Batman joins the newly reformed Justice League of America in issue number 41 of the JLA written by James Robinson, penciled by Mark Bagley and ably inked by Hunter, Alquiza, and Wong.
First and foremost, what is the most striking detail about this issue? The continuity problem! Not only does this issue take place after Blackest Night is over it also spoils the ending to “Justice League: Cry for Justice”. So anyone who wants an advanced look at how that series ends, help yourselves! (Not that “Cry” has exactly set the world on fire. Also written by Robinson, it is now running late.)
Batman does not take a central role in this book as it is, of course, a team up affair. The story starts out with a disconsolate Donna Troy ready to walk away from it all. Burnt out and “beaten down” Troy happens across a crime scene where children are being held hostage in a hospital and she is forced to act. After securing the children and stuffing the bad guys, she openly questions herself, lashes out at Wonder Woman and proclaims, “I am done.”
Or not.
After a short lecture from Wonder Woman and a brief interlude through America’s colonial period (with a sidebar trip to the Smithsonian, which serves as a future JLA storyline) Troy relents and starts the recruitment process. Starfire and Cyborg quickly sign up and Troy takes off to Gotham City. Here we catch up with the Caped Crusaders in the middle of a beat down of some poor Killer Moth wannabe’s. The new Batman and Robin are at their acrobatic best and seem to be following the Judd Winick model. Lighter in attitude and much less grimmer in tone. The action stops as Troy appears on the scene and says not bad to "Batman". Batman, in quotes, as she knows it is Dick Grayson beneath the cowl. She compliments the duo and refers to Damian as a kid. Cue comedic retort from the new Damian Robin, “Kid?” he says, “How dare you Harlot.” Funny and not too far off as Donna Troy is sporting a skin tight cat suit that might be more appropriate to the bedroom than a back alley.
The two exchange some small talk and catch up quickly. Batman tells Donna that he just put down “Yellow Wasp” and is on the trail of a bigger evil doer called” The Broker” who has been setting up hideouts and putting together groups for what may be a larger storyline in the future. He correctly deduces Donna hasn’t arrived for chit-chat and asks her if her visit means she wants him to join the Justice League. She is amazed at his deductive prowess (he cheated) and the seal the deal with a groan inducing “fist bump”. Again, from the Winick model? Of course if she had asked me to join the League I would have told she had me at revealing, skin tight jump suit that barely covers her ample, um, attributes. Just sayin’. (Oh yes, Damian says he's in too.)
The story continues as Donna goes off to recruit the new Dr. Light, Mon-El as the Superman sub, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow. The final panel is a full pager and is a nice portrait of the Hal Jordan Green Lantern and Batman.
The artwork seems a bit rushed but the inking was fine. Like I said, the last panel is pretty cool and Mon El gets a nice action splash page. The story? Well, it is a reboot of the JLA series, so Robinson had to fit in a lot threads just to pull each character in. Hopefully future plots will be tighter. I’m curious how large a role the Dick Grayson Batman will play in this series and if he will continue the lighter tone discussed earlier. I’m actually hoping he’ll keep the cape and cowl and stay on as Batman in the JLA even after Bruce Wayne returns. There is more than one Green Lantern after all. Anyone think DC has the guts to allow that angle?
Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
Justice League of America #41:
Reviewed by Dark Knight Dave
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 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
After a two issue break, Paul Dini returns to Streets of Gotham to continue his Mr. Zsaz storyline and provide us with a characterization of the under used Humpty Dumpty. Dustin Nguyen continues to be one of the most consistent artists currently lending their talents to the bat-books. However, while the art remains solid, the plot continues to leave us with the question I continue to ask; Why?
Paul Dini’s return continues the inconsistencies that were present when he originally started the title. My main problem with Streets of Gotham in general is; why is this title being published? I do not question Dini’s ability to write the characters, I question Dini’s ability to write a plot that carries any significance. The problems with Dini’s plot become more apparent inside the pages of Streets of Gotham number seven.
