Written by Derek Fridolfs & Illustrated by Dustin Nguyen
SUMMARY:
Published by Scholastic Inc. and DC Comics in 2016, this 176-page adventure re-imagines Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman as pre-teen students in Gotham City.
Primarily narrated by Bruce Wayne, the junior Justice League trio’s latest adventure involves sabotaged student trophies presented by the city’s mayor. After Clark Kent goes missing, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince call upon Victor “Cyborg” Stone, a hyperactive Barry “Flash” Allen (who is much more like Wally West), and Oliver “Green Arrow” Queen to help investigate trophy manufacturer LutherCorp’s young son: Lex. Now trapped in an alternate dimension known as a ‘phantom detention zone,’ the future Justice Leaguers must find Clark and escape their dire predicament. Chased by shadowy phantoms, these temporarily powerless heroes face another challenge once some unexpected company joins them.
Note: This title is available in both hardcover and paperback formats.
REVIEW:
For the most part, collaborators Derek Fridolfs & Dustin Nguyen are on their game re: Detention of Doom. The difference this time is that their wonky Phantom Zone storyline isn’t nearly as endearing as the premises for the first two books. Still, elementary school super-hero fans should enjoy its kiddie Justice League showdown with a pre-teen Legion of Doom. The spot-on banter amongst Bruce’s friends and their interaction with a likable Bizarro is very enjoyable.
The only superfluous element applies to the inclusion of Joe Kerr and Harley Quinn, though their kiddie chicanery briefly adds a plot twist. However, Fridolfs & Nguyen save the book’s best moment for last between Alfred and an appreciative Bruce. This scene is an amusing gem that any parent can relate to. While this cute series is losing some steam, DC Comics Super Hero Society # 3: Detention of Doom is worth the read. At the very least, its plotting is more cohesive than the previous book’s summer camp caper: Fort Solitude.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
As with the last two books, the final page reprints brief bios on the creative team.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
