Batman #91 Review

Tags

Batman, Batman #91, Batman #91 review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, DC Comics, Deathstroke, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Penguin, Riddler, The Designer, The Nightclimber

Batman #91

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight squares off against Deathstroke in Batman #91 as the mysterious Designer’s grand plan begins to overwhelm Gotham. In order to help Batman save the city Catwoman will have to undertake the greatest heist in Gotham’s history. However, with Joker, Penguin and Riddler involved, and with a team of assassins on the loose Catwoman must reluctantly team-up with Harley Quinn while Batman confronts Deathstroke alone…

Writer James Tynion IV gathers numerous plot threads together in Their Dark Designs Part 6, as the pieces of the Designer’s scheme woven from the betrayal of the major players of Gotham’s nefarious Rogues Gallery of villains begins to unfold. Batman #91 starts chillingly enough. Joker has a tale to tell, one where he’s naturally the star of the show of course. It’s a glorious retelling of the Joker’s, Riddler’s, Pernguin’s, and Catwoman’s past encounter with the Designer from last issues flashback to events at Tartarus House, and its frighteningly relayed to the Joker’s captive audience. Add an intriguing phone call, together with the fact that the Joker War storyline is rapidly approaching, and this interlude with Joker clearly lays the groundwork for even darker things to come.

After reigning in Harley Quinn following her brief stint on drone duty, the primary focus of the issue is Batman’s high-octane chase and showdown with Deathstroke, Once again Tynion’s brings some superb characterisation to the fore here as Batman confronts Deathstroke with the Nightclimber, highlighting some striking parallels between them as Batman strives to make his case for saving Gotham City. Likewise, Catwoman and Harley Quinn are thrown together again and have to fight their way out of trouble. There’s a great dynamic between them too which leads to some hilarious asides and observations from Harley Quinn on the whole Bat-Cat relationship!

Batman #91’s artwork is shared between Rafael Albuquerque, Jorge Jimenez, and Carlo Pagulayan. Each of their distinctive artistic styles is perfectly suited to the trio of plot lines they’ve been allotted to render. The varying styles overlap nicely and don’t jar as a result, action sequences flow seamlessly alongside the more character driven moments, and the colors by Tomeu Morey accentuates the dark, brooding atmosphere of the issue perfectly.

Following Batman’s unexpected alliance with a deadly foe, everything builds to an exciting cliff-hanger as another player steps into the fray to take their turn in the Designer’s game. Although the story is starting to feel a little conventional with yet another mysterious villain seemingly knowing the Dark Knight’s every move, Tynion’s excellent writing keeps things engaging enough, the art is also very good, and the action-adventure tone ensures this is another exciting issue.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV /

Art: Rafael Albuquerque, Jorge Jimenez, Carlo Pagulayan, and Danny Miki

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Jimenez and Morey

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Superman #21 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Clark Kent, DC Comics, Lois Lane, Mongul, Superman, Superman #21, Superman #21 Review, United Planets

Superman #21

Review by Paul Bowler

Mongul Vs the Man of Steel in Superman #21 as the fate of the United Planets hangs in the balance! Supeman faces a devastating showdown with Mongul as the greatest powers of the galaxy look on, Mongul has already fractured their alliance, and if Superman fails to stop him now the United Planets will be over before its even begun…

Superman #21 features a battle royal of sorts as The Truth Part 4 gets underway. On the distant planet Gorfo, Superman confronts Mongul while the forces of the United Planets turn against each other – which has been Mongul’s plan all along! The conflict is truly epic in scope, writer Brian Michael Bendis diligently juggles the big action set-pieces as Superman and Mongul slug it out, while back on Earth the fallout from Superman revealing his secret identity as Clark Kent to the whole world and his presumption to speak for Earth in matters concerning the United Planets continues to sow some potentially far reaching repercussions for the Man of Steel. A fact which is brought sharply into focus where, back on Earth, Lois is confronted by Bethany Snow about her husband’s recent off-world announcement to the United Planets that has subsequently been spun by the media as Superman naming himself as the self proclaimed King of Earth.

