Broken Frontier

Week Nine heats up when John Henry Irons learns his niece Natasha has undergone some interesting changes after volunteering for Lex Luthor’s meta-gene experiment.

Well, I must say I didn’t see this coming, but I thought the machinations of Lex Luthor became ever so apparent. Now this is the Lex Luthor I know and despise as a super villain, and it’s nice to see his diabolical presence felt here in Week Nine. I was also beginning to think this series was lacking some bite, but after the events that unfolded here I am taking that back.

The issue opens with an irate John Henry Irons storming Lexcorp in search of his niece Natasha. He’s feeling so incensed over being manipulated by Lex after he had his physiology altered and then having lured his niece (down to Lexcorp) to take part in his meta-gene experiment. John physically attacks Lex, but before the confrontation can escalate, Natasha jumps into the fray now fully transformed into something very powerful. Of course John is shocked by the change and he is unexpectedly forced to deal with her brashness. Meanwhile, on an unknown planet Animal Man, Adam Strange and Starfire continue to struggle against The God of the Pursuit and then in Gotham, Vic Sage reveals his true identity to Montoya.

I think there is a considerable amount of plot development here for an issue written in tandem by the likes of Johns, Morrison, Rucka and Waid. It’s hard to tell who wrote what part, but honestly I don’t think it really matters. What is important though is the conflict between John and his niece. I thought it was needed here, since I am finding this series to be a little on the tepid side in terms of sporting a bona fide villain.

The art of Shawn Moll didn’t really impress me much. I know that Keith Giffen is doing all the breakdowns for this series, but not even his skilled artistry could help the work gracing this issue stand out for me. I found it to be bland and not very dynamic, and that’s too bad because I thought the brewing conflict between John and Natasha would have had more dramatic impact with a better artist onboard to illuminate that family squabble.

Overall though, I found this issue to be entertaining for the most part. I do think it’s hard to keep this book consistent given the weekly format, and I found the focus on this one appropriate given the conflict between John and his niece. I think though that after nine issues I am still feeling like this series is lacking a key ingredient, and maybe Lex Luthor will fill that bill. I guess only time will tell.