jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
2.0
I am, in general, a fan of Tom King's writing. He's done some phenomenal books, and I still have some waiting in trades to read. This is not one of them. It pains me to say this. When the first issue came out, I was really intrigued. I read issue 2, but then issues started to get delayed so I decided to wait until I could read it all in one go. The concept of the story is really fantastic, but it all falls down in the execution for me.
Before we go too far into that, let me just say that Clay Mann's work is fantastic, but I was disappointed, even after delays, that he didn't do all of it. I mean, they brought in some fantastic guest artists to fill in areas, but it's still just a shame. Thankfully, it doesn't interrupt the reading of the story as badly as it can in other books.
So, back to the story. There's some very odd tonal things going on where people are cracking jokes when ALL THESE HEROES ARE DEAD. I'm cool with comedy in even a bleak story but it just feels odd her at times. Like someone stepped in halfway through and was like "Man, this is depressing. No one wants to buy this. Can they crack some jokes?"It works for Harley because it's her character. But Booster and Blue Beetle come off as just callous and icky at times. I don't recognize Batgirl at all as a character in this. Her relationship with Harley is interesting, but underdeveloped
Ultimately, that's the thing that hurt this the most for me. I can push aside my personal feelings about the damage done to a particular hero at the center of this piece. One who has been ill served for a long time now. I think the main issue here is that the ending doesn't really feel deserved. I don't know the full histories of the hodgepodge of characters at the end of this story, so it feels like King is saying something weighty about them and their characters, but I don't understand what that's supposed to be. For the two characters I now the best, Harley and Batgirl, their inclusion in the group feels like a reach.
So, look. They can't all be winners. I'm excited to see what King cooks up next. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
Before we go too far into that, let me just say that Clay Mann's work is fantastic, but I was disappointed, even after delays, that he didn't do all of it. I mean, they brought in some fantastic guest artists to fill in areas, but it's still just a shame. Thankfully, it doesn't interrupt the reading of the story as badly as it can in other books.
So, back to the story. There's some very odd tonal things going on where people are cracking jokes when ALL THESE HEROES ARE DEAD. I'm cool with comedy in even a bleak story but it just feels odd her at times. Like someone stepped in halfway through and was like "Man, this is depressing. No one wants to buy this. Can they crack some jokes?"It works for Harley because it's her character. But Booster and Blue Beetle come off as just callous and icky at times. I don't recognize Batgirl at all as a character in this. Her relationship with Harley is interesting, but underdeveloped
Ultimately, that's the thing that hurt this the most for me. I can push aside my personal feelings about the damage done to a particular hero at the center of this piece. One who has been ill served for a long time now. I think the main issue here is that the ending doesn't really feel deserved. I don't know the full histories of the hodgepodge of characters at the end of this story, so it feels like King is saying something weighty about them and their characters, but I don't understand what that's supposed to be. For the two characters I now the best, Harley and Batgirl, their inclusion in the group feels like a reach.
So, look. They can't all be winners. I'm excited to see what King cooks up next. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
jekutree's review against another edition
4.0
At it’s core a very good book, I really love anything Tom King does. I liked the structure a ton and the focus on trauma was very refreshing for a superhero book. My main gripes mainly come from the murder mystery, kind of pointless and didn’t need to be in there. I think editorial or Tom King should’ve trusted the core of exploring superhero mental health without the murder. This was a story that didn’t need action. It’s at its best when it doesn’t address it.
Still solid though, there’s enough in there that’s good that I can latch onto. I won’t remember this story for it’s overall plot but more for the quieter, introspective moments.
Solid 7/10
Still solid though, there’s enough in there that’s good that I can latch onto. I won’t remember this story for it’s overall plot but more for the quieter, introspective moments.
Solid 7/10
joshgauthier's review against another edition
5.0
Tom King does it again. Grounded in the ongoing narratives of the DC Universe, King's newest story also steps back from the traditional superhero narratives to take a sincere look at the nature of trauma and the lives of those who devote themselves to the role of heroism.
Characters recognizable and obscure make their appearances across these pages. King's writing stands out in the way that he brings depth, complexity, and humanity to every voice. Particularly in characters like Harley Quinn, King finds dimensions of their characters that are often lost in other portrayals. Without ever losing sight of the larger universe, King's storytelling cared about depth and theme in the midst of an epic and wide-reaching story.
