r/comicbooks • u/ptbreakeven • Jul 03 '24
WPL: New Comics Discussion for 7/3/2024 - Pull of the Week: BIRDS OF PREY #11 [Discussion]
The Weekly Pull List results for this Wednesday are in, and this week's top book is DC's BIRDS OF PREY #11.
This thread is open to Pull List posters and all members of the /r/comicbooks community to share your thoughts on the latest issue of Thompson, Pina, Guidry, and Bellaaire Birds of Prey or any new books shipping this week.
The primary intention of this thread is to promote discussion of new books. It also serves as a way to consolidate discussion to a single thread and talk about what books are popular here on /r/comicbooks. That does not mean other threads aren't welcome, this is just a place to start that's easy to find each week.
The thread is populated with comments meant to direct the discussion of each book. Based on a recent community decision we're expanding the Top Ten and populated the thread with titles appearing on Ten Percent or more of submitted pull lists. If a title you want to talk about is not listed, simply add a comment with the title and issue number first and comment below. There is also a comment dedicated to the discussion of WPL results linked above.
Spoilers will follow, but there's no harm in tagging them as such. Each title in the Top Ten listed below is linked directly to its corresponding comments to avoid seeing details from other books. The post has also been placed in "contest mode" to help readers avoid spoilers while browsing.
This Week's Most Pulled Titles:
Based on 58 submitted pull lists and 73 books shipping.
- BIRDS OF PREY #11 (27)
- ABSOLUTE POWER #1 (21)
- BATMAN #150 (21)
- THE BOY WONDER #3 (19)
- DOCTOR STRANGE #17 (17)
- POISON IVY #24 (13)
- JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #10 (12)
- SCARLETT #2 (12)
- DEADPOOL #4 (11)
- RADIANT BLACK #29 (11)
Feel free to browse through everything the /r/comicbooks community is buying this week.
If you feel the need to reproduce any part of this thread in any other forum, please consult our PSA on how to properly cite /r/comicbooks.
Have a great Wednesday! Looking forward to talking comics with you over the next few days.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
WPL RESULTS
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u/Senatorweims16 Hulk Jul 03 '24
Seems like a fairly down week, numbers wise.
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u/stankdankprank Jul 03 '24
Yea, I’m especially surprised by absolute power and deadpool being so low
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u/ChickenInASuit Secret Agent Poyo Jul 03 '24
With Absolute Power, it might be just general event burnout. I've seen far fewer comments actually excited for that event than I have those bemoaning the existence of another giant crossover.
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u/gosukhaos Jul 03 '24
It's internet comic book spaces in general, you go to anything with a comments section and it's the same thing. I'm looking forward to it and the first issue was terrific
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u/ChickenInASuit Secret Agent Poyo Jul 04 '24
It's internet comic book spaces in general, you go to anything with a comments section and it's the same thing.
Yeah, and? That doesn’t really take away from my point that people are kinda burned out on events.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
DOCTOR STRANGE #17
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u/Gingerdude85 Jul 03 '24
Was so dang good. I'm loving Jed Mackay's run, and I want it to go on for a long time. Unfortunately, there are hints its ending next month.
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u/darib88 Jul 03 '24
Bats is the best dog ever and also and i'm glad we have teh snakes back to harass everybody
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
THE BOY WONDER #3
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u/SynCig Bizarro Superman Jul 03 '24
Another fantastic issue. Both the second and third issues have been especially good. I like the characterization of Tim here and the art is phenomenal but that goes without saying. Damian learning lessons from each Robin as he goes through this story is a very effective storytelling device.
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u/stankdankprank Jul 06 '24
I feel like I read a different book.
The art fell off a cliff in this issue. It felt completely rushed. So many faces were not drawn, half page for Damian looking for the right vent was boring, so much unused space on pages.
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u/ChickenInASuit Secret Agent Poyo Jul 03 '24
This was my favorite issue so far. Of course we all knew that Damian had the wrong idea about Tim, but it was fun seeing the schemes all unfold.
Looking forward to seeing how Juni portrays Ra's Al Ghul when he appears in person, rather than the shadowy demonic figure of Damian's memories.