Issue number seven kicks off on Christmas Eve, where we find Batman and Robin rescuing citizens from a disastrous car crash in which the car is about to explode. After this sequence, I am at a complete loss with what comes next. We then are introduced to Humpty Dumpty, who is sporting the Santa Claus costume. He is stranded a cold and snow-covered street in Gotham, where he is fixing his snowmobile. Humpty Dumpty then has the pleasure of meeting the Abuse character that has yet to hold any significance in this book. This is where the inconsistencies in the story and art begin; after Abuse and Humpty Dumpty exchange words about missing children, Abuse decides he is going to pick up a car, in which we receive no explanation for this action. Abuse apparently puts the car down where Humpty Dumpty hits him with a crowbar. Humpty Dumpty then hops into his vehicle and proceeds to run Abuse over. I feel that the Dini and Nguyen do a poor job in executing this portion of the story. After the confusing panels of nonsense, Humpty enters an abandoned orphanage where we see “sleeping” children. Humpty opens up a sack of toys and distributes them to the “sleeping” children. Batman and Robin appear and explain that after talking with the Broker, they were able to figure out where Humpty Dumpty’s hideout would be. After questioning Humpty Dumpty’s scheme they learn that all of the “sleeping” children are actually dead. Things start to look terribly gloomy for Humpty Dumpty. However, Humpty Dumpty explains that the children were already dead when he found them. He explains that he felt bad that they died so close to Christmas that all he wanted was to give them a Christmas. Batman and Robin believe Humpty Dumpty because he is not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. We learn that Abuse has been listening the entire time and we follow him back into an orphanage in which he is spotted by a nun. She follows him into a room where we see there is no one else but a young boy. The boy denies ever seeing anyone enter his room and the nun leaves him to sleep. However, behind the door, sitting on a chair is Abuse’s hat and jacket. This also left me confused. What is Paul Dini insinuating? Anyway, we learn of the true person responsible for the dead children, Mr. Zsaz. He has been children fighting in a “fight to the death” tournament, in which the winner will have the liberty of fighting Mr. Zsaz for their freedom. The issue ends with two boys about to begin their battle.
The Manhunter is a rather quick story, which made me question why Manhunter was on the cover. Basically, Kate Spencer goes to visit Dylan Battle, where he explains that it is Two-Face and not Black Mask who Dylan has been working for. Anyway, after Kate and the cops leave, Two-Face enters Dylan’s room in an attempt to do away with Dylan. Kate hears a crash from Dylan’s room and quickly changes into the Manhunter costume. She confronts Two-Face and attacks him which leads them to falling out of a hospital window. They begin to spar but are interrupted by Batman and Robin. Batman briefly states that they are there to start here. And the co-feature ends on a cliffhanger.
My main problem with this issue in particular was that while Dini continued to write good characterizations, which we have come to expect, his plot does not make any sense and, I found to be somewhat disturbing. I don’t understand why Mr. Zsaz is having children killing each other only to end up fighting him. I just don’t see the point. I also felt there are certain points in the story that he does not provide any explanation are does not elaborate further. And I still do not understand the point of the Abuse character. What is his purpose? Only time will tell.
Dustin Nguyen remains consistent and his visuals do not disappoint. However, because of Dini’s poor plotting, Nguyen is forced to provide us with some extremely confusing panels. The art remains excellent.
I feel that the Manhunter co-feature has been the highlight of the Streets of Gotham series. If I had my way, I would make Manhunter an ongoing series and make Streets of Gotham the co-feature. More happens in the twelve pages of Manhunter then the twenty eight pages of Streets of Gotham. Marc Andreyko keeps me intrigued and spikes my interest with the arrival of Batman and Robin.
Jeremy Haun has been the usual artist on Manhunter, but fill-in artist Cliff Richards stepped in to take over pencils for number seven. While Richard’s pencils are not nearly as nice as Haun’s, his art did not detract me from the story. I really was not bothered by Richard’s work.
Overall, Streets of Gotham continues to raise the question; Why? I still see no reason to read this book unless you want good written characters and a poorly plotted and pointless storyline. The highlight of the book is the co-feature, which should never be the case. I say skip it and unless Dini cleans his’ mess up, don’t concern yourself with this book.
Batman: Streets of Gotham #7:
Reviewed by Zfactor
Leave it to the villains of the DC Universe to disrupt the holidays for the Teen Titans. From Teen Titans #13
Posted by Dustin
Who would have ever thought that super heroes helped Santa deliver gifts? Actually in the DCU it makes sense that they do with all of the problems in the world. From DC Comics Holiday Special 2008
Posted by Dustin
About half-way through reading this book and it occurred to me – and I might be the only person who this hadn't previously occurred to – Batgirl is a TEAM book. I'm not talking particularly about Batgirl being part of the 'Bat-family' but it occurred to me that, for me at least, the character 'Batgirl' is Stephanie Brown AND Barbara Gordon – both of them. At the same time.
I think it was the use of the word 'I' in Barbara's narrative, just a couple of pages after Stephanie had said the same thing, that helped me realize this – I'm not sure if it's a technique that's been used in the previous issues or whether I just hadn't noticed it – and it's part of the reason I'm enjoying the book so much.
Issue #5, Core Requirements, part one of three, opens in Devil's Square as the city Fire Department tackle a huge fire that has engulfed a social-housing project known as the Gracia Global Housing Development. On hand to witness the destruction is 'Real Estate Mogul' Stefano Gracia along with his son, Stephanie Brown's university class-mate Francisco.
At the same time, Commissioner Jim Gordon and Fire-Chief Nguyen are talking about the blaze with Nguyen remarking that he'd never seen flames quite like these and he hoped none of Gordon's 'men' were inside the building.
