ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #5 (DC COMICS)

Gateway City is in peril. The Tetracide is poised to destroy everything in its path. A hero has emerged to try stopping it. She is Diana of Themyscira. Fans may know the name. They definitely do not. In the world of the Absolute Universe, forget all you know. A new legend is forging her own path.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #5 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire and Becca Carey delivers on a big time fight for the ages.

Let’s take a closer look at how things play out here.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #5 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire and Becca Carey (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Thompson is blazing a new mythos with her version of Diana. Knowing how outmatched she is, Diana goes to drastic measures. The writing walks the audience through the formation of a key weapon. It also harkens back to the bond she has with Circe. Their relationship has been Diana’s strength growing in Hades. The result is the tough talk needed to take the next step.

Once back in present time, Thompson throws a well placed curve into the mix. The attack Diana throws down is massive. It is not one without consequence. Readers watch as she takes an orthodox strike at stopping the creature. The fallout is fitting for the measure taken. Readers watch as Diana grows in her confidence as a warrior. It appears to be challenged yet again by the ending. Brace for a shocking ending that Diana may not be able to handle.

Sherman and Bellaire deliver on the championship bout at hand. The Tetracide comes off as menacing as one would think. Diana is presented in big page images. It’s an instant connection with readers. Stakes feel instantly monumental. Coming off the detailed backstory of her weapon, Diana’s attack grows further.

Grow is an understatement. A full page image displays her new plan in full form. The art shines in bringing this bout to a close. It’s fallout is back to back two page spreads. They equally wrap up events for the battle. The art also brings forth a sense of a new beginning. Judging by the last page, it is short lived. The final images open up an uncertain path that will have fans talking.

OVERALL GRADE: 9

The Tetracide and Diana face-off in an intense confrontation in this latest chapter. Thompson hits on some creative takes with the writing. Sherman, Bellaire and Carey stage the monstrous bout with fantastic art. Welcome to a brand new era that you shouldn’t miss.

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BLACK CLOAK #11 (IMAGE COMICS)

Phaedra Essex has always been a polarizing figure in Kiros. The former Black Cloak was the catalyst of city breaking event. Five years later, Kiros is still picking up the pieces of the great fire.

With a serial killer on the loose, Essex is brought back into the fray by Pax and Alden. Dancing the public line is difficult enough. Searching for answers might finally end the last city of the known world!

BLACK CLOAK #11 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren and Becca Carey brings forth a show-stopping conclusion to its second arc!

Let’s not wait any longer & jump into the arc finale!

BLACK CLOAK #11 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren and Becca Carey (IMAGE COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Thompson gives a big pay-off for long time readers with this issue. The slow burn method works to exemplify Essex’s importance to Kiros. Dagmar’s “interrogation” is prime example of this. Seeing how Essex and her team push unlocks secrets to readers’ delight. The writing hones in on the personal blow dealt with Dagmar’s revelations. It sets a course to an intense final act.

Once the group descends into the darkness of truth, the pacing picks up. Readers are hit with great payoffs. This pushes Essex and her partners into uncomfortable waters. Desperate times call for action. The story takes flight as a move is made with dire intentions. Thompson throws more twists into this segment. Its’ fallout perfectly caps off the dangers. The epilogue ties up loose ends while leaving much to reflect on. There is no better way to say goodbye for now, but hopefully not for too long.

McClaren opens the chapter up with simple panels. The color usages takes them up a few levels. Jumping deep into the chapter, Dagmar’s questioning hits with a unique panel drawing out memories. It is a sequence that connects with readers, allowing big payoffs.

The world of Kiros is a visual win in its own right. McClaren makes each vision of the city stand out. This rings true when dealing with The Heights. The near full page image pops as it launches a final standoff. This mood carries into the drastic move made by the guilty party. All the expressions by Essex and her team cover many emotions. It elevates the scene to new levels as readers watch. The fallout out teases a gory situation but structure leaves it in the minds’ eye. Readers can sense the emotional height slowly lifting. A full circle moment caps off the chapter with a defiant message narrating it. Nothing but a huge win for fans of this series.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.6

The latest saga of Phaedra Essex comes to a thunderous close with its’ strong arc ending chapter. Thompson’s slow burn writing brings readers an impactful ending. McClaren and Carey pull out all the stops, sending readers into the next phase of Kiros history. One of the best series at the shelves when it drops for a reason!

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BLACK CLOAK #10 (IMAGE COMICS)

Danger is lurking in Kiros. The last known city has a serial killer on the loose. Phaedra Essex is trying to start her life over. Unfortunately, that isn’t so simple. Pax and his new partner bring her in on the case. Their investigation has led them to confronting some haunting issues of the past.

BLACK CLOAK #10 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren and Becca Carey (IMAGE COMICS) takes the search for justice into dangerous grounds.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s unfolding now.

BLACK CLOAK #10 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren and Becca Carey (IMAGE COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Thompson wastes no time with the drama in the opening pages. The aftermath of the Kiros Supermax Prison attack leads Pax into action. Seeing Queen Taline in prison hits readers as they process the chaos surrounding the visit. Knowing the history between the two, Essex appears behind the eightball. Taline knows what’s coming and Essex isn’t ready.

This causes a shift in direction for the trio of Cloaks. The writing brings out the best and worst opinions of Essex as she tries being proactive. Her conversation with Iona is tense and hostile in certain aspects. It’s the guilt of Essex’s actions that start breaking her from the inside. This bridges to a surprise closing. The revelation in the parting panel leaves more mystery as the case slips further away from the Cloaks.

McClaren kicks off the visuals with a strong opening at the supermax prison. The wide panel image of Pax asking for Taline’s cell slows down the hectic surroundings. What follows next is a meeting that carries tensions in each panel. The view perspective through the window is a great touch to mix things up.

Essex’s journey leads her into two different paths. The enjoyment of helping Joya is a much needed break. Essex’s joyful reaction is short lived. Her conversation with Iona is less than friendly. It carries the pain caused from her previous actions. The tale of two Essexs’ lets readers know all is not forgiven as she tries helping to solve the case. It ultimately leads into the final act. With the closing panel, another clue is dropped that adds more complexity onto an ever growing case.

FINAL POINT: 8.8

The latest visit to Kiros keeps readers guessing with many moving parts at hand. Thompson crafts a tense reunion with her writing. McClaren and Carey display the many sides of Phaedra Essex with excellent art. The mystery continues to grow which is always a win for the readers. Don’t miss it.

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