Cream of the Comics for 1/3/2007

Manhunter #27
written by Marc Andreyko, art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

Manhunter launched in the aftermath of Identity Crisis (was it really two years ago???), and I ignored it, because books that launch from events have a bad habit of being rushed to market, capitalizing on the event’s success instead of being carefully crafted. As a result, I missed out on what has turned out to be a surprisingly excellent book. And, it turns out, so did most people, as the book was slated to be canceled at issue #25. Fortunately, the powers that be at DC have given it a 5 issue stay of execution, starting with #26!

To be honest, I only started picking it up at the previous arc, which ended with Kate Spencer (Manhunter) driving an electric blade into Dr. Psycho‘s forehead and snapping the blade off, for the sole purpose of (effectively) shutting down his mind-control powers. This actually took place in the middle of a courtroom too, as she happened to be the lawyer DEFENDING HIM. Interestingly, the verdict had just come in, but hadn’t been read before he went bananas – she managed to get Psycho a “not guilty” verdict!

As for the current arc, last issue Wonder Woman showed up needing a lawyer, because even though she was cleared by a world court, the US government has decided to go after her for the death of Max Lord. Turns out that even though he wasn’t a very nice guy, he was still an agent of the US government, so they’ve decided to level their legal guns at her. Honestly, I have no clue what’s going to happen in tomorrow’s issue, but the way I figure, it’s worth buying for the Blue Beetle cover alone!

So tomorrow, when you hit the comic shop, take an opportunity to help save an excellent book from the chopping block – Buy Manhunter #27!