DC K.O.: WONDER WOMAN VS. LOBO #1 (DC COMICS)
The fate of the DCU will be in one person’s hands. It will not be given. The title will be earned through combat.
Darkseid is coming. After creating the Absolute Universe, the former lord of Apokolips wants more. It was revealed an Absolute Champion must be crowned to face off against the upcoming evil. This is no easy task. Heroes and villains have now been put into a deadly tournament. As it progresses, the challenges do not get easier. The latest round presents quite the showdown.
On one side is an Amazonian warrior who’s fierce fighting skills make her an odds on favorite. Opposing her is the last Czarnian left who refuses to play by any rules. Something has to give here.
DC K.O.: WONDER WOMAN VS. LOBO #1 by Joëlle Jones, Jason Howard, Cary Nord, Tamra Bonvillain, Daniel Bayliss & Clayton Cowles (DC Comics) continues its’ “All Fight Month” movement.
Let’s get ringside for all the action.
DC K.O.: WONDER WOMAN VS. LOBO #1 by Joëlle Jones, Jason Howard, Cary Nord, Tamra Bonvillain, Daniel Bayliss & Clayton Cowles (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Jones makes this feel more of a Lobo story than a 50/50 spilt. The writing sets up the over-the-top approach fitting for the Main Man. Seeing Wonder Woman come forward to combat, Readers sense there won’t be any pleasantries during this meeting. Diana comes into the match with a cold persona. It’s a stark contrast from Lobo. His large attitude shines in the spotlight. From here, it’s all action in the most fun & reckless ways.
The fight goes through a traditional phase to open. It feels over before it began. Once the second round commences, the writing seems to find its’ footing. It also takes advantage of the “second round” loop-hole. Seeing a long forgotten version of Lobo adds some more humor into the mix. This theme carries into the final bout and act. Jones sets up a burring of reality and fiction during these pages. There’s plenty of elevated action sequences playing out in this match-up. It comes to a full head as final blows are dealt. In the end, one has moved on for the next round. The epilogue teases more secrets are coming to life. Readers can sense its a good landing spot as the issue bows out.
Art duties are split between three for this tale. Howard opens up for the majority of the issue. Using multi panel grids to open sells the story, readers get locked into the quick action. A series of two page splashed highlight the main eventers as they prep for combat. Readers watch as the punches swing wild. Nothing is being held back as the stakes are that high. Lobo’s reactions may downplay this as the first round concludes. There’s a sense of over confidence that gets stranger as round 2 starts.
Readers see new versions of the fighters take center stage. Lobo’s version is a reach due to the reception of the character. It falls in comparison to Wonder Woman’s choice. This moves into a solid full page shot launching the round. There’s plenty of strikes for everyone watching. The action speeds up to show the frantic pace. It results in an odd ending to make for a 3rd round. After a two page splash demonstrates the odd challenges both put themselves through, the fight gets more basic. It’s very back and forth until its ending. Once here, the fight wraps up loose ends before giving way to the preset time shenanigans taking place. The issue connects as advertised gong into a more difficult phase. Where it goes from here is anyone’s guess.
FINAL GRADE: 8.2
The latest match-up of the K.O. tourney plays into the Main Man’s hands as the action hits fast. Jones takes a few chances while presenting a throwdown fitting for the tourney’s stakes. Howard, Card and Bonvillain cypher through the chaos with great artwork on display. The story compliments what’s happening elsewhere while giving a quicker overdue of what’s happening elsewhere.
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O.: WONDER WOMAN VS. LOBO #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
