DCU Comic Book Reviews

MANHUNTER #31

Forgotten, Part 1

August 2008

Written by Marc Andreyko

Pencils by Michael Gaydos

Inks by Michael Gaydos

Cover by Liam Sharp

Synopsis

Kate Spencer (aka Manhunter) receives news that the Atomic Skull is about to crash the Hollywood premier for a new Atomic Skull movie.  She arrives in time to prevent the Atomic Skull from attacking the lead actress.  In Texas, a young woman misses the last bus home from work and is forced to walk two miles home.  Before she gets too far, however, she is attacked.  The next morning, Kate’s grandfather, Iron Munro, stops by to spend time with Ramsey.  In North Hollywood, Dylan receives a package, a jack-in-the-box with Dylan’s head as Jack, from the Joker.  At work, Kate learns that the US/Mexico is the site of number of murders, but investigations are been shoddy, at best.  With the help of Obsidian, Manhunter goes to investigate.  While searching the area, Mexican authorities come after them.  Manhunter ditches Obsidian, telling him to get back.  Alone, Manhunter comes across a body buried in the sand.  She is also approached by the Blue Beetle. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

I missed Kate Spencer and her self-deprecating humor.  It has been over a year since the last issue of Manhunter hit the stands.  The opening two pages were probably needed as a refresher for older readers and a primer for newer readers (and I pray there are a number of those).  And it is needed, since Andreyko’s writing feeds and builds upon what has come before, evident in the scene with Iron Munro.  But, I am a little upset because those two pages cut into the overall page count of the issue.  There are only 20 pages of story.  I suppose it is a sign of how much I like the character and the book that I am disappointed there is actually less of it than normal.  I could argue that the opening sequence with the Atomic Skull was also filler, designed to show Manhunter in action and what she is capable of in battle, but Andreyko’s sharp characterization of how Kate handles herself elevates the scene and makes it worthwhile.  Hell, this entire issue is worthwhile and shows that when a writer is given the chance and time to develop a character and the supporting cast, you can get quality comic books.  And this is quality stuff. 

I have to applaud Andreyko for sticking to what he had done before.  I think there might be a temptation to do more or something different in an attempt to bring in more readers.  Instead, Andreyko sticks to the formula, focusing on Kate’s life as Manhunter, her family life, and the lives of the supporting characters.  Dylan and Cameron are more than just Kate’s sidekicks.  Granted, they are supporting characters, but Andreyko has always followed events in their lives that do not connect to Kate, and this is evident with the Jack-In-the box gift. 

I liked the fact that characters from two of my favorite books, Blue Beetle and Manhunter, are thrown together in this book.  Both books are low sellers and probably still being published only because of the sales of trade paperbacks.  So, maybe those buying the Manhunter trades might like Blue Beetle enough to check out the Blue Beetle trades.   At least, I can only hope.  Anything at this point to make sure these two books continue to hit the stands each month. 

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