We loyal followers of the Dark Knight are in for a treat this year. No, not just a treat, a singular event. Perhaps something that many of us will only experience once in a lifetime. This year DC comics will not only follow the adventures of one Batman but as many as four, or quite possibly seven!
In 2010 in what I call “The Year of the Batmen” I will endeavor to chronicle these various manifestations of Batman and discuss the dynamic of having their respective storylines running concurrently. Even as they exist in different “universes”, alternate realities or as parallel plotlines that remain apart but eventually come together.
How will these Batmen compare? How will the media and readership accept or reject them? Whose storyline will succeed while another may fail? Will the various writers and artists vie for supremacy or just engage in a little friendly competition. Is it possible for all of these incarnations to exist at the same time and avoid saturation? Or will we embrace all of them and insist they continue for years to come? Perhaps multiple readership factions will arise and insist their Batman is the one true Caped Crusader.
As we all know Dick Grayson has picked up the mantle of the Bat in the absence of Bruce Wayne. This particular arc has been admirably filled out by the likes of Morrison, Daniel and Winick. How will the eventual return of Bruce Wayne (written by Morrison) effect Grayson? Will he give up the cape and cowl and go quietly into the night or will there be conflict? Will Bruce actually want it all back?
What of the iteration of the “First Wave” Batman? Brian Azzarello has promised a young Bruce Wayne one that is a, “millionaire playboy; brash, cocky and fully relishing life.” This Batman is inexperienced and makes mistakes that extract “the cost of fighting crime.” Stir in a healthy dose of Doc Savage and the Spirit and we have a whole new Dark Knight. 
Speaking of re-imagining the tale of the Dark Knight how will Geoff Johns’ interpretation compare to Azzarello’s? Johns tells us his Earth One Batman will “break the restraints of any continuity and focus on two things: character and story.” Certainly, what we have seen of artists Gary Frank’s Earth One Batman is in sharp contrast to the First Wave Batman as penciled by Rags Morales. Frank’s take looks indomitable and steadfast while Morales looks more sinewy and athletic.
But I am getting ahead of myself. There are several other incarnations that are worthy of discussion. The ghoulish Black Lantern Batman from the Blackest Night. The “undead” Batman resurrected from a Lazarus pool by Dick Grayson. And what of the Batman that exists in “Superman/Batman” comics or in Batman Confidential? Not to mention the JLA Batman that is both teammate and leader as embodied by Dick Grayson written by James Robinson.
There will be much to discuss and I am eager to get at it. Throughout this massive effort I will seek your input. Comments are welcome. The impressions from you the reader will add fuel to the fire as we discuss and dissect one of the most iconic figures in comic book history. It all comes together in 2010, “The Year of the Batmen”.
Written by Dark Knight Dave
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
This issue is the final part of the Blackhawk Down story arc, and unfortunately, it was kind of disappointing. The first two issues were great, the third was good, but this one was kind of a letdown. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t as good as the previous issues.
As far as plot goes, Batman and Blackhawk go to the Sky Skull, where Gaynor is held up, and take him down. That’s really all that happens, and there are a lot of problems I have with this issue. First and foremost, how did Gaynor come back to life? That is never addressed! We are just supposed to accept that he is magically alive. And not mention, how did he magically get back on the Sky Skull so quickly, after being knocked out of the sky into Gotham Harbor? Also, Zinda Blake’s brain washing was pointless; it lasted for only 5 pages! I also found Blackhawk’s whole crisis of conscious a little annoying. It seemed like it was thrown in to fill the last 4 pages. These are smaller things that add up, and make the issue less enjoyable. Royal McGraw is a good writer, and I was hoping for a more exciting conclusion.
The art is good though. Macros Marz delivers really nice art, which stays consistent throughout the storyline. I wouldn’t mind seeing him do more Batman work in the future.
As far as Batman comics go, the storyline is still pretty good though. They have definitely told worse stories in the series, and overall I can recommend this story. But I think this story would be more appreciated by fans of Blackhawk, not just Batman fans.
Next issue; a new arc begins, being written and drawn by Sam Keith. It looks pretty good and I’m looking forward to it.
