Monthly Archives: April 2014

The Walking Dead #126 Review

28 Monday Apr 2014

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The Walking Dead #126

Review by Paul Bowler

Rick and his allies managed to repel Negan and his forces, but the Saviors’ contaminated weapons have done their work. The Hilltop survivors suddenly become ill and begin to die. Rick was also wounded and his friends expect the worst. Negan believes he has won, so when the Saviors return to the Hilltop they are surprised when a healthy Rick is there to meets them. Rick offers to negotiate an alliance, one that will establish a safe zone between their communities and establish a barter system. Negan seems ready to contemplate the error of his ways, but just as they seem close to reaching an agreement, Rick attacks and cuts Negan’s throat.

All Out War has been six months and eleven issues in the making, now Robert Kirkman finally delivers the showdown we’ve all been waiting for, as Rick takes on Negan in this final battle in the conflict between the Hilltop communities and the Saviors. Having dealt Negan a potentially life-threatening injury, Rick says he will allow their doctor to save him, so long as the Saviors agree to surrender and let them take Negan prisoner. Down, but not out, Negan is not going to give up without a fight, and savagely attacks Rick.

With both sides now poised to strike, Dwight orders the Saviors to hold back and let Negan and Rick fight it out themselves. Ever since Dwight first joined Rick’s alliance, working secretly against Negan’s camp, his true loyalty to Rick’s cause has been dubious to say the least. Having shot Rick with his crossbow in The Walking Dead #123 there has been a big question mark hanging over the character. Now we know the crossbow bolt he uses wasn’t infected with Zombie matter, and his actions here in The Walking Dead #126 are instrumental in brining an end to the bloodshed.

In a completely unexpected move, the aftermath of the battle yields some a very surprising outcome. Those expecting Negan to meet a gruesome end might be disappointed. Indeed, the readers feeling might mirror the reaction of Andrea, Maggie, and Carl, when they discover what Rick intends to do next.

The Walking Dead #126 (Cover)

Robert Kirkman invests these scenes with some wonderfully structured moments of calm contemplation and reasoning. The way Rick manages to get his point across to Andrea, Maggie, and even Carl at the end is a brilliant piece of writing by Kirkman, and the dialogue here will have you hanging on every word.

The Walking Dead #126 marks a major turning point in the lives of these characters. Big changes are on the way, the war is over, now Rick’s vision of uniting the Hilltop communities can begin to take shape at last as they finally stand together against the Zombie apocalypse in the hope of making a better world.

Charlie Adlard’s art throughout All Out War has been some of the best this series has ever seen. This storyline has been stunningly illustrated by Adlard, with his incredible attention to detail, the characters and their environments, he has captured every nuance of this dark, and brutal storyline. Stefano Gaudiano’s inks have also been excellent, brining added depth and atmosphere to every issue, and I’m really glad that he will be staying on after this arc. Cliff Rathburn’s brilliant tones bring so much to each issue and Rus Wooton’s lettering is some of the very best in the industry.

While the fight between Negan and Rick is as violent as we might’ve expected, this bone crunching slugfest quickly becomes just one part in a collage of violence as we see Michonne, Ezekiel, and Jesus locked in battle with the rest of the Saviors. By the time the dust has settles on the battlefield, Lucile has a new master, and Rick and his friends are left to pick up the pieces of their lives. Robert Kirkman has done such a fantastic job with All Out War, every issue has been building up to this defining moment for the series, the characters have also been through so much, and its going to be fascinating to see how things pan out now the war is over.

The scene where Rick addressed everyone at the Hilltop is another highlight of this issue. His rousing speech offers us some insight into what to expect next. I also particularly enjoyed the short scene between Rick and Michonne towards the end of the issue as they discussed the future. It’s a great little moment for the characters and it also illustrates the impact this war has had on their lives and the new paths it has forged for them.

The Walking Dead #126 closes out the All Out War storyline in a way that few could have expected. Once the no-holds-barred final battle gives way to the rallying speeches, moralizing, and soul searching, this issue quickly builds towards its climatic final scenes when everyone notices Carl has suddenly gone missing. From that moment we know exactly where he’s gone and what he intends to do next.

