Advance Review: `Minor Threats’ #3 Takes Its D-Listers Very Seriously

They might be D-list villains, but they take their job pretty seriously.

The would-be bad guys in Minor Threats – technically they act better that the supposed heroes in the story – are looking for a major score by turning in Stickman. In this tale, written by Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum, Stickman has killed the sidekick of the Insomniac (think the death of Batman’s Robin). The Continuum (this reality’s version of the Justice League or the Avengers) is tearing apart Twilight City looking for the killer. If the Minor Threats team can turn him in first, they can cash in. They can also stop getting harassed by the alleged good guys.

One of the most remarkable things about this limited series is how seriously it takes itself – especially given Oswalt’s talent for finding the funny in just about any situation. And while there is some situational humor, this is a serious superhero/villain story. And it’s really, really good. In fact, there really isn’t a reason they storytelling in this universe shouldn’t continue beyond next issue’s planned finale.

In addition to the strong story, Scott Hepburn’s artwork continues to impress. With characters that rely on children’s toys and surgical instruments as their weapons of choice, Hepburn could easily have coasted with his drawings. Instead, he seems to have taken the challenge all the more seriously. Again, this series is, if nothing else, incredibly earnest.

The Minor Threats creative team has developed a rich world that frankly needs to be explored in more detail. It would be a shame to tell only a limited story of this world over the course of four issues. Ideally, the team would expand to tell other tales and explore different characters from Twilight City and beyond. There’s no reason this couldn’t be the next Black Hammer. It’s not a minor threat. It’s a major idea – worthy of more time and attention.

Minor Threats #3 will be available for purchase on November 9, 2022.