Phoenician writes...

I'm continuing my three-year anniversary reactions/reviews/ramble for the latest line of comics from Dynamite Entertainment. Unlike last issue, I had no substantial contemporary posts, but I fondly remember the discussions that we had in the Comment Room.

It'll no doubt be some time when you finally read this, so for perspective, it's been about a week since the second issue of the Gargoyles Meets Darkwing Duck crossover his shelves. They are definitely a riot. You and Tad Stones are clearly having fun and I look forward to (hopefully) next month's issue!

As usual, there will be spoilers specific to this issue, but I'll be vague about new thoughts as they relate to future issues. Just in case.

David Nakayama signs his covers 'D.NA' with a little double-helix, and that's incredibly appropriate given the main story for this issue, lol.

Fox sizzling green eyes was a nice surprise follow-up to "The Gathering" Part Two. But now that we've had the Demona: Better Angels miniseries, I'm wondering just how much of Fox's heritage played a role in "Eye of the Beholder".

Xanatos, as usual, is emotionally unfazed by Talon's fury. That said, and maybe its because I have niblings now, but I can't help but consider just how nuts it is for Talon (and Goliath back in "Awakening: Part Five") to just grab Xanatos by the neck or dress-shirt -- i.e., no support that I'm constantly worried about when I pick up my tiny nieces and nephew -- and how he's not the slightest bit uncomfortable as a result. In the physical sense, that is.

I also appreciate the second follow-up from "The Gathering" Part Two: Filling Elisa in about Xanatos's sincerity thanks to his interaction with Oberon.

These last three issues had the duty of providing the occasional heavy lifting for those that might not have seen the show since its original run, but I really do love how there's still time to also re-establish the threads that were left unfollowed from the end of season two and throughout the SLG run. In addition to the follow-ups I've already mentioned, there's now the Manhattan Clan learning about who runs Nightstone Unlimited, and the uncertainty of just who runs it theses days. Demona was clearly hanging out there in "Hunter's Moon", but Thailog was there during the "Invitation Only"/"Masque"/"Bash" Halloween story (not to mention the issues that follow). Still, appreciated seeds here for eventually those opening issues of the Quest arc.

The interaction between Coldfire and Xanatos is a dynamic I'm glad we have now. In addition to what Coldstone and she had to deal with post-"Reawakening", not to mention the uneasiness the members of the Manhattan Clan have with Xanatos as his current tenants at the Eyrie Building, I'm wondering if Coldfire's 'seem very generous you seek to exploit' comment also refers to Coldsteel's involvement during the Stone of Destiny arc back in November 1996.

One only needs to look through the archives to see that the highlight from the original reactions and reviews for this issue in the Comment Room was Brainiac's genetic breakdown about just how plausible it would be that Maggie and Talon's baby would be (as Oberon would phrase it) "regrettably human". A clear distinction, as it were, between mutating the somatic cell line of DNA and the germ/reproductive line of DNA. All in all, it's a really insightful primer that piques my curiosity to not only ponder but read more into a subject I'm not as versed in and also a post that proves my pride for this fandom is justified.

But post-Quest, what is most chilling now is Thailog's reaction to the news of that Michael Peter Maza is, evidently, mundane. Just how far would he have gone to keep possession of the kid if Michael Peter (pun intended) shocked anyone with his powers?

Moving on to our seeds/build-up for the next big arc . . . I'm curious what Dane and the rest of the Five Families did decide that night (but I'm not really asking for a hypothetical -- Dino winds up surprising everyone with his initial, and more subtle, line of attack. At least for a few issues).

Back at the Labyrinth, and I forgot that it was Broadway that fills Shari in. Her dynamic with Thailog remains intriguing, considering the huge difference in rank they have. I'm also curious if post-World Tour if Diane and Peter have met the full Manhattan Clan yet. Erin and Benny make an appearance again, and Erin's namesake also enjoys another "Doggie" Easter Egg with Alexander Fox.

I love Michael Peter's drool. Mary's "Aren't they all?" to Dr. Sato's "Miracle Child" comment instantly brought me back to Jeffrey Robbins response to Hudson's "Magic Book" comment in "A Lighthouse in the Sea of Time". Now, it doesn't top "Beat up a Beach" for me as a line, but I do look forward to seeing that retort pop up organically once more in a future story. It's a nice compliment to the "All things are True; few things are accurate" sentimentality this universe has established.

Until next time! :D