Now, I’ve certainly had some issues with the changes Bendis made when he took over writing Superman, namely how he all but reconted virtually everything built up during Peter Tomasi’s excellent run (especially the move that aged Jon Kent up to a teenager during the early days of Bendis’ current tenure), so much so that I quickly stopped reading Superman and Action Comics a while back, however the crossover with Supergirl and the launch of the new Legion of Superheroes got me reading Superman again. I enjoyed this storyline, mainly because it brought the Legion back into the DCU again. But when Bendis went on to have Superman reveal his secret identity as Clark Kent I wasn’t overly impressed. Superman’s life as Clark Kent is an intrinsic, key aspect to the legacy of Superman, and to throw it away in such a banal manner felt almost derogatory to the character – although I suppose one could also argue that in this modern era of comic books the concept of superheroes realistically having and maintaining secret identities is perhaps almost a superfluous concept itself now as well?

In terms of its artwork, though, this issue cannot be faulted in any way. Superman #21 is a blockbusting visual spectacle, with pencils by Ivan Reis, inks by Joe Prado and Oclair Albert and colors by Alex Sinclair. The sheer scale of Superman’s battle with Mongul unfolds via a breathtaking montage of two-page spreads. Their combat is a brutal, no holds barred, earth shattering smack down, and the art team have certainly pulled out all the stops to make this a truly spectacular looking issue of Superman from DC Comics.

As the issue winds down at a surprisingly rapid pace the aftermath of the battle gives everyone concerned some much needed time to ponder over recent events. With the Justice League on hand to help with the clean up, Superman heads home to face the “hurricane” media storm he’s created back on Earth, but the dual cliff-hanger shows there’s something nasty waiting in orbit for Superman and Lois Lane’s day is about to go from bad to worse!

Superman #21 is about as action packed an issue as you could wish for. Seeing the Man of Steel squaring off against Mongul is always a great event. However, it all feels a bit overshadowed by how Bendis undermines the plot with niggling inconsistencies, and emotional beats that fall flat. The way the fledgling United Planets will apparently carry on regardless does seem a tad contrived, especially considering the discourse Mongul’s attack instigated, Clark’s self-righteous view of himself as Earth’s only representative for the United Planets also makes me a little uncomfortable, and the ambush journalism Lois endures in this issue seems little more than a curious afterthought by Bendis at this stage.

Whilst I came back to this title for the relaunch of the Legion of Superheroes, I was willing to give Bendis’ run on Superman another go despite previously finding it to be very hit and miss, but this and the previous few issues of The Truth storyline have seriously tried my patience. Superman #21 is an adequate issue at best. Art wise, Superman is still a great looking book, no question about it, but story wise, unless you are a die hard fan of Bendis’ work there’s sadly little I can find to recommend about reading Superman anymore these days.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Pencils: Ivan Reis

Inks: Joe Prado and Oclair Albert

Colors: Alex Sinclair / Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover / Ivan Reis, Jo Prado, Alex Sinclair

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

 

Batman #86 Review

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Alfred, Batman, Batman #86, Batman #86 review, Brice Wayne, Catwoman, City of Bane, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Deathstroke, Gotham, James Tynion IV, Lucius Fox, Nightclimber, Slade Wilson, Tony S. Daniel

Batman #86

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new era begins in Batman #86, but the Dark Knight’s world has changed forever. Bane is defeated and one of Batman’s oldest allies is dead. Now as Batman begins to rebuild his life and embarks on his bold new vision for Gotham, Deathstroke arrives in town, hired under a deadly new contract that threatens everything Batman is striving to achieve…

New series writer James Tynion IV takes the helm of DC Comics flagship Batman title for this next chapter in the life of the Dark Knight, together with the epic new art team of Tony S. Daniel and Danny Miki, for a story that instantly sets the tone for an entirely new directions as Batman starts to pick up the pieces after Alfred’s death. Their Dark Designs Part 1 gives us poignant insight into Batman’s radical new approach towards Gotham, indeed Alfred Pennyworth’s untimely demise in City of Bane inevitably hangs heavily over this issue, and consequently because of these opening scenes it also resonates just as powerfully in the wake of Batman’s confrontation with Deathstroke as well.

Batman has other allies though who will seem to be just as crucial to the Dark Knight’s designs during Tynion’s run. So, with Catwoman undercover and working a room full of Gotham’s high-fliers at the New Wayne Campus and Lucius Fox crafting Batman new and ever more wonderful toys in an immense subbasement workshop, Batman is free to deal with the lethal contract killers he’s been monitoring. Tynion is clearly going all-out with some new, and inventive technological innovations for the Dark Knight’s arsenal, and this issue sees the debut of the perhaps Batman’s most fearsome vehicle to date – the Nightclimber!

