Even heroes can’t escape Horror. That is the premise behind an anthology series from DC Comics. Each issue focuses on terror tales firmly placed in the DCU. For its’ final chapter, two fan-favorite candidates take center stage. What awaits CATWOMAN & MATTER-EATER LAD from some of the top creators in comics?
DC HORROR Presents…. #4 by Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum Danny Earls, Jão Canola, Simon Bowland (Catwoman), Steven Kostanski, Brendan Hay, and Logan Faerber (Matter-Eater Lad) spins two spine-tingling tales onto readers.
Let’s not wait any longer and see what unfolds now.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
“The Diamond That Steals Back” Grade :9
The writing presents Catwoman faced with a cursed diamond. Oswalt and Blum lean intot he curse as Selina Kyle struggles to cope. The nightmare set-up swings quickly into a crime caper. Readers watch as Kyle starts tracking down the fault of her score. It results in a very unique and fitting fashion. The closing ties up events perfectly. It never steers away from Catwoman’s crime life. Readers couldn’t ask for a better finish.
Earls and Canola hit the shock factor early. The full page nightmare of “The Wayne Family” sets a high bar. It leads into the fight for Kyle to regain control. Her interrogation methods shine. A unique “diamond centered” page breaks down the key history of the object. Readers watch as a certain Gotham fixture steps up for the diamond. Its’ result is a crowd pleaser of panels. The art gives readers something to smile about as the closing page hits. There’s a lot to enjoy here.
“A Matter of Life and Undeath” grade: 8.8
This tale takes place in the 30th century. Seasoned DCU fans know this is the Legion of Superheroes Era. MEL is a very tricky character to work with. When the power is to “eat Matter”, it allows some options. Kostanski and Hay play up the uniqueness. A change of heart leads into a mission to stop a zombie outbreak. The writing gives off a redemption arc for the hero. It is quirky and campy. Both are perfect for MEL. Readers watch the insanity unfold. Events close with a solid finish with no room for leftovers.
Faerber takes the art in to a more pop feel to begin. Once the mission comes up front, MEL is challenged to finish. The challenge is in all its’ gruesome glory. Once it attacks, a touch of fear fills the panels. MEL’s reactions knowing what he has done are priceless. Even with the zombies on the loose, MEL’s reactions front a good wall of confidence. Once events arrive at the showdown, a near full page image shows a hero’s redemption. The final panels reclaim its’ more friendly tone. Even in his faults, MEL conveys to the readers he is the only one who can stomach this challenge (literally).
FINAL POINT: 8.9
The final round of Horror and heroes doesn’t disappoint in its’ close. Each story carried a different vision that will work on readers. The Catwoman tale is filled with sharp writing and solid art. MEL’s problem spirals into a unique place via strong work from the creative team. It’s one not to pass on this week at the LCS!
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