DC has decided to go Retro! Well, sort of, in a manner of speaking. Part of the Expanded Multiverse has been "homogenized" by Retconn with the aid of Milkman Man and other transformed super heroes. The Doom Patrol and Cave Carson are some of the semi-forgotten super heroes that join the normal lineup. If you do not mind a bit of silliness, You are likely to enjoy Milk Wars!

This was the first time I've felt Gerard Way has met the weirdness of Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol series head on. It felt like an extension of that run. I think the difference is that the story is not only weird but coherent for the first time, and really, quite simple. An evil corporation called Retcon has brainwashed the world in various scenarios throughout each one shot through the power of milk. It not only does a body good, but also whitewashes the mind. I felt they really captured the spirit of those early 90's Vertigo comics with this crossover. Way also uses this to introduce some major changes to the Doom Patrol. If you like weird superhero comics, give this a whirl. You don't even to have read the previous Young Animal books.

The premise of this story is that RETCONN, a reality estate corporation, is using mind controlling milk to create a safe and clean version of the DC universe so that they may sell it for profit. In this story you will encounter not only the Doom Patrol, but 50s versions of the Justice League, including Father Bruce (Batman) and Wonder Wife (Wonder Woman). It is hard to tell what fans of the Justice League will think when they see their favorite characters acting so out of character, but Young Animal creator notes that “young animal comics are… different from mainstream books – they bring the weird to the world, the fringe to the front”. Even if readers find themselves disheartened by the new lives of favorite characters, they can at least enjoy the art that makes this graphic novel so enjoyable.

If you are a fan of Doom Patrol, this novel is definitely for you. If you are a fan of the DC universe or the Justice League, give this novel a try. It is not your ordinary Batman or Wonder Woman story line, and some of the actions taken by these characters may anger you, but you will find it interesting to see these characters in a different light. Some of the parallels they make may even surprise you and make you question everything.

This graphic novel also does an excellent job of addressing real issues that readers may face. For instance, they touch upon mental health and how it is important to self-monitor and ask for help when needed. They also say that there is no shame in being manipulated, however, strength comes from surviving it and that they are stronger than the scar tissue they are left with. They even reach out to comic readers themselves, stating that fan-fiction is very real to some people, letting the readers know that they are not alone in their passions and beliefs. Lastly, they touch upon death, indicating that we all go from nothing to anything, easily being forgotten in a century, which may sound morbid and bleak, but hits upon the truth quite eloquently.

***SPOILER**** The only downside to this graphic novel is that there is no way Bruce Wayne would just drink the milk that a crazy priest brought to him by breaking through his window. Very unbelievable. However, the parallel between Bruce’s yearning to take in and train junior superheroes and his becoming a pastor and transforming lost youths into heroes in the church was pretty spot on. Lastly, I found Diana’s motherhood over household appliances slightly bizarre, but after some consideration, it made sense that Wonder Wife would care for her appliances.

Have you read and enjoyed Grant Morrison's work? Have you read and enjoyed Umbrella Academy? Have you read and enjoyed a significant portion of the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics? Do you like feeling a bit confused while simultaneously being assaulted by bright colors?

Well then Milk Wars is for you! It's very much a comic book's comic book and there's a LOT of bright colors and bright whites and... it's just plain weird and wonderful. It's not perfect if you haven't been reading the Young Animal books (for instance, I've only read the available trades of Shade the Changing Girl\Woman) but it's really a blast of a comic that should be read by anyone who wants an oddball experience that also somehow includes the Big Three of DC Comics.

Fun. If you know anything about the DC Universe this will be a fun read. The various characters that pop up and the twists on their classic character are fun and entertaining.