BB Review Group week 132 - Shadowpact #13 (spoilers)

[Ray G.]

One of the weakest issues so far, in my opinion. After the brilliant stand-alone Nightmaster issue, this one sort of veers away from what makes the series so great. That's not to say it's a bad book by any means. It's very solid and packed with a bunch of promising new story threads that will likely pay off spectacularly. However, I don't feel that Scott Hampton's art really fits the title at all, and there isn't nearly enough of the quirky humor that sets this title apart. This is much more of a suspenseful issue. In fact, Shadowpact barely appears at all. The villains take center stage here as we get ready for a big move against the forces of Shadowpact. The brutal Kid Karnevil proves himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the shocking opening segment. The mysterious Doctor Gotham sacrfices his minion Stegra in a chilling manner to attain power. And the heroic Zauriel is given a new mission by his divine overlords: He must slay an unholy demon on Earth - Blue Devil. A lot of good stuff is set up here, and I can't wait to see where it goes next, but it really didn't feel that much like Shadowpact. It needed more Ragman, Lady Fell, and of course, Detective Chimp. 7/10

[GrandeMaestro Fünke]

Way too little Shadowpact, I didn't really care for the other characters. The art was good, but I'd rather have seen Willingham or Cory Walker do the issue. 6/10

[RebootedCorpse]

I liked this more than I thought I would. That's probably due to the fact that it focused on setting up some interesting conflicts. I still know very little about this team and its probably going to stay that way. Not enough there to get me to buy the next issue.
my score: 6.99.

[SteveZegers]

I liked it, I always like it. I’ve got great affection for DC’s magic characters, and this book is really a showcase for them. (I wish Rex would join the team already!)

Can’t really imagine what it’s like for people that don’t read this regularly though. This is such a transitional issue. The team isn’t even really in it and I don’t think it really captures the off-beat fun that it usually is. Even the art, which was beautiful, isn’t the type of stuff we usually see. It’s much more realistic.

I like the addition of Zuriel (sp?). I liked him on the JLA.

I’ll give this a very solid 8.

[Kingsumo]

As a primarily Marvel reader, I am always a little skeptical getting into a DC book. That being said, this was actually a good read. The story was enough to keep me interested, and I do like the Zariel charecter.

On the down side, the art was off for me. I know it was a guest artest, but it does detract from this book itself.

All told I am happy I gave it a go. I would give the book 7/10

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

Despite the fact that Shadowpact was almost completely absent from this issue, I found myself enjoying it. The art style is a noticeable change from the previous issues, but regardless of that the art was quite good. As for the plot of the issue, its really just all build up for future storylines. I was surprised by Doctor Gotham's actions towards Strega, as it felt like her character was going to be around a bit longer - not that I actually mind what happened to her, though. Also, I'm not sure who was clamoring for the return of Kid Karnevil, but oh well, we have it now. Surely he's just to replace Strega at the side of Doctor Gotham, yes?
The bit at the end with Zauriel was well done. When I heard that Zauriel was going to be popping up in this book my eyes rolled, but his appearance here (and in subsequent issues) has been explained in a very satisfactory way. As always, I look forward to the next issue.

7.7/10

[Hock]

A shitty issue of a great series. Serioulsly, Zauriel? Horrible character that should never have been created let alone used. Willingham was off his game with this issue and the fact that the book doesn't have a regular artist doesn't help. Some of the artists have been great, this one, not so much. Not that there wasn't some skill in the art, it just did not fit the book at all. The bit with Kid Karnevil and Doctor Gotham were the only redeaminfg parts of this issue, and those were basically asides setting up future stories.

5.5/10

[John M. Coker (Johnny C.)]

Honestly, the only two things I really liked about this issue were the art, and Zauriel. The writing didn't do much for me, and the Phantom Stranger narration was really annoying. Not sure why a lot of people in this thread have a problem with the art here, outside of Manhunter or Checkmate, this is some of the best art I've seen in a DC book in quite a while.

3/10

[Doug]

I really enjoyed this issue. Each scene was very good, but the Kid Karnevil (I think that is his name) scene was my favorite. I like the fact that evil incarnate wears a goofy domino mask.

The Dr. Gotham scene was pretty good as well. I won't miss Strega though. She seemed so in control in the first arc, but ever since Dr. Gotham's return she's been such a lacky with no real character of her own. At least Gotham is putting her to good use.

Honestly the Zauriel scene was my least favorite. I can't really picture him as a killer, let alone kill another hero (no matter how demonic).

I know people are complaining about the art, but I really enjoyed it.

All in all I'd say this was a 7/10.

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

Honestly, the only two things I really liked about this issue were the art, and Zauriel. The writing didn't do much for me, and the Phantom Stranger narration was really annoying. Not sure why a lot of people in this thread have a problem with the art here, outside of Manhunter or Checkmate, this is some of the best art I've seen in a DC book in quite a while.

I've been wondering about that, too. The only thing I can think of is the fact that its a stylistic change for Shadowpact. I thought it was some great art.