It's time for another 2-in-1 showcase spectacular as we wrap up "The Dark Things" crossover that ties in with Brightest Day.
We begin with JSA #42, with Kyle Rayner joining the fun on the dark side of the moon. After Kyle explains his mission, Obsidian convinces Jade to join with him, and they are merged into a being controlled by the Starheart, and yet both have their own voices speaking through it. So Kyle and Jadesidian (the combo is not named in the story) fight, with the Jade part angered at Kyle for “dumping” her for Wonder Girl, Donna Troy, after her death. During the fight as well Kyle’s ring also gets depleted of its power quite rapidly, and surprisingly in fact.
Meanwhile, Doctor Mid-Nite has found Starman near death, and tells him not to worry and that he will save him, as he hurries to find where Alan Scott has Dr. Fate, Faust, Jay Garrick and Wildcat. Mid-Nite then sneaks behind Dr. Fate and removes the helmet and releasing Faust, Garrick and Wildcat. Garrick gets Starman’s gem, and Wildcat goes after Scott, and realizes that “Scott” is nothing more than a construct created by Starheart.
The real Alan Scott, as we find out, is on Earth and making quick work out of Power Girl and Supergirl. Just as Scott retakes control of Power Girl, he is suddenly called away and poofs out of Dodge, and releases Power Girl. They are then called to head over to Mr. Terrific who needs them for a theory. And we end the issue with more of the Jadesidian fight with everyone, with Alan Scott appearing at the end.
And that is where we kick things off in JLA #48. After a brief expository scene at the moon, we shift back to Earth where Terrific, Power Girl and Supergirl discuss some technobabble way of stopping the magic based chaos on Earth.
We cut to Doctor Mid-Nite who brings the gem to Starman, who is able to re-energize and join the fight. Dr. Fate then, with the help of Jade’s resistance, is able to separate Jade and Obsidian, and Jade gets called into the White Lantern Corps (see the Brightest Day mini-series). The Starheart has been released from Obsidian, and Jade is restored to life, but Obsidian still wants to merge with Jade, but Jade gives Kyle enough of a boost to get Obsidian out of there.
Batman then realizes that Jade is crucial to defeating the Starheart, and has her go up against him. And it is at this point that we see things have calmed down on Earth because the calvary of Mr. Terrific, Congo Bill, Power Girl and Supergirl have arrived to help even out the odds against Starheart’s constructs. Jade provides a distraction of sorts as Starman swoops in to blast Scott and Jade takes down the Starheart crystal at the heart of the giant structure. It works as Alan Scott is able to break free of the Starheart’s hold.
We end with the usual parting of ways, Mr. Terrific hands Dick Grayson a vote of confidence, and Jesse Quick is given an invitation to join the League and she accepts. We see Jade and Obsidian being tested and told they need to never go near each other because of what happened. And we end on Supergirl wondering why she, a Kryptonian who should be susceptible to magic, wasn’t affected by the Starheart the way Power Girl was. And we end on a reflection of Supergirl wearing a dark version of her costume.
Alright, very good end to the story, Dick Grayson’s first as fully fledged leader of the Justice League of America and while the focus wasn’t completely centered around him, it did have some good Batman moments.
The art was still a bit off, and I found it kind of jarring that in the JSA issue Dick was wearing a blue cowl and cape, but in the JLA issue it was a black/brownish cowl and cape. Editing folks, editing!
Overall the story turned out to be good, slow start and pacing issues aside; it really did come together nicely and was a nice showcase for what the Robinson penned JLA might be heading towards. Of course Jade, Obsidian and the Lanterns were a focal point of the story, but in the end it really felt like a JLA proper story as opposed to a JSA, featuring the JLA story.
Justice Society of America #42:
Justice League of America #48:
Reviewed by SteveJRogers
First off, I’m going to have to eat my own pride which is a painful thing to do so I will keep this review as short and simple as possible. Batman #702 had me fooled, in fact, I think it would be better to say that Grant Morrison had me for the most part fooled. Starting this lost story arc with issue #701, I must shamefully admit that I pre-judged this story with nothing but negative connotations alluding to both it’s existence and it’s purpose both with issue #701 and even before that. Thinking that this was going to be just another one of those heady, mind bending, frustratingly unnecessary flaunt of Mr. Morrison’s “look how smart I am” attitude I almost immediately prepared myself for a big letdown and readied my brain for a giant mind-numbing experience. And sure, I thought I was right in my assumptions and #701 could only further these feelings with it’s brevity and (in my mind at the time) meaninglessness. So, with that being said my expectations (if I really had any at that point) for #702 where pretty drab. Much to my surprise though, with #702 Grant Morrison pretty much punched me in the face and kicked me while I was on the ground and in a daze all the while reminding me that yes, I really need to get my act together and focus all my attention on the damn story, because he will deliver said story.
Beginning with the cliched “diary” approach, Morrison breaks all boundaries as the dialogue rips through the pages and into your inner ear, whereas Morrison’s past attempts to present a suitable voice for Bruce which have almost always has felt disconnected, Morrison really writes Bruce in Bruce’s voice, delivering the solid, endearing, and foreboding that entails the whole of both Bruce’s and Batman’s voice which seem to blend together as it should be, into a single man. The story builds as it unfolds like we expect it to, but to hear it from Bruce’s point of view not only makes it even more momentous and tragic as our hero knowingly or unknowingly sacrifices himself, it brings such a great and big event with an even bigger evil to a human level that remains untouched by any other superhero. These elements combined with the events of “Final Crisis” achieve not only what Morrison intended, but vastly surpasses it’s intended mark.
But what really strikes a chord of genius here is Morrison’s use of the mythical archetype and the ideology of certain elements along with his philosophy on time. Sure, Bruce uses a gun, but as Morrison explains, that’s not the point. These New Gods reside in a singular ideal within a Platonic archetypal world, thus the only thing that can kill these Gods is the essence of a Platonic measure, hence the essence of a bullet, a magic bullet. Which in turn brings things back to a basic, understandable basis that coalesces into good versus evil, Batman versus Darkseid, again like Morrison explains how many times has a story been told where there is a man with a monster standing in his way? These stories/myths have been told, retold, and revamped countless times. But Bruce creates his own myth with the magic bullet containing within it’s “shell” a new kind of myth where a certain ultimate evil stares humanity down, and in turn humanity has an unseen trick up its sleeve creating a balance within itself as well as a shift of purpose. Darkseid representing what Morrison calls a “Hole” is taken at face value while Bruce’s actions aren’t. This Hole is inevitable even in the best laid out plans there exists a Hole. Bruce takes that ideology and turns it on it’s side which in turn sends him back in time, and this “time” is Bruce’s ultimate trial because time still moves no matter where he is and he needs to figure out where he is and what he is before he forgets everything.
This issue entails great storytelling that engages the reader but what can also be commended is Tony Daniel's art. I think Daniel has broken out into a symbol of his own. Sure it may not be the cleanest but it get’s it’s point across with it’s striking poses and distinctive wear and tear paired with several off angle but serene views to which we interpret the languish and residual resurgence of the darkest of woes that is done in a style that does not force feed but resists you and pulls away and forces you to grab hold of it. Truly the vision of an artistic genius who is at the top of his game and coupled with Morrison’s storytelling and Ian Hannin’s colors we are consistently reminded what a great comic book should be.
