Written by Dan Jolley
Art by Dale Eaglesham; Wade Von Grawbadger; Pat Brosseau; & Chris Sotomayor
Cover Art by Matt Haley
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for May 2005, the issue is entitled “Learning Curve.” Now attached to Ronnie Raymond’s ghostly psyche, teenager Jason Rusch finds out an injured Lorraine Reilly has been transferred from a Detroit hospital. Compelled to reject his abusive father’s attempt towards reconciliation, Jason honors Ronnie’s request to contact his own grieving father in Pittsburgh.
Learning a few tips from Ronnie, Jason is slightly rattled by his predecessor’s ability to take over their combined Firestorm. News of a suspicious typhoon threatening Detroit forces Firestorm to leave the Raymonds’ suburban home. Not yet home, Ronnie’s father catches only an enigmatic glimpse of his departure.
Meanwhile, Killer Frost offers one of Ronnie’s personal rivals a chance to finally settle old scores. Back in Detroit, Jason/Ronnie’s Firestorm is surrounded by two more of the original Firestorm’s adversaries eager for a grudge rematch, with the numbers stacked in their favor.
REVIEW:
Rather than riding the coattails of the original Firestorm series, this Jason Rusch incarnation continues an intriguing sequel. Bringing back some of Ronnie Raymond’s familiar foes, including a familiar antagonist from his high school days, is an inspired move by writer Dan Jolley. Along with the previous return of Lorraine Reilly’s Firehawk and now a cameo by Ronnie’s father, this storyline has the dual advantage of nostalgia and a welcome sense of unpredictability.
For fans of either Jason or Ronnie’s Firestorm, Firestorm # 11 is an enjoyable read, complete with above-average artwork.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Written by a supposed ‘mole,’ the “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for Detective Comics # 804; Lex Luthor: Man of Steel # 1; and Firestorm # 12. The column, besides hyping the new Green Lantern # 1, discuss DC’s All-Star titles (one for Superman and one for Batman & Robin).
The other topic is the release of four Countdown to Infinite Crisis-related mini-series titles: Day of Vengeance; The Rann/Thanagar War; The OMAC Project; and Villains United.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
