Review: Batman/Superman #24

Batman/Superman #24 came out last week, the apparent conclusion to this title's opening arc of 'The Truth'. Much like last week's Action Comics, this one book ends with a decent cliffhanger and reveal. It has some good moments which show an understanding of the essence of the Superman character. But there are also some head-scratching moments as well. The story's conflict has something of a quick wrap-up, also similar to this week's Action Comics.

Writer Greg Pak has a grasp of the heroic nature of Superman. He has had him grow in this storyline, moving from dude on a motorcycle to someone rejecting the 'dark' tactics of Batman. He also has had Superman experience the rough conditions of life in Subterranea, an environment Clark contributed to. It is interesting to see Superman sympathize with these people who he plunged into darkness.

The art on the issue is something of a hodge podge of good artists. Adrian Syaf, Yildiray Cinar, Howard Porter, and Vicente Cifuentes all contribute here and most have a similar enough style to make this book flow fine. I do like the Kuder cover. Has a sort of anime movie poster feel to it.

The conflict is clear. WayneTech has an unstable miniature sun they are trying to somehow get rid of. Uruk, the leader of the refugee camps of Subterranea, wants to sun to power his lands. He is aided by a group of terrorists called Dawn Patrol. Aquaman has joined their side because he thinks the sun will poison the sea.

Superman just wants the conflict to end peacefully. And with this sun being unstable, Superman knows that the answer of simply giving the sun to Uruk doesn't make sense. And because of that, Superman is the enemy.

Aquaman ends up fighting Superman to try to stop Clark from foiling Uruk's plans. While I am sick of seeing heroes (especially friends) fighting each other, I was glad to see Aquaman tell Superman to stand down or take a fall. He doesn't want to truly harm his friend.

We also get a harder definition of just how depowered Superman is. Aquaman is 100x as powerful as Superman right now. Wow. Superman is really weak right now.

It doesn't stop Clark from trying to do the right thing. With the battle now on the WayneTech ocean refinery, Superman pushes Uruk out of the way of being vaporized by the blasts coming from the unstable sun.

Even Uruk has to be impressed. He was just trying to skewer Superman. And here, Superman saves him.

Inspirational.

It turns out that Batman has a plan to get rid of the sun. He puts it on a rocket platform hoping to blast it far enough away from the planet so its inevitable explosion won't hurt anyone.

Superman jumps on board as well. He wants to pilot this thing since he figures he has a better chance of surviving this trip than Gordon.

As the sun lashes out, Superman seems to tolerate its blasts. I don't know if this means he has maintained the ability to absorb the sun's energies? Or if he is still that tough. Regardless, he doesn't seem energized.

And then the quick ending.

Dawn Patrol grabs the sun, plucking it out of the sky. The ship either is incinerated by the sun or teleports away. And the Patrol all teleport away. They got what they wanted (just like Wrath teleported away when she got what she wanted).

So this seemed a little quick to me, just like when Wrath did it. Why did they need to do all this? I hope we find out.

Lucius Fox reaches out to help the people of Subterranea.
Batman chastises Superman for being too impulsive and sentimental. Things are more dangerous with a depowered Superman around.

Perhaps the whole purpose of this story is too isolate Superman completely. He has no home in Metropolis. He can't hang out in Gotham with Batman. We see how Smallville hates him. Where can he go?

If only Superman had a family member he could lean on in these trying times. If only, let's say, he had a cousin who he could call on for support. If only ....

(Rolls eyes.)

There is a sort of tacked on ending to this issue which I don't get. I don't read the Batman books but it seems Bruce Wayne is living 'undercover' as the owner of an orphanage. He is raising kids.

Superman stops by. The scene is a throwback to one of the earliest issues of this title when Pak and Jae Lee had Bruce and Clark interact with kids. (Even the art seems to want to be like Jae Lee.)  Here we see Bruce adopting some of Clark's kinder ways.