Overall great great story telling and art I cannot praise it enough without sounding repetitive so I will end this review by saying that if you love the comic book genre you will absolutely adore this issue.
Batman #702:
Reviewed by Dane
After a little disappointment with issue #3 the latest issue of Birds of Prey – issue #4, the forth and final part of the Endrun story-arc – felt much more satisfying.
'Impact Fracture' opens with a prologue set 19 years ago along the Silk Road of Asia. As thunder cracks and lightning illuminates the night sky an old man stands alone in the rain.
From a house behind him cries of help can be heard as the old man looks to dismiss a woman who is seeking his attention – it appears the cries come from a woman who has recently given birth: to a girl. On hearing the sex of the infant the old man instructs the woman to dispose of the child as, he explains, he is allowed only sons.
As the woman carries the child from the house she is struck by a tremendous bolt of lightning, killing her – but remarkably not the baby – instantly. Perhaps sensing that the baby is destined to live the old man instructs a younger boy – known as Rabbit – to take responsibility for the girl, adding ominously that 'her training begins tomorrow'.
Returning to current day and we find Black Canary face to face with White Canary on a city center roof-top – where we left issue #3. Black Canary – Dinah Lance – reveals that she has figured out the true identity of her adversary as the two are about to engage in combat. As each woman lands blow upon blow on each other Dinah taunts her opponent that she once took on and conquered her 12 brothers – a remark that initially appears to merely inspire White Canary to hit back harder and with greater frequency.
Elsewhere, we find Oracle – Barbara Gordon – at the mercy of Brian Durlin – Savant. Trapped in her wheelchair on the edge of a viaduct Barbara pleads with Savant not to take another step as she finds herself precariously close to the edge. Savant is out of his mind explaining that he'd been tortured by Calculator's men because he simply was working for Barbara. Aleksandr Creote, explains that his partner Savant has lost the ability to judge time – he can't tell the difference between yesterday and ten years ago. Every day for the past two years he has relived the experience of being tortured – and make no mistake he blames Oracle.
Returning to the city and White Canary stands victorious over a grounded Dinah – declaring that her family were shamed by Black Canary and after she's watched Penguin – Oswald Cobblepot – kill Huntress, Lady Blackhawk, Hawk and Dove she would one day return to kill others close to Dinah. With her back turned and climbing a ladder off the roof top Black Canary seizes her moment and lets fly with her trademark sonic scream sending White Canary, and half the building structure, flying.
Across the city Penguin, who we thought was leading the remaining Birds to safety, turns his attention to Lady Blackhawk – Zinda Blake – and stabs her with a blade concealed within his umbrella. Immediately on the offensive Huntress – Helena Bertinelli – pulls out her crossbow and threatens her friends' assailant. Resisting the threat Penguin declares that the injured woman 'might' make it hospital if everyone follows his instructions and waits for his partners – White Canary and Savant – to join them. Penguin goes on to explain that his goal – power of course – will be his once he has Savant's detailed personnel files.
As Black and White Canary again come face to face we are reminded that Black Canary's previous encounter with White Canary's brothers – known as the Twelve Brothers in Silk – ended in defeat for the brothers and, in the eyes of White Canary shame: such shame in fact that White Canary hunted each of her brothers down one by one and killed each of them.
Back on the edge of the viaduct Barbara and Savant continue their conversation – a conversation about trust and about faith. Overcome by the memories of his experiences Savant himself moves closer to the edge and before bidding Barbara farewell, he steps off the bridge. Barbara pushes herself from her chair and manages to grab hold of the mans hand. As Savant pleads to be released Babs realizes that she can't hold him and pleads with Creote for help.
With White Canary apparently getting the better of their fight she taunts Black Canary that she'll shortly take the lives of people close to Dinah – hearing a role-call of loved-ones names Black Canary snaps as she hears Sin, described as the child she abandoned, on the long list as the two women crash through a large window and fall to ground.
As Lady Blackhawk lies injured under the maniacal gaze of Penguin, Hawk – Hank Hall – senses that he's dying of the wounds he sustained earlier from White Canary's blade and pleads with Dove – Dawn Granger – to cremate him, not to let them bring him back from the dead again.
As Black and White Canary reach street level their fall is broken by a camper van and the two lie stationary but alive.
Overwhelmed by circumstance the usually peaceful Dove turns her attention to Penguin and punches him to the ground and unconscious. Seizing their opportunity she and Huntress gather up their friends and head for the hospital.
After some time refusing to help Barbara save his partner's life Creote relents and reaches down to grasp Savant's hand – pulling him back to safety.
With her plan in pieces White Canary regains consciousness only to find herself captured and bound by a relieved Black Canary. With the threat of the young woman now apparently neutralized Black Canary asks her prisoner whether she did indeed kill the kidnapper Gregory Chasco.
To Dinah's great surprise White Canary reveals that the killer was none other than Shiva … and offers to team up to defeat her.
As I say, this felt much more like the quality of the first couple of issues of Birds of Prey and an altogether much more enjoyable read than the previous issue.
One of the things I'm enjoying about this relaunched series is the feeling of real depth to the individual characters and their back story. I've read and enjoyed a number of the older Birds of Prey stories and yet at no time do I feel like I'm 'missing something' when the story touches on events that I'm not familiar with – the book appears to be ideally suited to both new and old readers alike.
The reveal of the true identity of White Canary was, I must say, something of a surprise to me and I like that we're being introduced to a new character, albeit one with a connected history. I'd have liked it even more if she were given a 'real' name, other than 'Sister in Silk'.
I can't say I'm particularly familiar with the 'Twelve Brothers' story references in this issue although I'm looking forward to finding out more – by the same token I'm confident that everything I need to know has and will be referenced through the pages of this title.
The prologue was an unexpected and enjoyable feature of the story-telling in this issue and, towards the climax of the book, I enjoyed how the story cut rapidly from location to location leaving me with a sense of confusion at times – and I mean that in an entirely positive way!
I was a little surprised by Huntress's reaction to Zinda's stabbing. Would she really be able to hold herself back? And if she could would she then wait around on Penguin's terms or would she, as I suspect, take matters into her own hands, 'take care' of Penguin and get her friend to hospital.
The art on this book has, by and large, been superb and this issue continues that trend with a magnificent cover by Alina Urusov (which I'd love to see as a poster) and some great interior art from Ed Benes, Adriano Melo, J.P. Mayer and, again, colourist Nei Ruffino. As nice as it was the interior art did lack a little consistency at times I felt, notably the scenes on the viaduct with Barbara, Savant and Creote, that jolted me out of the moment and interrupted what was, until that point, an engrossing read.
In summary, four issues in and Birds of Prey is already proving to be one of my must read and most looked-forward to titles each month. We've had some great covers, superb 'cinematic' story-telling and wonderful interior art.
There's been plenty in this series so far for the long-time reader and equally plenty for the new or just occasional reader: and I don't want to underestimate just how difficult a line that must be to tread.
