Heroes of Gotham City don’t always wear capes and cowls. They don’t want to be called heroes either.
With “Bad Seeds” taking over the city at a rapid speed, citizens need help. More importantly, they need medical attention.
BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - GOTHAM GENERAL #1 by Greg Rucka, Steve Lieber, Rosa Ekedal, Patricio Delpeche & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) shows a different side of bravery in Batman’s favorite city.
Let’s take a look at what transpires here.
BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - GOTHAM GENERAL #1 by Greg Rucka, Steve Lieber, Rosa Ekedal, Patricio Delpeche & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Just as advertised, this isn’t a story driven by traditional superheroes. Rucka gets events rolling with a look at Shoshana meeting up with her mother at Gotham General. The mood is relaxed as she interacts with other members of the hospital crew. Once inside the doors, the conversation switches to Natalie (Shoshana’s mother) talk of leaving Gotham for being too dangerous. Little did she know how right she was.
The issue starts picking up steam when the event comes right to GG’s front doors. Readers watch as the doctors scramble to help patients. It is a very grounded look considering the story backdrop. Ava Dastur makes a huge move while the chaotic scene unfolds. The timeline is an hourly walk through of handling patients. There’s a strong confrontation between Natalie and Ava that shows the wear of events. It serves up the final page perfectly. A new dynamic is added into the equation, making for a combustible moment at any given time. Very strong presentation within these pages.
MORE BAD SEEDS!
Ekedal & Lieber split art duties but keep the same grounded look throughout the issue. The opening reflects Shoshana’s optimism while meeting up with her mother. On the flipside, Natalie’s struggles and fears of the future are wore clearly on her face. A solid two page spread welcomes all to Gotham General. This adds some emotion into the panels right before all hell breaks loose.
Delpeche’s coloring captures the growing fear in the darkness of the plant uprising. A dynamic two page spread shows the hospital team go to work trying to save lives. It is direct and holds nothing back as the need to help others kicks in. Lieber’s reactions for Ava steers the crew through rough waters. It leads to Ekedal taking the hourly looks at the team trying to hold it together. Natalie’s tears can’t escape as she processes what’s unfolding. The art builds up the moment to a breaking point. This welcomes in a shoicking full final page that changes the “quiet night” at the hospital. Excellent work on display.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The team on duty on Gotham’s top trauma center have their hands full with Isely’s biological attack in full bloom. Rucka pens an impressive look at the high toll for saving lives in Gotham City. Ekedal & Lieber spotlight the difficult roles played in helping others through the biological nightmare. An incredible look at inner strength in the face of overwhelming odds.
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - GOTHAM GENERAL #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
