DESIGNED BY ANDY KUBERT
SCULPTED BY OLUF HARTVIGSON
In today's review, we have the Batman family Multi-part statue. Now I was really excited that Andy Kubert did the drawing for this statue and felt with DC's black and white series of statues that this would be awesome…..well not so fast. The sculptor Oluf Hartvigson did not do the greatest of jobs on this piece. The characters themselves look like they could of used a bit more detail and maybe some nice body tone. They almost look like $10 figures you put on a base all together. And with a price tag of $150.00 per statue (which there were 3) I don't see myself recommending this to anyone other then true…really, really, really true Batman collectors. I mean you have to be die hard to buy this.
I will say that I was excited to finally get the last piece to put Batman together since you need all three statues which each held a Batman piece. As I sit back at my desk in my office and look at the piece I am glad to see them all together and maybe that's what makes me think it was worth it, but what's really funny is that Commissioner Gordon looks totally BA!!!!
Reviewed by Apple
Hello Bat-fans, Zach here, and I would like to introduce you to a new segment I like to call “Creator Spotlight”. Twice a month, I will write a lengthy piece about a creator who has strong ties to the character of Batman. Let me present you with our first spotlight, one of my personal favorites, the legendary writer/artist Frank Miller.
Frank Miller is considered to be one of the most prolific and influential comic book creators of all time. Miller has left his mark on some of the most prominent characters in the comic book industry. Miller is praised for his work on Daredevil, Wolverine, Sin City, 300, Spawn, Elektra, Give Me Liberty, and of course, Batman. Miller’s Batman work includes; Batman: Year One, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again and his most recent work on All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder. Miller also wrote the Spawn/Batman crossover in 1994.
Frank Miller’s name has always been associated with two characters, Daredevil and Batman. Miller initially started out in the industry with brief stints with Gold Key Comics and DC Comics. Miller would make his name writing the character Daredevil, who, at the time was on the verge of cancellation. Miller’s first encounter with the dark knight was in 1980, where he drew a Batman Christmas story in DC Holiday Special, in which he had the opportunity of working with another significant Batman creator, Dennis O’ Neil. After leaving Marvel Comics, Miller wrote and penciled Ronin, his creator owned book published by DC Comics. Miller then began writing and penciling Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Nobody could predict the impact that Miller was about to have on the Batman mythos.
In 1986, DC published Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, which is often to be considered the comic to bring the grim and gritty Batman. The Dark Knight Returns depicted a new kind of Batman, an old and bitter Bruce Wayne brought out of retirement to stop the latest up rise in crime and chaos. Miller also did all the penciling for the title, which is in my opinion, if anyone else had penciled this book, that special something would have been lost. Klaus Janson did the inking, who had previously collaborated with Miller on Daredevil. The Dark Knight Returns was the first Batman storyline to break away from the previous depictions of the character. In a lot of ways, it revolutionized the way Batman would be written and changed the medium of comics as well.
Following the success of The Dark Knight Returns, Miller began a new Batman project. Batman: Year One was an updated origin, but not a reboot of the character. Year One ran the main Batman comic book series from issue #404 to #407 in 1987. Miller wrote the story while the great David Mazzucchelli provided the artwork. The result was an instant classic. With Miller’s action packed and smoothly paced storyline, Mazzucchelli was able to provide us with some of the greatest artwork that we have ever seen in a Batman comic book. To this day, I still truly believe that Batman: Year One is still the greatest Batman masterpiece.
After a fourteen year break from the character, Miller return to write and pencil the sequel to DKR, The Dark Knight Strikes Again in 2001. The fan reception was rather negative. However, can you truly blame Miller? Fans were bugging him for years to put out a sequel. And while the consensus opinion was that Miller should have left it alone, I still think the final product was quite enjoyable and presented the readers with a very noir like storyline that I thought was rather clever.
After Miller’s negative reviews of The Dark Knight Strikes Again, he once again stepped away from the character, but only for 4 years this time. Miller returned to DC to collaborate with artist Jim Lee on All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder in 2005. The initial fan response was explosive; issue #1 was the number one selling single issue for the year of 2005. However, after constant delays and the controversial characterizations, the book has been received rather harshly. Many fans complain about the bitter characterization of Batman, as well as the lack of action that the issues have contained. I have found this book to be fun and I consider this to be Miller’s form of Batman satire. In my opinion, he seems to be mocking the industry’s dramatic shift in the late 1980’s and how dark comics became. Jim Lee’s artwork remains to be fantastic and while there have only been ten issues since 2005; more are expected to be on the way sometime in the future.
