Wonder Twins #3 // Review
In Wonder Twins #3, Superman and Jayna have a heart to heart about the nature of good and evil, and what responsibility they bear to protect the world. Z-list supervillain The Scrambler tells his cohorts in the League of Annoyance that there is no such thing as good or evil, that change is all that matters. New character Filo Math weighs the morality of providing for his family while continuing to work for Lex Luthor. The book is full of moments like this and big discussion of weighty themes, but it’s oblivious Zan who really knows the answer: “Kindness is how you save the world.”
The major story of this issue is the League of Annoyance’s scheme to get revenge on the Wonder Twins for their handling of Count Drunkula in the previous chapter. Interspersed with this are flashbacks to the tragic backstory of Zan’s new pet, the famous blue monkey Gleek. These two plotlines come together satisfyingly.
Mark Russell’s writing continues to shine here. Russell juggles the title’s ever-expanding supporting cast almost effortlessly while focusing more on the theme than on plot or jokes for the first time in this series. Which isn’t to say that the overarching plot is ignored--the escalation of the rivalry between the Wonder Twins and the League of Annoyance continues here, as does Zan and Jayna’s understanding of their new place on Earth.
Artist Stephen Byrne’s work is excellent, as well. His bold lines and sturdy character design are terrific. Byrne’s facility with facial expressions sells Russell’s quirky humor and helps make the reader care about this cast of misfits. Dave Sharpe’s lettering continues to tell the story clearly, staying out of the art’s way when necessary, and adding layers of rhythm and humor with some terrific sound effects.
Wonder Twins continues to be a weird, misshapen highlight in DC’s current publishing line. Three issues in and the series still have not hit a false note. Best of all, Gleek is finally center stage.
