No Sleep Till...
Writer: Bryan Hill
Artist: Dexter Soy
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 8, 2020
I have been liking more and more of what we are getting from this book lately and I hope that continues with this issue. I like the slow burn, character-building that Hill brings to the team, but without any real action, it fell flat at times. That has changed and I think the book is better for it. Does that combination keep hitting this month? Let's find out...
The issue opens up with some flashbacks to show Jefferson's relationship with Tina...the woman who was killed last issue. It sets up the graphic look of her dead on a morgue slab and also the rage that Jefferson feels towards Ra's (who we all know was involved) and Batman. Why is Jefferson mad at Batman? Because Batman is not mad at all. It's a good scene that shows the differences that still wedge between Batman and Black Lightning and that wedge just got even bigger because Jefferson just stepped down from leading the Outsiders.
We continue with Duke and Cass kicking ass in Metropolis and I always love that! The problem is, Batman doesn't and shows up like a dad who had to go yank his kids from a slumber party they didn't get permission to attend. It's pretty obvious that after Bruce's recent loses, he is very worried about the kids, even if they don't want to hear it. The scene ends with Superman showing up with condolences and an easy exit strategy to all of this...you know, throw everything bad into the sun, but of course, that doesn't fly with Bruce. Again, it's a good scene that shows Hill is playing with the rest of the DCU with mentions of Alfred and the identity reveal. The issue then ends with Duke coming up with a really stupid plan and Jefferson possibly being set up for a really big fall!
This is a setup issue and I liked almost everything we get here. There are some good character moments, a little action (yea, I could have used a bit more, but I am selfish like that), and what looks like a couple of twists and turns ready to happen. Sure, I would like a little more overall progression and worry about Sofia hanging out in the Batcave without the team, but those are worries and complaints from someone invested in this book which I continue to be.
It's easy to become invested in anything that Dexter Soy draws and this issue looks great, but that is par for the course. The whole art team nails it here so kudos to them.
Bits and Pieces:
While this book is in danger of heading back to the overly slow burn that frustrated me in the earlier parts of the run, Bryan Hill sets up some really cool things (not all good for our heroes, mind you) that I can't wait to see play out. The art by Dexter Soy is great and really, this is just a solid book that can be enjoyed by anyone who wants a little more character work in their capes and cowls stories.
8.0/10
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