There is no denying the impact that Miller has had on Batman over the years. Miller’s work on Batman set up the style and tone of the Batman comics from the mid 1980’s to present day. He explored the darker side of the character that no one had ever really done before. Much has been said about Miller’s later Batman work, but I cannot think of any other writer I would want writing a Batman comic out of continuity. I definitely agree that Miller has changed over the years, but all writers do. He remains to be one of the most influential creators in the comic industry. His innovative and controversial style will be echoed by comic fans and fellow creators forever.
“Who the hell do you think I am? I’m the goddamn Batman.”
-Batman, All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder
Written by Frank Miller
Well bat-fans, I hope you enjoyed this week’s Creator Spotlight on the one and only Frank Miller. Look for the next Creator Spotlight which will be on the great Jim Aparo. Tune in next time, Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Blog.
Posted by Zach
In today's edition of Creator Posts, we see a number of things buzzing around the net. The first thing is with today's release of the anticipated Batman and Robin #7, there are all kinds of talk about it. Be sure to follow Cameron Stewart and Grant Morrison to see their thoughts throughout the day.
Next, we have some awesome art that was posted up on Lee Garbet's blog. The art is from next month's Batgirl #7.
Posted by Dustin
DESIGNED BY LEE BERMEJO
SCULPTED BY JEAN ST. JEAN
I picked up this statue the other day from my local comic store and even though i have been collecting all of the Batman black and white series of statues i did not know how i felt about this one? I'll explain, Lee Bermejo's art work is so raw and heavy in dark inks that i wondered how the heck would a sculptor capture Bermejo's artwork. but Jean did a wonderful job.
The Caped Crusader looks like he just stepped out of the joker graphic novel and on to my statue shelf. i have rarely been disappointed with DC Direct's product on the B&W series and I'm glad to say this statue is great to add to any bat-fan collection.
This statue cost around $80.00 and for any Lee Bermejo fans this is a must own.
Batman Black and White Statue: Batman by Lee Bermejo:
Reviewed by Apple
So…..
This is why "Batman and Robin" issue 7 has been delayed so long? For those who don't know, the above is a preview image for issue 7 that DC Comics released today and it sure confuses me about the fate of Bruce Wayne's body. We now have three bodies of Wayne floating around the DCU.
1) Caveman Bruce as seen in "Final Crisis" issue 7 and the upcoming "Return of Bruce Wayne" mini-series.
2) The body (which may be fake in light of this) that Dick buried over in "Batman" whose skull is now being used in "Blackest Night".
3) This new addition to the madness.
So anyone have any theories in what's going on? Got me. I hope "Batman and Robin" issue 7 clears things up, otherwise this just raises more questions.
Posted by Josh
After a one issue stint on Streets of Gotham number seven, Paul Dini again takes a break from the title and hands the writing duties over to guest writer Mike Benson. Benson gives us part one of the two part story arc titled, “Hardcore Nights”. Dustin Nguyen remains to be as good as they get, and Mike Benson writes a shockingly excellent story.
Paul Dini’s absence from the title has proven to me that other writers should be taking a crack at this title. Streets of Gotham #8 has answered my prayers, give me a Batman book that is hard-boiled and utilizes Batman’s detective expertise. Benson focuses on the relationship between Batman and Gordon, and their ability to work together to solve a crime. Issue number eight is a simple, yet extremely entertaining issue that remains visually stunning.
Issue number eight opens with the murder of a former professional criminal. Batman and Gordon review the body at the morgue and go through the man’s file. They come to the conclusion that the murder was personal, and Batman discreetly comments that maybe this killer is doing him and the police a favor. I thought Benson’s dialogue between Gordon and Batman was well constructed throughout the issue. Batman suspects a former criminal who may have killed the deceased out of revenge. We learn that this criminal, Charlie had nothing to do with the killing and Batman lets him off. Again, Benson writes Dick’s Batman very straight forward and to the point. I often found myself almost thinking that this was Bruce because I thought Benson wrote a very grim and gritty Batman. The next night, another body is found slain in a warehouse. Gordon and Batman connect the two murders together and learn that these men must have ties to one another. After doing some sleuthing, Batman comes across a membership card to a “sex club” belonging to the second victim. Dick realizes that this is the connection between the victims and the murder and decides to do a little undercover work. A fairly simple plot that is written so well. Under a different persona, Dick heads into this exotic night club and learns of all the powerful people that belong to it. After telling an escort that he likes to “spice things up”, she introduces him to one of her colleagues. Dick and the escort head out of the club when she is attacked by a former boyfriend. Dick begins to choke him when the escort steps in and breaks up the altercation. Dick and her enter a limo and head for a hotel room. The ex-boyfriend takes the bait and follows them to their room. However, Dick is anticipating this and expecting a little disturbance. This issue ends with the ex-boyfriend kicking the hotel room door in with a gun in his hand. I anxiously await the conclusion to this wonderful two part story.
