World Famous Comics: Manhunter Vol. 4: Unleashed (DC Comics)
Manhunter Vol. 4: Unleashed (DC Comics)
By: Marc Andreyko Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: January 30, 2008 Release Date: January 30, 2008
Product Description: The fourth graphic novel from thecult favorite series pits Manhunter against the DC Universes mightiest female hero. This volume continues the shocking story from INFINITE CRISIS, when Wonder Woman was forced to kill criminal mastermind Maxwell Lord.Now, Kate Spencer must defend the Amazon Princess, but the stakes are higher than either of them could imagine.Will putting super-heroes on the stand work in Wonder Womans favor, or against her?And what secret evidence does Batman possessand how will Manhunter wrest it from him?
Manhunter wraps up...for now. Ever since it launched, Marc Andreyko's "Manhunter" series for DC has been on the knife's edge of cancellation, and has escape the axe twice; once at issue 25, and again at issue 30, the final issue collected in this trade. It has since gone on hiatus, but reports indicate it will return this way, where, one hopes, Kate's knack for escaping the executioner will continue for a good many more issues.
This collection of issues 24 to 30 finishes up the Doctor Psycho arc that began in the preceding "Origins" trade, and then contains the complete 'Unleashed' arc guest-starring Wonder Woman and following the events of "Infinite Crisis" (this series deserves applause for its astonishing ability to tie itself into other DC events without losing its signal characteristics, as many series are wont to do). Kate, now a defence attorney, is hired to represent Wonder Woman, who is on trial for the murder of Maxwell Lord. Now, not only am I a Manhunter fan, I am a huge fan of Wonder Woman, so it's a real treat to see them interacting; Andreyko can also be praised for giving the best portrayal of Wonder Woman from the end of Greg Rucka's run in 2006 until Gail Simone arrived in late 2007, mercifully liberating Diana fans from the tyranny of Heinberg, Picoult, and Pfeiffer. Andreyko plays up Diana's naivete a bit more than I'd like, but all her heroic qualities come through perfectly, and the art is absolutely stunning.
Not only do we see Kate interacting with Diana, Superman, and Batman (in an hilariously brusque exchange), but, in general, she becomes much more publicly known as Manhunter, being met with adulation from the press and public and acceptance from the local police (and, around this same time, she became a semi-regular member of the Birds of Prey over in that title).
Apart from Diana and Kate's story, there's also the relationship between Cameron Chase and Dylan, Kate's techie, which goes through a rough patch as they head home to Gotham to rescue Chase's sister from the clutches of an old villain. Dylan is one of the best supporting characters in comics, and he only gets better here. This story also ends with a hook for a future arc (scattered others are also introduced, making it a relief that the series didn't end at issue 30).
There are few better series being published today, and I strongly recommend this and other "Manhunter" collections, and the monthly series, whenever it resumes.
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