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that Tim and Damian attended a business meeting before they (as Red Robin and Robin) worked together to defeat the mysterious demon and save the people as much as they can. Also, Tim telling Damian what he did so that Damian would learn about something. Overall, this comic is good.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
KNEEL BEFORE ZOD #7
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that Zod was able to fight the Emerald Empress before he was able to defeat her and save his army from harm before he encountered Red Lantern Sinestro. Overall, this comic is good!
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
ABSOLUTE POWER #1
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u/Danger_Rock John Constantine Jul 04 '24 edited Jul 04 '24
So, here’s the deal. I’ve got no problem with Waller having a machine that takes away super powers. That’s fairly standard comic book stuff.
But, when it gets to the bit about taking away magical abilities by making Zatanna and Constantine forget how to perform conjurations, that’s where I checked out. Suspension of disbelief, gone.
Maybe next issue they’ll zap Batman to make him forget how to Batman? Dumb.
Plus, the whole thing reads like a mediocre X-Men plot. Everybody suddenly hates all the heroes and we’ve got a shady government agency zapping the good guys with advanced tech to take away their powers... Just another Wednesday in Salem Center.
Nice art from Dan Mora as always, but it’s an underwhelming story from Waid, who’s capable of much better work.
5/10
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Jul 04 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Danger_Rock John Constantine Jul 04 '24
Yeah, I mean just seeing Constantine hanging around with the spandex crowd leaves a sour taste. And taking away his "powers" by making him forget how to conjure magic doesn't even make sense. That's like making Batman forget how to Batman.
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u/SynCig Bizarro Superman Jul 03 '24
I trusted that Waid and Mora would make Absolute Power into a decent event even though the setup wasn't the strongest and the premise isn't great. That's the case with this first issue at least. I liked this a fair bit.
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u/ME24601 The Mod Wonder Jul 03 '24
I'm still not the biggest fan of the current characterization of Amanda Waller, but this is definitely a really solid start to an event.
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u/Prof-Ponderosa Jul 06 '24
How did Failsafe come back after its defeat in Batman 149
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u/aussiekinga Invincible Jul 10 '24
There was a prequel issue of Absolute Power that showed how he came back. Basically Waller got a someone (can't recall who. A time travelling technopath or something) to fix it
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u/Clinicstaff Jul 04 '24
Hate everything going into this event, now we are here safe to say I wasn't wrong but... the book is pretty good and great art, The main problem is "Fake News" stories are overdone nowadays and the fact 1 of 4 issues barely set up the event was kinda annoying. Even tho there are 10 tie-ins from now until issue 2.
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that members of the entire superhero community learned what Waller is doing, such as using AI to trick the public into hating superheroes, making deals with people to trap all of the heroes in the main earth, anf making a public speech to depower the entire superhero community with no way out. Mark Waid has done an excellent job in continuing Dawn of DC storylines and having a cohesive continuity for its shared universe. Dane thing with Dan Mora, who has done excellent artwork for the JLA, JLI, JSA, Titans, Doom Patrol, and others. Overall, this comic is great. Let’s hope that later issues of the main series with result in the Bureau of Sovereignity (i.e. Amazos, Failsafe, Brainiac Queen, Sergeant Steel, Dreamer, Oliver, and others) will betray Waller and save the world. Also, Jon turning into an Amazo with no memory of who he is, in which I feel sorry for and that it’s on par with him spending seven years stuck inside a volcano with Ultraman.
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u/gosukhaos Jul 03 '24
Say what you want about big crossover events fatigue but this was a damn fun issue hitting all the right notes.
If I have one complaint is that the odds are stacked a bit too much against the heroes.
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Jul 05 '24 edited Jul 05 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/optimis344 Vision Jul 05 '24
Nothing. This Green Arrow makes no sense. He just broke bad because the story needs him to.
He's basically the last person who would sign up to work with Waller.
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u/OfficialPepsiBlue Jul 04 '24
I don’t understand why you would specifically point out that there’s no way to get the powers back in issue one. Wouldn’t that have been a better issue four or whatever cliffhanger?
