DCU Comic Book Reviews

STRANGE ADVENTURES #2

Erroneous Assumptions

June 2009

Written by Jim Starlin

Pencils by Manuel Garcia

Inks by Al Milgrom

Cover by Jim Starlin

Synopsis

On Old Rann, Synnar (in the form of the Weird) contacts Deacon Dark to make sure plans are on schedule and to let him know that he is searching for one of the Aberrant Six.  On New Rann, Adam Strange tries to tell everyone that stars are disappearing, but no one believes.  Strange realizes this is because reality is distorting around them.  No one notices the stars disappearing because everyone thinks they were never there to begin with.  Strange decides he needs to take a closer look.  On Hardcore Station, Comet decides to leave until things blow over with Mortician, who is searching for Comet in his apartment.  Instead, he finds Synnar.  Elsewhere, Prince Gavyn tries to find some evidence his people still exist, but comes up empty.  Meanwhile, Comet is about leave when Chief Justice Max tells him the Moritican is dead.  When Comet returns to his apartment, he finds Synnar waiting for him.  In Space, Strange witnesses a star go supernova.  He realizes he needs help.  He is about to lave of Oa when astral eyes appear out of nowhere.  Strange realizes the eyes belong to the Weird.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

In my review of the last issue, I felt the first part of the story was less of a beginning and more of a transition from one mini-series to the next.  After reading this issue, I still feel the same way because this second issue felt like the beginning of the new story.  We get all of the major players with the central problem identified for each followed by escalating conflict and then a cliffhanger to push the plot into overdrive.  It is handled with all of the excellent craftsmanship of someone with Starlin’s experience ably complimented by Garcia with the art.  But while it was well done, there is really nothing in this story that has me excited or intrigued.  It feels like every other space story that Starlin has done, with a large cast of characters getting involved in lots of strange (no pun intended) predicaments.  It’s good, but nothing that really blows my mind or makes me think about beyond when I am reading it (or writing this review).

I am amused that once more Starlin manages to include a reference to the Green Lantern Corps but still finds a way to keep them out of the story.  Let’s face it, all of Starlin’s stories take place in space, which is the purview of the Green Lanterns, so while all of these events are happening, it would make sense for a Corps member to investigate.  So far, Starlin makes the attempt to logical explore that, yes, the Corps should be involved, but then provides a good reason why they are not.  In Holy War, it was due to a force field set up by Synnar.  In this issue, Strange gets sidetracked before he contact them.  Kudos for Starlin for acknowledging the Corps is there, then finding a way to not include them.

Deals And Choices

Written by Jim Starlin

Art by Jim Starlin and Rob Hunter

Synopsis

On Hardcore Station, Maya Glaxar visits Mr. Graylock to arrange for an assassination.  Elsewhere, Bizarro encounters a servant of Deacon Dark and casually tosses him aside.  Bizarro is then confronted by a vision of Superman, who tests his ability to think.  Bizarro solves the problem put before him, but the Superman vision wonders if Bizarro planned it or if it was an accident.  Meanwhile, Maya confirms she secured the contract for the death of Bizarro.  When that happens, Deacon Dark’s plans will fail.  Maya then reveals a bond with Lady Styx, who soon will stand supreme. 

Review

This is still a little confusing although I believe the vision Superman in the Bizarro sequence is the dude at the end who talks to Maya.  I think.  It isn’t explained very well.  Anyway, I am little disappointed that Lady Styx as returned.  I never thought much of her character and there was nothing in the Holy War mini-series to change my mind.  If anything I was glad she was gone.  To have her back doesn’t thrill me.

 

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