Art by: Edgar Salazar
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: March 7, 2014
Picking Up the Pieces
Lex is in a hospital bed and Clark gets judgmental. Lois hates gossip reporting and Batman joins the team. Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman look for missing evidence while Lex sends out a long distance call that may cost more than just crazy extra roaming charges.
Man, this arc was so good. Bryan Q. Miller knows what he's doing and even this wrap-up issue is awesome. He ties up the few loose ends from last issue and rockets us towards the next arc. The heroes in the book may be getting a breather, but Miller doesn't let the reader rest.
We get to see a tired and a little humbler Lex wake up in a hospital bed with Clark by his side. Lex is still struggling to figure out his past, but some things are becoming clear to him. Miller has put in some overtime in the characterization of Lex. Yes, he still is driven by the largest ego on the planet, but he has shown a softer, more human side in this arc. Then, just when you think he's turned the corner, BANG! Miller hits you upside the head with a cliffhanging twist.
The multiverse looks to be landing headfirst into Smallville and when Clark calls it a "crisis" I giggled with joy. I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait. It's going to be huge. So huge, that Batman shows up and pledges to join the "team". When Batman becomes worried you know trouble is brewing. Then we get to see Martian Manhunter with some choice prisoners and believe me, this book is about to explode. Seriously, it is one hell of a fan service (wet) dream.
Meanwhile, Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman are overseeing the autopsy of Ray-Lan and discover that the monitor's comm device is missing. Cue Lex Luthor and that huge cliffhanger I spoke about earlier. Lex just can't help himself.
Everything in this book is so good, but Miller gives us two panels that really hit me as to why I love this book. In a book with such great action, they are two of the quieter scenes I love. Batman watches Barbara on a date with Dick Grayson and Lex thanking Otis under his breath for saving him. They are little things that don't push the story per se, but man they make the characters that much more real. However, If you're reading this Bryan, please don't set this up as a reason to kill Dick later. He's had enough trouble lately.
Edgar Salazar continues his impressive work this issue as well. Even without huge spaceships, explosions and fire, he still does a great job. His best work this week to me was Agent Prince...sexy as hell.
Bits and Pieces:
Smallville: Alien #12 is a great ending to another great arc. It ties up the story and sets up the future of the book so there isn't much more you could ask for. The character development and great art make it one of the best books out there so do yourself a favor and read it.
9.6/10
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