DCAU #307: Permanent Inque Stains

IN THIS ONE... Inque returns but is controlled by an unscrupulous scientist.

CREDITS: Written by Hilary J. Bader; art by Joe Staton and Terry Beatty.

REVIEW: Post-Disappearing Inque by the sounds of it, this further encounter with Terry's gooey nemesis (his Venom?) plays on what is fast becoming an over-used trope in the DCAUniverse, i.e. she's not bad, she's being forced into it by another villain. Does Inque really need that motivation though? She's already a thief/assassin for hire. The only thing that sets this story apart is that this time, the villain in question doesn't want to pay for her services and threatens her with his goo-controlling implants.

As a visual, Inque is great on the show. As a drawing, the effect isn't quite as satisfying. She's just an amorphous creature, the same color as Terry's Batman costume, and artist Joe Staton fails to really give her notable tricks during the action sequences. In fact, the evil scientist who's sending her on errands is slightly more interesting, if only for the visual of an old man going toe to toe physically with the Batman thanks to other implants. Inque does help out in the final moments, but I'm not sure what she's doing exactly (just adding to his strength?). Staton almost makes her Batman's cape, but only ALMOST.

I do like the ending where she seems to take over a truck driver's body, but I have to wonder if this will carry over to the show if and when she appears again. This really feels like a story that's bound to be contradicted sooner or later in the proper canon. Maybe it'll help that Bader writes for the show, maybe not.
REREADABILITY: Medium - Inque goes the route of many villains before her. It's not bad, it's just not new.

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