The Manhunter co-feature picks off where the last ended. Batman and Robin prevent Kate from inflicting anymore damage upon Two-Face. However, she pushes him off the ledge distracting the caped crusader and allowing her to escape. After Batman and Robin rescue Harvey, we cut to the Gotham court room. We also learn that Harvey plans on defending himself in the case, which Kate only naturally disputes. However, Dr. Jeremiah Arkham provides the court with evidence that while the Harvey part of his’ personality is in control, he is completely capable of defending himself. Kate then has a sit down with Jane Doe offering her a deal. Kate offers Jane that if she testifies against Two-Face, Doe’s sentence will reduced to life instead of the death penalty. Doe tells Kate that she’ll have to think about which leads to their discussion ending. The issue ends with a guard leading Jane Doe to Two-Face’s cell, where we learn that he has a deal for Jane as well. We will have to wait to find out in the next issue of Streets of Gotham.
For me, this was the strongest issue of the series. Please Mike Benson, write more Batman material! Benson is considered to be an up and coming writer who has a lot of potential. I could see why in issue number eight. Dialogue is always the number two thing I look for in a comic, besides plot, and this issue was well plotted and the dialogue was clean and straight to the point. This is a quick and fun detective story that is very straight forward. I think Mike Benson should be given the book indefinitely if part two of this story arc is as good as part one was.
What can I say about Dustin Nguyen that I haven’t already said before? He is just such a consistent artist and is art has really grown on me over the last couple of years. I thought the cover he did was absolutely fantastic and the interiors, as always, just perfectly paneled. Dustin Nguyen is starting to become one of my favorite Batman artists.
Manhunter remains to be worth the extra dollar and I have become invested in this character for the first time. It’s extremely disappointing to me that this co-feature will not be around much longer. I think it fits perfectly with this title. Marc Andreyko writes Kate Spencer’s character really well. I also find his Two-Face to be very appealing. He continues to write an extremely solid back-up.
I absolutely love Jeremy Haun’s pencils. I think him with the combination of John Lucas on inks and Nick Filardi on colors is golden. You can never complain about the artwork in this back up. Just really good and consistent stuff.
Street of Gotham has finally found the solutions to some of its problems; Get Paul Dini off this book? I would much rather two and three part stories by a revolving panel of writers who get to team-up with Dustin Nguyen. However, this then brings me back to my question; why keep publishing this book? I thought issue number eight was a HUGE surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. GO CHECK IT OUT!
Batman: Streets of Gotham:
Reviewed by Zfactor
Red Robin #8 is the end to the arc known as the council of spiders, and really is the finale to everything that Chris Yost has been setting up since issue #1. That being said, this issue is not something to cheer about, on the contrary, I found this issue to be the most cliched and boring of the entire series, and after reading what has came before this, which is saying something.
The comic really just comes across as Yost not really knowing how to write a finale to an arc and throwing stuff at the page and seeing what sticks. Let me take the final four pages for example, and these will be spoiling the comic: Red Robin blows up the cradle, and escapes with Tam, just as it’s blowing up. Tam kisses Red Robin and screams “I’m alive!"
The villains survive with barely a scratch on them. They were in the middle of the explosions inside the cave, and are walking out without a scratch. When she escapes the cave, the wanderer, leader of the council of spiders proclaims they have a new target, heroes. Well excuse me while I pretend to care that you survived.
The art in this issue, is very average, as usual, I do not really care for Marcus To’s art in this comic. This whole comic under To's pencils really lacks anything to get me interested in Tim and his international exploits.
Chris Yost as usual hands a very average script that achieves nothing and really makes this whole comic feels like Tim is just playing around outside Gotham, waiting for Bruce to come back, so that he can go back to being Robin. I really am not a fan of Yost’s need to have jump cuts every two panels, but after seeing him here trying to keep a story linear, I really want him to actually come up with an interesting plot for this comic, and execute it well.