It's a worthy examination, and in King's hands, it's well delivered. This is a side of hero narratives that often doesn't get examined. Pieces of the story are unique to these characters and the world they live in, but so much of the heart of Heroes in Crisis is a tender human examination of what it means to risk oneself for the sake of the larger world. Heartbreaking and honest, but not without humor and adventure, King's work here is a remarkable achievement.
And King's writing of this script is only one piece of what went into creating this graphic novel. The art from Clay Mann and the others--colorists, lettering--brings more to this story than writing could ever do alone. The title spread pages are striking and emotional in themselves. The emotional beats, the imagery, the attention to detail and tone--the art carries this story just as much as the writing with every page.
It's a beautiful and tragic narrative which skillfully unfolds under the careful hands of everyone involved in creating it. These are stories and messages that carry great value. And in the midst of telling a story that is well-worth the read for the things it has to say, this team has still created an engaging super hero story which delivers action, mystery, and all the pieces that make for an exciting read.
It's a true accomplishment for all involved and, I believe, a story that will continue to stand out as a valuable part of the DC Universe.
Characters recognizable and obscure make their appearances across these pages. King's writing stands out in the way that he brings depth, complexity, and humanity to every voice. Particularly in characters like Harley Quinn, King finds dimensions of their characters that are often lost in other portrayals. Without ever losing sight of the larger universe, King's storytelling cared about depth and theme in the midst of an epic and wide-reaching story.
It's a worthy examination, and in King's hands, it's well delivered. This is a side of hero narratives that often doesn't get examined. Pieces of the story are unique to these characters and the world they live in, but so much of the heart of Heroes in Crisis is a tender human examination of what it means to risk oneself for the sake of the larger world. Heartbreaking and honest, but not without humor and adventure, King's work here is a remarkable achievement.
And King's writing of this script is only one piece of what went into creating this graphic novel. The art from Clay Mann and the others--colorists, lettering--brings more to this story than writing could ever do alone. The title spread pages are striking and emotional in themselves. The emotional beats, the imagery, the attention to detail and tone--the art carries this story just as much as the writing with every page.
It's a beautiful and tragic narrative which skillfully unfolds under the careful hands of everyone involved in creating it. These are stories and messages that carry great value. And in the midst of telling a story that is well-worth the read for the things it has to say, this team has still created an engaging super hero story which delivers action, mystery, and all the pieces that make for an exciting read.
It's a true accomplishment for all involved and, I believe, a story that will continue to stand out as a valuable part of the DC Universe.
cryptidtinkerer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A great look into the trauma that heros get from their line of work.
I would say it is worth one read through as there are a lot of great scenes and character work.
Not my favorite read, I felt it could have been better, unfortunately. I did want to like it as I enjoy exploring characters traumas.
I would say it is worth one read through as there are a lot of great scenes and character work.
Not my favorite read, I felt it could have been better, unfortunately. I did want to like it as I enjoy exploring characters traumas.
georgezakka's review against another edition
4.0
I have very mixed thoughts on HiC. I throughly enjoy pretty much all of Tom King’s work, and while I was really looking forward to this one, it doesn’t click. The art is spectacular, and the storytelling is as poetic as usual, but I just can’t get behind the Wally West plot and Harley Quinn makes some of it really unenjoyable.
emmaj_xo's review against another edition
2.0
Oh god, so much wasted potential. A book about the mental health and trauma of superheroes ends on the entire that an individual’s mental breakdown makes them a danger to others? It undermines the whole premise. Clay Mann’s art is gorgeous and there are a couple of moments of note, particular Harley’s friendship with Batgirl and their bond over shared trauma. Always here for Harlivy too. An important read for Poison Ivy completionists but not an essential read for DC fans.
supernovaesque's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
xandra_evelyn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I really hate everything tom king has written. I wanted to know how he handled PTSD though, so I read it. The PTSD handling was ok, but the ending was incredibly unsatisfying and empty feeling. The other characters were often snippy and cynical and not great, either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
Moderate: Violence
sarajojojo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5