the_mighty_monarch's Outsiders #9 - Devil's Work (Part 2): Lightning, From Above And Below review

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    Riders On the Storm

    The Good: Once again, Winick begins the issue with a unique style of exposition to set the scene, and what a powerful scene sets this time. We've got a mafie killer who's had the heart of a Don since he was a child, who's now gained the power to punch Grace harder than she's ever been punched before. That's BAD news, and we're only on page 3.
    This first fight is so damn intense. It's chock full of huge moves with little effect and devastating counterattacks. All the smashing and bashing are on a really badass scale. It feels different from most fights we've seen in this series, and I mean that in an entirely  positive way. W'eve had a lot of inventive fighting, but sometimes you need a threat who can just smash you to pieces.
    Once again, Raney draws some absolutel fantastic facial expressions. I also definitely admire his ability to create some variation in the fight scenes as the writing demands it.
    For an amoral asshole villain, Gregor's pretty damn charismatic. I guess that's what it takes to lead a web of criminal activity though, but frankly I love reading him ramble on about his life, imagining his russian accent. And he's so free in his train of thought. He's a villain I genuinely feel I could sit and have a drink with.
     
    The Bad: This cover doesn't inspire utter revulsion, but it doesn't inspire much confidence either. The poses of the characters is so odd, and the lack of background is awkward.
    Black Lightning's really starting to get on my nerves. His argument is always EXACTLY the same, nearly word for word. Oh really? I had 'no idea' that you 'Fought scum like this so your daughter wouldn't have to.' Do you want to repeat it EIGHT MORE FREAKING TIMES!? All he seems to do is create an emotional dilemma for Thunder who desperately needs to break away from her father if she's ever going to become a truly interesting character.
    Speaking of which, Thunder's starting to fall back into her old boring habbits. She only seems to be on the team to make the obvious jokes that don't fit into anyone else's well developed characters, or point out things in standard dialogue that could be spoken by literally anyone.
     
    In Conclusion: 3.5/5
    This issue hits a lot of the same high points that most issues hit, but I thought the reunion of Black Lighting would bring about something new, but if anything it made Thunder LESS interesting, and she's been struggling as it is. Furthermore, Huntress doesn't seem to be fulfilling her role as a character, shaking up the team, she's just kind of... there. Its as if there was no need to bring her in in the first place. Overall it was a solid issue held back by some annoyances.

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