Looks like Gleb needed some help this issue, but I'm glad to see Max Dunbar get more work. I saw his name on the cover and was waiting for the art to shift but it didn't come. Instead I mostly thought "Gleb's trying something different this issue. Cool."
Williamson is on record as saying he writes his own solicits so I'm glad he buried the lead so the Mother Soul reveal could be preserved, but future covers spoiled it anyway, but that doesn't really matter because the actual revelation was at most a page.
I was expecting the Flatline fight to go a little differently, her kiss being a diversionary tactic meant to distract Damian, but what we got was something I didn't necessarily want but it's ambiguous enough that it could be read as inoffensive. Only time will tell. The coloring of the panels of her death implies romance and Damian's reaction implies deeper feelings, but it could also be interpreted platonically. Damian's reaction is a lot more subdued and is more in line with his personal conflict about killing than it does about romance. Mother Soul brings up the Demon/Detective dichotomy earlier in the issue and warned against making friends, as in developing any positive feelings towards fellow competitors, because it makes killing more difficult. I won't deny Damian may or may not have developed some fondness towards Flatline, but I will actively deny it is anything romantic even if it's staring me in the face. This was a big moment, as evident by Alfred's presence, but what it means is up to interpretation.
Can't wait for Connor vs. Damian Round 2. From what Gleb has been posting, it'll be a slugfest. |