KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #3, available from Dynamite Comics on November 10th, 2021, pits the superpowered supergroup against a menagerie of giant monsters and robots while they try to flee a mad scientist’s island.
The Details
- Written By: Ian Edginton
- Art By: Celor
- Colors By: Valentina Pinto
- Letters By: Troy Peteri
- Cover Art By: Jae Lee (cover A)
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Release Date: November 10, 2021
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Was It Good?
This is a wonderfully whacky issue that’s focused on excitement and fun… as long as you don’t take it too seriously. Effectively, the plot in this issue is just an excuse for each band member to flex their newly acquired superpowers against manufactured monsters, and the execution is as entertaining as it sounds.
Beyond the superficial battles, we do get a little bit of character motivation as we learn more about the previous scientists who worked on the island with Cho and their ultimate fate. When we’re shown their fate, the knowledge spurs the group on towards their goal. We also get a little insight into Cho’s master plan, and while it’s not super original, it definitely builds curiosity and anticipation for an explosive finale.
If it sounds like there’s not much to this review, that’s because there’s not much to this comic. Again, it’s an excuse for KISS to destroy giant robot monsters in a superhero fight. That doesn’t make it any less entertaining, but there’s not much meat on this bone.
Putting the paper-thin plot aside, the main down point of the issue is the same down point that’s plagued the series. It’s the art, specifically the linework for the pencils and inks. In some panels, the lines are sloppy. In others, it looks rushed or unfinished. There’s no way to tapdance around it; the art is simply substandard for what the world’s greatest rock band deserves.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
If you’re wondering how in the world KISS got superpowers, first read our KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #2 review to get caught up.
We pick up with KISS and Miss Tzen entering Cho’s mock city on their way to the docks. Suddenly, they’re attacked by a gaggle of giant robots and kaiju. Now imbued with god particle powers, each band member displays miraculous abilities to toss, slice, and disintegrate each monster they encounter. Cho is enamored with the display from the safety of his control room, and he uses the sensor data from each battle to integrate information about the god particles into his own mechanized creation.
When the escapees reach the edge of the mock city, they cross into another region lorded over by four deadly samurai creations belonging to Cho named the Four Woes. We conclude the issue with a reveal of what happened to previous victims of the Four Woes, a look at Cho’s newest creation mid-construction, and KISS taking a stand.
Final Thoughts
KISS: PHANTOM OBSESSION #3 is an entertaining bit of action fluff that’s little more than an excuse to show the world’s greatest rock band turned into superheroes who beat down giant mechanical monsters. While there is some character development and hints about what comes next, this is really best enjoyed as mindless fun with mediocre art.
Score: 7/10
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