Broken Frontier

Only thirteen weeks left of 52 and with what happens in these pages, clearly things are going to get worse for DC’s heroes before they get better.

Dr. Laughlin begins this issue with a bang as Natasha Irons sneaks around Lex Luthor’s compound, trying hard to find out what the heck is going on with the Everyman Project. Meanwhile, Ralph Dibny and Helmet of Fate journey to the ruins of Atlantis on their quest for magical artifacts. But why, exactly, are they gathering these items? You thought you knew, didn’t you? In the other corners of DC, the mad scientists’ schemes are fully realized and a very strange thing happens in Kahndaq. Yes, it was a very busy week.

Again, the Four have given their readers a DC story chock full of everything DC is known for—classic heroes, truly evil villains, and mysteries on top of mysteries. Not only that, but the various plotlines are finally beginning to converge in an almost methodical manner. If that isn’t enough for the intrepid reader, through the past thirty-nine weeks the Four have turned several forgettable, static characters into fully fleshed out people with strengths, weaknesses, and storylines all their own. By giving characters such as Natasha Irons, Black Adam, and Ralph Dibny new direction and drive the Four have also given them something they seldom had before: many readers’ attention.

The art in this book is also an attention getter. Keith Giffen’s breakdowns create a comic that reminds me of my youth. They hearken back to a time before breast flaunting "bad girls" and gun toting "anti-heroes" were so prevalent. But this does not mean his art becomes cheesy. On the contrary, in fact, with Andy Smith penciling and Ray Snyder inking, the pages have a grim sense about them. With the current direction 52 is running—straight for World War III—this sense is appropriate.

52 is inching towards the finish line and there are enough twists, turns, shocks, and awes to make any DC fan raise an eyebrow in anticipation for what is to come next.