Needless to say the artwork that graces the pages of Batman #86 is little short of phenomenal. The pencils by Tony S. Daniel combined with Danny Miki’s inks are like a match made in heaven, and together with the vibrant colors by Tomeu Morey this issue is a veritable feast for the senses. From the opening rain-swept scenes over Gotham with a contemplative Batman, to witnessing the hired killers gathering in secret, and the deft inter-cutting between Batman’s conversations, first with Catwoman and then Lucius, there is a rich fluidity and consistency to the art that is staggeringly beautiful. Of course, Deathstroke is the one who has been brought in to lead this band of hired killers and the showdown with Slade Wilson – though brief – is still impressively depicted.

Closing things out with an intriguing mystery, a night sky full of memories, and a dark epilogue Batman #86 gets the new creative teams run off to a pretty good start. However, Batman #86 follows what has arguably been one of the most divisive runs in recent times for Batman comics. So is Batman #86 a bold new era or damage control? I honestly cannot decide as this issue felt like a little of both to me. I still feel that Tom King’s run has done immeasurable harm to the legacy of the Dark Knight, but, if anyone can fix things I’m sure James Tynion IV is the man to do it. Fingers crossed, eh?

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: James Tynion IV

Pencils: Tony S. Daniel Inks: Danny Miki Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover Tony S Daniel & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Detective Comics #1018 Review

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Alfred, Batman, Batmobile, City of Bane, DC Comics, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #1018 review, Gotham, Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Godlewski

Batman Detective Comics #1018

Review by Paul Bowler

A chill wind blows over Gotham in the aftermath of City of Bane. Detective Comics #1018 finds the Dark Knight in a dark, lonely place, as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. But there is little time to mourn his greatest loss as a series of gruesome ritualistic killings have been happening across the city. It would seem that supernatural forces have unleashed a monstrous pagan spirit. Batman must quell his personal demons for now and stop the killings, or Gotham’s festive season will be irrevocably tainted with blood and death…

For me Peter J. Tomasi’s run, after such a strong start, felt like it had been curtailed somewhat because of the Year of the Villain tie-in (something which I feel also spoiled a lot of my favourite comics, including Hawkman, Supergirl, and The Flash), although it has to be said that Tomasi’s story with Mr Freeze didn’t feel shoehorned into the umbrella style narrative of that ‘event’ like so many others did, if anything he was one of the few writers that really seemed to embrace the concept to really run with it and make anything even remotely cohesive from it as a result.

Now with Detective Comics #1018 Tomasi begins getting things back on track with Dead of Winter Part 1, however, there is no escaping the grim cloud of Tom King’s run (no, I wasn’t as fan of King either) and that hangs heavily over this issue. From the blood-soaked opening scenes we find the Dark Knight dealing with a minor crime by comparison to the one we‘ve just witnessed. From here Tomasi quickly immerse us in Batman’s ongoing investigation into the series of deaths that have recently struck the city, but now that Alfred Pennyworth is dead and Jim Gordon is unavailable, Batman only has Bullock to assist him, and not even making it home in time for a game of catch with pooches Ace and Titus affords Bruce little solace from his grief and isolation.

Employing a series of bold, sometimes overlapping page layouts, artist Scott Godlewski brings this sombre and powerful issue to life in the most stylish of ways. Sweeping snow swept vistas of Gotham blend seamlessly with the street level action with Batman. The Batmbile is a fan boy delight to behold with its gorgeous mix of crisp animated series lines, Burtonesque undertones, and classic retro flourishes. Colorist David Baron further heightens the atmosphere with vivid tones and hues alongside swarthy deep shadows, Bruce’s attempt to cast of the winter blues with a game of catch with the dogs poignantly conveys the Dark Knight’s melancholy, while Bullock’s office seems darker than the Batcave itself. The scene of the latest killing at the botanical gardens is another visual highlight of this issue, as it looks so bizarre, a twisted nightmare decked out in tinsel and baubles more akin to something like you’d have seen in the Hannibal TV series back in its heyday.

