This issue marks the transition from the Shadow Thief arc, Trial by Fire, to the new arc, Manhunted. Its interesting that there isn’t a clear break, with Trial by Fire ending the issue altogether. Dan Didio, DC’s chief editor, has gone on record as saying that he wants readers to have a reason to go and buy their comics each month and I guess this is an example of it at work. You buy a comic to complete one arc, and they get a chance to hook you into the next one. As if I needed to be hooked into the next Manhunter arc!
Carl Sands’s trial ends with him demonstrating new powers and abilities, putting him along side Doctor Light on the list of characters to come out on top of the Identity Crisis. Shadow and Light? The issue also has Kate explain her policy on the use of lethal force. This is something Andreyko has explained before, but it is explicitly stated in the comic for the first time. Sands raises an interesting objection to it, and Firehawk actually gives her blessing. Praising her for having the courage to do something she thinks many heroes want to. Kate also treats Dylan like a human being. Could Manhunted mark the beginning of a kinder, gentler Kate Spencer?
Manhunted’s story arc actually began a couple of issues age. A lot of people have called themselves Manhunter, and someone is now hunting them down. He has killed one and captured a second. A third will appear in this issue. The killer is revealed to have taken on the persona of an old Manhunter rogue (though there are reasons to doubt that it’s the same person).
I enjoyed the issue. Linking story arcs together helps to keep the level of tension up, with each arc reinforcing the other. Kate discovers a power right when she needs to have it. Similar things have happened before, but I hope it won’t happen too much in the future. It just tests the reader’s willingness to suspend their disbelief. The new story looks great. With so many Manhunters in the history of the DCU, it’s a good idea to position Kate within that legacy. Pina continues to proof a good choice to replace Saiz, who returns to do the cover.
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