I almost blogged
Beach Blanket Bad Guys again, when I needed to get to this issue; which has another fun cover that may or may not line up with the interiors at all. From 2020,
DC's Crimes of Passion #1, featuring stories by Steve Orlando, Stephanie Phillips, James Tynion IV and Sam Johns, and others; and art by Greg Smallwood, Andie Tong, Kieran McKeown, Abel, John Paul Leon, and more.
"10 Tales of Lovers and Lawbreakers!" promises the cover, so let's see! In "More Than Maybe" Batman, early in his career, dates a crusading young socialite who doesn't approve of his methods, which kind of puts the kibosh on that one. "Pulling Punches" features Ted Grant in a title fight, that he's losing until the younger fighter throws the bout because his girlfriend had been kidnapped by the mob, and Wildcat has to help get her back.
"Secret Admirer" is a more rare Pied Piper solo, as a rich superhero collector has something to show him: his first pipe, which he used in a bank robbery back in the day, which may have taught this guy to be a douche going forward. "The Crimson Bomber" interrupts Green Arrow and Black Canary's date night, but he's just a confused and jilted teenager trying to blow up his school. As one does.
"The Prettiest Thing!" is a Plastic Man story in the mold of the Gail Simone series; as an ex of Eel's come to him for help getting away from her mob boyfriend. Pretty good! "Out of the Past" has Batwoman and Maggie Sawyer reluctantly work together to bring down Nocturna, who had caused trouble in their relationship before.
Batman unwillingly gives Slam Bradley "One Last Dance," rather, another chance to bring in the thief Nightjar; basically his Catwoman. Slam does about as well as Batman there! Batgirl and Nightwing wonder about their relationship, in "Knightfalls in Bludhaven," and Catwoman steals a necklace and does some freelance marriage counselling for Valentine's Day in "Can't Buy Me Love."
The closer is probably the high point, though: Ram V and John Paul Leon's "Reflections of the Heart." The Question follows what could be a young vigilante, and wonders if the city is trying to make him jealous; but he's not looking deep enough. Ah, I wish there was more of that!
I gotta' say, Plastic Man literally showing himself swallowing his pride was cute bit there. Very creative & in keeping with his personality.
ReplyDeletePoor Bruce. Linda seemed like an ideal match...aside from her HUGE dislike for Batman, and she definitely had valid reasons that have been brought up by countless others before as well.
Wish Greg Smallwood could draw Batman more, because not only am I a huge fan of his after discovering it on Lemire's MK run, but it fits Batman.
LOVE whenever John Paul Leon draws characters like The Question. Not his first time drawing Vic & hopefully not the last time either because his art style just fits Vic so perfectly.