Can Barbara Ann come through the other side in one piece?

Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Liam Sharp
Colors: Laura Martin
Letterer: Jodi Wynne
Editor: Chris Conroy & Mark Doyle
Assistant Editor: David Wielgosz
Covers: Liam Sharp & Laura Martin; Jenny Frison
Publisher: DC Comics
$2.99

We pick up where we left off with Barbara Ann and Diana rescuing Steve, his team and the girls Cadulo kidnapped. What’s interesting about this issue isn’t the action, although that’s on point, as usual. No, what makes this issue stand out is, once again, the relationship between our three leads. Barbara Ann and Diana, as much as Steve and Diana, are intertwined down to their very bones and that relationship is what allows Diana to see the truth that’s been right in front of everyone the whole time. Diana and Steve, meanwhile, have the easy kind of shorthand that comes from knowing someone so intimately that you practically know what they’re thinking. When the three of them work together there is truly nothing they can’t accomplish and no foe too big to take down. It will be the aftermath, however, that will truly test their friendship.

Liam Sharp makes the battle Diana and Barbara Ann wage on Cadulo’s forces clear and brutal and though there are some missteps with Steve’s team and the hostages – they’re just not distinct enough for my taste – the overall feel supports the story well.

I’ve a feeling that things are about to get a lot worse before they get better for our gang. 4 out of 5 lassos.