“Parenthood”
Writers: Marc Andreyko
Artists: Jesus Saiz(p), Jimmy Palmiotti(i), Steve Bucellato(c)
Publisher: DC
Marc Andreyko proves to have just as potent a follow through as he did a set-up in the second issue of Manhunter. He opens the book with a dream, which is quite a pity since I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a spear rip through the Joker's gut. That's for Babs you pasty-faced son-of-a-bitch!
Kate Spencer's dream serves as her opinion of her work as Manhunter and commentary on the general state of the DCU. She really idolizes heroes, yet she regrets that they do not go far enough in delivering justice. The law is clearly flawed, and that is why Manhunter exists.
Andreyko shows her within the dream wanting the approval of Batman who logically would be the Holy Grail of non-powered vigilantes and is historically the very first comic book heroic slayer. Andreyko gives Kate the intelligence to know that Batman does not approve of murder no matter how justified. Ironically, it is here where I have to break from most of fandom, which seems to see nothing wrong in Batman's portrayal. I find it thoroughly difficult to believe that the what's left of continuity Batman still holds to this tenet. This is because Batman has for the longest time been at best been portrayed as a borderline psychotic and at worst without the border. In another irony, I find it perfectly plausible that Batman would have no problem slapping a woman across the mouth. This is sadly a perfectly reasonable action ever since Chuck Dixon oozed into Batman's adventures and rebooted the Huntress, whom Batman loathes for no good reason. This is why I have always said that Batman no longer exists in the Batman titles. Regardless, lets say the memory of what Batman was cleverly represents Kate Spencer's very human and understandable guilt.
Andreyko distinguishes Kate from other heroes in other ways. She considers herself a super-hero and wants to be a super-hero. Most of the heroes do not consider themselves in such a fashion. They may admit to being role models, and they may admit to the reflection that the public perceives them as super-heroes, but seldom to they boldly admit that they are super-heroes. Kate on the other hand sees the role of super-hero as desirable; though coming to terms with the ways of the super-hero Mr. Andreyko shows to be tricky. How does one protect one's secret identity if one needs medical attention? How does one hide his or her costume if that person lives in an apartment? These minor questions soon grow in importance.
Andreyko's pacing for the story is noticeably skillful. Scenes of Kate's fantastic life balance well with her domestic life. She in turn gains more dimensions. Kate's not a single-minded Punisher type. We learn from quieter scenes that she can smile about something other than the corpses of criminals--not that there's anything wrong with that--and can care about others on a personal as well as professional level. Regarding Copperhead's death she mentions: "Dozens of families now can sleep at night." This gives her a more agreeable outlook than the Punisher who cares about killing the criminals more than saving lives. Her attitude puts her squarely among the tier of vigilantes occupied by the mysterioius Bat-Man, the Shadow and the Spider and in turn bestows to her more resonance than a new character should have.
For her premiere, artist Jesus Saiz introduced Manhunter in very dark scenes, but this issue lightens considerably. Saiz who helped make Midnight Mass. a justified hit brings style and distinction to the panels. His orchestration of subtle emotions such as Kate's warm smile becomes particularly tangible. His creativity involving monsters comes to the fore in Manhunter's dream. Batman's Rogues Gallery looks more ghoulish and otherworldly, which fits with Kate's perception of them. Saiz's Batman impresses, and this is the second book of the week that winningly does not follow the female hero into the shower. No shower scene is needed. This is not a bad movie.
The smoking issue is still a sore thumb. I just cannot see how Kate can function as a super-hero and be a smoker. The Thing isn't human. Wolverine has his mutant healing factor, but Kate is simply a fit woman lacking super-powers. I have it on good authority that this issue will be addressed. I just hope we see her kicking the habit in the same determined way she brings criminals to justice. The last thing I'd want to see is this promising new creation develop lung or breast cancer in a world where men and women routinely break the bonds of gravity.
Manhunter continues to offer thrills and intrigue through a smart--apart from the smoking--strong female hero. Bonus points for killing the most annoying character introduced in the book.
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