Written by Geoff Johns; Grant Morrison; Greg Rucka; & Mark Waid
Art by Keith Giffen; Joe Bennett; Ruy José; David Baron; & Travis Lanham
Cover Art by J.G. Jones & Alex Sinclair
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for December 27, 2006, it’s entitled “Suicidal Tendencies.” In California’s Redwood National Forest, Amanda Waller’s Suicide Squad ambushes the Black Marvel Family: Black Adam, Isis, and Osiris. In Gotham City, with some help from Kate “Batwoman” Kane, Renee Montoya watches over the terminally-ill Question, who is now on his hospital deathbed.
In Metropolis, John Henry Irons/Steel & Dinah Lance/Black Canary commence an undercover sting to approach his niece, Natasha, outside of Lex Luthor’s forces. Luthor, meanwhile, has his thugs brutally interrogate an abducted Clark Kent re: the masked Supernova’s secret identity.
With his own Infinity, Inc. ‘protecting’ his city, Luthor has his own nefarious New Year’s Eve fireworks targeting Metropolis going into 2007.
REVIEW:
Up front, it makes good sense to be familiarized with the prior issues to catch up on multiple plot threads. Continuing this dynamite DC soap opera, 52: Week Thirty-Four exudes a welcome aura of unpredictability. Not only is the artwork above-average, but its scripting-by-committee works surprisingly well. Suffice to say, every scene counts, as the writers keep these particular sub-plots moving ahead on all thrusters.
For those interested in the 52 saga, this issue would make a great sample issue, as far as its weekly continuity and consistently impressive production values.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The Origin of Zatanna – Writer: Mark Waid & Art by Brian Bolland & Travis Lanham. An excellent, two-page DC: Origins spread summarizes Zatanna Zatara’s past, magical powers, and three recommended storylines.
Dan DiDio offers a cartoony illustration of the DC staff’s holiday party. Thumbnail cover reveals are for 52: Week 35, Justice # 9, Legion of Super-Heroes # 25, and JSA: Classified # 20.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