But I don't think this added anything to this story. I don't know why Clark looks cleaner and happier. I don't know how Bruce is hiding out in his home town with only a beard as his disguise.

And then another reveal. In Action Comics we saw Wrath enter a dimension where three other villains were scheming against Superman. Here we learn who one of them is ... Vandal Savage.

That is a nice reveal. Savage is a big enough villain to be a challenge for Superman.

So I like how Clark acted in this issue. This was a more natural feel of Superman than he was in the earlier parts of this arc. And I like that the Subterranea subplot was dealt with.

But this didn't have the energy of the Action arc. This story, as a whole, hasn't really grabbed me. In my mind, I am putting this chronologically after Action. Superman leaves Metropolis and heads to Gotham. But I don't know if that is true.

Still, at least The Truth, as a whole, is moving forward.

Overall grade: B-

Character Designs: Kenneth Rocafort's Red Lantern Supergirl & Yildiray Cinar's Blaze

The Red Daughter of Krypton trade paperback came out this week. It includes Supergirl #26-33, Red Lanterns #28-29, and Green Lantern #28. It is a shame it doesn't include Red Lanterns #30-31 because Kara plays a pretty big part in those issues. Still that is 10 issues for $17.99 and for a great arc.

I always hope that there will be extra matter in these trades. This trade includes the covers as well as the uncolored versions of the covers if you want to see the line work.

But there are 2 pages in the back that I would say is true new material. At least ... I don't think I have seen these elsewhere.

First off, here is Kenneth Rocafort's Red Lantern design for Supergirl.

I think Rocafort's style is visually stunning, beautiful. And I have to say, I liked these designs. For one, it eliminates two parts of the Supergirl costume I don't like - the red crotch panel and the knee-holed boots. But I think the mix of red and black is slick. And I am glad she wore a mask, as I think this whole trip to the Red was sort of a mask, a role Kara was playing to get away from her life.

We also get a page of Yildiray Cinar's design of Blaze.

It's funny, I don't know if we ever saw Blaze in a panel with someone else. So to see her towering over Shay Veritas puts her in a whole new perspective. She looks like she's 12 feet tall here.

I also like this look as Blaze looks totally demonic. Her arms are thin, her legs stocky; both are wiry. Her torso is emaciated. And that frizzed hair and huge horns. This is the look of a devil. And it works.

As I have said, I didn't go into Red Daughter a happy fan, thinking it was going to be terrible. But it worked wonderfully as a redemption story. I was glad to pick up the trade for easy re-reading.

December 2014 Solicits

The holidays happen in December. It is a time of good will and season's greetings. And oddly enough, after being a dour DC fan, I actually felt a little hope after seeing the DC Comics complete December solicits. Here is a link to the entire solicits list as showcased on Newsarama:http://www.newsarama.com/22127-dc-comics-full-december-2014-solicitations.html

Now maybe it is the Darwyn Cooke variants, or the continued fascinating solicits for Multiversity, or some growing optimism about the Perkins/Johnson Supergirl run ... but I was (gasp) happy about the look of this month. I know that other people (specifically Huntress or Wonder Woman fans) may not be feeling the same.

On to the solicits:

SUPERGIRL #37

Written by MIKE JOHNSON and KATE PERKINS
Art and cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

It’s Supergirl’s first day as a student in the Crucible Academy! What is the mystery of the Academy? Who are her fellow students? And what happens if she decides to get herself expelled before she graduates?

It's the second issue of the Perkins/Johnson run on the book. Sounds like we will be learning more about the new setting and supporting cast here. That's right ... I just wrote 'supporting cast' in regards to the New 52 Supergirl book!

But the big win this month are the covers of the book. First off the main cover, a Yildiray Cinar cover. A smiling Supergirl breaking the chains that bind her! She seems almost peaceful. It is beautiful and it harkens back to Superman #223 'Kryptonite Nevermore' and a sketch Cinar did when  he was doing the interiors of the book. Check that stuff out here. Hopefully the 'feel' of this cover conveys the tenor of Kara in the interior.

