Broken bonds.
One of the most radical changes in this world has been the Lex Luthor-Superman friendship. In almost all universes and stories, they have been rivals with him representing the contempt of humanity towards Superman’s presence in their midst.
Strangely in this universe, Lex is both a well-wisher and an advisor to Clark in this reality when in most reality, Clark becoming a dictator would have justified his actions to a great degree (alteast to himself).
Now coming to Diana, Amazon Princess. Wonder Woman’s inclusion to this universe has more often than not been a thorn in the storytelling, with Taylor failing to establish a degree of rationality to her actions in Year One. But thankfully building on last year, Brian Buccellato has been able to balance her a bit in both acting as Clark’s right arm and his primary source of eveness.
But circumstances have conspired to turn them both against each other. Luthor through doubt and Diana by force.
SPOILERS FOLLOW……………..
We see Luthor reflecting on whether he made the right choice to join Superman’s path of dictatorship in trying to improve the world. There are multiple emotions filtering through – doubt, regret and even jealousy as we see him talking to a picture of him and the Kents (Clark and Lois).
Lex is contacted by Bruce about Ares’ offer and they all agree things must be set in motion. We see Ares manipulate Hera into banishing Hippolypta and making Zeus declare war with the Regime.
Diana tries to change the game by asking for a trial by combat (which leads to Harley declaring herself as tribute, only to be shot down by Hermes and Batman) but the Regime is left shocked when Diana is picked to be the champion on the Gods’ side against Superman.
We then go back to a few hours back, when we see a classic visual – Superman floating outside Luthor’s office. But this is a Superman lurking in the background losing clarity on what is the right path. He mistrusts everyone except Diana and Lex, but Lex admits even they have limits – though is quick to retract when Superman’s reply comes close to a threat.
Back to the present, Diana is enraged at having been fooled and tries to kill Batman but that results in all hell breaking loose as both sides engage each other. Zeus’ arrival though brings that to an early close.
Being his daughter, Diana is forced to submit and battle Superman. Aside, it’s funny to see Zeus refer to Bruce as ‘the mortal Batman’ and the stunned faces on Cyborg, Hal and Barry when they realize whose daughter Diana is.
What follows is insanely graphic as Diana and Clark go hammer and tongs, especially after Clark bashes a still reluctant Diana into the ground. And the pivotal moment comes when Diana makes his eyes bleed and breaks his right arm – even as everyone around reacts in shock.
No one is going to come out of this smelling great. Bruce has played an underhand game and manipulated a very dysfunctional family into war just as Superman is growing more paranoid by the second.
SPOILERS END………………….
This Year is pacing itself well and the reveals actually have gravity. Diana has been handled very well after being a thorn in the side of this series so far.
While the Gods themselves aren’t as engaging as they could have been, their impact as catalysts to the plot have been more than enough.
The artwork has also been solid, with Mark Millar on duty this time and giving a great visual spectacle the story deserves.
So, I give it 8.5 out of 10.
+Great portrayal of Diana and Lex
+Some great manipulations
+The artwork is solid
-Some contrived decisions leading to the current scenario
No comments:
Post a Comment