REVIEW: ‘Task Force Z,’ Issue #10

Task Force Z #10 is published by DC Comics, written by Matthew Rosenberg, pencils by Eddy Barrows, inks by Eber Ferreira, colours by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Rob Leigh. In this issue, Bloom pays Red Hood and the Task Force a visit at their HQ.

There is a change to the plot structure of this issue, as there are jumps in time. Two stories run parallel with each other, with a flashback alternating with the present-day fight. The passage of time in the flashback is rather confusing, but Rosenberg seems to acknowledge that in the captions. It makes a surprising reveal, but one that was not really hinted at very well before Task Force Z #10. But it achieves what this series is very successful at; changing the course of the comic dramatically. Whilst time does move forward in the flashbacks, it is set in the same laboratory and struggles to have the draw that the combat does. The fight is interesting as the enemy is different and unpredictable, with what he does unsettling and creepy. The issue ends with a shocking character switch that increases the peril the “heroes” are in.

This is the first time in a while that Bloom has actually interacted with the people he betrayed, and it is a very different dynamic now. His being stuck in a lab for several issues was starting to grow old, and dull, so to have him causing chaos is great to see. Everything he does is frightening and with still so little known about him, his ability to freak me out is taken to new levels constantly. As a villain for this part of this comic, he is superb. The other character that has an integral role in this comic is actually out of the present-day story for the majority of the book. They are motionless for all of it as the other figures talk about them like a test subject. From here on out their identity in Task Force Z is entirely different.

The art for the fight scene is fantastic. Bloom is disturbing in his design, but he also posed a new challenge for the artists. Because of his extensive height and very slim build, where those fighting him aim for changes. Barrows and Ferreira cope with this brilliantly, able to showcase a physical battle with an incredibly awkward character. He is spindly but also has the potential to loom over anyone, and the lack of proper facial features is haunting. If there was a negative to the art, it is my feeling that the repeated returns to the labs is starting to get old. Both the protagonists and antagonists spend a lot of time in them and it is so hard to remain focused on them when little is changing inside them.

The colours are really nice. The richest parts of the pages inside Task Force Z #10 comes from the backgrounds or in filter-esque washes of colour. When we first see Red Hood in this issue, he is bathed in orange light, and this is prominent throughout this half of the issue. It blends with purple and creates a beautiful backdrop for the battle. There are instances of really prominent colours standing out from the imposing shades, such as Jason’s blue eyes. The lettering is dynamic and powerful, attempting to denote the voices of the characters through unique word balloons and fonts.

Task Force Z #10 revitalises the zombie story. There are signs of the series beginning to strain, but Rosenberg keeps bringing in new characters or massively altering existing ones to just give a jolt to the energy of the book. It is surprising to me that this series has the legs to keep running, but the amazing art and machinations of multiple villains is maintaining interest.

Task Force Z #10 is available where comics are sold.