And then there is this awesomeness.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #7
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by NEIL EDWARDS and JAY LEISTEN
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

The Infinitus Saga continues as the JLU battles the Legion of Super-Heroes over the fate of the innocent alien who may grow up to destroy the 31st century!

The reintroduction of the Legion into the DCU by Jeff Lemire. Win.
Neil Edwards (of the ARGUS miniseries) on art! Win. (Better fit than Timothy Green). (Edwards confirms he is on the book moving forward.)
Mon-El and Phantom Girl back! Win.
Infinite Man as the villain (I called it). Win
Book that stars Supergirl! Win win win.

Okay, having the Legion try to kill Ultra isn't a win. But we'll see how it plays out.

ACTION COMICS #37

Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

The spread of evil supernatural forces in Smallville continues to get worse – and Superman has no way to stop it. Will this damnation contamination spread to the rest of the world?

I am thrilled that the creative team of Pak and Kuder are back on the book without the constraints of a mega-muddled-crossover.

I also like the 'supernatural' part of this story. Contrasts with the tech-heavy Superman story. And I think it complements the strengths of the creators here.

SUPERMAN #37

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

Can there be peace and good will toward people without a price? Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. serve up some holiday shocks as they answer this question and more in this the penultimate chapter of “MEN OF TOMORROW”! And be warned – some significant changes are in store for the Man of Steel to ring in the New Year!

That is one battered Superman.

I have been up and down with this Ulysses arc as it has unfolded so far. But the promise of 'significant changes' has piqued my interest. Maybe back at the Daily Planet? Maybe embracing the Kent side of him instead of feeling 'alone'. Maybe some Lois?

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #17

Written by GREG PAK
Art by ARDIAN SYAF and SANDRA HOPE
Cover by ARDIAN SYAF and DANNY MIKI
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

Who is Superman’s Joker? It seems it’s the Unseen Terror, who makes the battle personal for Superman! How? By attacking all things related to the Man of Steel! Together, Batman and Superman start to track down suspects – and the first one is Lobo!

Okay, it sounds like a good story for this pair. A mystery for Batman to unravel. Tough villains for Superman to fight. Best of both worlds.

But I just can't get excited about Lobo.

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #14

Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE
Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE

It’s no surprise that after recent events, Superman and Wonder Woman are cautious about the appearance of the new hero who calls himself Wonderstar. But this mysterious hero seems to be asking for nothing more than their guidance in dealing with his strange, erratic powers – and for their help in protecting his loved ones and his secret identity! The only problem is that his past is a blank slate. He doesn’t know who he is, where he comes from – or why is feels a strange connection to the Man of Steel and the Amazon Warrior!

Ugh ... is it a Cable sort of progeny from a possible future.

I keep saying I am going to drop this book. I have faith in both Tomasi and Mahnke. I hope they justify it.

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 – CONTINUITY #1

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by IG GUARA and J.P. MAYER
Cover by CAT STAGGS

In this new miniseries, the Monitors have come to Earth and begun their work – but instead of using Red Bleed to exterminate the world, a new Blue Bleed is erasing the world’s capitals!

I love this book. Is Continuity the same as Crisis? Or is there more to come.

But different destructive waves? And the Legion teaming up with Booster and Zatanna?

Love this book.

SUPERGIRL VOL. 5: RED DAUGHTER OF KRYPTON TP
Written by MICHAEL ALAN NELSON and others
Art by DIOGENES NEVES, CHAD HARDIN, PAULO SIQUEIRA and others
Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

Supergirl will burn down the universe before she lets another person tell her who she should be – and her journey as a Red Lantern begins here. The new chapter of Supergirl’s life begins in issues #26-33, plus GREEN LANTERN #28 and RED LANTERNS #28-29.

A trade collection of Red Lanterns and I am looking forward to buying it?

I can believe Red Daughter was so good. As I have said ad nauseum, it is a shame it took something as drastic as this had to happen to redeem Kara. But if it had to happen, I am glad it happened this way. Because this arc was great.

