Flashpoint: Grodd of War

Sean Ryan and Ig Guera

"Grodd of War:" As a superpowered gorilla criminal, Grodd was feared among the populace of Gorilla City but was beaten time and time again by the Flash. With no one to stop him in this new world, Grodd has taken control of Africa, defeated all his enemies, systematically eradicated humanity, and he could not be more depressed.
Summary: This comic is wall to wall gore. There are mutilated animals everywhere and its actually rough to get through at times. Grodd hates his life, and wants to kill himself. Its actually depressing to see how not having someone to contend with can actually make you hate everything, especially yourself. Grodd challenges gorillas to death matches everyday, hoping one of them will give him the fight he needs. This day, he challenges Congorilla (who was a human who swapped bodies with a golden gorilla), who he defeats without any trouble, in a rare unjawing/decapitation combo. Its messy. Bored in his kingdom, Grodd decides to travel to Cape Town to kill the human leader there. His car runs into enemy fire as four African kids step out and murder Grodd's entourage. Grodd uses his telepathic powers to make one of them kill the others. He is about to kill the child, when he plants the idea that, one day, years of training from now, the child will return and will finally kill Grodd in a way he deserves. Grodd makes his way to Cape Town and the imprisoned human leader there who is none other than Catman. Grodd quickly dispatches him by ripping out his spine and skull. Like I said.. this stuff is graphic. Grodd returns to his castle and decides that they will attack Europe and kill Aquaman. A suicide mission, which could not make Grodd happier.

High Points: The emotional turmoil of Grodd is palpable and it really sets the stage for how brutal a world without our heroes can be.

Low Points: I'm a guy, but this thing was way too violent.

Verdict: A-. Its really good stuff on some really violent art. Luckily, I'm more focused on story. The violence affect you at Vanderbeek?