If you're already picking up Birds of Prey then you'll know where I'm coming from – if you're not then take my recommendation and pick it up, I don't believe you'll regret it.
Birds of Prey #4:
Reviewed by Zaius
When Batman: The Brave and the Bold was first announced as a new series coming to Cartoon Network, the reaction that another Batman cartoon was coming was high. When the first trailer was released for the series, there was a lot of critics including me that this might be the wrong direction to take the character. As it turns out, the critics and I were wrong. Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a perfect mixture of children amusement and adult nods.
Warner Bros. has released a collection of the first 13 episodes on August 17. They have previously released separate volumes that included four episodes a piece. I always thought that those were a huge waste of money, especially at least ten dollars a piece. This part, unfortunately, is not much better. Even though there are thirteen episodes collected on this set, it still seems as if Warner Bros. is trying to cash in on as many releases as possible.
The two-disc set includes the first thirteen episodes of the show. The first episodes really didn't have a whole lot of good things. The exceptions of course being the "Invasion of the Secret Santas" episode, which is still one of my favorite episodes, and the episodes featuring Owlman.
As far as special features go, there are none. Well, there is a trailer for Lego Harry Potter, but does that even count? With BTBTB getting its own video game in the coming weeks, why wasn't there at least an advertisement for that? Sometimes, I really don't understand the marketing department for these releases.
Overall, I think the show is great, but I want to have complete seasons, not parts. I also want at least some special features. The lack of features and the simple word "Part" makes we say wait another year or two for the complete seasons or even complete series to be released.
You can buy it here on Amazon
Batman: The Brave and the Bold Season 1 Part 1:
Reviewed by Dustin
.jpg "Batman Beyond #3")
We have now come to the half way point in this Batman Beyond tale. How is it holding up? Let’s take a look.
We pick up where issue 2 left off, with Batman face to face with Hush about to kill Calendar Man. Terry starts an inner monologue about how tired he is, and the Hush case is not helping matters. During the fight, Hush reveals that he knows Terry isn’t Bruce and calls Terry a “faker”, Terry also doesn’t check in with Bruce which makes Bruce threaten to shut down the suit. McGinnis gets taken out, which gives Hush enough of an opportunity to finish killing Calendar Man and takes off.
Terry and Bruce then argue about Terry’s commitment to the mission of Batman, and Terry has heard enough so he breaks off the com link and goes home where he hasn’t been seen regularly.
We get a quick scene featuring Amanda Waller and Dr. Reid at Cadmus where Reid wants to talk to the police about Cadmus’ role in the Hush killings, but Waller warns against that, implying that certain things will apparently lead back to Reid if word about Cadmus’ involvement were made public.
We then see Terry in separate scenes argue about what he’s been doing with Wayne that has him keeping strange and long hours with his mother and kid brother, as well as girlfriend Dana.
Terry then goes to the Bat-Cave to confront Bruce, and finds that Bruce has been working on an army of what Bruce calls “Bat-Wraiths” which are giant, robot versions of Terry’s Bat-Suit. Bruce explains that he is starting to doubt Terry’s commitment to the mission and wants to have an army that he can control. Terry then whines about how once Bruce told him that he had complete faith in him. Bruce explains that since he feels Terry is still undecided about what he wants to do, the Wraiths are a backup for Terry, to which Terry replies that he doesn’t need back up and he is turning in the suit as soon as he brings in Hush.
Terry then goes out to do some investigating. He starts with Tim Drake, who assures Terry that there has been no residual effects from the destruction of the microchip that The Joker had implanted in him in the events of the movie Batman Beyond: The Return of The Joker (as a fail-safe, in case Batman saved the day after kidnapping Robin, Joker implanted “himself” in a microchip and would slip into Tim’s body from time to time after being killed, by Tim in the “flashback” sequences. The chip got destroyed by Terry, making sure Tim would no longer be haunted by The Joker). And as a fail-safe Tim has a 24 hour body cam on him to ensure that his activities are on the straight and narrow, Tim also advises Terry to pay someone else a visit with intimate knowledge of Bruce Wayne and Batman, but warns that he won’t be as welcoming as he was.
Terry, on his way to meet with whom Tim said to meet gets into another tussle with the new Catwoman. Terry tries to tell her to keep a low profile, to which Catwoman responds by telling Terry to leave her alone and runs off.
We then see that Terry is looking for Dick Grayson and tells Dick that he’d like to chat with him.
Catwoman then is seen telling Hush that a tracker has been put on Terry, so Hush can’t be where Batman will be, until Hush is ready to meet him again. It is then revealed that this Catwoman isn’t Selina Kyle. The issue ends with Hush trying to kill Catwoman after giving her a payback, which turns out to be playing cards and an ace card falls to the ground, for putting the tracer on Batman.
As a story this issue wasn’t bad, but a few things seem to be nagging at me.
First, Terry mentions that Hush has targeted both his and Bruce’s old foes. Thing is, we’ve only seen Hush target old Bruce Wayne foes, and we’ve only seen one foe from the Batman Beyond television show, and Hush had nothing to do with that initial scene of the first issue.
Second, now we know this issue takes place after Return of The Joker which timeline wise falls in between the first two seasons, but from what I’ve heard about the show (I’ve seen maybe three or so episodes and the movie), at that point Terry was firmly committed to the mission and Bruce had complete faith in him as a junior partner. The show would no longer have moments where Bruce and Terry fought about dedication to the never ending war on crime, nor would Terry complain about being tired and lack of a social or family life. Yet we see that tension here, and if this was in the middle of the show’s run rather than being after the show’s run, one would think Bruce having an army of giant Bat-Wraith robots would have come up, and Terry wouldn’t explain away his actions as “rookie mistakes.” That makes this book seem kind of like a bad television show remake which takes generalizations about the show and builds the movie (or whatever) around them.
Also, despite the introduction of Tommy Elliot’s history in the last issue, I’m still wondering if this is going to be put into actual continuity (as seen within the pages of Batman # 700) or not. For instance, if we are to believe the Hush seen is actually Tommy (whom Bruce thought had died long ago in the last issue), it would have been nice for Beechen to bring up the Elliot/Kyle relationship that has been in various satellite Bat-Books for a few years now. Also I’m a bit intrigued by the use of playing cards and the fact that a half Joker face appeared when Tim Drake was speaking with Terry. I doubt it could be The Joker, whom despite his actions and demeanor as Oberon Sexton in Batman & Robin, Joker usually is a madcap kind of fellow who wouldn’t be so serious (ummm, pun not intended) of a talker as we’ve seen Hush be in this series. Especially considering just how madcap the character always was in the various Timm-verse cartoons.
I’m still intrigued as to where this series is going, and what will be the result of it in terms of bringing Terry McGinnis into the DCU or making this a separate “Earth” but because of the nagging thoughts.
Batman Beyond #3:
Reviewed by SteveJRogers
After appearing for only a single frame free of dialog in book two, Batman returns for a much larger role in “First Wave” number three.
For many of us that read the Batman titles these days we’ve had to adjust to the non-linear storylines that have become so popular. From Grant Morrison’s “Batman & Robin” series to “Batman-Odyssey” by Neal Adams. These storylines are convoluted and often jump back and forth through the narrative to various points in time.
