Connect with us
Trinity #9 Review

Comic Books

Trinity #9 Review

Freshly returned from a world that may or may not have been, the DC all-stars get sucked into a new threat, and then out the airlock, in Trinity #9. Is it good?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
Trinity #9 Review
Trinity #9
Writer: Francis Manapul
Artist: Francis Manapul
Publisher: DC Comics


The Skinny

Settle down, Clark, that was all just a dream, and there’s no way that little girl could have come back to the real world. But wait, what’s up with these symbols on the cave wall, then?

No time to think about it, a brutalized Cyborg needs the Trinity at the Watchtower! It’s been taken over by … something … and the Flash can’t hold it together on his own. Good thing someone else is there to take care of things, though his methodology may be more scorched earth than surgical.

The Lowdown

Renowned artist Francis Manapul writes, draws and colors all of Trinity #9 himself, and it shows — in both good and bad ways. His art is usually kind of grainy, but even more so here, and the colors are conspicuously too drab, even for a horror story. Supposed Green Lantern constructs look more like animated fungus.

And the double-page spreads! Of the 20 pages in Trinity #9, only eight could definitely NOT be classified as single or double-page spreads. Now we see how what artists truly want to draw! Or maybe Manapul is unsure of his dialogue and wants to cover it with what he’s known to be good at.

Trinity #9 Review

If that’s the case, it shouldn’t be. Manapul’s dialogue is surprisingly crisp in most places. The early words of Batman and Superman adeptly catch readers up on the previous issues, while simultaneously pointing out the differences in their characters. There’s even some foreshadowing and a neat device that could be taken multiple ways when Cyborg tries to reboot himself. Manapul does fall prey to “telling more than showing” toward the end of Trinity #9, a strange sin for an artist to commit.

Trinity #9 Review

The Upshot

But overall, despite its flaws, everything in Trinity #9 comes together to create something that just works. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s an impressive feat for a one-man-band. Manapul’s art perhaps isn’t quite up to his usual high standard, but there’s plenty of room for it to stretch and fill up your gaze, if big, poster shots of his are something you’re interested in. And hey, the story’s done pretty well, too. Nice bonus.

Trinity #9 Review
Trinity #9
Is it good?
It's surprising good, with its flaws and successes somehow coming together to form an overall pleasing whole.
Nice dialogue recapping previous events and highlighting character differences
If you like Manapul splash pages, there are a lot of them
A little too much "telling" rather than "showing" in latter pages
Overall art might not quite be up to Manapul's usual standards, but understandably so
7.5
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup