Making the Best of It.
The previous 2-issue arc was enjoyable (it had it's moments) but it didn't feel complete. This is partially why I'm so pleased with last months issue. So far this new 2-parter seems to be on the right track, leaving me with little doubt that issue #8 will bring this short story to a complete and gratifying close. Fortunately I was right........sort of.
Good
Vartox
Instead of the action-packed romp I forsaw follwing issue #7 (silly me), the "ix" situation is quickly but cleverly delt with in order to bring the cental point of this story back into the spotlight along with a new stage for PG and Vartox to interact. Vartox benefits from this change of pace as other aspects of his character are presented that should convince readers that Vartox isn't a lost cause. Though one could say these character aspects should be expected of him at some level.Humor
Regardless of this minor character work, Vartox is still Vartox which naturally puts him front and center in the humor department. This issue had me laughing out loud.....and dropping my jaw.Art
Conner/Mounts are back on track this month as issue #8 contains some of their best work of the sereies. Readers will appreciate Conners salute to Adam Hughes "Women of DC" spread, I know I did ^_^. Mounts certainly deserves credit for his interior work but more importatnly (and personally) for turning what I thought was the final cover, into grade-A poster material!
Other
Doctor Midnight?
I wasn't too concerned about this but an update on Dr. Midnites condition would have been nice. Nothing major, a couple of panels at the most.Monologue
For the most part, the monologue was fine but there were a few panels where it wasn't necessary.Wrap Up
Palmiotti & Co. deliver another solid issue this month. It was great to see the story go in a direction that benefited the characters and the story a lot more than a dragged out fight would. The way Vartox's mating problem is solved might not work for everyone. I didn't mind it.....well maybe a little bit.
Issue #8 also contains a few scenes that give us a preview of what is to come and introduces a new character who appears to be the answer to a question I had about issue #1.