Brain Azzarello (with pencils from Rags Morales with Rick Bryant, Nei Ruffino and Bob Almond doing color and inks) has put his own spin on the elaborate narrative by introducing a myriad of deeply rich and historically significant characters from the golden age of comics. Although these characters have been ripped from the pages of yesteryear (Batman, with his original reliance on guns) we see them positioned in a contemporary setting which gives them a fresh spin despite their early origins.
First let’s play a little catch up as to what is going on. Batman has got himself tangled up in the mysterious return of Clark Savage Sr., the father of the Man of Bronze, Doc Savage. The only problem is that Clark senior is supposed to be dead. Doc Savage himself, with the aid of The Spirit, is investigating the disappearance of Daddy Savages body and has run afoul of the Blackhawks, various crime syndicates and a semi trustworthy police force.
If you are thinking that is a lot. You’re right, it is. Azzarello hasn’t even got to the main plot yet and it’s a mystery as to where all this is going and how all these players are going to be brought together. But it is evident that Batman is going to take the lead as he travels to South America based on a tip from (a shape-shifting?) Clark Savage Sr.
As for the characterization of Batman himself in this story I like how Azzarello has put his own stamp on the Bruce Wayne/Batman figure. Batman still relies on guns, not to kill, but to distract and defend. He’s a newcomer to the crime fighting scene but is a quick learner that takes his lumps in the process. His Bruce Wayne overtly plays the insouciant playboy that is bored with the lifestyle and often lounges about in a bath robe. Publicly, he is a party boy that is obnoxious and is known to drink too much at functions. Privately, his character is fleshed out by his interplay with his butler (and friend), Alfred. The conversation between the two reveals Wayne as sharp witted, intensely curious, if not a little lazy, and actually playful as he engages Alfred in a little verbal fencing.
Importantly, he doesn’t carry the bitter weight and anger wrought of endless years of crime fighting and revenge.
The story continues as Bruce/the Bats is off to Hidalgo to meet up with an old “friend” Anton Colossi and his mechanical bodyguard, Ferrios. That’s right, a robot that is “larger than life, and crueler than death”. Awesome.
I’m giving my rating based on the story coming together and showing much, much more promise.
First Wave #3:
Reviewed by Dark Knight Dave
.jpg "Batman: Odyssey #2")
We continue with Neal Adams’ return to Batman with the second issue of Batman Odyssey.
We start with Bruce again telling some unseen person the story that began the last one. Bruce explains how the scene with Man-Bat was actually Bruce waiting for Langstrom to deliver some codes so Bruce would know the source of a donation, which turned out to be Ra’s al Ghul. Bruce then goes back to the museum story. Where last we left with a bunch of goons shooting up hydrogen tanks in vehicles with a professor and young daughter caught in the cross-hairs.
Fortunately the guns don’t do anything as the hydrogen was infused in a hydride. An explosion then happens, and Bruce explains that it was Robin taking out semi trucks. Batman comes up behind the goons and starts going to town asking them questions about who they work for and gives an explanation for why the hydrogen was not exploding. As the goons turn their guns on Batman, Robin jumps in and lends a hand, Batman then goes to find the professor, Dr. Petrason, and his daughter. Once he finds them, he tries to get them to leave, hides them in a corner and then heads out to see if its clear. Unfortunately a whole bunch of goons were waiting for him and Batman is lit up ala Sonny Corleone at the tool booth in The Godfather.
We then pick up more of Bruce’s narration as he explains that at the moment he collapsed, he was thinking about the parts to his first adventure story that he didn’t get a chance to tell Robin last issue. We cut to that scene, Bruce on top of the train with the Spanish agent, who explains that Bruce did not completely knock out the two guys who Bruce punched out the last time. However they jumped off the train and the agent seems to want to blow the train, with the passengers in it. Bruce now has to move quickly the get the passengers off that train.
First he manages to get the car with the explosives away from the passenger car. Then its time to get the passengers off the train. However they are frightened, and have no clue as to what to think of this costume, even thinking him to be a vampire! Since everyone, even the conductor, seems to be ignoring what Bruce is saying at this point, Bruce unfortunately has to resort to brandishing two pistols in order to scare the passengers into the next car. All except for one, an elderly woman whom he has to carry off onto the next car.
The bomb does go off, the car gets thrown off the tracks, Batman figured though that no one would get killed though, though he and the old woman did get hurled from the train and into a pile of dirt. As Batman and the old woman are getting up, the conductor rushes in, proclaiming Batman to be a murderer and saying that Batman was the one who destroyed the train. The conductor then shoots Batman right in the same spot Bruce was telling his unseen conversation partner about in the first page of the first issue. The inertia of the shooting causes the conductor to pass out, and Batman does the same.
We then cut back to Bruce talking about the incident, and then explaining how since that day he has made sure his costume is bullet proof and a special one is rigged with a fake blood distribution system, like the one at the pier story, which is apparently two months prior to this conversation. We cut back to that scene and we end on the thugs preparing to finish the job by shooting Batman in the head.
This was a solid continuation of the story Adams had began with. The Langstrom story is left dangling, but we do have 10 more issues to go. The splash images of Bruce getting shot up were a highlight, sort of reinforcing the idea of Bruce being very much a street level hero that could get in a bad way with just some common thugs. Can’t wait to see how things progress with the story Adams is telling.
Batman: Odyssey #2:
Reviewed by SteveJRogers
Two comic books for the price of one review this month as we continue the JLA/JSA The Dark Things crossover Brightest Day tie-in event.
We start in JSA #41 where we see that a Starheart controlled Obsidian and Dr. Fate have taken out the Shade and Faust, and capture Wildcat and Jay Garrick Flash. And we see the JSA All Stars try to hold their ground while all sorts of chaos is going on. The combined JLA and JSA confer on the ruins of the JLA Watchtower Dick goes into leader mode, splits the teams up in terms of the most susceptible to magic heroes to go back to earth to handle the chaos, while the least susceptible try to save Starman (his gem was ripped out of his chest at the end of the last JLA issue) and save Alan Scott and Obsidian from the control of the Starheart. We end with Dick pulling out a big gun to help out, that of Mister Miracle.
And that brings us to JLA #47. We begin with more exposition explaining scenes of fighting on earth and in the construct that the Starheart has created as Mister Miracle tries to get the team into the center of it to face Alan Scott. While this is going on, there is a bunch of inner dialogue, mostly from Donna Troy and Mister Terrific, praising Dick Grayson’s role as a leader. Gee, I hope the Bat-Team reads this book as I’ve got a bad feeling about Dick’s future after Bruce Wayne returns to the DCU proper. But that is a rant for another day. It should also be noted that Jade can tell Alan Scott is still very much alive through the chaos of the Starheart as the team is fighting various constructs of old Golden Age Green Lantern villains and characters.
We then see that Alan Scott, now calling himself Starheart, I guess having his Parallax moment here, he and Hal Jordan could probably now have a neat discussion about being taken over by the entities that granted them their powers, has Wildcat, Faust and Garrick as prisoners. We close the issue with Jade being confronted by Obsidian in an effort to lure her into the Starheart, when all of a sudden Obsidian is blasted by none other than Jade’s old lover Green Lantern Kyle Rayner. Kyle then bluntly tells everyone that the Guardians sent him to kill Alan Scott, and we’ll continue in JSA #42.
