Caught in the jaws of Lion-Mane—who is the NEW Batwing?
The Good
Cover- Beautiful, simple, detailed! It most def sticks out on the stands because its pure white background makes both Lion-Mane and Batwing just pop right off the cover!
Family- The fox family is a great contrast to life of David zavimbe which was pretty bleak. His interactions with his siblings and father are some of the best portions f this book. It also makes the finale page very chilling. Luke has allot to lose while David only had very little, Luke has to both protect his identity, family and carry out missions for batman, there is pressure at every turn.
Action- I may be only of a handful still buying this book but the opening fight scene was pure unadulterated epicness! That alone is reason enough to check out this book
Black Hero- Luke Fox my boy you are in so far above your damn head I don’t know how you’ll ever survive this heroic career which just started I might add.We also have the rest of the fox clan: a redesigned Tam Fox, newly introduced Tiff Fox along with their parents.
Villain- Lion Mane’s redesign is pretty impressive. Lion monster meets centaur? Yes please! He’s such a vicious, intimidating and awe-inspiring sight. I can’t help but hope that this redesign sticks because it adds quite a bit to his intimidation factor and overall appeal. Luke has his work cut out for him being in this guy’s crosshairs.
Marabunta are a neat concept whose execution has been on point so far. Ants are literally all over the world and this organization is illustrated in much the same way, they are everywhere! Depending on how they are handled they could become major players in the dc universe like cobra before them.
Art- everything looks pretty decent especially that epic opening action scene!
Mystery- so at the end the marabunta show up outside the fox household, did they manage to find out Luke’s identity or are they here for his father? Hmmmmm……
The Bad
Sales- As of this month Issue #19 saw an increase in readership of about 1000 + unfortunately for this book the sales figures (which can be viewed here) have already sunk below cancellation rates unless we get a good 10000 new readers to stabilize this puppy it’s gonna die. Batwing is literally the last black (book standing) ongoing from DC Comics and is very close to going the way of Mister Terrific, Static Shock and Voodoo before it.
Cosby- I know some will def find some Cosby reference and joke with his family somewhere.
I miss you- David Davimbe GOD HOW I MISS YOU!
The Ugly
This issue had great action, a fearsome villain, potential, family dynamics and managed to also establish an emotional tether to me. For that I’m giving Batwing #21 a 4/5
