Tom Taylor continues to guide the Titans through their first and possibly last time leading a crisis. As the tension and collateral rises, Amanda Waller pulls the trigger at just the right time to undermine the heroes. Let's take a look!
Pain, Confusion, Fear, and Loss
Where the heroes have begun to run out of steam, Amanda Waller's plan is gaining strength. Unfortunately, it hinges on Beast Boy being DC's punching once again. For one, Waller has already found a solution to the "Garro" problem. Part of this solution includes abducting metahuman Chester P. Runk against his will. Readers may remember Chester a.k.a "Chunk" and his black hole powers as a series regular in The Flash season 6-9 on The CW. Despite his protest after Peacemaker accidentally kills his son, Waller conscripts Chester into becoming her weapon. In addition, Waller sets Luthor free for access to his tech, and sets up the mysterious Dr. Hate to counter Raven's interference.
Moreover, Waller successfully utilizes The Bureau Of Sovereignty to shift perception on the heroes. As a reminder, this is the same organization behind A.X.E in Tom King's Wonder Woman. It seems that, now that the Sovereign of the United States has tarnished Diana's reputation, Steel and Waller jump on the chance to bury Beast Boy as well. Due to the compounding worldwide tragedies, the Titans have lost control of the narrative. In fact, they are powerless against the hyperbolic accusations, and solemnly watch Steel's propaganda silhouetted by the cold blue screen.
Great Rao
The big centerpiece in the issue comes in the form of the Ivy Town massacre. Firstly, the villain Giganta takes a stand to defend Ivy Town, but her short lived heroics become an unfathomable nightmare when she falls to possession. Marvelously, Meyer frames her transformation on the page from the POV of the pane windows of an office building. Oracle sends for whomever she can to save them, but it's far too late to stop the death toll. Jon Kent, Superman arrives to the chilling full page panel of burning skies. However, Jon's silhouette remains in shadow, only lit by the bone chilling blue highlights that complete the melancholic contrast. The only thing he can say is "Great Rao," though I wonder if Jon believes in Rao at all.
In any case, it is easy to forget that Jon is still a seventeen year old that was barely twelve not too long ago. For instance, during the horrific fight with Giganta, Jon unintentionally hurtles toward innocent people trapped in a building. Luckily, the Flash evacuates the building, but the mental anguish of the suffering around the young hero immobilizes him. Yet, in a beautiful but memorable moment, Wally West coaches Jon through his anxiety and motivates him to continue fighting. Similarly, Nightwing motivates the team to simultaneously protect the world from Beast Boy, and protect him from the world. Although, a good positive attitude is no match for Waller's devious intentions.
Recommended If...
- You've been keeping up with Beast World hoping it gets good.
- Amanda Waller scares you.
- You have faith in Tom Taylor to deliver.
Overall
Tom Taylor's approach to the grim politics and trauma in Beast World is starting to win me over. The true conflict surrounds wrestling with the fact that innocent people are killing each other and there's very little the Titans can do without killing one of their own. Furthermore, the strongly disturbing imagery of parents killing their children or metahumans unwittingly destroying towns is insane to set in the main universe. It's themes have a deep reach and effect on it's characters and the fate of the DC Universe! Not to mention it's ties to Tom King's fantastically thrilling take on Wonder Woman. Despite years of events coming and going without sufficient consequences on the citizens, heroes, or villains, Beast World makes consequences a point of focus. Overall, Tom Taylor has found his rhythm and the rest of the DC universe is shaking. For now, I hope he keeps it up.
Score: 8.5/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purposes of this review