Batman Confidential #39:
Reviewed by TheCapedCrusader
After reading the first issue of this story arc, I was very impressed, and hoping I wouldn’t be disappointed by part 2. Fortunately, I wasn’t. This issue delivers everything the first did.
The plot is pretty simple, but great nonetheless. Basically, Batman and Zinda Blake (who we met at the end of the last issue, and is a Blackhawk who was shot into the future) try to infiltrate Blackhawk Island. Batman is Successful, but Blake is captured by the villainous Theodore Gaynor. Gaynor escapes leaving Batman to die, but our caped crusader finds his way off the island, and manages to discover the identity of the mysterious man from last issue. And it is pretty unexpected, leaving me excited to learn more about just what’s going on. The story is fast paced, and never drags. The dialog is extremely well written as well. I really think Royal McGraw has the potential to be a great writer. He definitely knows what he’s doing here.
Just as good as the story though, is the art. I really like Marcos Marz’s art, and his cover for the issue is fantastic. His work feels clean, smooth, polished, and it flows wonderfully. His style also fits the story perfectly.
There’s not a lot to say about this issue, because I really can’t find anything I didn’t like about it, and I don’t want to spoil it too much. I highly recommend you pick this up; it has everything you could want in a good comic book story.
Batman Confidential #37:
Reviewed by The Caped Crusader
Now this was an awesome issue. It did everything that the fist issue of a story arc should. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
It starts off with a pilot testing an experimental aircraft made by Blackhawk Propulsion Laboratories, which Wayne Enterprises is investing in. The test run goes smoothly until the plane is suddenly swamped in black clouds. Out of these clouds comes a fleet of World War II planes. The Blackhawk base is then attacked, and invaded by several mysterious men, and their leader proclaims, “I have returned.” The man asks Lee Cheng, the man Wayne is working with, if he knows who the mysterious man is. Cheng says he thinks so, and then the man shoots one of Cheng’s colleagues. Cheng says that the man’s name is Theodore Gaynor. Gaynor then forces Cheng to transmit some engine schematics from his computer. Batman intervenes and manages to save the rest of the staff, but the assailants escape into the storm clouds.
Later Batman pays a visit to Cheng, asking who the attacker was. Cheng tells batman That Gaynor was a Blackhawk during the war, and he was a brutal man who used the war as justification to commit atrocities. However, Gaynor has been dead for sixty years.
Then we go to the Batcave, where Batman has managed to pinpoint the ultimate destination of the file transmissions; Powazki Cemetery, the final resting place of Janos Prohaska Blackhawk.
Batman goes to the Cemetery, and finds that the tomb is empty, the body has been removed. He is then ambushed by a giant robotic squid. He manages to destroy the robot, and is then greeted by a woman in a Blackhawk uniform. The issue ends at Cheng Estates in New York, where we see Cheng telling a strange old man that Batman set off the automatic alarm at the cemetery, and that Zinda Blake is with him as well. The old man says batman will come looking for him, if he lives that long, I thought this was a great issue, and I can’t wait for the next one. It set up the story and left off with an intriguing cliff-hanger. Royal McGraw is an excellent writer, and it shows. This issue is filled with great dialogue and never once feels boring or drawn out.
The art by Marcos Marz was great as well. His work feels clean and polished, and flows nicely.
All in all, I can’t think of one thing I didn’t like about this issue, and I highly recommend you pick this up. I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
Batman Confidential #36:
Reviewed by TheCapedCrusader
After four issues, I can honestly say that this arc is not very good. It started off slow, continued slow, and is still going along slowly. The previous issues have been rather bland and un-exciting, and this issue did nothing to change that.
We start off the issue with a nice cover by Francesco Mattina, which is the best part of the issue. Then Batman interrogates a guy, The Bear kidnaps Colonel-General Lukzov’s family, Batman finds the tsar and learns that the bomb he has is really a fake (which was actually mildly interesting). Then Lukzov sets a trap for Batman under Tsar’s orders, but then decides not to spring the trap. The issue ends with Lukzov expressing concern for his kidnapped family.
So as you can see, not a lot of consequence happens in this issue, and when I was done reading I couldn’t have cared less. I wasn’t left feeling excited for the next issue, wondering what happens next. In fact, simply put, this issue was boring.