I hope there are extras in this trade.

All that said ... Michael Alan Nelson had nothing to do with the included issues. Bedard and Soule should feel slighted.

 

Convention Season - Other People's Commissions

Boston Comic-Con is 2 months away and I am champing at the bit. When life gets hectic and my stress rises, I look to comics for help. And when life gets really hectic and my stress really rises, I need a convention to wallow in my hobby and decompress.

Unfortunately, Boston Comic-Con is 2 months away! Two months!! And trust me ... stress has been at '11' for a while now.

Luckily, I can head to Twitter and other sites to whet my appetite. And part of that is looking at the great commissions and Supergirl art pieces that creators are putting together.

We'll start with Yildiray Cinar! I saw this commission when I saw this tweet by @ArnoKikoo.

Best thing about this commission? That Arnaud asked for Supergirl. But not an angry one! Fantastic!

Next I saw into this fantastic interpretation of Lauren Faust's Super Best Friends Forever by My Little Pony and Gronk creator Katie Cook.

I am going to be able to see Cook in the summer in Boston. We'll have to see if I can get something from her.

Why hasn't there been more Super Best Friends Forever??

I posted Mike Maihack's warm-up for his All Ages Awesomeness just last week. He posted a bunch of pieces he did including an enchanting Black Cat.

But he also did this Supergirl which I think is lovely.

I really love the head band/hair back in Maihack's Supergirl.

But the piece that grabbed me the most was this work in progress by Daniel Govar.

Govar is drawing a 70's Supergirl, in hot pants and ballerina slippers riding Comet The Super-Horse.

I cannot wait to see the final product. This looks fantastic.

I know how detailed Govar's completed commissions are. A buddy of mine got a Destiny from him a few years ago.

So this Supergirl piece is going to mind-blowing!

As for me, I will have to suffer through a couple of more months until my personal con season starts with Boston. I have a commission wish-list for that convention forming. We'll see how successful I am!

Review: Worlds' Finest #23

Worlds' Finest #23 came out last week and, I have to admit, was a decent issue. I have been less than complimentary over the last year or so. My main complaint with the book has been the lack of progression in any sense. The characters of Huntress and Power Girl have been stagnant. There has been little to no growth in these characters as written by Paul Levitz. And there has been ample opportunity for growth. The First Contact storyline should have been a goldmine to really delve deep into Helena and Karen. But instead it simply ended.

The growing ennui I have with this title was increased when I heard about the weekly 'Earth 2 war' or whatever that book is. I'm not going to get that weekly as I have very little interest in the goings-on in the Earth 2 book. If these Power Girl and Huntress, two characters I have cared for, get enmeshed in that nonsense I might be out completely.

Ironically, I do think that this book is heading away from Earth 1 and finally back to Earth 2. And it is this presumed change in the book that made this one of the better issues for this title. Because, for once, it felt like the book was moving somewhere. This isn't a great issue by any means. But it is better. And that is a good thing.

The art here is split between usual artist RB Silva, whose work is slightly more refined than usual and Yildiray Cinar who continues to put out great work. And the cover by Barry Kitson is fantastic.

That progress, that momentum is evident immediately from the opening page. Here is Karen, at Starr Labs one remaining, using her super-strength in front of all of her workers. It is going to be hard to reverse course from this. In fact, Karen almost challenges the group. She needs there brains to create a portal to Earth 2, maybe recreate the one Gamorra made last month. If they want to sell the story to the media, they should go ahead.

I have to say that this was something of a shock to the system. I was actually excited, intrigued by this. I also like that after years of trying to get back home, Karen is going to take the bull by the horns. It fits her more impetuous personality. And given she now knows it can be done, I can understand her throwing caution a bit to the wind.

