Trinity #10
Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2008
By: Jim Beard
Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza
Mark Bagley, Scott McDaniel (p), Art Thibert, Andy Owens (i)
DC Comics
Godhead: The greatest compliment I can pay Trinity #10 is that everything in it moves forward. That's so refreshing in a comic book series. Nobody involved is just sitting around, scratching their heads and waiting for an anvil to fall on said heads; plans are made, arguments are presented, action is taken. The trinity decides to take the fight to the CSA and their Antimatter Earth, and lo and behold, do so. Such a simple concept and orchestrated with aplomb. It's not all the primrose path, though, because Superman is still acting weird. Exceedingly weird.
As I wrote last week, I figured Superman and Batman were beginning to trade personalities somehow. Well, it's in clearer evidence this issue. Superman wants justice to be done and his anger bubbles to the surface as he casts a dark eye on what transpires around him. Batman is the clear-headed voice of reason, even going so far as to bolster John Stewart's spirit. John even makes an out-loud comment about whether or not the real Batman has been abducted. Not sure what's going on, but it's a terribly interesting wrinkle in the story that comes at one of the worst times. The JLA's jaunt to the CSA's world might not go as surgically-smooth as they'd like.
The 52 universes come into play as we discover that the Crime Syndicate has kidnapped citizens from many Earths and are forcing them to, what appears to be, repair their planet. I think a reader can enjoy all this whether of not they've read any of the JLA: Earth 2, as I haven't and I'm digging what's going down. It's a good connector back to 52 and a smart move on DC's part. 52 shouldn’t be forgotten. Countdown, yes; 52, no.
Though her stage-time is brief, I'd like to compliment Busiek on his portrayal of Lois Lane herein. She's the consummate reporter: supremely knowledgeable and tenacious. Any fan of the character should be proud of this representation, as well as fans of Nightwing and the Tim Drake Robin should be. The "sidekick" duo have scarce been written so charming and convincing as Nicieza has here, and you end up wanting much, much more of their presence. Tim and Dick are painted as brothers, two young men who share the same career yet also the same "father" and though they take their jobs seriously, they also imbue them with joy, style, and humor. They're also written as competent professionals; no bumbling here. The duo's interactions with the new gorilla character, Primat, are worth the price of admission alone. If I was told that Nicieza was going to be trotting out a new book with Nightwing and Robin and that Primat would be their prime foil, I'd be buying that book.
Speaking of villains, the plans and schemes of Morgaine, Enigma, and their new quartet of cronies grow darker and decidedly more personal. Personal for our heroes, that is. Only thing I wonder is where Despero has gone off to.
The Secular: Other than a few weak spots in Bagley's visuals this week and the realization that I don't care overly much for the way he draws Batman's "ears," there's very little I felt was mediocre in Trinity #10. If anything, the creative team seems to be trying to instill a grand sense of storytelling in the series, and while I still feel as if it needs a louder shout-out to the comic reading masses, I can't argue with the quality that comes through on almost every page.
Oh, just thought of this: the second front-story cliffhanger in a row with the CSA was sort of uninspired. Seemed like an excuse for another splash page with the team.
The Profane: Nothing to see here. Move along.
Superman Ascending: A raging Superman with heat-vision smoldering in his eyes and a burning argument in his breast is a sight to see. It'll be very interesting to see how far Busiek will take this change and allow it to affect Clark's comrades.
Batman Ascending: Batman the tactician and the planner is all over this issue, yet it was Batman the motivational speaker that was a hoot to witness. Can Bruce take much more? Tune in next week, same Bat-time, same Bat-Channel!
Wonder Woman Descending: Diana just sort of stood around, saying she agreed with Bruce. Though she got in Superman's face as he wigged out on Antimatter Earth, I can't help but feel she was just a wee bit too wimpy this week. Don't lose me, Kurt; you're selling me on this character little by little, but a miss-step could sour me – fair-weather, superficial fan that I am…
Scripture: So many great lines from Nightwing and Robin to choose from this time – heck, even Primat is a gorilla-comedienne to love – but it's a long-suffering Alfred and his comment about his "wounded pride" that drew both my attention and sympathy. Though the line is delivered snarkily, you just have to lament all the food that this man has thrown away over the decades, and the time he put into it. Rock on, Al! We love ya, dude!
Monsignor Wanty: wants to see more Jason Blood in the series and hopes that his cameo this week is only a taste of things to come. With Morgaine involved, can Etrigan really stay away? Methinks not, varlets!
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