It'll keep you on the edge of your seat; then, snatch it from right under you!
Writers Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, and artist Mark Irwin join us on another Futures End issue! This time, the story will follow Firestorm's problem, Grifter's one man hunt against an alien invasion, and more. NEXT ISSUE REVIEW!
The Good
I enjoyed the stories that were presented in this issue; from Firestorm dealing with Green Arrow's death on his hands to Lois Lane trying to write a news article that respects the man that Green Arrow was, before he died. The writers did a great job with each character. To them, each character was a tool that dragged me deeper into this immersive world that is presented in Futures End.
I like how the writers are doing a great job with making Firestorm feel guilty for Green Arrow's death. If Firestorm wasn't late, he might've been able to prevent Arrow from dying. However, I like how Ronnie is trying to justify that it wasn't his fault that Arrow died, even though you can tell that he thinks differently. It's really great to see that conflict within a character and how his actions are already starting to have some repercussions.
The writers did a great job with Grifter's story! His "one man army", mission to stop an alien invasion is really cool. I enjoy learning how the writers, through the character's conversation and his thoughts, learn how Grifter sees the world. It's really amazing and to learn about what he's gone through in this Futures End world; really, adds to how complex this world is.
Another great element about this issue is learning about the different wars that have taken place. From Lois Lane's journalistic perspective, I like how there was a "Battle of Paris" and learning about Red Robin's apparent demise. It's just another element about this issue that makes me geek out, about this Futures End world.
The artwork was fantastic! I greatly enjoyed the colors and design of the characters; and, it helped me to get wrapped up in the immersive world of Futures End.
The Bad
While I enjoyed the story, the story was also the problem. With each character; Firestorm, Grifter, Batman Beyond, and Lois Lane, I became interested in their stories and how it would contribute to the larger story. However, the writers would build up to each character going on some mission of theirs; then cut it off and go to the next character. This really took me out of this issue. While I'm sure it was used to build suspense and to make readers come back for the next issue, I still wanted at least one of these characters to actually start on that mission and not cut to the next hero. This up-and-down roller coaster, that kept happening with all the characters, kept me on the edge of my seat; but, the writers snatched it right from under me and kept doing it all throughout this issue. I hope it was worth it writers!
Another big problem I have with this series is, Terry McGinnis! In my mind, probably the best Batman, however he is STILL being teased in this series. When I saw Batman Beyond on the cover for the 0 issue of Futures End, I automatically assumed he would be the main drive for this series. Which he is, he's gotta save the future and all that. However, he is constantly being teased in each and every issue he's been in so far. If the writers are building up suspense for a awesome reveal of his true potential, then they better do it right! Because so far, McGinnis feels like a secondary character!!
The Verdict
3 out of 5. Check it out if you love original stories!
Futures End Reviews -