Things do pick up this month as this was a more enjoyable set of books as opposed to the drawn out nature of the last two months worth of issues of this storyline. We do get more of the Dick Grayson as a leader that drew me into covering this series to begin with, which is a good thing, even if it feels like it probably won’t last the year. I’ll say though that it feels like the JLA issue did move the story along better than the JSA one, I’m not entirely sure why though. I know Robinson is the current JLA writer, but why should that affect the JSA side of the storytelling? I’ve seen books tie into event minis written by the same writer that flowed better. Bagley’s art is still missing for me as well, but at this point it isn’t as distracting as it was when the book was creeping along at a very slow pace.
Justice Society of America #41:
Justice League of America #47:
Reviewed by SteveJRogers
With the events of 'The Flood' firmly behind her, Stephanie Brown has most certainly grown – both as a young woman and, just as importantly, as a member of the Batgirl 'team'.
Our story – appropriately entitled 'Trust' – begins with Stephanie, sweat dripping from her brow, facing her opponent who in turn stares back and throws down a verbal challenge. Moment later, it's game on as Steph lets loose a tremendous shot … much to the surprise of her opposite number.
We're at Gotham U, it's the second half of the academic year and Stephanie is playing table tennis with Padma, a fellow student – and she's winning. It's Tuesday, the one day a week when Steph doesn't have any classes, and we get the impression that she usually – maybe always – wins at table tennis!
Just as the contest looks like it might be getting out of hand Stephanie's phone rings and, excusing herself from the game, she answers her caller Oracle with a cheeky greeting only to be instantly reminded that – again – it's not Oracle on the line but her new handler Wendy 'Proxy' Harris. Moving past this awkward exchange Wendy advises Steph that the police have trapped a man who's suspected of killing his wife and she believes that they could use a hand.
Across the city in the Gotham financial district the police, led by Detective Nick Gage, have their prey – a Mr. Griswald – trapped inside his mini van. Attempting to talk their target out of the van and into custody the officers come under fire and as the situation escalates the SWAT team announce that they're taking over. As they rush the van, Griswald launches a petrol can into the air which turns into a blanket of flames under fire. Amid the confusion Gage spots Griswald running from the scene and sets off in pursuit.
Never more than a few steps behind Gage tries to talk Griswald around but he'll have none of it – eventually coming face to face on a roof-top Gage pulls his gun as his target challenges him that he couldn't possibly know what it feels like to lose a wife, could he?
As rage gets the better of him Griswald explodes … into a torrent of clay and sends Gage flying off the building top and plummeting to the ground. As he mumbles what may be his final words he surprisingly receives help: Stephanie – Batgirl – swoops in and grabs him and the pair safely make their way to the alleyway below.
After a flirtatious exchange with Gage, Batgirl takes her leave as Wendy reveals that she has located Griswald – Clayface of course – entering Gotham Bank & Trust through a roof-top service unit. Following him into the building Batgirl makes her way through a maze of ventilation shafts before finding herself with a view of the banks main floor, filled with customers, tellers and security guards.
Sneaking behind the service desk Steph activates the banks security measures and locks down the building. Believing that she is attempting to rob the bank the security guards rush at Steph and as they draw their weapons she unleashes a couple of 'gooperangs' that disable the guards allowing her the opportunity to explain that she's trying to help, not trying to rob the bank.
One of the tellers replies that she ought to speak with the banks manager Mrs. Griswald who, in the event of a robbery, is required to make her way to safety in the vault.
Did he say Mrs. Griswald?
Moments later, at the entrance to the vault, Mrs. Griswald realizes that she is just moments away from achieving her objective as Batgirl challenges her – 'Clayface!'. Turning and changing from human form Clayface targets Steph who only just manages to leap to safety. Responding with batarangs Stephanie is momentarily overwhelmed by the shear size and power of her opponent. Swept up by a column of clay Steph finds herself transported back to the banks main floor and, as Detective Gage looks on Batgirl fights … Batgirl.
'You have got to be freakin' kiddin' me'.
Turning to Gage, Batgirl – one of the Batgirls – orders him to shoot her. Gage takes aim and fires … on the 'other' Batgirl and as the bullet pierces her costume she 'bleeds' clay. As the detective continues to fire Clayface begins to take his more familiar form and Stephanie lets lose with the contents of her utility belt.
Out of ideas Steph turns to Wendy for advice – 'use your surroundings' she's told. With water pouring from the banks sprinkler system Batgirl lets fire with a freeze-batarang – and Clayface is frozen, overcome and neutralized.
With Clayface on his way to Arkham Asylum, Batgirl and Nick get to the bottom of why he targeted this particular bank: it seems that the vault contained a picture of himself – Basil Karlo – and his wife, his dead wife that he wanted to look at.
As Batgirl questions Clayface's actions – Detective Gage seems frozen by the moment, turns and walks off down the street … alone.
The first issue of the second year of Stephanie Brown's Batgirl certainly didn't disappoint – the writing, the interior and cover art were great, everything I look for from a comic book, and then some.
The issue felt as if it was set a little time after the events of The Flood story-arc as Stephanie appears to be settling quite nicely into her multi-faceted life: daughter, student, Batgirl … and by the same token Wendy Harris seems to be getting to grips with her role as Proxy – but not without one or two enjoyable 'what do I do next?' moments.
Following the events that saw The Flood conclude – which as I said at the time felt like something of an anniversary or 'coming of age' issue for Steph and, to a lesser extent Wendy – I was curious how Bryan Q. Miller would choose to progress the immediate story and with his 'some time later' approach, for me, Mr. Miller really hit the mark.
I liked the sense that Stephanie and Wendy had developed their relationship – that both women were becoming more and more comfortable and confident in their roles while at the same time not being afraid to ask the other for help. One of my favorite moments in the whole book was when, having frozen Clayface Batgirl suggests to Proxy that she sends someone to clean up … as Wendy frantically thumbs through the pages of a phone directory!
The scenes that opened the book – set in a recreation room at Gotham U. – were particularly timely I thought: it was nice to see the spotlight return to Stephanie as student as much as Stephanie as Batgirl. After the heavy(ish) events of Steph's encounter with Calculator it was good to start this issue on an altogether lighter note.
Clayface isn't one of my favorite DC characters I have to say but I thought this story portrayed him in a much more personal and human way than many that I've read – I was actually quite touched by the thought that his actions were motivated by a burning desire to see his wife – albeit a photograph of his wife – one more time.
Throughout the Batgirl series so far one of the recurring themes has been friendly, and at times not so friendly, 'banter' – Steph and Damian, Barbara and Steph, Wendy and Barbara, Steph and Barbara and Nick Gage – and this issue was no different. I found the exchanges between Batgirl and Detective Gage really very charming with their clumsy puns, Steph's endearing thoughts – 'please be less attractive', 'squee' – and Gage's comments that 'for whatever reason' he trusts her.