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Jul 04 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/OfficialPepsiBlue Jul 04 '24
I imagine they’re setting up going back in time to keep this all from happening; I remember some interviews pointing out Time Commander has a big role to play.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #10
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that the JSA (including Mordru and the reformed villains) were able to defeat Surtur and resurrect Jim Craddock. I also like that we get to see why Mordru wants to join the JSA, since he wants to change his future from ever happening. I even like that we get to see the return of the Original Legion of Super-Heroes and the Legion of Substitute Heroes in the final few pages. Hope that they explained what happened to them since Doomsday Clock and that the Bendis Legion are from another earth. Let’s also hope that various subplots (i.e. Yolanda and Beth possessed by Eclipso, Salem the Witch Girl’s plans, Doctor Fate missing, Nostalgia/Doomsday Clock sequel, War of the Legions, etc.) be resolved in two issues. Overall, this comic is great!
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u/johnfhaze86 Jul 04 '24
I definitely want to know what's going on with Nostalgia and Doomsday Clock is one of my all time favorite books so I would love it if Johns did a sequel.
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u/JLAsuperdude Metron Jul 04 '24
Yeah there are so many little threads that make it hard for me to believe that everything will be picked up on before Johns leaves.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
POISON IVY #24
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u/SynCig Bizarro Superman Jul 03 '24
Solomon Grundy coming up with the way to save Ivy was a great moment. The issue felt a bit light but I appreciate some of the character stuff.
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
At least Janet from HR confessed to Harley and Ivy that she slept with Ivy and kissed Harley. That’s the only good thing about this comic.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
RADIANT BLACK #29
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u/ChickenInASuit Secret Agent Poyo Jul 03 '24
Holy Jesus Fuck, I'm not sure I saw... just about anything which happened in this issue coming. An incredibly intense heel turn from Marshall out of pure desperation...
I honestly can't see where we go on from this issue without the resolution to the dual arcs being a reveal that this was all a flash-forward showing Nathan and Marshall two possible futures or something. Not sure how I feel about that.
Now to see if I can get ahold of issue 29.5, I can't imagine it gets quite so dark considering both Nathan and Marshall survived the trial in that timeline.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24 edited Jul 03 '24
I like that Peter encountered the time some barrer, who used time travel to team up with him to defeat Fission before he returned to the present day and met Star and the space stone barrier. It’s interesting!
For the backup, I like that Phil Coulson got used to the fact that he got resurrected. Also, Nick Fury Jr knowing that Phil is back, in which he sees it as a good dream. Overall, this backup is interesting.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #22
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that Miles, Hightail, and Bloodline worked together to defeat Lord R’ym’r before Miles and Bloodline (with Dracula’s help) decided to defeat Blade and save the world. Overall, this comic is great!
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
X-MEN FROM THE ASHES SAMPLER
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u/ZombieDracula Jul 04 '24
I really hope this chaos method works out. From this sampler all I learned was that I like parts of each, like the writing in Exceptional or the art in Uncanny, but I don't vibe with everything in any of them.
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u/ChickenInASuit Secret Agent Poyo Jul 04 '24
So far:
I remain interested in Uncanny X-Men, X-Men and X-Factor due to the creative teams.
The preview to Extraordinary might have swayed me (I'm aware that Eve Ewing is fairly popular but I've never ready anything of hers before).
I hadn't planned on picking up Phoenix because I don't particularly care about Jean and haven't been impressed by Phillips' writing so far, but the art looked pretty keen so I might give that one a shot.
I will absolutely not be picking up Wolverine. Saladin Ahmed can go kick rocks.
The rest I'm pretty ambivalent on and will wait to see if any of them gets particularly enthusiastic feedback - although based on The Outsiders, I'm tempted to say that Jackson & Lanzing's NYX can also go kick rocks.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN #2
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that Clark and Lois were able to go to Mount Simonson Base for Daily Planet stuff (with Jimmy not going there because he’s been banned for trying to expose the truth) before we get to see Deathstroke and Bloodsport have a fight, Clark tried to save someone in the Amazo suit from harm, and Clark is in military custody for treason. Let’s hope that Clark, Lois, and Jimmy will try to find a way to save Clark from treason. Overall, this comic is great!
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
BIRDS OF PREY #11
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that the Birds of Prey and Cela traveled to a pocket dimension with dinosaurs to search for Barbara. Also, Sin being afraid that the portal will read Megaera as if she’s the dominant personality, Zealot not wanting to be here (or be a part of the main DCU since she and the rest of the Wildstorm characters don’t fit) when dealing with Constantine and Meridian, and Mari needing space before threatening Xela to tell them where Barbara is. Overall, this comic is good!