The art has the same problem, it’s not unique or interesting, and feels bland. It’s not something that makes you look at the page and say, wow that looks cool!
I don’t recommend that you go pick this up, unless you are a big collector of Batman Confidential, and want every issue. DC and this title, have much better to offer.
I know this is a very short review, but there just isn’t a lot to say about this issue. At the end of the day, the whole story is completely forgettable. I will be very glad when this arc is over and a new one begins.
Also of note, until at least December, Batman Confidential will double ship. So issue 35 will come out on October 21. I don’t know why this is, but we will be getting a double dose of bad Russian Batman story this month. Hopefully this will appreciated when a better arc comes along.
Batman Confidential #34:
Reviewed by TheCapedCrusader
This week, we venture into the particular time that I will refer to as "The Month Bat-Fans Go Broke." Why is that, you ask? Well, there are almost twice as many comics and trades coming out this month than a typical month. What does the first week hold? Well, let’s find out.
Batman and Robin #5
$2.99
This will be the second issue in the new story arc. If you are still trying to catch up on your comics from last month, you might have missed some things. Phillip Tan has taken over for Frank Quitely. Professor Pyg is locked up. Red Hood is now the main villain along with his/her (I say this to politically correct, but it would be crazy if it ended up being a female that we never thought of)) sidekick, Scarlet. Scarlet has a tendency to be very familiar with pop culture. We do not know who this new Red Hood is just yet (or do we?). So do I have you intrigued? A lot of people have said that Tan’s art takes a back seat to what Quitely was doing. I say to that, nonsense. Tan’s art can not be compared to what Quitely was doing. Grant Morrison is very good about creating a story that shows the strengths of the artist that he is working with. Tan’s art works great for this new story arc. I think you should BUY IT.
Batman Annual #27
$4.99
After taking a absence from the Batman Universe, annual issues are now back. Batman Annual #27 picks up right where the last issue of Azrael: Death’s Dark Knight #3 left off. We will see in this issue and the annual for Detective Comics next week the gaps filled in between the mini-series and the new ongoing series coming out later this month. Annuals are a great excuse to get more story. This annual will be 56 pages, which mean you are getting more for your money. And don’t forget, Dustin Ngyuen’s Little Gotham will be making their debut in the issue as well. BUY IT, or buy two like Ngyuen suggested.
Batman Confidential #34
$2.99
Confidential ships twice this month. And I will most likely be giving it the same suggestion. This is part four of five in the current story arc. Sometimes when I read this series, I truly believe that they are just trying to see what they can put out. They are testing the market. Issue three was terrible. As much as we have praised past story lines in this series, we have probably bashed it just as much. They need to take a different approach with this series, and until then PASS.
Batman: The Killing Joke-New Printing
$5.99
Not much to talk about when it comes to this book. It is a very good story. It covers the possible origin of the Joker and Barbara Gordon being paralyzed. Like I said good story that affects a large amount of continuity. Then why do I suggest, what I am about to suggest? Well, every year we get another reprint of this story. What does that do to the market? It over saturates it with that specific story and the original copies slowly loose value. As good of a story that it is, we do not need this reprinted every year. PASS
Batman: The Unseen #1
$2.99
Many people know that I am not a fan of the Batman horror comics. Gotham After Midnight would fall into this category. Simon Dark. Or anything else that Kelley Jones works on. I am all about giving mini-series a shot before saying forget it. So READ IT, and we will see if it is worth picking up in the future.
That wraps this week up. Not as many as you probably thought after reading the first paragraph, but don’t let this week fool you. "The Month That Bat-Fans Go Broke" has only just begun. Just wait. After looking over the rest of the solicitations for DC Universe books, nothing jumps out at me. So that is it for now. ‘Til next time, keep reading.