All in all, this is a very mediocre end, to a very average storyline, with both writer and artist not seeming to know what they want from the character. Leaving me, as the reader of this comic, very disappointed.
Red Robin #8:
Reviewed by Suavestar
It's felt like a long month since turning the last page of Batgirl #5 and seeing Stephanie Brown, lying on the floor, having been shot in the head. Sure, I knew she'd be okay but I was genuinely taken-aback by the conclusion of the issue and I was looking forward to seeing how the story continued.
Batgirl #6 – Batgirl Rising, Core Requirements, part 2 of 3 – begins with Stephanie dropping in and out of consciousness as she receives treatment in the back of a Gotham ambulance. As one painful memory after another crosses her mind she wakes with a start on the realization that she's been shot.
With Stephanie 'missing in action' Barbara Gordon is back at the Batcave scanning the emergency service radio frequencies for information about her whereabouts when her systems lock onto the codename that Stephanie gives the medics. Realizing that the ambulance is heading to West Mercy Hospital – where Steph's mother works – Barbara distracts (and this is the understatement of the year!) the medics long enough for Stephanie to escape their attention.
Atop the Gotham Police HQ Commissioner Gordon, accompanied by Detective Nick Gage, meets with Batman to discuss the kidnapping of young Francisco Gracia. From a neighboring building Stephanie – now dressed as Batgirl – spies on them before being interrupted by the young Robin. As we discovered in issue #5, the two just can't get along and inevitably start bickering – with hilarious results! Forced to intervene Dick – in 'guardian' mode – breaks the pair apart and sends them both away for a time-out.
Furious with his young associates behavior Dick is reminded by Barbara that Stephanie and Damian aren't the first Batgirl and Robin to have trouble getting along … a comment both Dick and Barbara immediately regret as, for a moment, the mood between them turns sour.
Having temporarily settled their differences, at least enough to semi-agree on a plan, Stephanie and Damian break into Jordanna Spence's apartment and confront Francisco's girlfriend – what does she know about his disappearance? Why aren't the kidnappers demanding a ransom? Where is he?
In the meantime, Dick finds himself under attack as he pilots the Batmobile high over Devil's Square. As he reacts to avoid a collision he discovers his attacker is none other than Roxanne Sutton – 'Roxy Rocket' – who sends a figure resembling Francisco Gracia tumbling to earth. Rescuing the young man Dick discovers it's not Francisco but Freddie 'Riot' Frankenstein who in turn replicates and begins attacking the Batmobile.
As Dick struggles to keep his vehicle airborne we witness an angry roof-top exchange between Francisco and his father in which the older man explains that he knows he's made mistakes in his life but his plan will help him to clear his debts. As Jordanna had earlier told Stephanie, Gracia Senior is a gambler, often doing very well, and just as often very badly … he's in debt to 'Roulette' and his only release is to help her.
Elsewhere, with the Batmobile grounded and Dick injured, Barbara orders Stephanie and Damian, who along with Jordanna are following Roulette's plans to hunt down and kill Batman via an on-line video feed, to find Dick and bring him home.
Once again, another great – fun – issue of Batgirl. Without wanting to dismiss the storyline itself, which is certainly strong enough to maintain my interest, at the moment the true joy in this book for me is following the 'cast' as they develop their individual and group personalities.
The bickering, or banter, between Stephanie and Damian is brilliantly written by Brian Q. Miller and one of the highlights throughout this issue. Carrying on like brother and sister, their verbal dueling is genuinely funny and it must be said, at times quite charming – Stephanie describing Damian/Robin as a 'little badger' and Damian responding to Stephanie's declaration that she's been shot in the head by replying that she's got brain damage and he's not surprised had me chuckling.
The art throughout the issue, literally from cover to cover, is magnificent. I can't at the moment think of a book that's offering better interior art than we're seeing from Lee Garbett and Phil Noto's covers are great: I loved the sense of mischief between Stephanie and Damian as they are interrupted by Dick on this cover. Take a look at the look on Damian's face – he's startled that he's been discovered but at the same time he just can't hide the joy he's feeling!
I enjoyed the 'villains' in this story – Roulette, Riot, Roxy Rocket, and to a lesser extent, Doctor Phosphorous – and I'm looking forward to seeing them hunting their prey through the next issue.