This final scene, and the way Rick handles the situation, is riveting. In only a few pages it becomes clear why Michonne said that she has learned not to question him. Rick’s “knack” for leadership together with his sound judgment has united the Hilltop communities, they will work together to build a better future, but it is these closing moments, where his compassion and reasoning as a father makes his son see reason, that shows us just how great a leader Rick has become. The Walking Dead #126 is the issue that changes everything, and as for Negan, well, Rick’s parting words make it clear that Negan’s fate will be far from pleasant.

The Walking Dead #126 brings the epic 12 part All Out War story arc to a close, and it has proved to be a fitting celebration for the 10th Anniversary of Robert Kirkman’s and Charlie Adlard’s brilliant Image Comics series. This monster event has torn through the lives of everyone involved as Rick Grimes and the survivors had to fight for survival in a conflict that ultimately brought about Negan’s downfall and subsequently united the Hilltop communities. All Out War has been a terrific storyline, I’ve enjoyed following all the twists and turns of the plot, and I think Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Stefano Gaudiano have done a fantastic job in delivering this story arc, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the double sized issue #127 and beyond.

 

 

Batman Eternal #3 Review

23 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Batman Eternal #3

Review by Paul Bowler

Gang war breaks out in Batman Eternal #3 as Gotham City is rocked by a power struggle within the criminal underworld. With his old friend Jim Gordon arrested for causing the train crash in the subway station, the Dark Knight continues his search for evidence to help him. When the crime war begins GCPD seems unwilling to help Batman contain the violence. Also, get ready for the New 52 debut of Stephanie Brown!

With Gordon languishing in a cell at GCPD, the situation is grim, and even Batman’s analysis of the evidence fails to offer up many new leads. The return of Carmine Falcone also spells big trouble for the Penguin; soon Gotham is reeling from an explosive outbreak of violence. Batman Eternal #3 is a blisteringly good read, with its story and script by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV (consulting writers Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley) and great art by Jason Fabok, the events following the aftermath of the train crash begin to escalate dramatically.

There are some great scenes at the GCPD, particularly where Lieutenant Bullock and Captain Sawyer have a heated confrontation with Forbes. Gordon’s arrest has really shaken the department to the core, tempers are frayed, and it’s not looking good for Gordon either. The responsibility for arresting Gordon is also weighing heavily on the shoulders on the new recruit Jason Bard; this certainly wasn’t how he expected his first day on the job to turn out. Bard’s conversation with Gordon in the holding cells is especially poignant, even Jim Gordon feels the evidence is stacked against him, it’s a great scene, and Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV pitch it perfectly.

Batman Eternal #3 (Cover)

As the scene shifts to the Penguin at his Iceberg Casino the full implications of Falcone’s return to Gotham begins to sink in. However, there is more at stake here than just the Penguin’s empire. The corruption in Gotham reaches all the way to the top, as shadowy meetings begin to shift the balance of power for all concerned.

Batman Eternal #3 features some terrific art by Jason Fabok, the action doesn’t let up for a moment, and with such a large cast of characters, Fabok does a terrific job, and the colors by Brad Anderson are excellent. I really like the pages in the Batcave, the attention to detail here is staggering. The moments in GCPD are also handled really well, drawing you into the story. The Batmobile adorns Fabok’s awesome cover for Batman Eternal #3 as well, and the car looks stunning in the issue too. I really like this Batmobile, it’s like a pimped up version of the Tim Burton movie Batmobile, and I hope we get to see a lot more of it as Batman Eternal progresses.

Batman Eternal #3 also features the long awaited debut of Stephanie Brown in the New 52 continuity. Its great to see Stephanie again, I always liked the character, and Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV make this issue a fitting introduction for her. Snyder and Tynion have remained entirely faithful to the essence of the character, and they way her involvement in events also ties into the main storyline of Batman Eternal is really inspired.

Batman Eternal #3 is another great issue in this new weekly series. With great plotting and characters, the debut of Stephanie Brown, and with all the big changes affecting the criminal underworld and GCPD, this is an issue not to be missed!

