“Unforseen”
Writer: Jim Starlin
Pencils: Yvel Guichet
Inks: LeBeau Underwood & Juan Castro
Colors: Richard & Tanya Horie
Letters: Taylor Esposito
Editor: Harvey Richards
Senior Editor: Brian Cunningham
Cover: Jim Starlin
(No Spoilers)
This new incarnation of Stormwatch continues this month but the story is still a bit simplistic. The inclusion of Lobo was already an odd choice and his part in the story takes a predictable turn here. The only saving grace about the issue is the choice Jenny Soul makes at the end which rings of Warren Ellis from original Authority run. Other than that, I’m still worried about this title.
The opening situation with Lobo seemed very forced, but the same can be said about the inclusion of Lobo in this title period. The ruse The Kollective uses against Jenny is not very convincing. I cannot believe that Storm Control would let her take the action she did. I know we don’t know the character that well yet but the way he deals with Lobo at the end of this issue should show that he is a man who plans ahead.
It’s nice to have an incarnation of Apollo and Midnighter that’s closer to their originals, but I still feel like they’re holding back with these characters. Their place in the DCU needs to become more cemented. In fact, I can say the same about Stormwatch in general. If this team is going to work in the DCU they need to have some interaction WITH the DCU. This is part of why I don’t like them being out in space because the potential for them to run into other DCU characters diminishes. Especially considering that major players like the Green Lantern Corps are currently occupied with their own crisis.
Guichet’s art has been ok but something in this issue made it look a little off. I don’t know if it was the inkers or what but I did not enjoy the art. I’m not even liking Jim Starlin’s covers either. Overall, this book feels out of place, as if it belonged in the 1980’s. Sorry if that’s harsh but I’m tired of seeing the Wildstorm characters treated this way.
Well, the solicits for October do show Stormwatch #24 with no Final Issue tag attached so that’s good. So we know we’ll at least make it to issue #25 which for a Wildstorm title is a milestone in itself. Honestly, I just hope Stormwatch survives to see another creative team change. We need a stronger artist and something that will get this team interacting with the DCU if the title is to survive.
6 out of 10 (Slightly Above Average)