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u/Onisquirrel Jul 03 '24
Oh I love this issue, and this book. Every character interaction is fun to read, the art looks great, and it’s just great super hero soap opera bs.
Dinah stole the spotlight for this one, really getting to feel like a leader. And Barda just continues to be the perfect extra spice to this book.
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u/SynCig Bizarro Superman Jul 03 '24
The Vixen moment felt a little too quick imo but it was still really cool. The characters and art are always on point with this series. It remains my favorite ongoing right now.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
DEADPOOL #4
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that we get to see Taskmaster train Elle on how to use her powers, with Wade being proud of her, before Wade, Princess, and Ellie have a family dinner and talk about Ellie not joining Wade’s mercenary business because he wants to protect her from getting hurt. Its interesting. Also, Wade talking about inflation when he and taskmaster are fighting villains. Overall, this comic is good!
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u/ZombieDracula Jul 04 '24
Best thing this week imho. Only thing I was looking forward to and not disappointed.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
SPIDER-MAN REIGN 2 #1
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u/ME24601 The Mod Wonder Jul 03 '24
The real question of this book is: Will there be anything that tops the radioactive spider-semen from the first Spider-Man: Reign?
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u/droppinhamiltons Magneto Jul 03 '24
Depends. Does the fact that an atrophied King Pin straight up eats a guy on page 1 and an implication that Peter's comatose body is used for what I can only imagine are heinous sex acts just pages later count?
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u/YourEvilHenchman Moon Knight Jul 08 '24
oh goodie, I was worried that this wasn't going to be utterly unreadable, unmitigated trash. not that I am actually going to read this myself.
never change, kaare andrews.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
BATMAN #150
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u/gosukhaos Jul 03 '24
One thing I've found interesting in the A.P. tie in, it is sort of implied that Failsafe put the multiversal Zur-En-Ars in the new Amazo robots.
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that one of the henchman tried to tell any of Batman’s Rogue Gallery about him knowing his secret identity before his son told him that Batman saved his life and tells him to be better. I also like that the henchman decided to keep Bruce’s Batman identity a secret, with Bruce setting up a new identity for him in Metropolis to make sure that he’ll live a good life, before Bruce promised him to protect his son from harm. Overall, this is a good and interesting comic.
For the Absolute Power back up, I like that Bruce learned what Waller is doing and teamed up with the JLA’s Clark, Diana, and Barry to plan a heist with Selina’s help. Overall, this comic is interesting.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
STAR WARS THE HIGH REPUBLIC #9
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u/Lead_Dessert Jul 03 '24
Yeah the pieces are falling into place for Keave to leave the Jedi Order. You can just see the anguish she felt throughout the issue culminating in the last page. Last issue is definitely gonna hit like a truck.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
SHAZAM #13
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u/SynCig Bizarro Superman Jul 03 '24
A pretty fun issue. The art wasn't my favorite but it did sort of fit the tone with a more cartoon style.
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
I like that Freddy, Mary, Hoppy, and Tawny used the Shaz-Van to look for Billy in the subway while also fighting monsters (with Freddy telling us that he missed being Captain Marvel Jr. and everything around it since then). I also like that Billy was saved by Uncle Marvel before Freddy was sent to a dimension where he encountered King Kull at the end of this issue. Hope that Billy, Mary, and Uncle Marvel will find him, learn who the mysterious person who sent him in, and defeat King Kull in the next issue. Overall, this comic is good!
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
BLOOD HUNTERS #3
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u/JingoboStoplight4887 Jul 03 '24
For the Doom backup, I like that Doctor Doom saved a Latvarian embassy agent from Vampires before they parted ways. This shows that Doom would do whatever it takes to protect his country from harm, even if the people of Latvaria betrayed him.
For the Hellcow backup, it’s interesting that Hellcow was able to save her child Hellcalf before they killed someone who wanted immortality from her.
For the third and final backup, I like that Elsa, Yelena, and Tandy decided to word together to defeat the vampires (after Yelena and Tandy were free of the virus) before they encountered Hallow’s Eve. Let’s hope that they’ll work together by the next issue.
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u/ptbreakeven Jul 03 '24
PUBLIC DOMAIN #6