 

Batman #30 Review

16 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Batman #30

Review by Paul Bowler

Savage City begins in Batman #30 as the Dark Knight faces the greatest challenge of his early crime fighting career. The Riddler’s plan to hack into Gotham’s power grid has succeeded; the restraining walls protecting the city have fallen, leaving Gotham at the mercy of the super storm. Batman is defeated, missing and presumed dead. The Riddler now has free reign over Gotham, a city now flooded and overgrown with dense vegetation, and transformed by Nygma’s grand design into a deadly post-apocalyptic nightmare.

The third arc of Zero Year introduces us to a radically different version of Gotham City. Its one we first glimpsed way back in Batman #21, where the city has been moulded into a completely new environment by the Riddler’s scheme. Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s new take on the Dark Knight’s early career continues to explore new territory, as Batman evolves to survive amidst the urban wilderness that Gotham has now become.

While the Secret City and Dark City sections of Zero Year revisited many of the classic elements from Batman’s origin, with this third and final chapter, Savage City, the foundations are set for the ultimate showdown between Batman and the Riddler. Snyder and Capullo’s reimagning of the Bruce Wayne’s early years has been nothing short of a revelation, offering a modern perspective, whilst remaining entirely respectful to the characters time-honoured legacy.

The intriguing opening moments of Batman #30 leads masterfully into the beginning of Savage City. With all of Gotham laid out before us we rejoin Bruce Wayne as he wakes to find himself in a very different city to the one he knew. Having escaped from the crashed weather balloon Bruce was saved by a family and taken in. In the month that he was unconscious the Riddler has effectively cut Gotham off from the outside world, there is no way in or out, and the flooded city has become engulfed by vegetation.

Batman #30 (cover)

Batman is believed to be dead. Now the Riddler appears on a giant screen once a day to issue a challenge to the people of Gotham, saying that if anyone can present him with a riddle he cannot solve, he will return control of the city to them. While it sounds simple, there is a heavy price for failure, and the Riddler takes no prisoners. It is during one such address that Lieutenant Gordon instigates a plan to strike back at the Riddler.

Now that the Riddler has control over the grid, he can work everything remotely, machinery, street lamps, automated surveillance, and no one knows where he is. Having transformed Gotham the Riddler has created the ultimate riddle, changing the environment of the city to revert things almost to a primal level, and thereby challenging the population to evolve if they are to have any chance of finding and defeating him. Savage City shows how the Riddler has embodied the issues of climate change, evolution, harsh economic times, and global terrorism, in order to challenge the city to outwit him – presenting them with his conception of Gotham’s future – having orchestrated events to implement his vision by churning all these existential influences together and plunging Gotham into an entropic maelstrom of his own narcissistic design.

The Riddler takes centre stage this issue, as the narrative unfolds it becomes clear how his scheme is engrained within the structure of Zero Year itself, even the stories name is intrinsically linked to Nygma’s plans. I also really liked the opening scenes, where the young Duke Thomas fills us in on what’s been happening. Bruce also makes contact with Alfred, in a particularly moving scene, where, believing he has failed the city, he has to confront his innermost doubts and decide whether or not he can claw himself back from this defeat. Scott Snyder writes such beautiful, emotive dialogue for this scene, and you can almost feel Bruce’s voice cracking with raw emotion.

From its lush green cover, to the incredible reveal of Gotham’s new skyline, Greg Capullo’s art depicts the ravaged city magnificently, smashed by storm and flood, it is now a bleak, desolate place overrun with lush vegetation. The moment where Bruce wakes up and we pull away from the glass of water, is simply sublime, and I really liked how Capullo brings the harsh, grimy, reality of this new Gotham to life on the page. Batman #30 looks incredible, Danny Miki’s inks and FCO Plascencia’s colors are as stunning as ever, you’ll really want to read this issue a few times just to soak up the visual spectacle of it all, it’s breathtaking.