The issue ends with a dramatic cliffhanger and the stage is now set to bring the Dark Knight face to face with the stories monstrous protagonist… So, Detective Comics #1018 is a good return to form for this series, with a strong story, and reasonable enough artwork. The ramifications of City of Bane dose mean that there’s still very much a sense of picking up the pieces to this issue of Detective Comics. I can only hope that now the recent storylines and events involving Batman elsewhere are over Peter J. Tomasi’s run on Detective Comics can now really begin to stretch its wings and finally get its time to shine in the spotlight.

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Artist: Scott Godlewski

Colorist: David Baron / Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover: Rafael Samdoval, Jordi Tarrago , & John Kalise

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Justice League #30 Review

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DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Justice Doom War, Justice League, Justice League #30, Justice League #30 review, Legion of Doom, Scott Snyder, Year of the Villain

Justice League #30

Review by Paul Bowler.

The Justice / Doom War kicks off big time Justice League #30 as writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV take this sweeping comic book opus to a whole new level. With their arch nemesis Lex Luthor now transformed into a super-powered apex predator powered by the dark entity Perpetua, the Legion of Doom look even closer to defeating the League and succeeding in their goal to bring chaos and destruction to the DC Universe.

With the Year of the Villain now well under way Justice League #30 presents a chilling glimpse of the consequences of Luthor’s scheme if indeed that grim fate should come to pass. Snyder and Tynion collectively bring the far reaching threads of numerous story-arcs together in this issue. Indeed, it is now clear just how much has been set into place to bring everything to this point, the sheer scale and ingenuity of it all is really quite astonishing, and the Justice / Doom War looks set to take things even further – across, space, time and even the Multiverse itself!

Arguably one of the biggest revelations in this run of Justice League has been Snyder’s and Tnyion’s reintroduction of Starman’s character. Now as the core members of the Justice League gather their forces against their impending doom, Starman not only galvanises the heroes into action, his place at the heart of the plot entwines beautifully with the overarching narrative of the mythologies and forces that bind the DC Universe together.

Jorge Jimenez’s art in Justice League #30 easily rises to the occasion to match the high drama of the plot. Utilizing bold, striking page layouts, Jimenez skilfully builds the pace, the characters dramatic poses are beautifully framed, and the sheer scope of the issues grand design is quite simply breathtaking to behold. The colors by Aljandro Sanchez vibrantly complement Jumenez’s art, dazzling the eye with a glorious blend of tone and hues.

Each branch of the issues key storylines has villains plotting to strike while the heroes embark on a daring plan to turn the tide in their favour. Set against this dramatic backdrop, some grave reservations are voiced, and darkness lurks waiting to strike as the issues time-warping cliff-hanger builds to the momentous return of some old favourites…

Justice League #30 crams a hell of a lot in but there’s no denying that the final page is the one that is really this issues big selling point. I won’t spoil it – even though its already been well documented that this issue of Justice League features the return of some much beloved characters – but people who know me know that I’m a big fan of these classic Golden Age characters and needless to say that final page left me with a big silly grin on my face.

For an issue that has so much going on and so many plates spinning in the past, present and future its all the more remarkable that Justice League #30 is also an excellent jumping on point for new readers. If you haven’t been following this version of Justice League, or read Metal, or any of the other tie-in issues from previous events then this issue will quickly bring you up to speed as it sets up some tantalizing possibilities for the future. Most of all though Justice League #30 is one of those joyous issues that makes you punch the air with delight. Providing both a blockbusting opening to the Justice / Doom War and a most welcome return to the classic era of comics, this is indeed one of the finest issues of Justice League that Snyder and Tynion have crafted so far!

Writers: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV

Art: Jorge Jimenez / Colors: Alejandro Sanchez

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Cover: Francis Manapul / Varian Cover: Jay Anaceleto & Romulo Fajaroo JR

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Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 Review

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Batman, Batman Curse of the White Knight, Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 Review, Commissioner Gordon, DC Black Label, DC Comics, Gotham, Joker, Matt Hollingsworth, NCBD, Sean Murphy

Batman Curse of the White Knight #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Dark secrets and old scores wait to be settled in Batman Curse of the White Knight #1, the hotly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman White Knight, when the Joker sets out to recruit Azrael to his cause to ruin the Wayne legacy and bring chaos to Gotham City once more!

