The Green Team & The Movement (USA)

[Azrael]

The Movement #11
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Freddie Williams II and Chris Sotomayor
Lettering by Carlos M. Mangual
Published by DC Comics
Review by Michael Moccio
'Rama Rating: 8 out of 10

Unlike the majority of its fans, The Movement had to grow on me. I dropped it after a few issues only to pick it up on a whim and voraciously read through the entire nine issues already out in one day. There's something about Gail Simone and the creative team that begs for this book to be read and loved. It could be the sympathetic, diverse, three-dimensional characters, it could be the angle by which Simone explores a grass-roots movement, or it could be watching these kids slowly band together to form a cohesive team and reach a level of synergy the current incarnation of the Justice League isn't able to attain. Actually, it's probably all of these and more.

This is the kind of story that tries to be something more than just a comic book. Simone has tackled themes and ideas that resonate with the younger audiences: sexuality, finding your place in the world, trying to find a balance, and examining what it means to fight for what you believe in. Simone's cast of characters represents all facets of society, breaking ground in the representation of minority groups. The best part of the entire thing is that it's not noticeable; Simone doesn't push the facts to the side, though, she weaves them seamlessly into the story so that we look at these characters as people first and foremost. It doesn't matter what their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or physical capabilities are — Simone has done the work to make us care about these characters' struggles. She's shown us their virtues and vices and allows us to empathize with them.

This particular issue focuses on Burden and his family, particularly his brother Jacob. While the narrative may fall into clichés when dealing with the religious aspects of the story, it's a strong tale that makes us feel deeply for Burden. By the end of the story, you really just want to give him a big hug and celebrate with his ultimate victory in accepting himself. Unfortunately, there are predictable points in the narrative that make for a quicker read, because you can get the gist of what's going on without paying too much attention, as was the case with the flashback in the middle of the issue. For as much character development as Simone does for the protagonists, she shirks on Jacob. Though she takes steps to show us why he is the way he is, it feels done before and ultimately detracts from his characterization. Likewise, during the climax, things progress a little too quickly and the character development seems to take a step back as Burden and Jacob quickly accept who they really are without much resistance: Burden accepts his inner goodness and Jacob freely admits his wickedness in front of the townsfolk. If readers can suspend their disbelief and overlook that one instance where the ball was dropped with characterization, they'll find little fault in the issue at all.

Freddie Williams II has done a remarkable job throughout the series with his dark and gritty penciling and inking style fitting the tone of the narrative perfectly. He certainly takes liberties with simplifying some aspects of the human body, but he more than makes up for it in the way these characters look overall and Burden's demonic forms. Beyond that, the thick and liberal inking adds to that dark and gritty feel that resonates with the current state of affairs in Coral City and when Burden's brother comes to town. Chris Sotomayor's coloring was especially on point with the issue, particularly in the final scenes at night. His use of color to play with the flames and illuminations from the lights added another layer of complexity to the visual aspect of the story. The colors all flowed together with the visual cues from Williams' art, making for an exceptionally easy read.

The Movement is so unique from all the other titles DC's putting out right now, it'll be a shame to see it go after the final issue next May. It's stayed relatively self-contained, unlike other titles, but still manages to keep a consistent quality that resonates with the rest of the DC Universe. This is a book that's putting in something unique, something that can't be found in the wide array of Batman or Superman family books. Simone has done an incredible job with this series, and if this issue is any indication, then the final issue will prove to be emotional, impactful, and incredible.

[Azrael]

Preview: THE MOVEMENT #12 (FINAL ISSUE)



http://www.comicosity.com/exclusive-preview-the-movement-12/

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Review by Michael Moccio
'Rama Rating: 9 out of 10