Written by (See Credits Below)
Art by (See Credits Below)
Wraparound Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
SUMMARY:
Published by Image Comics (Jim Lee’s WildStorm Comics) for June 1998, this 40-page anniversary (and temporarily last) issue consists of three tales, each with different creative teams.
“Old Feelings” (8 pages): Story by James Robinson, with art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Tad Ehrlich; Justin Ponsor; Tony Washington; and Bill O’Neil. In a subway tunnel, Voodoo & Hadrian re-evaluate their relationship while facing down the villainous Slag.
“The Last Goodbye” (16 pages): Story by Brandon Choi & Jonathan Peterson; with art by Ed Benes; Al Vey; JD; Matt Milla; Joel Benjamin; WildStorm FX; and Bill O’Neil. Grieving over his brother’s murder, an incensed Grifter works New York City’s streets in search of the culprit. Providing back-up, the WildCATS learn the truth of the brother’s homicide.
“Reincarnation” (8 pages): Story by Alan Moore, with art by Travis Charest; JD; Alex Sinclair; and Bill O’Neil. Majestic, Grifter, and Ladytron, among a few others, discuss assembling a potential reserve squad. T Halo Inc. building attacks them under the influence of an alien presence. The finale signals the series’ momentary conclusion.
REVIEW:
As a whole, this issue’s visuals are top-caliber, including the terrific wraparound cover. The individual stories vary in readability depending upon one’s interest in these characters. As the issue’s best tale, “Old Feelings” is an intriguing vignette updating fans on a revitalized Voodoo’s past and possibly future romance with the android Hardian. Although it is still relatively entertaining, “The Last Goodbye” doesn’t cover new dramatic ground, as super-hero clichés re: avenging a murdered brother play out as expected.
Unlike the other two stories, “Reincarnation” relies on some nasty profanity-laced dialogue, which is likely the biggest creative element going against it. The absence of some of the franchise’s more charismatic heroes adds to the downbeat ambiance. Writer Alan Moore’s use of a letter is a nice storytelling device for readers, but only Majestic does anything remotely interesting in this story. Including its extras, WildC.A.T.S. # 50 is a worthwhile keeper for fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Scott Williams includes a single-page team pin-up. Series co-creator Jim Lee pens a single-page message to fans, as he dedicates this issue to his late mentor, Archie Goodwin. Artist Travis Charest offers three color pages of WildC.A.T.S. character sketches. There’s also a full-page advertisement for a new WildC.A.T.S. # 1. A single-page interview with Williams & Charest discusses their plans for a re-launched WildC.A.T.S. series. The last page is a WildStorm News column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
