Besides Pog, about the only thing Broderick draws well this issue is Etrigan.
Wheeler goes overboard into Hell’s politics as it accommodates new alien inhabitants–it’s really boring stuff and Broderick’s art is just too silly for it. Hell’s not horrifying, it looks like a toy commercial. It’s incredible Broderick couldn’t make bugs scary… scary bugs should be a requirement for Swamp Thing artists.
Alec puts together a crew to help him search for Tefé, but it’s unclear why he picks Abin Sur after learning Sur directed her to Hell in the first place.
While Wheeler ably ties the issue into one of Veitch’s unresolved subplots, he loses major points when he ends on Alec wailing “No!” off-panel. It’s even goofier not to see it.
The comic maintains its momentum–it’s a child in danger story after all–but Wheeler’s trying too hard again; his writing still lacks personality.
CREDITS
Scattered Houses; writer, Doug Wheeler; penciller, Pat Broderick; inker, Alfredo Alcala; colorist, Tatjana Wood; letterer, John Costanza; editor, Karen Berger; publisher, DC Comics.
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