"The Way of the Warrior" Writers: Geoff Johns & Ben Raab Artists: Justiniano(p), Chris Ivy(i), Greg Wright(c) Publisher: DC
Plot: Bushido bears his blade to behead Beast Boy.
Chris Ivy's inks give Justiniano's pencils extra texture and strong shadows that enhance the moody ambiance, but at times I lost track of what happened. The battle between Bushido and Arsenal I found confusing. Exactly what is Arsenal using to "Ka-Wak" whatever it was in Bushido's hand. What's with the swirling doo-hickeys? At what point does Bushido meet the needs of the climax,which by the way is a total cheat?
Most of the Titans are superfluous. Nightwing, Troia and the Flash basically just serve as troops fighting an army of demons. There's no real reason why the focus could not have been solely on Firebird, Bushido and Beast Boy--my least favorite Titan. An emphasis on Flamebird's experience would have been welcome. She must be in Nightwing's age range, and the authors could have slipped in that she has been wearing a costume since he. This is accurate since Flamebird rose out of the ashes of the original Bat-Girl. With Babs still stuck in a wheelchair, we currently do not have a Batgirl, and Flamebird makes a nice ironic substitute. She could have fought Bushido. The demons were as unnecessary as the Titans and could have been dropped in favor of moving the climax of the story to the point before the Tengu releases his army. Flamebird could have battled Bushido while he battled the Tengu, and the book wouldn't be as messy.
The annual in particular seems as vital as the Titans' appearance. The purpose of this round of Annuals is to show that DC's capes are global. The Jannissary, in the JLA Annual, was superb not only because of her winning personality and the impediments to her powers but also because Turkey is an environment never before explored in comic books. DC has already introduced Japanese super-heroes. The Martian Manhunter in one of his aliases defended Japan, and one Japanese superhero was a member of the Justice League. Anybody remember the second Dr. Light? Naturally, there was a Global Guardian by the name of Rising Sun, and there was a Japanese hero who had far more resonance not to mention a strong fan-following.
Bushido himself is nothing more than Katana after a trip to Sweden. Mike Barr's and Jim Aparo's character is ten times more interesting than Bushido. Her depth derived from a multifaceted character. A former mother and spouse, Katana also possessed a warrior's heart and soul. Her motivations went beyond mere vengeance, and her relationship with Batman proved rocky through her pragmatism; when the need arose, Katana executed her foes. In a duel, Katana would make Bushido-cutlets. This samurai is a shallow addition to the DCU. I say call up Mike Barr and Jim Aparo.
