Trinity #6

In the lead: After discovering last issue that they are part of a Trinity, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman discuss in what ways they represent three sides of the same coin (you know what I mean). Meanwhile, Tarot delves deeper into her cards after Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman continue to appear in them as a group of three. She realizes they’re all part of the old adage Truth (Wonder Woman), Justice (Batman) and the American Way (Superman). Upon making this realization, Tarot is kidnapped by the werewolf creatures that have been following both her and the Trinity.

In the back-up: Hawkman investigates a series of museum thefts that unbeknownst to him are related to Morgaine Le Fey and Enigma. In Los Angeles, he crosses paths with Gangbuster, who is desperately searching for Tarot after her kidnapping. Hawkman agrees to let Gangbuster help him search for the truth, but not before they take a little sidetrip to meet up with the Trinity.

My take: Two weeks ago, I said I didn’t like how directly Kurt Busiek was addressing what each member of the Trinity represents. Well, that’s pretty much what this whole issue was. Supes, Bats and WW spend the issue talking about how they perceive each other, and Tarot spends the issue talking about how the three are perceived by people living in the DCU. It seemed really forced, especially the Tarot parts. I kind of get the feeling that this may be the last time we get this for a while, though, because they pretty much covered everything.

I did like that Wonder Woman led the discussion amongst the three heroes, which actually makes sense from a character standpoint. As Tarot says, WW represents truth, and she’s never had a problem speaking her mind. Superman plays along and tells Wonder Woman how he sees her, but Batman stays completely out of the conversation. Open reflection isn’t really Batman’s strong suit. That’s a good example of the subtle ways Busiek could work in the differences between the members of the Trinity. Here’s hoping there’s more of that and less of the other kind from now on.

The back-up story this issue was actually pretty solid. It continued directly from where the lead ended, with Gangbuster trying to rescue Tarot. However, neither Hawkman or Gangbuster know this is part of a grander scheme. I like the ideas of other heroes passing in and out of the story as it makes sense (one of the thefts was from the museum Hawkman works for), but not becoming directly involved in the main story. Seeing things like the inability of the Justice League to take down Konvikt and Hawkman’s ruthlessness also helps to establish why the Trinity are unique in the superhero community. The back-ups are where these cameos belong, though.

Scott McDaniel’s art is greatly improved from the first issue. His Hawkman looks pretty damn cool.

If anyone else is reading Trinity and think I’m going way too easy on the title, please let me know. Doom DeLuise made me swear I’d be objective on these reviews, and it’s hard to tell if my love of Busiek and Mark Bagley is clouding my judgment.

Things to keep an eye on: When Wonder Woman was burned by the werewolf two issues ago, it apparently left a serpentine scar. At the beginning of the story, her scar mysteriously changes shape into what is clearly some sort of ancient symbol. It probably won’t be the last time this happens.

Morgaine Le Fey and Enigman are hiring C-class metas to steal artifacts for them. Both artifacts mentioned in the back-up are objects “of Khaf-Re.” I’m not sure if these objects have been mentioned before in DC comics before, though, or what the evil Trinity would want with Egyptian artifacts. The symbols on WW’s back could easily be Egyptian as well. Say, isn’t Black Adam Egyptian too?