#BigBarda takes a stand…

Writer: Cecil Castellucci
Artist: Adriana Melo
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Covers: Julian Totino Tedesco
Editors: Brittany Holzherr; Harvey Richards; Jamie S Rich
Publisher: DC Comics

Before we get started: this is the second to last issue of Female Furies and I truly hope that DC decides to make this an ongoing as its commentary is one that is needed in our current environment. Cecil Castellucci has not only expanded a great deal on the inner working of Apokolips, she’s also written a harrowing and thoughtful look at how women navigate the world, no matter which world it is. That this is all handled with deftness and kick ass fight scenes is the icing on the cake.

This issue sees both years of Granny’s abuse, and Darkseid’s misogyny, coming home to roost as the Furies actually, gasp, talk to each other and compare notes. With that communication comes the realization that Aurelie’s death was but a symptom of a sickness that is rooted in the very fabric of Apokolips and unless something changes it’s only going to get worse.

So the Furies take matters into their own hands.

Meanwhile, Granny and Darkseid continue to work at cross purposes and sow the seeds of their respective downfalls. What they both have in common, what all arrogant dictators have in common, is that they always assume they understand why rebellions happen. They don’t, they never do, not until it’s far too late.

The art this issue is, for the most part, on point, though there’s some oddness around Scott Free’s face in the very beginning of the issue that’s jarring. I can’t tell if it’s the copy I received or a genuine misstep but it’s honestly distracting. However, once you get past that it’s all awesome as Adriana Melo and Hi-Fi once again live up to the excellent writing that Castellucci gives them.

When this series ends I’m going to be truly sad but I can’t wait to see what comes next for both this creative team and these characters.

4 Black Holes out of 5