While the tone of this title has always been light it's never lacked the ability to stimulate my thoughts and as I reached the last page I found myself intrigued by Detective Gage's story – as he fell from the roof-top early in the book we heard him saying 'sorry, babe' and as he and Steph discussed Clayface's actions at the end of the story I got the sense that the events had touched a nerve – I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops for sure.
Throughout recent issues I've become a fan of Pere Perez's artwork – it's both complimentary to the excellent work of Lee Garbett while at the same time he has a distinct style of his own and I'd have been happy to see him take on Batgirl art duties on a permanent basis. Although we now know this isn't going to happen I'll be interested to follow his work on other titles.
Although not his best in this series in my opinion I enjoyed Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau's eye-catching cover – once again it had a somewhat 'retro' feel about it and felt it really set up the issue very nicely.
If I say this felt like a 'bridging' issue that will immediately sound like a negative and it's certainly not meant that way – but that's what this was for me: 'we've' been on an amazing journey over the past year and I sense that journey is only going to get more incredible over the next 12 months. This issue was a chance for us all to catch our breath, remember where we've come from, where we've been and anticipate where we may be going.
A simple story, beautifully told. Fantastic.
Batgirl #13:
Reviewed by Zaius
Concluding the Levitz-Ordway story is this nice piece, entitled Ascension.
We begin with Luthor watching another “care package” being sent to the planet he has named Lexor and he talks with various advisors about the distracting of Batman in Gotham and the suicide of the Superman cult leader. It’s a nice scene depicting the megalomaniac Luthor we all know and love.
We then cut to Gotham where Batman breaks up a mugging of a nun and Bruce suspects something is up as this continues the trend of religious or community service related small crimes that he has been taken care of in this story.
Meanwhile, Superman has discovered the existence of Lexor, where the inhabitants have turned against the Big Blue Boy Scout, with the help of “presents” from Luthor. Included are some pieces of kryptonite, and it is clear that the natives are aware of the effects it has on Kryptonians.
Cutting back to Gotham, Batman is able to get a lead on who is behind what’s been going on.
Back to outer space, Superman does some reconnaissance and intercepts the latest care package and realizes that Luthor is behind turning the planet against him.
In Metropolis, Luthor gets paid a visit by an angry Batman who warns Lex to stay out of Gotham. And that is followed by The Man of Steel swooping in to admonish Lex for “playing God” and the issue ends with a “NEXT TIME GADGET, NEXT TIME” sort of scene from Lex as Clark swoops in to have a nice roof top chat with Bruce.
This was a quick story, but not a bad way to wrap up a pretty sweet story. It was nice that it wasn’t overly preachy about God complexes as it was clear that Luthor had bad intentions and Superman rather have had the planet take a more natural course of evolution.
Coming up next, a star studded “anniversary” 75th issue which features the Legion of Super Heroes. Then a one shot where Judd Winnick explores Superman’s reaction to the “death” of Bruce Wayne at the end of Final Crisis (hey isn’t that what the whole “new direction” was supposed to be when it was announced last fall) and in October there is a story featuring Supergirl and the Damian Wayne Robin. Well, it should make for some interesting reading at the very least.
Superman/Batman #74:
Reviewed by SteveJRogers
Red Robin #15 is carrying on Fabian's first storyline of the series, with Tim Drake in crutches going to see the resurrected Captain Boomerang, who murdered Tim’s father in Identity Crisis. The real question I had when I saw this page was why was Tim Drake in crutches?
In this issue, Fabian takes care of the problem he set up in Gotham Gazette of Vicki Vale finding out the Bat-Families secret identities. You know the thing that Chris Yost could not be bothered to deal with in his “fantastic” run on the comic. Well, about a year and a half later, we finally see resolution to this issue, even if it has really achieved nothing, but I am glad that Fabian is tying up a loose thread rather than leaving it be.
The issue has Fabian creating another new rogue for Red Robin in the Scarab, sadly this rogue is useless and foiled by the end of the issue, so in other words, will probably never be heard from again. Shame, she looked like she could be a good character, but Fabian seems to have a bigger plan involving Anarky going on, who was the villain from the last few issues of his run on the old Robin title.
Anyway, back to the crutches and Vicki Vale thing. Tim decides to take care of Vicki Vale by staging a stunt where he will be crippled by Scarab during a press conference, with Vale in attendance. It’s a good idea, even if the playing out of the idea is a bit awkward, and would make the reader say, what a cop out. Tim uses a stunt double to trick Vale that he cannot be Red Robin if Tim has to walk around in crutches all the time. It’s stupid, but it’s better than bringing Vicki Vale into the Bat-Family and letting her know their secrets.
The art here as always with Marcus To is solid and dependable. There truly is nothing more I can say about it, good art, nothing more, and nothing less.
I said last month about how I don’t want Tim to regress back to who he was and to stay his own man as Red Robin. Sadly, Tim has to discuss his plan with Dick and how he almost needs Dick's approval. We also have a mildly interesting scene where Batgirl, which would have worked if Tim were still Robin, but Damian is Robin now. Maybe that’s just a nitpick though.
I do look the fact that Tim will be going up against Anarky in the next few issues. Looking back on the last few issues of Robin when Tim took on Anarky, Anarky beat Tim as Robin, however Red Robin beat Anarky, so it’s obvious Anarky would have a score to settle with Red Robin instead of just going after Damian.
All in all, this series is getting back on form thanks to Fabians writing. A couple of issues ago I would have said Tim was a character in the DCU that I really hated where he was going, with his emo attitude and self depreciating “I can’t do anything right” attitude. Fabian is attempting to fix that issue here; sadly he has a lot of stuff to fix before Red Robin can truly be seen as a solo hero in the DCU in my eyes. But if anyone can save Tim Drake, Fabian Nicenza and Marcus To can.
Red Robin #15:
Reviewed by Suavestar
The first story-arc of the returning Birds of Prey series continues with part 3 of the 4 part 'Endrun: Whistling Past the Gravestones'.
Opening at The Iceberg Lounge the Birds, minus Hawk!, are being very … 'attentive' towards Penguins – it seems that Black Canary, Huntress, Lady Blackhawk and Dove are prepared to go to fantastic lengths to please Oswald Cobblepot.
As quickly as we've began to comprehend the behavior of the women we discover that 'fantastic' is indeed the right word – we are witnessing one of Cobblepot's dreams, brought on perhaps as a result of blood lost during his earlier assault. In reality, as the women look on with a sense of disgust and, in Dove's case concern, Hawk keeps watch over the street from a nearby window.
Realizing that it's only a matter of time before their whereabouts is discovered, Black Canary – Dinah Lance – contacts Oracle to discuss the groups next move. Oracle – Barbara Gordon, who is at this time back at base and ready to help the group move to a safe location – advises that she's spotted their pursuer – the mysterious White Canary – elsewhere in the city and sounds a word of caution.
Lamenting the situation they find themselves in Black Canary asks whether Oracle has any news on how Gregory Chasco – the kidnapper that she apprehended in Iceland – could possible have ended up dead several days later. As Oracle reveals what she has been able to learn from the authorities Dinah very quickly begins to feel like she's been set up …
As Dinah ponders her situation Barbara goes on to explain that both Savant and Creote are now dead – information that Dinah finds very hard to process and understand.