Aside from Stephanie and Damian's relationship I again enjoyed the exchanges between Barbara and Dick and the way the mood between them quickly swings from affection, to irritation and back again to affection. I struggled somewhat to understand Barbara's actions in preventing the ambulance carrying Stephanie from reaching the hospital – would she really make the vehicle crash and risk injuring the medics, passers-by or an already injured Stephanie? I don't think so and this 'misjudgement', so early in the issue, troubled me throughout my read. Likewise, the ease with which Stephanie (or more to the point Mr Miller) shook-off the gun-shot wound to the head was a little … unsatisfactory – clearly I was relieved she was okay but I did feel just a little cheated after the jolt with which the previous issue ended.
These criticisms aside, this really was another excellent issue of Batgirl – great writing, quality artwork, fun without ever being silly, a real 'page-turner' that at the same time satisfied me and left me wanting more: quite possibly the most enjoyable book I'm picking up at the moment.
Batgirl #6:
Reviewed by Zaius
Here is our final episode for the reboot of BBFB, The Ring, The Arrow and the Bat. This introduces Bruce to other DCU heroes in an adventure that overlaps two stories involving Oliver Queen. It's fairly entertaining and a good introduction to the Green Arrow and Hal Jordan as well as giving us an idea of Batman's attitude to teaming up. If you would like to see more BBFB episodes on this blog please comment below and we can arrange it otherwise thanks for keeping up and please keep listening to the comic podcast for future BBFB episodes. I still have plenty more to review as I read through the dark knights career. Keep reading!
Posted by Nick
Synopsis: Aquaman takes the family, Mera and Jr. for a road trip vacation but not without a little side action hero’s style along the way.
The teasers reveals Batman pairing up with the World War I fighter pilot “Enemy Ace” to take on an alien monster who’s helping the enemy with the aid of a laser type cannon.
Holiday rooooooooooad. It’s Aquaman meets the Griswold’s as the family of 3 hits the road RV style for some long overdue R & R. This episode follows the family across land as they try some time away from the crime fighting life but not if Aquaman can help it. Each stop his itching for getting some bad guys grows more and more. Along the trip he encounters and aids the likes of Green Arrow, Blue Beetle, and of course the Caped Crusader all while trying to keep it hush hush with his wife Mera. In the end the king of the ocean must take on the (so to speak) flightless bird the Penguin (his first appearance in BTBTB) in the risk of his family, Batman, and his own demise! Over all a very fun episode, I would have liked to see Flash, or even Superman thrown in. They did show Smallville on the map as they were trotting around the country, so maybe the Man of Steel is in things to come? A couple observations; Aquaman in BTBTB reminds of me of Kelsey Grammar as “Frasier”, anyone see the resemblance? And I did notice one throwback to the 1983 cult classic National Lampoons Vacation “Windows up!” All in all a great episode and great quality of a story!!
BTBTB: Aquaman's Outrageous Adventure:
Reviewed by rhine1784
I must admit, when I found out Batman Confidential was double-shipping for the end of 2009, I was concerned that DC was trying to wrap up the Blackhawk Down story arc by the end of the year so the book could be canceled. The book had taken quite a dip in quality, and I was concerned about its future. So, imagine my relief when I found this issue in the January solicitations. I was hoping that the first issue of 2010 would be a good one. So was it? Well, I think so.
This Story arc, entitled “Ghosts”, is brought to us by the one man team of Sam Keith. The story is relatively simple; Batman is investigating murders in which the victims are homeless people, seemingly having been chewed to death. The only clue at the crime scenes is large amounts, and the distinct odor, of sulfur. While in the process of investigating, batman encounters what seems to be a ghost composed completely of the substance. The creature also seems to know quite a few details about the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents!
So, long story short, I really enjoyed this issue. It’s nice to see the book get a fresh start for 2010. The story was very interesting, and was intriguing enough to make me want to come back for more. I am particularly curious about the very mysterious sulfur creature. What is it? Where did it come from? Why does it know so much about Bruce’s parents? I am not sure where this story will go, and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Though I also like the issue, a lot, I have to say that it will not be for everyone. Sam Keith’s art is very stylistic, and different from “typical” comic book art. Personally, I love comics like this, which are unique. But some people may find it off putting. So I suggest you flip through it at the comic shop before you drop 3 dollars on it, to see if the art is something that will draw into the story, or take you out of it.
Other than that, I can’t find anything bad to say about the issue. It’s not for everyone, but I liked it.