Batman #30 is a terrific issue, packed with action, and an exciting conclusion that is punctuated with another defining moment for the saga. Savage City looks set to be the most exciting segment of Zero Year of all, and I can’t wait to see what Snyder and Capullo have in store for us as Zero Year progresses towards its conclusion.

 

Batman Eternal #1 Review

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Batman Eternal #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Now that Batman’s 75th Anniversary year is well under way, the celebrations really kick into high gear this week with the release of Batman Eternal #1, the first issue of a new weekly series that will focus on the relationship between Batman, his many allies, his enemies, and even Gotham itself, as the Dark Knight’s world is explored over the course of this year-long event. With its all star creative team consisting of Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, Jason Fabok, John Layman, and Tim Seeley, we can rest assured that Batman Eternal and its year-long storyline will have us eagerly returning to Gotham City week after week.

This debut issue with story and script by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV (consulting writers Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley) with art by Jason Fabok, certainly gets Batman Eternal #1 off to an explosive start, as we first get a glimpse of what the future holds for the Dark Knight, before returning to the present where a series of events place Commissioner James Gordon on the wrong side of the law.

Batman Eternal #1 (Cover)

With its fantastic opening tease fanning the flames of the future Batman Eternal #1 quickly introduces us to a new arrival in Gotham City, Jason Bard, a Lieutenant newly transferred from Detroit to join the GCPD. Gordon has assigned Bard to be the new Lieutenant night shift, a role that Jim Gordon himself once held. However, when Jim calls in for backup the new recruits first collar quickly proves to be an eventful one.

Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV masterfully weave these scenes where Bullock shows Bard around GCPD while the action unfolds at a nearby museum, where Gordon is busy protecting a group of children and fighting off a vicious attack from Professor Pyg as he attempts to transform them into Dollotrons. The dialogue over the comlink between Gordon and Batman really builds the tension here, as the Dark Knight is delayed, and is still on en route to the scene. These opening scenes really highlight the close bond Gordon and Batman have. When the Dark Knight does arrive, Gordon accompanies him in chasing their quarry.

Batman goes after Pyg while Gordon races after the stray henchman who makes a break for the subway station. What follows is a brilliantly tense and exhilarating series of events that will keep you glued to every page, as Jim makes a split-second decision that could change his life and career forever. Snyder and Tynion keep us hanging on every word as this sequence, along with its terrifying consequences and equally devastating repercussions unfold.

The art by Jason Fabok is also excellent; there are so many stand-out moments in this first issue of Batman Eternal: the battle in the museum is brilliant, its really frenetic and exciting, with Batman making one hell of an entrance. Fabok makes Batman look really powerful and imposing, especially when he catches up with Pyg, he also includes some really fine detailing on the Bat-Suit as well. Each character is clearly defined, with excellent facial expressions, and the sense of urgency in he build up to the scene with the subway train is almost palpable.

The colors by Brad Anderson really complement Fabok’s art too; the Gotham skyline seamlessly reflects the way the narration depicts the city, casting a new light on this familiar skyline. From the explosive showdown in the museum to the climatic moments in the subway station, this issue looks incredible.

With Batman Eternal #1 also featuring an amazing cover by Jason Fabok , this first issue is a really stunner. Batman Eternal #1 certainly lives up to all the hype, and this action packed debut issue really gets things off to a great start. Needles to say I’m hooked, and I’m confident that Scott Snyder and his exceptionally talented creative team can meet the challenge of producing this new weekly Batman series, and if this first issue is anything to go by its bound to keep us looking forward to our weekly visits to Gotham City.

 

Captain America The Winter Soldier Film Review

07 Monday Apr 2014

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Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Review by Paul Bowler

Captain America TWS (1)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier gets the next installment of the Marvel saga off to a fine start, as the shield-slinging Avenger continues to adjust to life in the modern world as his past returns to haunt him. This blockbuster sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger sees Steve Rogers / Captain America settling into his new life following the events of The Avengers as he continues to work with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.