Elsewhere in the club, Hawk and Lady Blackhawk are discussing how on earth White Canary was able to piece Hawk's skin with a blade – just as an armored tank crashes through the wall and sends them diving for cover.
As the Birds scatter to evade the hail of bullets delivered by the ensuing rogue police officers Barbara discovers that her computer network connection has crashed leaving her powerless to help her friends. At first puzzled by how security could have been breached she reaches a frightening conclusion – she's not alone in the Batcave. Hearing a voice behind her Babs turns and discovers she has unwelcome, and unexpected, company … Savant and Creote!
Back in the Iceberg Lounge Dove realizes that as a 1920's or 1930's 'speakeasy' there ought to be a secret way out of the club. As Penguin's health takes a turn for the worse he mumbles a line about being a mermaid in the desert – a comment Hawk takes to mean that Penguin doesn't belong where he is, something he feels he can relate to.
As the onslaught continues Dinah realizes that she has lost her comm link with Oracle and as she considers that things can't surely get any worse – a second tank arrives! Undeterred, Hawk jumps up and disables the vehicle … as an all too familiar weapon – White Canary's hair blade – flies through the air and for the second time downs Hawk.
Reverting to his 'civilian' identity Hawk – Hank Hall – falls to the ground and lies motionless before his associates. Removing the hair blade Black Canary notices that there's a word written on an attached ribbon – 'Choose'. Immediately Black Canary relates this to the threat from White Canary that one of the team – or someone they know and love – will die every hour.
Returning to the Batcave we discover Barbara threatened and at gunpoint by Savant and Creote. Lifting Barbara from her chair and carrying her to their vehicle Savant explains how they faked their deaths and in turn breached security protocols. As Babs questions the duos motives and objectives she's understandably alarmed to discover that it's only a matter of time before her true identity is revealed to the world and only then would they put an end to their 'mutual pain'.
In the meantime, across the city Black Canary, Lady Blackhawk and Huntress are weighing up their options – and perhaps realizing that those options are limited. Focusing on getting Penguin and Hawk to the hospital Dinah decides that she – and in turn the other team members if necessary – have to go after White Canary and stop her.
Ignoring Huntress's uncharacteristic advice that she take an initially low key approach Black Canary tracks down and confronts White Canary on a roof top overlooking their temporary hide-out. As the women exchange blows Black Canary continues to try to figure out her opponents identity – piecing together both verbal and physical clues she comes to a realization that she does indeed know the identity of her new foe.
I thought this was a very enjoyable read although, for me, not the strongest issue since the series relaunch. On the whole I'm enjoying the pace that the story is being told at – three issues in and I feel like we've seen a lot of story told across those pages. I'm particularly enjoying reading the interaction between the various team members and I'm appreciating the Black Canary/Huntress relationship at the moment. The 'who is White Canary?' teaser has got me hooked and, while I'm carefully trying to avoid reading spoilers, I'm certainly eager to discover her identity (if I haven't already!).
I didn't particularly enjoy the opening pages of this book: I'm referring to the scenes from Penguin's dreams. As beautifully illustrated as they were the theme – the Birds acting-out Penguin's fantasies – felt rather … gratuitous, unnecessary.
I was surprised by the return of Creote and Savant and, to be honest, a bit disappointed to see them back – nothing against the characters themselves but, while I'm not in principle opposed to characters dieing and then returning at a later date, it's only felt like 5 minutes ago we first learnt of their deaths. As with the scenes in the opening pages I'm willing to accept that there's a twist to come here that I'm not currently seeing perhaps.
As I've already said, the artwork throughout this book is superb: fantastic detail in the pencils – in their portrayal of the central figures, particularly Barbara Gordon, Benes and Melo have captured a familiar and yet fresh look I feel – glorious bold inks and, not to be underestimated, superb coloring throughout: very much the style of artwork that I enjoy.
For once I wasn't overly keen on this issues cover – I felt Cliff Chiang's illustration was just a little too 'cartoony' for my liking and somewhat at odds with the style of the rest of the book.
In many ways, this issue felt like what it is … a 'middle issue' of sorts. Was I a little disappointed? Yes, I was. The quality of the first 2 issues was such that this didn't quite reach those heights for me.
That said, I certainly enjoyed the book and I'm very much looking forward to picking up issue #4 next month for the conclusion of 'Birds of Prey: Endrun'.
Birds of Prey #3:
Reviewed by Zaius
.jpg "Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #4")
The final sentence of my review of BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #3 for THE BATMAN UNIVERSE addressed my low expectations for #4. The announcement that penciler Georges Jeanty would replace long-time Grant Morrison collaborator, Cameron Stewart made me ultra-nervous. It was clear from Stewart’s statements on the matter, that he was not comfortable with the tight deadline attached to the issue.
The story begins with the vicious assault of an Old West family by a crew of pistol-packing cowboys. Once they’ve hanged the family’s patriarch, the band of thugs completes it’s task of stealing the bat-adorned, casket-like box seen in the previous issues (killing a young boy and kidnapping his sister in the process). It’s here that a duster-clad Bruce Wayne shows up to answer the recent widow’s pleas for an avenging angel.
The following pages feature a panoramic splash of Gotham from a distant past. Reading this, I had an image in my head of some DC editor holding a gun to Jeanty’s head and screaming, “FASTER! FASTER!” While Jeanty is able to capture the atmosphere of this era’s Gotham, that’s about it. The figures are nothing more than unidentifiable shapes. And beyond the immediate foreground, the store fronts are equally void of detail. It’s on this page that we see legendary bounty hunter, Jonah Hex for the first time. Looking more like a surprised rodent than a feared gunslinger, Hex’s appearance isn’t a memorable one. Next we meet an equally un-intimidating Vandal Savage. As the financier of the mission to retrieve the Bat-box, Savage bears little resemblance to the barbaric leader of the Cro-Magnon Blood Tribe.
Savage details the job for Hex (omitting the fact that a man identified as Dr. Thomas Wayne and an Indian fellow are in an adjacent room “encouraging” the kidnapped girl to open the locked box.) As the men discuss their nefarious plot, Batman shows up in town. Wearing his utility belt like a bandoleer, Bruce makes quick work of a small “greeting” party that clearly doesn’t take kindly to strangers. What follows is a few uninspired pages of decidedly regrettable action scenes where the villains get pounded before taking flight.
A horse-drawn wagon chase ensues, culminating in a terrific river-crash that narrowly misses a man revealed to be the story’s narrator. As villains often do, Savage turns on Thomas Wayne so as to keep the coveted little box for himself. But the immortal caveman is quickly dispatched with a knee to the face compliments of Bruce. It’s here that Jonah Hex arrives in time to shoot his bounty. Bruce falls over in a river and is gone. This is where I became slightly confused. While it’s not made clear, I’m pretty sure that the story’s narrator is Nathan Van Derm, architect of Wayne Manor. Clearly the Waynes and Van Derms have been closely linked throughout history, as it was Martin Van Derm that first sketched Mordecai Wayne back in issue 2 of this series. Here, Nathan speaks of his eventual marriage to the kidnapped girl who’s name is revealed to be Catherine. The narrator also recounts the yet-to-come birth of their “dark son” Kenneth. And tells of Dr Thomas Wayne who was rumored to be 150 years old. I’m assuming that this Dr Thomas Wayne is none other than the evil Dr Hurt who is fond of causing trouble for Batman in current-day Gotham.
