Supermax has a new warden in charge!
Harvey Dent has been appointed by Vandal Savage as the new head of the impossible prison. Dent’s first act of business is to conduct trial.
Barbara Gordon has been accused of murder! With the deck stacked against her, Gordon must find a way out before her mission is all for nothing and she ceases to exist!
BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT #7 by Mariko Tamaki, Pablo M. Collar, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher (DC COMICS) brings forth a new vision of law and order in Supermax.
Let’s take a closer look.
BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT #6 by Mariko Tamaki, Pablo M. Collar, Tamra Bonvillain & Ariana Maher (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Tamaki makes the most of the Dent addition but ultimately, its’ Gordon’s own self doing that holds this issue back. Considering the events of “Bad Seeds”, Savage’s assignment of Dent is a moot point at this stage. Their dialogue is very classic. When panels break for Gordon, there isn’t a sense of urgency to act. It almost feels telegraphed on where it is heading.
Where this issue shines in is with Dent. The dual conversations concerning the case are engaging. They show the audience a new side to his complex thoughts. From a legal standpoint, it helps cypher through the facts. It is a step up from the time with Savant and Creote, which feels more of existing than having a purpose. Die’s and Myrna’s interaction attempts to add more to the case at hand. However, when readers arrive in the end, Gordon handles the matter in a most alarming way. How this eventually pays off is anyone’s guess but for this build-up, expectations are high.
read last issue’s review!
Collar & Bonvillain keep to a smaller panel format to get the cast their page time. The opening with Dent and Savage is straight forward. It blends well with Gordon’s acceptance at hand. The calm persona stands out while trying to build from here. It’s only when Dent breaks away for his thoughts that the art shakes events up.
The two page splits between Dent and his other personality jump out every time it is utilized. Their back and forth steal attention and gives their perspectives new life. The pacing full page look is prime example of this. When balanced out with the supporting cast, Dent’s breakdown has way more impact. It’s nothing in a negative sense but this issue is very direct on getting events to the ultimate close. Dent’s half panel as judge, jury and possible executioner gives a late spark. This leads into a great 3 panel split before a solid full page image takes events home on a stunning point. A solid journey from start to end.
FINAL GRADE: 8
Harvey Dent’s interjection into the story helps but can’t solve everything. Tamaki keeps events very routine in the build toward Dent’s case. Collar & Bonvillain maximize Dent’s thoughts for excellent looks. Considering the final page, expect a big swing going into the trial’s aftermath.
Let me know your thoughts on BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT #7 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
