Written by Mike W. Barr
Art by Kevin Sharpe; Robin Riggs; John J. Hill; Richard Horie; & Tanya Horie
Cover Art by Cliff Chiang
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for October 2007, it’s the second of five one-shots tag-teaming prospective Outsiders auditioning for Batman’s covert Final Crisis strike team. Entitled “The Queen of Swords & The King of the Rock,” the plot focuses on Katana. After fending off a 3-1 sneak attack by assassins, she returns home.
Before Shazam can stop her, Katana opts to pursue her enemies in the demonic realm of Fukumaden by impaling herself with her own mystical Soultaker blade. As Katana’s spirit faces the blade’s prior victims, her brother-in-law schemes to destroy her mortal body. Can Shazam intervene in time? And will either Katana or Shazam be chosen for Batman’s secret squad?
REVIEW:
Despite lots of sword-swinging action, there is minimal blood (even when Katana chops off a villain’s hand). Regarding the story itself, veteran Batman & the Outsiders writer Barr ably demonstrates he knows Katana better than anyone by delivering one of her best-ever appearances. Shazam/Captain Marvel has a minor role, as the Rock of Eternity’s new guardian can only help Katana to a certain degree. Batman’s well-written cameo establishes why sometimes the best thing he can do is not intervene. Overall, Five of a Kind: Katana and Shazam # 1 is balanced by capably produced artwork, including the cover image.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The anonymous “DC Nation” column hypes the upcoming Final Crisis saga. Sneak peek covers for Countdown # 38, Batman # 666, and JLA: Classified # 41 are included. Per a thumbnail cover reveal, the next mission is revealed, as Martian Manhunter & Black Lightning’s daughter, Thunder, literally go underground.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
