Gen 13 #37

Pocatello-Part 3: We’re the Good Guys (No Spoilers)

This is definitely turning out to be one of the most interesting and unique Gen 13 stories ever told.

Phil Hester I think is doing a good job of using the Armageddon environment. Plus, he moves the story along rather nicely in this issue which works well since there’s only two issues left in his arc. We get to find out some interesting info about the new character Hester introduced in this run, Pathcutter. As for the other characters, even though the ones that constitute this Gen 13 are not all the originals, Hester continues to allow them to evolve and really begin to mesh well with each other in ways that don’t just mirror the old team members.

The Authority: The Lost Year #11

“Damage Control” (No Spoilers)

In-freaking-credible! I wish all of Lost Year had been like these last two issues. Everything came together in this issue; the story was engaging and once again we’re treated to amazing art by Brandon Badeaux.

Badeaux’s art is what really made this arc for me. It is incredibly detailed and combined with Jonny Rench’s colors makes for some of the best art in a comic I’ve seen in a long time. Plus, Badeaux’s designs for the alternate reality Authority are just wicked! I’ve heard people say they don’t think Badeaux could handle a monthly book because his art is so detailed. Personally, I’d wait on a bi-monthly book if he were doing the art. It’s that good.

Wildcats #25

“The Protectorate 3 of 3: Knock Down, Drag Out” (No Spoilers)

Here it is! The battle of the century! Midnighter vs. Zealot! Did the fight deliver? I say, yes!

Adam Beechen relies on two of his many strengths during this issue. First, he uses a character that is normally in the background to narrate the events (similar to Runt narrating Gen 13 #34, which was also written by Beechen). This time it’s Petrified Girl, originally of the superhero team The Paladins (introduced in Number of the Beast). I had wondered what Beechen’s reasoning was in bringing Petrified Girl to Earth with Zealot, Cybernary, and Maul. It becomes clearer as she narrates the fight.

The Authority: The Lost Year #10

“The Seventh Day” (No Spoilers)
FINALLY! An issue of Lost Year I really like! I haven’t liked an issue this much since issue 6 (which ultimately let me down with the following issue). The difference here is I now know this little arc will be resolved next issue. Would I like for it to run longer? Hell yeah! Especially with Brandon Badeaux drawing it. But for now I’ll take what I can get.

I’ll start with Brandon Badeaux. He is an incredible artist! Wildstorm fans have seen his work in the “Dane: Loyalties” back-up story which ran in the early World’s End titles and also in The Authority #10. Not since Gene Ha opened up this series have I come across art I loved this much. He is extremely detailed and I think that may be his blessing and his curse. I’m not sure if he could do a monthly because he spends so much time on his art but even if it were bi-monthly, I’d wait for a title with his art.