Fire and Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 review

Taking a timeout in Smallville on the orders of a surprisingly stern, and unattractively condescending, Superman, Justice League stalwarts Fire and Ice are looking for ways to fill the dull days.

Ice is thrilled when she’s taken out for the day by new pal Rocky Rhoades.

Fire is a little jealous, but finds a friend of her own in the local bar.

Charlie Rhoades’ social media savvy inspires Fire to come up with an online TV show aimed at making her famous, a programme all about rehabilitating minor super-villains.

(And the UK’s Justice League International kinda sorta member Beefeater, for some reason.)

OK, maybe Superman isn’t so off in trying to rein in Fire, and by association, Ice – this is one seriously stupid idea. Even ignoring the fact there are actual murderers hanging out at Fire’s new beauty parlour, this many super people in one place is asking for big trouble. I assume the Man of Steel is busy as this issue’s story plays out, otherwise he’d surely swoop down and curtail this noises.

Part of this mini-series’ story is the rare tension between Fire and Ice, so it’s surprising that Ice gets behind the rehab idea so quickly. The basic notion isn’t bad – Justice League Antarctica did OK – but just plonking known super-baddies down in Smallville overnight, with no apparent oversight, and letting them mingle with ordinary people… nope.

I praised last issue’s opener for the breezy dialogue, the fun approach reminiscent of classic JLI, and that’s still here. The cameo by Cheeks the Toy Wonder and sidekick Ambush Bug that opens the issue is terrific, new characters such as Lot’s Wife and Smarty Pants are a hoot – worthy of Garth Ennis and John McCrea’s Hitman series – while sassy beauty technician Tam fires the barbed comments. Also, L-Ron.

So, while I’m not comfortable with Fire’s plan – isn’t she a little ripe to be seeking social media stardom? – I can’t fault writer Joanne Starer in terms of entertainment. She also gets in some social comment with a couple of references to the high price of healthcare in the US. And Starer brings in one of my favourite characters on the final page.

In terms of DC lore, I think we do have an error when Linka enters the salon’s Truth Toilet.

Surely only Grodd and Gorilla City’s King Solovar have the Force-of-Mind power?

The art of Natacha Bustos is once again delightfully buoyant, with varied layouts that aid storytelling. Our heroines are on-model while imbued with the artist’s own spark, and the guest villains look great. I especially like Smarty Pants, who looks for all the world like a confused manikin (Starer has a reason for his permanently pained expression and it is great). As for hot barman Charlie, he looks good thanks to Bustos – shame his personality is a bit much, if he stops trying so hard he may have a chance with Bea. And how great is that splash of the busy salon?

Tamra Bonvillain uses an unashamedly bright palette which is something of a treat in these often dour days, while Ariana Maher’s letters are as jolly as all get out. The whole creative team, under editor Andrea Shea and including superb cover artists Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson, are united in the vibe they’re aiming for.

While I have that qualm about this issue, I’d be delighted were DC to announce a new JLI mini by Starer, Bustos and friends – I think they’d do the team proud.