***Contains Spoilers***
The Anarky (1999) series promised to deliver something fresh but unfortunately fell far short of its potential. The story follows Lonnie Machin, aka Anarky, as he steps into a larger role within the DC Universe, tangling with major players like the Justice League, Green Lantern, and Ra’s al Ghul, while also delving into a peculiar plot involving the Joker’s offspring. Despite a strong start, the series loses steam quickly and ends on an unsatisfying note.
What initially caught my attention was its bold opening. Tying Anarky to the Justice League and Green Lantern created an exciting sense of scale for the character. These moments made it seem like the series could elevate him from a niche antihero to a compelling presence in DC’s broader landscape. The Ra’s al Ghul storyline was serviceable—nothing groundbreaking but solid enough to keep the narrative moving.
However, the series unraveled entirely with the ill-conceived “Joker’s kid” subplot. It was nonsensical, felt entirely forced, and seemed to exist only for shock value. The timeline made no sense, and instead of being intriguing, it turned into a slog that left me questioning the editorial direction. Worse yet, the overall story lacked a clear purpose. Anarky’s philosophical musings, which should have been the heart of the series, felt shallow and unconvincing. By the end, I could see why this series didn’t last—there was no real reason to keep reading.
In conclusion, Anarky had potential but squandered it with poor storytelling choices and an aimless plot. Aside from its strong start, there’s little here to recommend. I finished it, but just barely. Rating: 1 star.
Feature Image Anarky #4 cover art by Joe Rubinstein and Norm Breyfogle
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