No men, but there is a girl inside the building – Batgirl of course! – and she's certainly got her hands full wrestling with 'Diesel', a giant of a creature who is spraying gasoline, flame-thrower like, in her direction. With Barbara on the com-link offering support, Stephanie turns to 'Mama Oracle's secret weapon': freeze-batarangs!
Unable to contain Diesel for long, it looks like the situation is getting out of hand for Stephanie as Barbara warns her that 'company' is on the way. Thinking this means the police Stephanie is surprised – 'offended' she says – to discover that the company is none other than Batman and Robin. With three-on-one Diesel doesn't stand a chance and is eventually overcome and knocked to the ground. With Robin pounding Diesel, Batman realizes there's a gasoline leak … 'Batgirl to the rescue'.
Later, Barbara and Dick are back at base discussing – arguing mainly – the events of the evening with Dick questioning Barbara's judgment of Stephanie's abilities. Barbara reminds him that his own 'protege' doesn't have a great track record either. With tempers now at boiling point Barbara pushes Dick just a little too hard – as he storms off he warns her that if she doesn't control Stephanie, he will.
Another day, and we're with Stephanie in the library at Gotham U where she overhears – 'earwigs' where I come from! – the aforementioned Francisco and his friend Jordanna discussing the building fire and the loyalty he feels towards his father. As Jordanna leaves, Stephanie sees an opportunity to find out more and asks if there's anything she can help with. Taking in some fresh air, Francisco feels that Stephanie is prying just a bit too much about his father before realizing that they are being followed … Damian.
Across town Barbara is waiting for her father when she's spotted by Detective Nick Gage who is also there to meet with Commissioner Gordon – they've been set up! After some very brief flirting the two start bickering before Gage grabs his coat and leaves, with Barbara realizing that she's still frustrated from her earlier row with Dick.
Later that evening, Stephanie discovers Francisco sat alone in a diner. Changing into some clothes hastily borrowed from Barbara she says 'hi' just as a gang of masked gunmen enter. Despite Francisco's instructions to leave she tackles the raiders only to find herself outnumbered …
This was another cracking read from the Miller/Garbett/Scott creative team. Yes, some of Stephanie's dialogue appears a little cliched but for me that part of her charm, she's 'storming': trying to prove to others – and herself – that she's confident and up to the job. Besides, she's still a young girl, what else should we expect? As I've suggested before, I'm really enjoying Barbara's role in the book and what's more I'm enjoying seeing the Stephanie/Barbara relationship develop.
The inclusion of Dick and Damian in this issue made for some interesting character exploration – there felt a tangible undercurrent of tension throughout the scenes involving Dick and Barbara while it's clear that Stephanie and Damian – like bickering siblings – just aren't getting along. My only disappointment with the Stephanie/Damian interaction was that we didn't get to see the results when Damian was 'rescued'!
Furthermore, it'll be interesting to see how the Barbara/Nick Gage relationship grows – with Batgirl possibly having a crush on the detective through the earlier books it could be interesting to see how – if? – this theme develops.
It's often said that there's no such thing as good or bad art, rather there's art that we either enjoy or don't enjoy, and I'm certainly enjoying the art on this book: from Phil Noto's striking, eye-catching covers to the warm, bold – confident – interior artwork and panel layout.
'Team Batgirl' goes from strength to strength.
Batgirl #5:
Reviewed by Zaius
Join Batman and Robin on The Bond Wagon. This was a obvious show of how the war affected the comic industry and the American way of life in general. From Detective Comics #78
Posted by Dustin
With Batman and Robin heading to England in an upcoming issue of Batman and Robin, could it be too far fetched to think that these kilts may make a reappearance? From Detective Comics #198
Posted by Dustin
So now they know each others identities. I still find it amusing how much older Babs seems in comparison to Dick. So either she robbed the cradle or Dick is the one character that has actually grown older in the Batman Universe. From Batman: Family #33.
Posted by Dustin
Batman has always a ton of tools and gadgets that he can use in some of the tightest situations. Here we see he really does have everything, even a "Bat-Robot" to use as a decoy. From Batman #138.
Posted by Dustin
So many of you that have been around the site for awhile may recognize some of these scans over the next couple of weeks. Most of these were used on the old blog and never made it on to the site. We start off with a scan from Batman #102. I am sure that you can tell that this era was all about the camp.
Posted by Dustin
As you can see from here (Batman issue 366), Jason Todd dyed his own hair. Bruce didn't force him to do it as implied in Grant Morrison's "Batman and Robin". Don't pay any attention to what Vicki Vale is wearing. Don't.
Posted by Josh
I always thought this panel from Detective Comics issue 700 was cool. Batman, Nightwing and Robin face off again Ra's Al Ghul and his men during LEGACY.
Posted by Josh