One thing that Levitz has done throughout is play up the sexy nature of Karen, having her costume get shredded repeatedly and letting her devour men at a rapid pace. It became almost a one trick pony, the dominating aspect of the character being her 'boy crazy'. As I have said, I don't mind Power Girl being something of a free spirit and in control of her sexuality. But I don't think it should be the only thing we see of her.

Nor do I think she would tolerate lecherous behavior such as we see here by her underling Gerhard.

She asks him to 'check her out', meaning how she has hooked up the components of her gateway device. Of course, 'check her out' can be construed differently, and RB Silva plays that up with Karen thrusting her chest out. And yes, Gerhard is practically drooling as stares at her miniskirt.

I don't know ... I just think Power Girl would call him out on it. For a character meant to be a liberated hero from her very first appearance, I can't believe she would let this happen.

In case you forgot ... which I had ... Desaad is actually a major villain in this book. He is trapped on Earth 1 too.

He somehow senses that Power Girl is setting something up in Boston and so decides to add some chaos to the mix. Nothing like a city-wide blackout to stir up trouble.

There isn't much explanation as to how he knows what she is doing but I guess I have to roll with it.

At least he times the blackout with Karen hitting the on switch making her think this is her doing. Realizing the city is tearing itself apart during the blackout, she dons her Power Girl togs and heads out to do some heroing! At least we have that!

As for Huntress, she is breaking into MIT to 'borrow' some download codes. I have to figure that 'borrowing' means stealing here.

I am so conflicted about this. If I complain about Superboy robbing banks, shouldn't I be as upset with Helena skimming millions of Bruce Wayne and grabbing technology from MIT? Where is the line between info-gathering and stealing drawn?

As luck would have it, she also happens to be at MIT when the blackout happens. And as she starts to leave, she finds evidence that maybe some more wrong doing is happening.

And she finds it. Three would-be terrorists trying to steal radioactive material from an experimental reactor to create dirty bombs.

But here is something interesting. Despite the blackness in the building, Helena is able to see clearly. And she thanks her mother for her 'cat's eyes'. Does this Huntress have some type of vision powers? Did the Earth 2 Catwoman have powers?

And earlier in this series we heard Helena thank her mother for her 'claws'. I those were modified gloves. But does Helena have retractable claws too?

Of course, this being the New 52, Power Girl gets immediately fired upon by the military who have been called in to stabilize the city. Sort of sad that heroes aren't recognized as heroes anymore. And Karen isn't helping matters by smashing army vehicle.

A couple of things to notice in this scene.

One, once again we get a shredded Power Girl uniform.

Two, I was glad to see Power Girl tell the Army to call Amanda Waller to vouch for her. Remember, Power Girl was recently in Suicide Squad working for Waller. So this nod to continuity was appreciated.

But the biggest thing to notice was that the soldier who blasted Power Girl with an RPG is named Krull. This can't be happenstance. Benjamin Krull is the name of Reactron! An army infantryman in a city with an experimental radioactive reactor named Krull?! We are going to see a new Reactron.

You heard it here first!

And in another interesting wrinkle, Desaad manifests himself on the streets of Boston and seems to possess Tanya Sharp, a scientist working for Power Girl.

Why she would hit the streets in the middle of a riot I can't fathom. But she at least has the courage to seemingly confront Desaad. But there seems to be something more here. I think he has somehow taken her.

Having an embedded Desaad in Starr Labs would be a nice subplot.

And things get interesting with the Huntress. She is able to take down 2 of the 3 terrorists. But the last one isn't going to go down easily. And in another bit of comic serendipity, Huntress forces him off the road right where Tanya is standing. (Why would she be out in a riot anyways?? Sorry.)

It sets up a semi-cliffhanger.

But the most interesting thing in this panel is the next issue blurb. 'Open Sesame'? Sounds like a door will be opened ... maybe back to Earth 2.

So this book seems to be moving towards some sort of major flux. With the sudden inclusion of 'Helena Bertinelli' in the Nightwing/Grayson book, that might be one Helena too many for this world. I have to think that the Worlds' Finest pair are heading back to Earth 2. I wonder if this shakeup will also include a new creative team.