Writer and artist Sean Murphy’s new eight-part mini-series continues to build on the foundations set up during Batman White Knight which established his unique spin on the Dark Knight’s world, one where Joker reclaimed his sanity to become the good guy, while Batman’s increasingly brutal methods effectively painted him as the bad guy. Now in the sequel Curse of the White Knight the Joker is back with an axe to grind, and determined to have the last laugh on Gotham as Batman contemplates his future as the Dark Knight.

From the foreboding flashback to Arkham, 1685, to the Clown Prince of Crimes ingenious escape in the present, right up to Batman and Gordon’s grim discovery, Sean Murphy’s script quickly sets up the premise of this new mini-series and runs with it for all its worth. The warped existential fallout of Joker’s and Jack Naper’s psyche in the aftermath of Batman White Knight allows Murphy to skilfully fuel the chilling narrative via the Joker’s character, and fan the flames of Jean Paul’s equally fractured psyche to bring Azrael to the fore.

Gordon knows Bruce is Batman now, but that doesn’t really seem to have changed the dynamic between them. If anything, their relationship now seems more assured and measured in Curse of the White Night. The mystery they uncover offers up some tantalizing clues early on. However, the big highlights this issue are the character driven Bat-Family moments: such as the powerful scenes between Bruce and Dick Grayson in the Bat-Cave, where Murphy’s blisteringly sharp dialogue shows just how much Bruce’s perceived failure has had on him, there’s some wry humour to defuse the darkness as Batman and Batgirl assess the case evidence so far, and the late Alfred Pennyworth’s deeply moving note is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Sean Murphy’s art is on top form and brings everything to the page that you’ve probably come to expect from this series already. The dark, gritty rendition of this alternative slant on the Dark Knight’s world is swathed in deep shadows and a mesmerising gothic grandeur that seems to encompass even the smallest scene. Arkham is more sinister than ever, Murphy’s grizzled Batman seems even more intimidating this time around, fan boy cinematic flourishes such as the Joker’s gun are an added bonus to enjoy, and the Bat-Cave depicted here is a sweeping vista of Bat-paraphernalia the likes of which feels more like a frame in a movie than a panel in a comic book. Matt Hollingsworth’s colors complements Murphy’s artwork perfectly as you’d expect, with the opaque shades of the earlier scenes giving way to subtle greys and earthier tones as the issue progresses to a fiery denouement. The lettering by AndWorldDesign is crisp and clean – essential in a dialogue heavy issue like this – and together with the sumptuous art and colors you will soon find yourself immersed in the multiple twists and turns of the plot.

Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 gets this new series off a fantastic start. Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth make a fantastic team, the Joker’s plot in Curse of the White Knight is sure to test Batman and his allies to the limit, the introduction of Azrael to their Dark Knight’s mythos is also an intriguing one, and I really like how this storyline follows on from the events of the previous mini-series in so many unexpected and surprising ways. One thing’s for sure, this new chapter in the White Knight saga looks set to shake Gotham to the core!

Publisher DC Comics (DC Black Label)

Writer, Art, & Covers by Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors by Matt Hollingsworth

Letters by AndWorldDesign

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Detective Comics #1006 Review

Tags

Batman, DC Comics, Detective Comics #1006, Detective Comics #1006 review, Gotham, Horror, Kyle Hotz, Peter J. Tomasi, The Spectre

Batman Detective Comics #1006

Review by Paul Bowler

Dark, supernatural forces stalk Gotham in Detective Comics #1006 as the Spectre enlists Batman’s help in solving the mysterious disappearance of Jim Corrigan – the GCPD detective who is the host for the spirit of God’s Vengeance.

With this issue of Detective Comics writer Peter J Tomasi weaves a grim, suspenseful tale featuring the Spectre. This otherworldly character hasn’t featured prominently for a while now, so Kyle Hotz’s eye-catching cover immediately caught my attention, and I found myself instantly caught up in the gripping story within.