It’s hard to lay the art issues solely on Georges Jeanty. Due to time limits, I wasn’t expecting much. What I wasn’t expecting, was Morrison’s failure to capture the intricacies of Old West dialogue. That shouldn’t be too surprising considering Morrison was born and raised in Scotland. It’s hard to pinpoint, but all the characters here sound vastly different from the ongoing JONAH HEX series from DC COMICS written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. I’m also left wondering what the point is of having Jonah Hex in this issue in the first place. This book doesn’t go out on a high note either. The final two teaser-pages which have been effective in previous issues at getting me excited about the subsequent book, fall flat here. But a little research reveals, master illustrator, Ryan Sook will assume the duties of penciler in the penultimate issue. Bruce Wayne will be hitting the streets of Gotham in a hard-boiled detective story. Hopefully we’ll learn more of the importance of Thomas Wayne, Kenneth Van Derm and the contents of the mysterious little Bat-box. But with Morrison reuniting with Sook, consider my expectations raised.
Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #4:
Reviewed by Hayestronaut
After reading Detective Comics #867, my head was left unsettled and unbalanced. It was hard for me to tell if this was a good issue or not. On the one hand, you have a pretty good beginning, the ambiguity and anticipation really rings true, while on the other hand, after those first few pages, the story becomes bland and uninspired, only serving the fact that this issue only has a certain number of pages and the promise of said pages is completely forgotten as it force feeds us some sort of storyline. But, the book fails in it’s origin, the fact that David Hine isn’t at the top of his game and the fact that there was some sort inner turmoil within the DC office, is and was, the downfall of this book. But this makes me sad in a way. To see such a great title being dragged down by mediocre runs and inconsistency only damages the books reputation as well as the reputation of the Batman character with issue #867 being the prime example of this. Even though this issue has it’s shiny gems of real content, like Dick’s research into the “Joker Juice” or the beginning, it isn’t enough to redeem this issue, if it ever had a chance. But, in the end the story is told way to fast with a generically written cast of characters, horrible and unoriginal dialogue, and poor delivery.
This issue starts off with a man, while getting ready for work, receives a text message that says to meet at Blue Skies Mall at 1pm. The man kisses his wife goodbye, goes to work, and leaves work to get to the Mall in time. The man, now at the mall puts on a green wig, cracks a vial, and inhales its contents which changes his appearance. Now looking like the Joker the man reeks havoc upon the mall along with a whole gang of Joker look alikes. The police are called and arrive promptly on the scene. Using non-lethal force they make their way into the mall. Meanwhile Oracle pages Batman saying that there is a disturbance at the Mall and that he should have a look. Batman shrugs this off saying that he has better things to do and to call him when things get really serious. Back at the Mall one of the main Jokers get’s bored and produces a gun, shooting one of the cops who had responded to the emergency. The cop pulls out his gun and shoots the man that we first met in the beginning, killing him. Cutting to the morgue Batman and Gordon realize that the smile on the deceased man has faded, and that the real Joker likes to leave his victims laughing so it couldn’t have been The Joker who organized these attacks. At the bat cave, using a blood sample he took, Batman is able to discover that the Joker Juice is missing the Hydrogen Cyanide (the most lethal element of authentic Joker venom) although Strychnodide is present which produces the trademark smile, the Strychnodide combined with methamphetamine, MDMA, and nitrous oxide could increase energy levels while causing uncontrolled hilarity and muscular spasms. Gordon shows Batman a fake Joker who seems like he is the ring leader behind these Joker gangs, and while most fake Joker’s get their Juice from the internet this guy is sampling his own product. We are then taken into the past where the real Joker is chasing a young man on a rooftop, Batman intervenes and beats The Joker, but at the last minute The Joker releases his venom much to the young man’s expense, the young man who is apparently The Joker’s 13th victim that night, dies and get’s thrown into the back of a van with the other 12 victims. But he isn’t dead and we come to the realization that he is the man who organized the attacks. Back in the present day, the impostor Jokers, along with their leader, stage a mass demonstration in memory of the man who died in the beginning. To extinguish the demonstration the G.C.P.D are called in, while Gordon replaces everyone’s live rounds with rubber ones. As Batman and The Question look on, the demonstration turns violent, three cops are killed and the gang leader is nowhere to be found. Back at the bat cave Oracle shows Batman a Batman imposter who says that too many good people have died because of the imposter Jokers. That its time now for the citizen’s of Gotham to take up arms and reclaim the streets.
Truth be told, given the time, David Hine could have done great things with this issue, because of the fact that the elements of the story are there, but the problem is that it was planned out haphazardly and executed very poorly. Even with the time constraint couldn’t Hine possibly given us a better written story? He had a great thing going but something went wrong between the initial conception and the day it hit the shelves. Sure the drama at DC did contribute to the failure and yes, Hine was rushed, these are provable facts that are pretty obvious. But that doesn’t mask the fact that this issue was just horribly written. Hine’s lack of creativity and originality becomes very apparent as he falls and stumbles his way through page after page of banality. The characters within the pages are monotone with no real emotion or value and everything that was achieved with Dick as Batman is completely forgotten here. At times it was hard to form a distinction between Dick and Bruce, while the actions and dialogue of the other characters are entirely forgettable. It’s hard to feel like this story means anything to anyone. The lack of content is displayed on a massive scale, we forget all that has happened to the characters and all that will happen to them which only raises a lot of frustrating questions like: Is this story really pushing the Batman character forward in one direction or another? Or is this simply filler put on display to achieve something that it not fully realized? Not pushing the Batman character forward and force feeding us crap causes the content to lose all of it’s credibility, where it’s initial greatness is forgotten and causes the aforementioned content to revel in it stupor.
The art in this issue cannot be fully explained honestly if I were to praise it. The art is just plain horrible. With it’s cartoon look and overdone colors, it is what I imagine the inside of a septic tank would look like. The colors are just a sludge of nothingness, with no signs of boldness or cleanliness to be found. Scott McDaniel’s pencils lack a seriousness and edge to it, and like the writing it is the most bland and tasteless pencils I have seen in quite sometime.
Overall this isn’t a very good issue, it’s failure to deliver distinctiveness, originality, and creativity are only a couple of the many major drawbacks. It was too rushed, and offers no real content or push and rests in its own muck and bad taste. This issue was just horrible with very little in the way of redeeming qualities, as Hine has completely lost control of his talent causing us, the reader, to only hope that he will get his head together and give us a great book with the next issue.
Detective Comics #867:
Reviewed by Dane
Alright so there are all of our reviews for the film. Plenty of different perspectives on what to expect when watching the film. Be sure to enter into our Batman: Under the Red Hood contest for your chance to win a copy of the blu-ray version of the film chocked with all kinds of special features.
Remember that you can find the film available at both Amazon
So with everyone's reviews, Batman: Under the Red Hood ends up with the following overall rating.
Posted by Dustin