Still, for the first time in a while, I felt like there was some momentum here. We are moving towards something. Now I felt this way at the beginning of First Contact ... so I guess we'll have to see how all this ends.

But as a Supergirl fan, the idea of a new Reactron may have pushed this book up half a grade.

Overall grade: B

Sales Review: March 2014

March was another month of slow comics sales as reported over at ICv2. As always, that sites coverage of comic sales is superior and worth looking at in total. Here is a link: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/28315.html

I think everyone has been wondering if we are on a slow march to death of this medium. I have been saying it for a decade so I doubt we are close. But slow sales is worrisome. I do wish there was some report about digital sales.

And this day and age, we seem to be in a world of sales erosion. Each month it seems a title loses some readers. And when things reach a critical point, rather than going in a 'bold new direction' and keeping the numbering, companies now seem to cancel, pause, and resolicit. More #1 issues!

Supergirl #29 lost some readers from its last month ... that is true. But it had also picked up more readers last month with the initiation of the Red Daughter storyline. While it lost some sales, it retained more of the gain than it lost. We are still up from Supergirl #27's sales.

I am looking at the positives. Or trying to.

But it pains me that this book is hovering at the 100 mark. DC has really harmed this character over these 3 years. I crave a change and hope sales will follow.

Red Lanterns, Kara's other book, is selling a bit healthier at around 25K in sales.

As usual when I do sales reviews, I try to champion a book that I think should be selling better. Some examples from the past have been R.E.B.E.L.S., Danger Club, and Vibe.

It amazes me that Action Comics would be in this slot.

We are talking about ACTION COMICS!!

Yes, the book has suffered with Lobdell and the Diggle/Daniel upheaval.

But this book has been phenomenal since Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder took over.

PHENOMENAL!

Somehow this book is only selling 34K. Some book called Avengers World is outselling it. A Forever Evil mini-series is doing better!

It pains me.

If you think Pak and Kuder are doing it right, sing their praises everywhere! I don't want DC to yank them from the book!

Review: Worlds' Finest #22

We are approaching the two year mark for Worlds' Finest, a book I had very high hopes for.

But as people who have read my reviews of this book know, this book has been frustrating. There have been some nice character moments. The flashback sequences are wonderful. But the overall progress of the story and the characters has been pretty lackluster. It seems every time I read this book I think of the phrase 'treading water'. I just keep waiting for something to happen which will nudge this book into excellence. I'd even be happy with 'very good'-ness.

I really thought that the First Contact storyline was just what this book needed. Linking Huntress and Power Girl to their mentor doppelgangers on Prime Earth seemed like just the catalyst to push this book forward. There is so much potential for stories there. Karen could talk about her Kal's greatness, his love for Lois. This Bruce might see Helena as another Damian, either becoming overprotective or trying to convince her to stop heroing. Etc. Etc. Unfortunately, between the shipping gaffes and the sudden ending without any emotional punch (the two pairs just walk away from each other?), First Contact failed.

Okay ... okay ...

Worlds' Finest #22 came out this week and looks like we might finally have some plot points that will change this book. Writer Paul Levitz sets up some big changes here. And we get another flashback sequence of the Huntress' early career with some splendid art by Yildiray Cinar. While this sequence is very good, I don't quite understand why it was in this book except to fill pages.

As much as there was some optimism ... just a smidge ... it was dulled a bit by the further murkiness of RB Silva's art. It looks rushed and ugly here. What is going on?

Standing in the rubble of the Gammoran lab, the portal the Earth 2 blown to bits, the two heroes confront each other angrily. We have learned that Kara wants to return to Earth no matter the cost. She doesn't believe her Superman could be evil. She wants to defend her world. And this isn't the time for Helena to be cautious.

I do like how these two characters have different approaches in life. Much like the Superman/Batman dynamic, there is enough friction in the friendship to craft stories. While Helena's cautious approach mirrors Bruce, Kara here is just a force of nature. Here the Huntress has to reign Power Girl in whereas I feel sometimes Batman has to spur Superman into being more proactive.

