come across in quite some time, and while I'm not exactly sold on the final page I will concede that the character's arrival is unexpected, and as long as the Outsiders are allowed to play a significant role in the final battle against Sabbac, I welcome the presence of this character. I also have to say I love the every-man quality of Sabbac, as he delivers some of the funniest lines of the issue.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!