Tomasi quickly sets the tone by setting up a beguiling mystery for the Dark Knight when he is recruited by the Spectre after he can no longer feel Jim Corrigan’s presence. Though we are privy from the outset to Detective Corrigan’s ambush and abduction by bizarre green hooded cultists, who also murder his partner, we are still left just as much in the dark as the Spectre and Batman as to what has happened to Corrigan. The plot is skilfully crafted by Tomasi to keep us guessing every step of the way. From the striking opening scenes when Corrigan is attacked, through to Batman’s daunting initial rooftop encounter with the Spectre, and their eventual investigation of the gruesome crime scene the pace of this issue doesn’t let up for a moment.

The artwork by Kyle Hotz conjures up a wonderfully creepy atmosphere and gothic looking Gotham. Indeed, Hotz’s impressive work here in realizing Batman’s grim world reminded me a bit of Kelley Jones’ take on Batman, albeit in far more restrained in style, but still nevertheless equally as captivating if, like me, you are a fan of somewhat darker supernatural themed Batman stories and atheistics for the Dark Knight. The Spectre’s aforementioned rooftop recruitment of Batman is a big highlight, as is the gore soaked charnel house crime scene that serves as the primary focal point which drives much of the issues narrative. Similarly, the sombre color palette employed by colorist David Baron stylishly complements Hotz’s artwork to accentuate both the gritty and paranormal elements of Tomasi’s story perfectly.

It was great to see the Batman working alongside the Spectre in this issue and I thoroughly enjoyed this change of pace and tone following Tomaski’s Arkham Knight storyline. With its mysteriously compelling story by Peter J Tomaski and atmospheric artwork by Kyle Hotz Detective Comics #1006 is well worth checking out – especially if a decidedly stranger and more unearthly tale of the Dark Knight is your thing.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Peter J Tomasi / Artist: Kyle Hotz

Colorist: David Baron / Letterer: Rob Leigh / Cover: Kyle Hotz

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Batman Kings of Fear #1 Review

Tags

Arkham Asylum, Batman, Batman Kings of Fear, Batman Kings of Fear #1, Batman Kings of Fear #1 review, Batmobile, comics, DC Comics, Kelly Jones, Michelle Madsen, NCBD, Scarecrow, Scott Peterson, The Dark Knight, The Joker

Batman Kings of Fear #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Renowned artist Kelly Jones returns to the Dark Knight’s world with Batman Kings of Fear #1, the first issue in DC Comics stunning new miniseries written by former Batman editor Scott Peterson. Batman has been watching over Gotham City for many, many years, but now the Dark Knight is beginning to question the effectiveness of his relentless war on crime. Plagued by self doubt, insecurities, and personal fears that threaten to overwhelm him Batman must now face Scarecrow as he unleashes chaos in Arkham Asylum! This blockbusting new six-issue miniseries has Batman confronting the darkest challenge of his crime fighting career and portrays Scarecrow in a terrifying new way that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 kicks off in a fittingly macabre fashion as Batman takes on the Joker and stops another of his maniacal schemes. Kelly Jones striking visuals and Scott Peterson’s intense storytelling quickly immerses us in the warped schism that Batman and the Joker seem perpetually condemned to play out. Scott Peterson weaves some especially insightful and haunting dialogue into their journey to Arkham Asylum – so much so that the Clown Prince of Crime even seems to jangle the Dark Knight’s nerves at one point. Once inside Arkham the dark humour, a snarky Doctor, and the ensuing breakout of mayhem all collude to ramp up the ominous air of brooding menace that’s been closing in on Batman right from the outset.

Kelly Jones illustrated some of the most acclaimed Batman comics imagery during the 1990’s, including the brilliant Batman & Dracula trilogy – which kicked off with Red Rain back in 1991 – and many of the covers for the acclaimed Knightfall storyline where Bane broke the Bat. Esteemed writer Scott Peterson also worked as an editor on the Batman books during Knightfall and many other pivotal Bat-stories from the 90’s. Its great to see Jones and Peterson working together again like this on Batman Kings of Fear, and their shared creative vision for the Dark Knight shines through just as vividly now as when they originally worked together on the Batman books in the 90‘s. The story in Batman Kings of Fear is not connected to DC Comics current Batman storylines, but is instead set after Bruce has been the Dark Knight for many years – giving the creative team the scope to explore the core facets of the character in new and dynamically exciting ways.