A new threat emerges after Captain America is involved in a rescue mission at sea after a ship is captured by Georges Batroc (George St-Pierre); Cap uncovers a dark conspiracy, one that challenges everything he stands for. When someone close to him is attacked Captain America teams up with Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, in his ongoing battle against the highly trained forces that have been sent against him, whilst also enlisting the help of a new ally, the Falcon, as they face a powerful new enemy, one with a secret past of his own – the formidable Winter Soldier.

Captain America TWS (4)

This Marvel sequel is a real step up for the franchise. While his origin was handled well in Captain America: The First Avenger, the character was still finding his feet in The Avengers, now in The Winter Soldier we have a film that really capitalizes on the characters full potential. Chris Evans gives a great performance as Captain America / Steve Rogers, bringing an added depth to the character as Cap finds himself in a world where political corruption is now his greatest enemy. There is also the heartrending realization of everything he has left behind in his old life, it’s an underlying theme which The Winter Soldier uses to great effect, one that shows how much this franchise has evolved and grown.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is in many respects, as much a gritty conspiracy thriller as it is an all-out superhero action story, and as a result the tightly plotted screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFreely delivers its fair share of thrills and adrenalin pumping action sequences along with some well structured character development to balance the excellently choreographed fight scenes.

Captain America TWS (7)

When Cap learns about a secret project and the Helicarriers created for it, each fitted out with new surveillance technology and weapons to eliminate potential threats before they can happen, the duplicitous and uncompromising nature of the project brings him into conflict with S.H.I.E.L.D and his boss Nick Fury. As the forces of the clandestine organization manipulating events from within begins to close in it falls to Captain America and the Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson) to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that now threatens to engulf them all. Samuel L Jackson also gets plenty to do as Nick Fury, giving a captivating and commanding performance, and Scarlet Johansson is excellent as the badass super-spy, Robert Redford stars as a Government official for S.H.I.E.L.D, while Cobie Smulders plays Mira Hill and Emil VanCamp is introduced as Sharon Carter. Hayley Atwell also returns, made up as the elderly Peggy Carter – the Captain’s former sweetheart from the 1940’s.

There is great chemistry between Cap and the Black Widow, with their opposing morals and personalities, forcing them together in such extreme circumstances like this makes for some really exciting moments. Anthony Mackie makes an impressive new addition to the series as war veteran Sam Wilson, who also strikes up a close friendship with Cap. Wilson is later transformed into the Falcon with the help of some special flight equipment, which he uses to join the battle.

Captain AMerica TWS (6)

The action in Captain America: The Winter Soldier hardly lets up for moment: with a thrilling fight on a ship at sea, a nail-biting car chase through Washington and assassination attempt on Nick Fury is perfectly staged, and there are also some brilliant aerial battles when the Falcon joins the fray and takes to the skies.

The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) is ruthlessly efficient killer; he possesses a metallic arm, and has a flair for violence that will let nothing stop him from achieving his goal. The Winter Soldier also has a dark, terrible secret, one that also reaches back into Cap’s own past. Sebastian Stan gives an excellent performance as The Winter Soldier, as intense as the Terminator, with just a glimmer of the humanity beneath, his true identity and that of those he works for may come as no surprise, but his steely presence is more than enough to maintain the suspense.

Captain America TWS (8)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a spectacular film which draws on every ounce of its dark premise, inspired by Ed Brubaker’s Winter Soldier storyline from the Captain America comics, and this makes for a hugely entertaining film. There are plenty of references, name-checks, and in-jokes for fans to enjoy, while still being enjoyable and accessible for those who haven’t read the comic book series. Captain America: The Winter Soldier really honours the character of the star spangled Avenger, events in this film look set shake up the Marvel Cinematic Universe quite dramatically, it is easily the best of Marvel’s Phase 2 films so far, the special effects are breathtaking, and it all builds towards a spectacular action-packed final act that will have you on the edge of your seat. A must see film, and make sure you sick around for those two post credit scenes as well.

