The cover: No words are needed to show that the meeting between Bruce Wayne and Thomas Wayne is going to be a serious affair. Thomas, in the foreground, looks over his shoulder while getting his fists ready to meet the son he never had on his world. Good cover by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Peter Steigerwald. Love the look of menace on both characters and the coloring emphasizes the Batcave’s bleak lighting. Nice touch with just a sliver of red for Thomas’s eye. Overall grade: A
The story: This was much better than the previous issue simply because the premise has been established and writer Jeff King can actually do things with the cast. “The Planet Incarnate” opens with Dick Grayson flashing back to his last minutes with his son as Apokolips was destroying his world. It’s a tense scene and a reader can feel the anguish that Grayson endures as he tells his tale. This is a tightly written moment from King. The story then goes to the present as Grayson, Superman, Green Lantern, Yolanda Montez, the Flash, and Batman are being held prisoners by Telos. He’s showing them the battles between the cities of the multiverse. After witnessing one battle, one of the heroes breaks free and then Telos does something unexpected. This allows the heroes to explore their environment, and the focus goes to Thomas Wayne and Dick. This was a strong sequence that could have been lengthened to create stronger emotions, but the battling of the other heroes interferes with the drama. Granted, it’s only four pages, but I wanted more with the meeting of the Batmans. The final page introduces a character that makes a statement that could change the heroes’ plight. Improvement in the story is made, but I’m still wanting better. Overall grade: B
The art: Also slightly better are the visuals by penciller Carlo Pagulayan and inker Jason Paz. The opening splash page conveys the situation without the necessity of words, though Grayson’s narration is stellar. I especially the gigantic size of Apokolips in the background. The next two pages create a very tense scene as the two leads are trying to make their way to safety. Again, this is really well done. However, Page 4 looks drawn and inked by an entirely different team. Gone are the fine details in the characters and the backgrounds. Sketches and silhouettes are used for the crowds, and even the women and soldiers are suggestions. This sketchiness continues on 5. It seems that the more characters there are in a panel, the details in the art begin to vanish. The opening fight scene between the heroes and Telos is well done, but 12 has the light pencils returning. Look at Green Lantern on that page for proof. This is better, but could still improve. Overall grade: C+
The colors: Good work on the colors from Aspen MLT’s John Starr with Peter Steigerwald. The opening three pages have some excellent shading on the characters’ faces to give them depth. I really have to give big points though for the coloring of the sky on the world that heroes are trapped on. It’s an eerie mix of green and violet, giving it an uneasy feel. The pair also do a slick job on the interiors of the Batcave, where things are appropriately dark, but characters can still be easily seen. Overall grade: A
The letters: Travis Lanham provides narration and dialogue (the same font), sounds, yells, the story’s title and closing credits. The sound effects are particularly fun and are a welcome addition to this book, as most books seem to be shying away from sounds during action scenes. Overall grade: B+
The final line: An improvement over last issue, but still not the caliber of a mega-series. I’m hopeful the improvements continue. Overall grade: B
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