Artist Kelly Jones brings all the hallmarks of his distinctly dark, horror-tinged gothic style to Batman Kings of Fear, and then some! I’ve always been a huge fan of Kelly Jones artwork, especially Jones’ portrayal of Batman as a constantly shifting shape that always seamlessly blends in with the shadows. One of the major highlights in this issue is a face-off with some of the darkest members of Batman Rogues Galley – a truly jaw dropping sequence that places you right in the heart of Batman‘s nightmarish predicament. Another nice touch with Batman Kings of Fear is that it features the Dark Knight in his classic costume – yellow oval and all! I love how Kelly Jones always renders Batman’s billowing cape in a way that gives him an almost supernatural visage, effectively making the cape and cowl as equally a distinct character in its own right. It is this, together with Michelle Madsen’s gloriously sombre color pallet that perfectly encapsulates the raw, terrifying, almost primal presence that makes Batman so uniquely special and intimidating.

The greatest threat though comes from the Scarecrow’s terrifying plot against him. Jones and Peterson’s darkly compelling story is made even more striking by having Scarecrow as the major villain of the piece, and this creative team certainly don’t look like they will shy away from brining the most frightening aspects of this creepy iconic character from Batman’s rogues gallery to the fore either.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 hurtles along at a cracking pace, the eerie atmosphere is brilliantly offsets by the spectacular visuals, and the chilling cliff-hanger rounds off this start of this superb miniseries in fine style. Kelly Jones and Scott Peterson have certainly crafted a brilliant premise here, with Scarecrow seeking to make the Dark Knight face his greatest fear, and I’ve no doubt the creative team will continue to weave their dark magic as this story unfolds. If you like your Batman classic, unburdened by recent continuity, and laced with overtones of gothic horror then Batman Kings of Fear is the Bat-Book you’ve been waiting for!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Peterson & Art and Cover: Kelly Jones

Colors: Michelle Madsen / Letters: Rob Leigh

Variant Cover: Bill Sienkiewicz

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Batman White Knight #6 Review

Tags

Batgirl, Batman, Batman White Knight, Batman White Knight #6, Batman White Knight #6 Review, Batmobile, comics, DC Comics, Jim Gordon, Mad Hatter, Matt Hollingsworth, Mr Freeze, NCBD, Neo Joker, Nightwing, Sean Murphy, The Joker

Batman White Knight #6

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham’s most iconic alliance is shaken to the core in Batman White Knight #6 as Gordon’s trust in Batman reaches breaking point! The Dark Knight’s fall from grace has been orchestrated by the reformed Joker – aka Jack Napier – now seemingly cured of his homicidal madness by therapy and medication. But the drug Jack relies on is gradually loosing its effect, the city is slowly descending into chaos, and with Batman defeated it’s up to Jack to step up to the plate when the Neo Joker finally instigates her grand plan to seize Gotham…

Set in a world that has uncannily turned the Batman into the villain and the Joker into a hero, Batman White Knight, with its story and art by Sean Murphy, and colors by Matt Hollingsworth, continues to go from strength to strength with every successive issue. Napier’s ascension in this mini-series has seem him cured and released from Arkham, from where he’s gone on to expose the corruption that has festered in the GCPD for decades, becoming a champion of the middle-classes, and covertly using an army of super-villains – along with the collateral damage this conflict causes – to discredit the Batman‘s standing in the eyes of Gotham‘s citizens.

Batman White Knight #6 sees this mini-series reach a major turning point, as Murphy’s dark tale brings Batman’s world crashing down. Seeing Gordon resolve to bring Batman in is a powerful, defining moment here, as is Nightwing assisting him by delivering the means for him to do so, and the subsequent fracturing this has on the Bat-Family when Batgirl, aghast at Nightwing’s actions, refuses to have anything to do with the plan.

This book and its starkly grim take on the Bat-Mythos, especially the look and tone of Gotham itself – being more industrial and gothic, and less generically NYC like most of the main Bat-Books – are key elements that really make Batman White Knight stand out from the crowd. Sean Murphy’s edgy, moody artistic style further enhances the grim sense of foreboding in this issue, while Matt Hollingsworth’s richly atmospheric colors bring added gavatis to every scene. The sheer fan boy glee at seeing the Batmobile from the1989 Tim Burton Batman movie Vs the Batman White Knight’s Batmobile in a high-speed chase sequence is undoubtedly one of the big highlights of the issue, however, it is the blood-spattered, bone-churching face-off between Batman and Jack Napier that follows which really steals the show – whilst also vividly illustrating the warped schism Murphy has crafted between the Batman and the Joker in this mini-series.

