Lestat’s Comic Book Review Round-Up – March Week 1, 2019

We’re into the third month of the year, and I take a look at "Batman #66," the third instalment of Young Justice, "Female Furies #2," and "Uncanny X-Men #13." This week’s number ones include Age of X-Man: Prisoner X, Star Wars: Age Of The Republic—Padmé Amidala #1 and an early look at Image Comics’ Lazarus Risen #1.

"Batman #66"

We are still in the Knightmares arc, with Batman trapped somewhere, somehow. This issue looks at Catwoman’s view of the Bat-Cat relationship, and while it’s quite sweet, it feels like we’ve been over this already. This series needs an injection of new life, without it we are stagnating.

I love Batman, but despite some serious highs of the Tom King reign, we’ve reached far too many lows for this title to be memorable. This Knightmares arc seems to be going on forever, and from the looks of it, this new cycle will be dealing with his rogues gallery. It’s time to wrap this up and give the Caped Crusader a much-needed overhaul. This title needs something original and innovative to keep readers engaged.

"Young Justice #3"

In the third instalment of this series we return to Bart Allen bumping into Superboy on Gemworld. Bart is ecstatic to find his old mate, and Conner can’t believe his eyes. But, when they are interrupted by Dark Lord Opal’s forces, the truth behind Conner’s current predicament comes to light.

As a young adult book this one felt tonally off. There was an impending gloom surrounding Conner that made it an uncomfortable read. Also, Bart and Conner appear to have wonderful chemistry, so the forced homosocialism was off-putting. Gemworld itself seems an enchanting new realm, but this Superboy arc is a downer and I’m not sure how fans of the character will feel about it.

"Female Furies #2"

This series is nigh impossible to read, but in a good way. Aurelie is browbeaten and worse not only by the disgusting Protector Wiliks, but by her own team of Furies as well. How are they so blind to what she’s going through? The author is trying to make a statement about the patriarchy, but the entire reading experience is incredibly aggravating, with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel.

There isn’t much of a story, which means this series will be picked up only by women who are interested in the premise. That also means that the author’s hard work will be preaching to the converted. For this reason, it is far more effective to include subversive themes and shine a light on misogyny in regular titles. Otherwise, those who need to learn the truth the most will be the first ones to steer away from it. This series is doing important work, but it is getting lost on the wrong audience. Can DC imbibe these themes into mainstream titles?

"Uncanny X-Men #13"

Cyclops is leading the remaining X-Men to continue their original mission—remove mutant threats from the planet. It’s convincing the rest of his team that’s the problem, starting with Cyke’s brother Alex Summers/ Havok. The team have valid reservations, but it’s not for nothing that Scott Summers has been a leader for so many decades.

I loved this issue. It captured that old Uncanny X-Men vibe and was filled with nostalgia. And the art was astounding, especially the colours and the shadow work. The character sketches were so expressive I wonder if the artist used models or photographs to draw them. I was unsure of where this series was headed, but the creative team have established its focus making it a thrilling and heartfelt read.

Comic Book Number Ones

"Age of X-Man: Prisoner X #1" looks at the darker side of utopia. Bishop was arrested for his romantic affiliation with Jean Grey. She was released, but it seems Bishop may be in the Danger Room prisons for the long haul. It doesn’t help that he’s seeing things and recalling memories that feel more real than reality. Except, maybe they are.

Fascinating insight into this alternate universe and it gives you the heebie jeebies reading it. One criticism is that if the mutants are wearing X-gene blockers, then why do their external mutations show? There’s should be no multi-coloured hair or wings. I am smitten with this entire series and can’t wait for more.

"Star Wars: Age Of The Republic – Padmé Amidala #1" gives the character her due in so many ways. I love that Padmé always tries diplomacy first, but this doesn’t mean that she isn’t handy with her blaster. Also—and this is why diverse creators are so important—Padmé’s handmaidens are also given personalities. Dormé is trigger-happy but 100% loyal to the Senator; Moteé, on the other hand, is cautious but doesn’t let her devotion to Padmé trump her duty of protecting the Senator. Though this issue didn’t capture the flavour of the Star Wars films, it was so great to read. I’ll admit that little scene with Padmé and Anakin Skywalker was just too cute. I’m a hopeless romantic sometimes.

The feudal world of Lazarus Risen #1 is fascinating. As someone who hasn’t read the original material, this was quite an engrossing read. And I love how many women there are in this issue; they are part of every facet of life, because that’s real life. However, given how many women appear in this instalment, it would have been great to see women of all sizes. Till popular media realise that women do not come in one impossible shape only, we will still be struggling to make progress. If you’re looking for a Godfather set in the future vibe, this series is for you. Go and grab it when it hits the shelves on March 20.

A new month means exciting new comics every week. Keep checking back for more!