I do like how Power Girl simply can't believe that Helena would stop them from going home since that has been their primary goal since coming to this Earth. Despite Helena's concerns (this might be yet another Earth, they can't simply charge in), Karen isn't listening. In fact, she questions Helena's motivations.

Even for someone as fiery as Karen, this seems like a low blow. But in the heat of disappointment, emotions might be running high.

Before the argument can continue, ARGUS troops swarm in. Assuming the heroes are villains, they attack. Thus we get another comic where the super-heroes of a title fight the military and a peace-keeping organization like ARGUS.

And like many friends, the tiff is forgotten as the two take out the infantry and fly away friends again.

Okay ... take a look back at these three panels I have posted.

Now compare it to some representative panels by Silva way back in 2011 when he was on Superboy. Look at the clean lines, the unique style, the innovative page construction.

Then look back at the muddy, rough work here.

I loved Silva's work on Superboy. But this new style of his doesn't work for me. 

And then, with little resonance to the story at hand, we flash back 4 years to Helena, pre-Huntress identity but masked, trying to stop some men from sexually abusing some women. Unfortunately this is Helena 4 years ago. The scene opens with her hog-tied.

As usual, I like these scenes when we hear Helena's internal voice and commenting on how her parents would respond.

But why this scene here? And now?

While something of a rookie, she still has talent, coming close to escape. Cinar's work shines here. There is a more pencil-y shadowy feel here that adds to the feeling that this is in the past.

But this is close to an escape. She is quickly knocked out again.

There is a little magical thinking by Levitz here. Rather than kill Helena because a gunshot wound can be traced, they leave her alive, tie her to a tree slowly bleeding, and hope the wolves eat her.

I can think of many ways this is poor thinking by them.

Why not choke her and then leave the body to the wolves? Why would they place her in an easily escapable situation involving an overly elaborate and exotic death? Maybe their boss is Dr. Evil?

Huntress' thinking isn't much better. After she does escape, Helena decides the best thing to do is to light the house on fire.

Umm ... aren't the women you are trying to protect in there? Maybe these creeps have tied them down so they can't escape?

Luckily they aren't. The occupants run out and Helena thrashes the men.

Okay, this is a younger Helena. I'll give her a pass.

And, as I said, wonderful art by Cinar.

At the very least, Levitz mentions the meeting between the two World's' Finest groups in this scene.

Helena hooks into Batman's computer system to try to figure out if the portal actually did open up to Earth 2 or not. She talks about thanking him with a package of pastries to her 'not dad'.

But is that all there is?

I wish ... wish she was in the cave, talking to Bruce, working closely with him. Wouldn't he like to know about what is happening on Earth 2 given Darkseid's prior attack here?

I don't know if I have learned enough about Helena's emotions over meeting this Bruce to understand her viewpoint. Does it hurt too much to see him?

And Karen?

There is some major character movement with her. She finally has regained all of StarrWare after the attempted takeover by Desaad.

But just as quickly as she regains control, she opts to sell it all. She needs money ... and fast. She is going to recreate that portal. And soon.

I like the fiery persona of Power Girl here. From the beginning, her one goal has been getting home.

And I think the end of this arc is going to be them getting there.

It turns out that Helena's investigation does turn up some proof that the other world was in fact their world.

She is on board to finally strive to get home. But ... I thought she was on board all along?

Could this be the big change I have been looking for? Will the book shift to Earth 2? Will I continue to read it if it does? Shouldn't I be happy??

The art on the end pages seems smoother making me think a different inker did these pages.

So, all in all, another okay issue of Worlds' Finest. We get a nice flashback sequence ... without a clear reason why. We get a move towards a big shift in the book. And maybe we'll get a new artist.

But I don't know ... it still feels like treading water until we get the potential change.

Overall grade: C+/B-