Written by Keith Giffen
Art by Matthew Clark; Ron Randall; John Livesay; Pat Brosseau; & Guy Major
Cover Art by Matthew Clark & Guy Major
SUMMARY:
Entitled “I’m Still Rita,” DC Comics released this issue for October 2010. At their Oolong Island base, Cliff Steele/Robotman & Larry Trainor/Negative Man are stunned by Rita Farr/Elasti-Woman’s ghastly secret re: her resurrection. Hence, the revival of all four original Doom Patrol members comes full circle after the fateful explosion at Codsville, Maine years before. Robotman confronts Nile “The Chief” Caulder for his role in Rita’s controversial rebirth. Worse yet, Caulder coldly shrugs off the potential effects on Rita’s psyche, as she horrifically discovered the truth first before he intended to tell her.
Rita elaborates on her inhuman daily routine to her best friend, Karen “Bumblebee” Beecher. Case in point: Rita explains why she keeps so many old close-up photos attached to her bedroom mirror. Negative Man and Robotman reflect on Rita’s new existence, especially as they had envied her as being the closest to normal humanity in the trio’s early years. Waiting for Steve “Mento” Dayton, at his home, Rita somberly remembers her origin as Elasti-Girl. Personal demons come back to haunt them, as Rita furiously confronts her ex-husband for his years of psychic voyeurism that she is now finally aware of.
Parental Note: One panel implies a sunbathing Rita Farr as virtually nude.
REVIEW:
In spite of its grim sci-fi/horror aspects, writer Keith Giffen’s Doom Patrol scripting again proves impressive. Conveying a sophisticated, Vertigo Comics-style ambiance, Doom Patrol # 13 best utilizes DC’s artificial shape-shifting concept that has been seen before (i.e. the 1990’s Matrix Supergirl).
Caulder’s role, as the team’s remorseless Dr. Frankenstein, therefore, make perfect dramatic sense, as to why he contributed to and still exploits Robotman, Negative Man, and now Elasti-Woman’s inhumanity. Further, the chemistry between the original Doom Patrol trio and their various shades of animosity towards Caulder is well-played. Playing off implied incidents (retroactively set up by Giffen & Co.) from the Daytons’ failed marriage, a very personal confrontation igniting Rita’s wrath upon the ex-Mento adds even more depth to the team’s well-constructed storylines.
Supporting Giffen are stellar visuals from the art squad (i.e. the enigmatic cover image). While Doom Patrol # 13 isn’t kid-friendly, it’s a high-caliber read for adult fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
For the “DC Nation” column, Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler teases some art samples from an not-yet-disclosed project.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