Batman Confidential #40:
Reviewed by TheCapedCrusader
Here is Robin Year One. It's a good story that gave Dick Grayson the attention he deserved and was lacking in Dark Victory. The focus is devoted to Robin obviously and feels like a classic story. Good stuff, click below to listen. Next week is the final edition of this re-do of BBFB episodes with The Ring, The Arrow and the Bat. If you want to hear more please let us know.
Posted by Nick
So when you think of Hush, you normally automatically think of Jim Lee. Well, yesterday, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns were encouraging people to follow Alex Segura on Twitter. Who is Alex Segura, you ask? Alex is the PR person from DC Comics that posts on The Source. So he is the guy who knows the inside information before it posts online. So Jim Lee offered fans a deal. If Alex Segura had 1500 followers, he would offer up some images never used for the Hush storyline. Well, needless to say, that happened and we got three images that never made it to the pages of the comics.
This was my favorite but we went with version A
And here are the full pencil scans of said cover with the elements which were covered by the tradedress
Here's the Hush retail thin mini-posters in progress.You can see Catwoman is just started… And a crappy scan (sorry) of the final pencils of the thin retail posters
You can follow them all on Twitter by clicking on the following links: Jim Lee, Geoff Johns, Alex Segura
Posted by Dustin
Yesterday, there were a bunch of different posts releated to The Batman Universe. From Jock to Jim Lee. Let's take a look:
The first one we have comes from Jock. We have seen a lot of Jock lately, as he is posting some different items related to his upcoming run on Detective Comics. He posted up two new things on his Twitter page.
wht are you? i'm batman
layouts for Detective Comics#861 – done on the back of a hotel receipt. worked straight off these to page
Next up is Jim Lee. He posted numerous different things on his Twitter page yesterday, including some different character designs for DCUO. Among his posts came a sketch.
Last one of the evening; sketch from 7 yrs ago…calling it early tonite. Goodbye and Gnite
So there you have it. What will today bring us from the many creators out there?
Posted by Dustin
Everyone’s favorite 10 year old crime fighter is back and this time he is teaming up with Metropolis’ own Guardian in the second entry of the four part “World’s Finest” miniseries. Before I get to the nuts and bolts of the book (and how lucky Guardian must feel to be working with Damian) allow me to address the title of “World Finest” itself.
The title “World’s Finest” to me means the very best our planet has to offer in the way of super hero crime fighters. And for our trouble we are given Guardian and Robin? Please! I just hope the fate of mankind doesn’t come down to a ten year old terror with daddy issues and the cloned head of the Science Police who admits to not knowing much about science.
Yes, the premise of the “World’s Finest” books is to bring together heroes from the spheres of Batman and Superman while the aforementioned are either off world or trapped somewhere in time. The idea, apparently, is to fill the void left by those men. But don’t you think the Dick Grayson Batman would be just a little more than miffed to learn he doesn’t qualify for some reason? Ah well, at least in the next book of this series we get the compelling match-up of Supergirl and Batgirl.
As far this book goes I’ll make it as brief as possible. Not being an artist sometimes I find it difficult to judge someone else’s art work. However, I can only say the cover to this edition was truly uninspiring. As for the art work inside I thought it drifted between overly simplistic to slightly better than average. Perhaps DC is trying to entice a younger newer readership with less sophisticated tastes. The dialog also followed this same basic template. Which to be fair, again may be geared to the younger set with less discerning tastes.
As far as the story goes, which is all I am really interested in, we find Robin in all his petulant ten year old splendor in hot pursuit of a stolen device from Wayne Tech. Damian, as usual, pushes the boundaries of normal crime fighting discipline which leads him to bump heads with the Guardian. In typical boilerplate style the two heroes work against each other more often than with each other. Fortunately they have the Parasite and Mr. Freeze to unite them in their quest to solve the crime. It helps that Parasite and Freeze are easy to track and act like a couple of B leaguers themselves. A battle ensues and the baddies are easily vanquished. Damian gets the Tech back and Guardian gets to lock up the evil doers.
The MacGuffin you ask? We don’t get to see that till the final two pages. Toyman resurfaces from the first World’s Finest edition of this series and with the help of his trusty “Toyboy” Mr. Freeze is hijacked from his impending incarceration as his abilities are apparently integral to the Toyman’s latest contraption an impossibly large Superman/Batman robot that spells nothing but trouble for Supergirl and Batgirl in the next issue. Good luck to them.
World's Finest #2:
Reviewed by Dark Knight Dave