DMZ #65 – Review

by Brian Wood (writing), Riccardo Burchielli (art), Jeromy Cox (colors), and Jared K. Fletcher (letters)

The Story:  Matt faces possibly the biggest decision of his life.

The Review:  If you’re a long-time reader of Brian Wood’s DMZ, this is the sort of issue that you read it for, the sort of issue that looks at hard, gritty reality, above and beyond all lofty idealism or abstract ideals.

With this issue ultimately hinging on a massive decision on Matty’s part, that being what to do with Parco’s evidence of the US’s charade, Wood is wise to anchor the book around Matty entirely.  He narrates throughout, and not only in the standard way we’re used to.  Wood opens with his usual newscast narration, but in a surprising twist on that, it turns out that the newscast is Matty’s.  That’s really, really cool stuff that showcases the new role that Matty finds himself in.  It also helps emphasize how heavily not just this issue, but the events within and the history that will result, revolve around him, that he’s the one shaping public perception and knowledge.

As I said though, strong, laser-like focus aside, this issue is all about that choice, and it’s expertly done.  Wood puts forth the fact that the pursuit and elevation of capital t “Truth, or similar abstract ideals, often conflict and don’t jive with what’s best.  Bold journalistic integrity clashes with pragmatism and the definition and nature of “the greater good” is challenged and reshaped by Wood.

Most interesting is Wood’s decision to use Zee as the vehicle to deliver this message.  Zee’s often been the beacon of integrity and, at times, idealism throughout this series, so for her to come down on exposing the truth in favour of ending the war as quickly as possible, and pointing out that the two aren’t one and the same, speaks volumes.  It’s a nice twist by Wood.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: FF #3 – So at the end of FF #2, when Valeria says that she has enlisted Dr. Doom to “help defeat Reed Richards” I did a complete “Huh? WTF?”  Well, let’s just say that the story in FF #3 makes it all clear and ties in with Hickman’s opening arc on Fantastic Four with the Council of Reeds.  Turns out that there are a few Reeds loose on our Earth and since they are “greater good” types, are willing to destroy our Earth to return to their Council (and do great things).  The Council of Reeds is so cool and I love how this story promises to drive home why our Reed is different than all the others.  Super!

Most Anticipated: Alpha Flight #0 – Please be good, please be good…  After many years of begging Marvel has decided to let us fanboys have our favorite team of Canadian superheroes back.  As a kid I loved the Byrne run on this title and remember how everyone read Uncanny X-Men, but the really cool kids were reading Alpha Flight.  It should be in very strong hands with Fred Van Lente and Dale Eaglesham.

Other Picks: Batman: Gates of Gotham #1, Drums #1, Last Mortal #1, Avengers Academy #14, Hulk #33

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Birds of Prey #12 – You know, I almost gave this to Journey into Mystery #623.  In fact, I think it was the better comic.  That said, BoP #12 was more important.  I knew Journey into Mystery would be good, and it was exactly as good as I’d hoped it’d be.  Birds of Prey #12, however, completed a return to form, gave me what I’ve been waiting for since the relaunch, and showed that the newly established art team, here to stay this time, is rock solid.  JIM was excellent, but Birds was a comic that I’m sure had fans cheering.

Most Anticipated: Batman: Gates of Gotham #1 – Normally, unless it’s an event the affects titles I’m reading, I trade-wait limited series that I’m interested in.  Not this time.  I simply cannot wait to read Gates of Gotham, and given that it’s related in theme to Detective, which has been amazing, that gives me more than enough reason to pick this up.  It seems like an extension of Snyder’s work in Detective and given that that’s the best Batman book on the stands right now (sorry, Morrison fans), any excuse to get a twice monthly dose of Snyder’s Batman is a good one.

Other Picks: Uncanny X-Force #10, Invincible Iron Man #504, Avengers #13, THUNDER Agents #7, Amazing Spider-Man #661, DMZ #65

DS’ Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Dejah Thoris #3 – Dynamite has me loving old Barsoom again, in this case, really old Barsoom. I was already hooked on the Princess of Mars story told in the Warlord of Mars series, and it was like taking a new look at a place I’ve been many times and love visiting. But with the Dejah Thoris series, it’s like Nelson, Rafael and Carlos have pulled back a curtain and said: I know you love Barsoom, so I made you *this*. New stories on old Barsoom. You’ve got to pick up this series.

Most Anticipated: X-Men Giant-Sized #1 – There’s nothing that floats my boat more than a pure, classic X-Men story. I’m really looking forward to looking at the simpler time of the original X-Men. There is something very special about a story with only six X-Men on the entire planet, and I’m going to enjoy this one.

Other Picks: X-Factor #219, Uncanny X-Force #10, Thunderbolts #157, Avengers #13, Astonishing X-Men #38, Alpha Flight #0.1