With Batman facing an ignoble fate in Arkham, its not long before the Neo Joker, having taken control of the villains utilizing Mad Hatter’s technology, seems hell bent on holding the city to ransom after she unleashes a giant freeze cannon on Gotham. Other standout moments that shine in this issue are an especially poignant scene between Mr Freeze and Batgirl, and Harley tires in vain to get through to Jack again as he prepares to face Neo Joker.

This was another thoroughly enjoyable issue. With its intense action, brooding characterization, unexpected plot twists, and striking visuals Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth constantly keep you on your toes in Batman White Knight #6, and as this mini-series enters its final act we are left wondering if the Batman can find possibly find a way back from everything that‘s happened, or will the Joker have the last laugh after all?

Publisher DC Comics

Writer / Artist / Covers / Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors Matt Hollingsworth

Leters Todd Klein

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Detective Comics #968 Review

Tags

A Lonley Place of Living, Alfred, Alvaro Martinez, Azeral, Batcave, Batman, Batwing, Batwoman, Cassandra, Clayface, Damian, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #968, Detective Comics #968 review, James Tynion IV, Nightwing, Raul Fernandez, Red Hood, Red Robin, Tim Drake, Tomeu Morey

Detective Comics #968

Review by Paul Bowler

A Lonely Place of Living reaches its astounding conclusion in Detective Comics #968, with Tim Drake now back on Earth, but he’s also brought a fearsome menace back with him – a future version of himself that has been tragically moulded by fate to become the Batman! This misguided Batman is determined to complete his mission to kill Batwoman and change the future, not even the Dark Knight and his allies can stand against him, and now Red Robin must fight to save everything that he’s ever fought and died for…

Suffice to say, Detective Comics #968 is not only one hell of an action packed issue, its also probably writer James Tynion’s finest story arc so far during his run on Detective Comics. With its throwbacks to A Lonely Place of Dying and nebulous links to the Mr Oz storyline going on over in Action Comics, this storyline with its timey wimey narrative has made for compelling reading, and effectively brought Tim Drake‘s story full circle as he returns to the fold in a battle royal with his future self who now wears the mantel of the Bat!

Tynion skilfully balances the cast of Bat-characters in this issue, with Batman, Red Robin, Nightwing, Damian, Red Hood, and Alfred squaring off against the future Tim / Batman in the Batcave, while Batwoman, Azeral, Cassandra, Batwing, and Clayface bravely confront a lethal attack from hacked Colony drones at the Belfrey. Everyone in the Bat-Family gets a moment to shine in the spotlight, the dialogue and banter positively crackles from the page, and the team dynamic that makes this book so strong will no doubt be made all the richer by the dramatic far-reaching implication of the events that unfold over the course of this issue.

Detective Comics #968 also dazzles with some especially striking artwork, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez, inks by Raul Fernandez, and colors Tomeu Morey, the bold, free flowing page layouts and panoramic double page spreads exquisitely relay the frenetic action and emotional beats in vivid detail; while the concise letting by Sal Cipriano ensures the dialogue seamlessly blends the narrative across each and every panel. From the face-off in the Batcave to the showdown in the Belfrey, the extensive cast of characters are all impressively rendered, dynamic perspectives give each location a distinct tone, and the temporal effect that intermittently manifests around the future Tim / Batman also provides an interesting visual flourish.

This story-arc has been nothing short of brilliant, and James Tynion IV has excelled once himself again with this issue. Detective Comics 968 delivers an extremely satisfying, powerful, and moving conclusion to A Lonely Place of Living. It’s great to finally have Tim Drake back after his apparent demise in the battle with the Colony and his subsequent incarceration outside of time by Mr Oz. A Lonely Place of Living has offered us an intriguing glimpse into the future (or at last one possible future), it will be fascinating to what happens now that Tim has returned to the Bat-family, and I can’t wait to see what Tynion and Co have in store for this team next!

Publisher DC Comics.

Writer James Tynion IV / Pencils Alvaro Martinez / Inks Raul Fernandez

Colors Tomeu Morey / Letters Sal Cipriano

Cover Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, & Adriano Lucas

Varian Cover Rafael Albuquerque

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