Crush & Lobo #7 Review

 

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Writer: Mariko Tamaki

Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ariana Maher

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 7, 2021

Crush & Lobo was a mini-series I was looking forward to, not for Lobo, but because I'm all about Crush and figured that if Mariko Tamaki could give her some development, she could go on to bigger and better things.  Yea, I gave up on that around issue two, so now I'm just looking for this to end with the least amount of cringe possible.  While some have pointed out the lack of Lobo as a significant problem with this book, I have found the lame jokes instead of actual character moments to be the issue.  Crush & Lobo is one of the worst-selling books at DC Comics, and it's a shame that higher-ups will probably blame the character for that and not Tamaki.  Oh well, let's check out this month's issue...

The editors finally reminded Tamaki that Lobo is part of the title, so we get a little peek at him to start the book.  Yea, it's told through Crush's narration and played for laughs, but what else would you expect.  I don't get the thought process here since the book is centered around Crush's feeling for her father and done right, there could be some awesome moments, both good and bad.  Instead, we get "jokes" about Space Vegas and move along.

There is some story progression here, as Crush finally tracks down and captures her father. But, remember, time is of the essence with the bomb-watch strapped to her wrist.  Doesn't Crush have a healing factor like her father, though?  Couldn't she just cut the bomb-watch off and throw it away in a Space Vegas trash can? On the other hand, maybe she doesn't have as good a healing factor as her father, but that's the sort of information I wish we were getting.  Instead, we get the dues ex machine of the Space Lizards to save the day again and push the story forward.

But wait, there's more!  Well, kind of. We get some Chad's taking vacation pictures, the return of the alien barista, and a couple of other jokes that must have someone laughing somewhere, maybe.  The book ends with a twist that you could see a mile away and Crush just looking like a dummy.  I'm sure that it will lead to a finale that is all about Daddy-Daughter team-up day at the old Space Prison.  Yippee!

Whoever is still reading this book has to be a fan, and I am aware of that.  I didn't review the last issue because it had become obvious this book wasn't for me, but I guess I am a sucker for punishment.  The art in this entire mini has been excellent, but if you are looking for more about Crush than lame jokes and situations that will make you realize you care more about the character than the writer, this might not be for you.

Bits and Pieces:

Mariko Tamaki continues focusing more on jokes and situations that she must find hilarious than developing Crush as a character. However, readers know what you're getting by this point, so if you're enjoying it so far, have at it.  Maybe things will all work out in the finale, but this feels like a missed opportunity right now.

4.0/10