Task Force Z #7 is a horror comic published by DC, written by Matthew Rosenberg, art by Jack Herbert and Daniel HDR, colours by Adriano Lucas and letters by Rob Leigh. After an encounter with Batman, Red Hood and his team were betrayed and robbed by Mr. Bloom. In this issue, Todd, Dent, Bane, and new allies hunt down KGBeast’s crew.
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As plots in this series go, the one in this issue is not quite as full as some of the previous chapters. There were near-constant twits and shakeups. Whilst they are shocking, they also had to potential to disrupt the focus of the series. This issue is much more linear and allows for the story to develop and grow. It’s a new team dynamic, with additions and removals. It is also much clearer regarding what they are trying to do. They are going for revenge, with many separate individual fight scenes that are each different in their tone and event. The entire comic feels refreshed and revitalised. But those twists are still present and just are powerful as they were before. The true motivation of Jason and Task Force Z is hidden for much of the issue. And one of the characters has an idea of his own for the Lazarus Resin. Rosenberg’s great script means that it was a surprise, but one that makes total sense. And there is one final reveal that keeps us hooked for what comes next.
The changes to the team are fascinating, and there are many more big hitters in the comic. Man-Bat and Deadshot certainly are important figures in this corner of the DC Universe, but Two-Face and Mr. Freeze are massive characters to be included. The book appears to be Batman associated now, instead of Suicide Squad affiliated as it was at the start of the run. Rosenberg laces Task Force Z #7 with an unpredictability that means that anyone could be killed or resurrected. Two-Face has some excellent scenes and it is great to see some depth in his personality. He genuinely seems to want to be good, and Todd has a modicum of trust towards him. KGBeast’s twist is crucial to this issue specifically, as is Mr. Freeze. The guest stars and fight scenes involving them are so full of life and humour and menace. The rotation of characters involved helps to maintain interest in the series.
The art is creepy and superb. New recruits mean that we get to see what they look like in this book of various styles. Herbert manages to make every character fit this horror story. Some are given redesigns from how they looked in previous issues of this same story, due to a change in living circumstances. The detail is extraordinary, aided by the brilliant inking. HDR, a newcomer to this run, illustrates some of the book as the Task Force Z members are given individual assignments. The lines are cleaner from this artist, with thick line weights and clarity on the faces of the zombies. Herbert has a rougher style, but one that has worked perfectly for the grizzly nature of the comics. Every fight scene involves a different set of characters and the artists acknowledge that. Whether it is a show of strength or a display of martial arts or a burst of powers, the choreography is distinct and unique. There is some extremely disturbing imagery that shows a twisted but clever sense of humour.
The colours are sensational. The opening scene of Task Force Z #7 is a dream sequence that features many characters in classic or memorable costumes. The tones during this are prominent and vibrant, juxtaposing with some of the extremely violent events happening on the page. Lucas can alternate between using realistic colours in the background, for when there is more detail, or sometimes fantastical, bright shades instead. This change is not so noticeable that it is overpowering and the same could be said about the shades themselves. The lettering is incredible and is fantastic at intonating voices for the various characters.
Task Force Z #7 refocuses an already brilliant series and makes it exceptional. Still intense and wild in its story, the comic appears restructured and changed. There is an understanding from Rosenberg that the mission is different and the dynamics within the team are all new. It shows that this series has much more depth to it than just a zombie/horror comic. And included in that is an epic, action-packed issue that knows it has awesome characters at its disposal.
Task Force Z #7 is available where comics are sold.
Task Force Z #7
TL;DR
Task Force Z #7 refocuses an already brilliant series and makes it exceptional. Still intense and wild in its story, the comic appears restructured and changed. There is an understanding from Rosenberg that the mission is different and the dynamics within the team are all new. It shows that this series has much more depth to it than just a zombie/horror comic. And included in that is an epic, action-packed issue that knows it has awesome characters at its disposal.
