Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #6: Trust One Another

Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #6 is the action packed conclusion to one of the most unique miniseries to come out of the Dawn of DC initiative. This character centric book has been an excellent mix of action, comedy, and unique perspectives on the history of certain aspects of the DC universe. This final issue ties up all of the loose plot threads and ends on the way that hints at a possible future for the Justice League International team, that many thought would never come back.

Joanne Starer has given these characters such unique personalities that really build off of the material that has been written before. This final issue sees the two titular characters coming to terms with their differences, and realizing that those differences are what make their friendship so special. In an excellent bit of writing, Starer has these characters reverse their roles in the final battle, forcing them to see the conflict from each other’s perspectives. This really allowed the series to come full circle as it began with the characters, not really understanding why the other ones were acting in the way that they were.

Although she only received a small role, Martha Kent truly shines in her characterization in this final issue. There is a point in which hope seems to be lost, but Martha holds strong, knowing that her son does not need to interfere because Fire and Ice have it handled. This characterization mirrors the upbringing of Superman, allowing these characters to express themselves fully and learn from their mistakes. This idea is also reflected in many of the side characters, lessons are learned through experience, rather than someone just telling them the right answer.

Natacha Bustos’s art perfectly captures the almost adult animated comedy style that this book seems to be striving towards. Additionally, this art style allows for all of the characters to fully emote and come across genuinely and their desires and their failures. One of the themes of the series is that nobody is perfect, and in order for us to accept each other, we have to accept each other’s flaws first. The art really captures that theme by allowing the characters to expressively understand the flaws in one another, without revealing judgmental looks. The colors from Tamra Bonvillain also push this aesthetic, giving this book a very unique look that will hopefully be mirrored by future series from this creative team.

The series, as a whole, has been a very unique look into the nuanced aspects of the DC universe that are not explored often enough. The lighthearted tone and relatable subject matter are a breath of fresh air when compared to the often repetitive superhero cycle of stereotypical villains. If this creative team’s next job is a Justice League International book, then it is solidified that this team would do a fantastic job.