The Stop Button

Black Panther (1998) #8 [1999] W: Christopher Priest. A: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Jusko, Vince Evans. After a pretty but narratively pointless flashback to T’Challa’s first adventure with Captain America, it’s back to the present. A crowd of Black New Yorkers want to see Black Panther. The NYPD wants to shoot them for being lawfully assembled. Will the cops even listen to Captain America? Plus, international intrigue, ex-girlfriends, and assassination attempts. Good as usual.

Catwoman (2002) #13 [2003] W: Ed Brubaker. A: Cameron Stewart. Just as everything starts coming together for Selina and company, an unseen enemy conspires to take everything away. There’s a lot of good material, lovely timing, great art, but the mix of sweet and sour is off for the ending. There’s a too effective thriller scene following a too effective action sequence. Oh. The arc’s called “Relentless.” Got it.

Werewolf by Night (1972) #39 [1976] W: Doug Moench. A: Don Perlin. Despite some serious hiccups, not to mention Jack immediately returning to the friends he said he was forever abandoning, it’s not too bad. There’s some bad art, sure, but Brother Voodoo is a decent guest star and the characters are all sincere in their concerns. And Jack does have a decent surprise development. But the cliffhanger is utter nonsense.

Werewolf by Night (1972) #40 [1976] W: Doug Moench. A: Don Perlin. It’s the worst writing from Moench in a while. Pointless references, low-key racism (so Jack’s on point), the too much padding. The werewolf and Brother Voodoo might zombies. Lots of fighting, while Jack discovering he has more control of wolfing out. The finish is more can kicking from Moench. I can’t believe they’re back to promising big changes.

Werewolf by Night (1972) #41 [1976] W: Doug Moench. A: Don Perlin. More putting things in order has Wolfman Jack in full control, fighting monsters and old foes. It’s fantastical and silly. But there’re lots of little Perlin panels, which still charm. Also, Moench–in Jack’s first-person narration–finally contextualizes that narration: Jack’s journaling, sometime after the fact. Kind of compelling (because Topaz is in danger, really), kind of not.

Werewolf by Night (1972) #42 [1977] W: Doug Moench. A: Don Perlin. Jack and Topaz go to New York City to celebrate his being able to control good lycanthropy. Before they know it, he’s playing superhero only to get in a fight with Iron Man. Then Jarvis shows up. It’s a lot, but Perlin’s much better with Iron Man than wolf men. Moench’s desperately enthusiastic; last ditch effort before cancellation.

Werewolf by Night (1972) #43 [1977] W: Doug Moench. A: Ernie Chan. Despite Moench closing the series with the cancellation announcement, WEREWOLF leaves some loose threads. The story wraps the Iron Man team-up, complete with Jarvis being a weirdo about Jack. Moench’s narration is bland and omnipresent, but they’re fighting a giant robot with the traits of an ape, an alligator, and a cheetah. It’s silly, and an unfortunate finish.