Posted by Dustin
Hey Everybody,
We have been fortunate enough to get an opportunity to interview Mike Marts. For those of you who don’t know who that is, he is pretty important when it comes to the Bat-Books. He is the senior editor for Batman, Batman: Streets of Gotham, Batman and Robin, Batman: Battle for the Cowl, Batman Confidential, Batman: The Widening Gyre, Gotham Underground, Gotham City Sirens, and Red Robin. He has worked on countless books in the past as well. Needless to say, there is not one person who is involved with more Batman books than himself. We would like this interview to be successful so that we can create a relationship with him over the Bat-books. He has agreed to do things in the future as well as long as the fan response is large enough. So let’s show him that the fan response for the Bat-books is huge. Leave any questions for him below or send them over to us at tbu@thebatmanuniverse.net. We will have him answer whatever he can.
Posted by Dustin
Alright so now that some have played Batman: Arkham Asylum and have beat it, there are new comics in the comic shops today. Let’s go through and see what we have.
Batman Confidential #33
$2.99
Alright, without sounding repetitive this is another part of the current five-issue storyline. Apple has been saying that this story is pretty good. But before you rush out on his word, he also gave Judd Winick’s run on Batman 4 out of 5 batarangs. So going on that and my past recommandations, this one is a PASS
Batman: Gotham After Midnight
$19.99
Now if you have been listening to the podcasts since the beginning, you are already fully aware of my feelings of this series. I am personally not a fan of Kelley Jones or Steve Niles. Jones’ art is not my taste as it is an extreme of the dark side of how Batman can be interpreted. According to DC though, fans enjoy his work since he will be coming back to the Bat-Books next month. For twenty dollars, this one is a PASS
Batman #690
$2.99
As much as I would love to continue to rant about all of the problems in this book, I will only say one thing. READ IT just so you know what is going on next month when Tony Daniel comes on the book.
So not anything worth buying in my opinion if you don’t normally collect everything. Just as a heads up (and completely off topic) the movie history section is now up on the site.
Posted by Dustin
This week is kind of a breather for Bat-Fans. As Dustin let us know in his new weekly previews http://thebatmanuniverse.net/editorials/2009/08/05/new-comics-out-today/, the continuity titles are on hiatus until next Wednesday. I figured this would be a good time to spend my comic dollars on the Bruce Wayne stories still being published and maybe even God forbid buy a book from the “other” company for a change. Perhaps I am too wrapped up in the Batman Reborn arc though, because except for Wednesday Comics I was sadly left unmoved by all my purchases. The most disappointing for me was Batman Confidential #32. Much like Apple from TBU, I have been a big proponent of this series. I’ve found the reimagining of past events to be refreshing and fun. Unfortunately, both the writing and art of what appears to be a new origin of the KG Beast have left me cold.
Now one browse of the book and you might wonder what my problem is; the pages look pretty good, and the story has both intrigue and action. But on closer inspection, at least to me, Andy Clarke’s art looks like he’s been reading Quitely and Nguyen and trying to fuse them together. Look at the bottom right panel of the first page. Tell me that doesn’t look like Frank Quitely drew it? Ok now look at the page where the Russian cops are talking with Bruce in his hotel room. Is it just me, or does that not resemble Dustin Nguyen’s art work but less angular? In all fairness to the artist, his previous work in Detective and Joker’s Asylum: Two Face did have a similar look. Maybe if I read this in a different time period I would have been more impressed with the art. What do you guys think?
Peter Milligan is a very well respected writer who’s been around for more than a quarter of a century, most notably to us on his run in Batman and Detective in the early nineties and more recently as part of the Resurrection of Ra’s al Ghul storyline. He’s even delved into the Russian/Soviet world with The Programme for Wildstorm comics. Again though, I felt like I had read this before. The Batman who is surprised at how different Moscow is to Gotham, reminded me of the Batman Barcelona book that came out recently. Even the way the Beast is treated, seemed too much like a Bane/Killer Croc combination.
If I try hard I can see where this could turn interesting over next three issues. Even though it seemed a cop out to have the Beast so easily scared off by the stranger’s army (or was that just a hologram?), I am intrigued to see what Milligan does with this new character hiding in the underground. My guess is that he will be a sort of Russian Bruce Wayne rebel type fighting against the Tsar, but hopefully I will be surprised by some twists that aren’t so predictable.
If you haven’t been reading any of the other Bat-titles, you might like this. For the rest of us I would take Dustin’s advice and just read it at your local comic shop.
Batman Confidential #32:
Reviewed by tiggerbrown