 

Earth 2 #22

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Earth 2 #22

Review by Paul Bowler

Things look bad for Earth 2 as the forces of Darkseid continue their attack on Earth 2, all hope seems lost, but suddenly a light begins to shine in these dark times when Green Lantern is reborn from the ashes of defeat. Having taken refuge in the Batcave, the remaining wonders can only wait as, Val, the young Kryptonian they saved from Arkham, learns to use his powers, with the hope that he will help them fight the evil Superman. Now that Darkseid’s herald has learned of Val’s existence he sets out for Gotham with a squadron of Parademons, determined to crush the young Kryptonian and deal with Batman’s sudden return…

Tom Taylor beings us right back to the moment where Green Lantern was beaten to a bloody pulp by Superman in Dherain, as Earth 2 #22 transports us back into the inferno unleashed by Steppenwolf’s demise at Superman’s hand. The power of Green Lantern was given to Alan Scott by the very essence of the planet itself, now that same power suddenly returns to bring him back from his death in the raging heart of the terrifying maelstrom of Godfire that consumed him and gouged a massive scar across the surface of the world.

Green Lantern’s resurrection is stunningly crafted; Nicola Scott’s art elevates this scene to an epic scale, as Alan Scot returns from the ashes and bones of Dherain’s destruction. It’s a powerful and striking image, with skulls bathed in the glow from Green Lantern’s power ring carpeting the ground for as far as the eye can see. Perfectly accentuated by Trevor Scott’s inks and Pete Pantazis’ bold colors, this moment gets Earth 2 #22 of to a rousing start.

Earth 2 #22 (Cover )

We then check out what’s happening back at the Batcave, as Red Arrow and Jimmy Olsen try to make sense of Dr Fate’s ramblings, and Red Tornado continues to advise Val as his Kryptonian powers begin to develop. I really like how Tom Taylor has made Lois Lane such a pivotal character in this storyline. The Kryptonian Part 2 continues to see Lois adjusting to her new life in the android body of the Red Tornado, there is an especially moving scene when she is taking to Val, and she catches sight of herself in a mirror. Its scenes like this that really makes Earth 2 something very special indeed and the poignancy of this moment remains with you long after the issue is over.

Tom Taylor keeps things bubbling away at Bedlam’s science facility where Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, and Mr Miracle have been captured and forced into helping build a boom tube capable of transporting Earth 2 through space. Superman quickly learns about the circumstances behind Val’s arrival on Earth – as well as his fellow Kryptonian’s full name – and how Terry Sloan’s kept the young Kryptonian hidden in Arkam’s basement in a secret cell. Furthermore the herald of Darkseid soon discovers what he perceives to be an even greater threat as Bedlam replays the images gathered from Arkham by the Parademons.

My favourite scene in Earth 2 #22 is where Lois / Red Tornado and Val leave the cave. Having spent his whole life in Arkham, the young Kryptonian is gradually overcoming his agoraphobia. Here we witness the pure joy as he discovers the wider world outside the Batcave, his senses evolving with each passing moment, before taking to the skies with the Red Tornado. Here we get to see that Earth 2 is much more than the all-out-action of previous issues, as Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott deliver a delightfully simple, yet wonderful moment, one that sparkles with awe and laughter as Val makes his first tentative attempt at flight.

The joy of Val’s first flight is short lived as the Parademon horde rapidly approaches Gotham; fortunately Hawkgirl is around to warn them. Earth 2 #22 wraps things up in style as the Parademons begin their attack. With the Red Tornado and Hawkgirl up against impossible odds, the bone crushing finale moments hurtles towards you before setting up the potentially game-changing confrontation we’ve been waiting for.

Overall this was a really good issue, with some fabulous character development, and plenty of action to keep us on the edge of our seat. While its been intriguing to guess what Dr Fate’s ramblings are about, he makes a very sad sight this issue, forlornly gazing at the cracked Helm of Nabu and mumbling in the corner of the Batcave. I just hope Tom Taylor brings Dr Fate back to normal soon. He’s a great character with so much potential and it’s been a shame to see him reduced to this state, especially for so many issues.

So, this is another great issue then by Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott. Earth 2 #22 certainly seems to be setting things up for something really big, especially given Alan Scott’s resurrection and this issues cliff-hanger ending.