Batman #103 Review

Tags

Batman, Batman #103, Batman #103 review, Bruce Wayne, Clownhunter, DC Comcis, Ghost Maker, Ghost Stories Part 3, Gotham, James Tynion IV, Joker War, Oracle, Punchline

Batman #103

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight and Ghost-Maker clash in Batman #103 and only one will walk away as Gotham’s hero! After a slow build up things now take a dramatic turn in Ghost Stories Part 3 as writer James Tynion IV ramps up the action and suspense. The idea of Bruce having a childhood rival who has lived, trained, and taken the same crime-fighting path as him is an intriguing one and this issues flashback to their confrontation in the Gobi desert further illustrates how their choices have inevitably brought them to this moment.

However, while Ghost-Hunter believes Bruce’s emotions make hm weak, Bruce clearly doesn’t, and it is this key difference in their crime-fighting natures that will undoubtably prove crucial moving forward, Tynion has really changed the landscaper of Gotham since Joker War. Lucius Fox now controls the majority of the Wayne fortune, Batman has less resources at his disposal, the citizens of Gotham are calling for Punchline to be released from prison, and Clownhunter has set his sights on taking out Harley Quinn who is trying to get her life back on track in the aftermath of Joker War.

Fortunately Batman still has the rest of the Bat-Family on side, including Barbara Gordon in he role as Oracle, but even she cannot get past Ghost-Hunter’s intricate Ghost-Net to uncover anything about this new threat to Gotham. With artistic duties for Batman #103 handled by Carlo Pagulayan & Danny Miki, Guillem March and colorist David Baron, the look and pace of the issue holds together very well, and overall the issue is packed with detail and awash with vivid colors that nicely accentuates the action. Batman going toe to toe with Ghost-Hunter is every bit the action-packed spectacle you’d expect, Harley Quinn’s moments of reminiscing in her run-down apartment and subsequent fight with Clownhunter are the big highlight though, and I really like how Harley is becoming one of the most interesting additions to Tynion’s ensemble cast for this book. 

The introduction of Ghost-Hunter has delivered a compelling new villain for Batman to face following Joker Wars turbulent fallout on Gotham, and the shared history between them offers a wealth of possibilities to explore. Ghost-Hunter has only been in Gotham for less than a day and he’s already been on a one-man crime-busting spree, but as he soon finds out, in Batman’s world everything isn’t always as cut and dried as it first seems. With familiar faces and a cast of colourful new character all jostling for attention, Batman #103 brings a frenetic mix action and exposition into this story-arc. It’s an exciting issue for sure, I just hope Tynion can maintain the momentum and keep all these plates spinning.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV

Artists Carlo Pagulayan & Danny Miki, Guillem March

Colorist David Baron / Letterer Clayton Cowles

Cover Jorge Jimenez & 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

Batman Beyond #48 Review

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Batman, Batman Beyond, Batman Beyond #48, Batman Beyond #48 review, Blanque, Booster Gold, Bruce Wayne, Dan Jurgens, DC Comics, Gotham, Terry McGinnis

Batman Beyond #48

Review by Paul Bowler.

The future and the past collide in Batman Beyond #48 when Terry McGinnis’ mentor Bruce Wayne suddenly turns against him! Luckily histories greatest unknown hero – Booster Gold – is on hand to whisk Batman Beyond back to the Gotham of yesteryear, to the time when Bruce Wayne is Batman. It looks as if Batman and Batman Beyond are finally going to meet at last… or will they?

Its time for Batman Beyond to go all back to the future — well sort of — but with a fun twist as writer Dan Jurgens turns familiar tropes on their head and sends him back to the present day instead. Events unfold extremely rapidly from the outset, throwing us right into the heart of this intriguing time travel quandary Terry McGninnis faces, and the stakes are deeply personal for him as well.

The addition of Booster Gold is the real masterstroke here. Not only is it a good old-fashioned team-up, the banter between Batman Beyond and Booster Gold is also very funny, and I really like the quirky dynamic between them. Given that Dan Jurgens is at the helm we can rest assured Batman Beyond’s time travelling shenanigans with Booster Gold are in safe hands, other writers have used Booster Gold very poorly of late in my opinion, so it’s great to see Jurgens redressing the balance.

Visually this is quite a striking issue of Batman Beyond from penciler Paul Pelleteir, along with inks by Norman Rapmund and bold colors by colorist Chris Sotomayor that seamlessly melds the two different eras this issue bridges to great effect. The action flows at a fast, almost unbroken pace for virtually the entirety of the issue as Batman Beyond and Booster Gold go through the ubiquitous team-up squabbles and fisticuffs before they join forces to achieve their goal — to prevent the time delayed subliminal message that caused Bruce Wayne to turn against Batman Beyond in the future from ever being implanted by the telepath Blanque. Characters, locations and emotional beats are all rendered in rich detail and vibrant color by the artistic team — along with a terrific final page that nicely encapsulates the tone of this issues eye catching cover by Dan Mora.

A hugely enjoyable issue in its own right, Batman Beyond #48 feels like a breath of fresh air in the DCU at the moment. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Batman Beyond who became a part of the DCU after the success of the Batman Beyond animated series (1999-2001), this has been the characters longest running comic book series to date, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m also a fan of Booster Gold, so I’m really happy to see him being written in the way he should be again, and teaming up with Batman Beyond is the icing on the cake! Batman Beyond in 2020 is such a great concept as well, its just a shame its taken until nearly the end of Dan Jurgens iconic run for it to finally happen.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Dan Jurgens / Penciller: Paul Pelleteir 

Inks: Norman Rapmund / Colorist: Chris Sotomayor

Letterer: Travis Lanham / Cover: Dan Mora

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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 #101 Review

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Batman, Batman #101, Batman #101 review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Gotham, Guillem March, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Lucius Fox, Punchline, Robin, Tomeu Morey

Batman #101

Review by Paul Bowler

A new dawn rises over Gotham City in Batman #101 as the dust settles in the aftermath of Joker War. The full impact of the Joker’s reign of terror and the effect its had on the citizens of the city is now realised in the cold light of day. Batman chooses a bold new path for his war on crime as Bruce Wayne’s life is changed forever, and why exactly is Cole Cash – a.k.a.-Grifter, now working for Lucius Fox?

It’s time to ring in the changes as writer James Tynion IV sets out a new direction for the Dark Knight in this somber, emotional and reflective issue of Batman. Joker War might be over but the fallout from what the Clown Prince of Crime did to the city using the Wayne fortune will have long lasting ramifications for Bruce Wayne. Tynion delivers some terrific character moments for Batman and Lucius Fox as they reevaluate their lives in the wake of the traumatic  events they each suffered, both mentally and physically, during Joker War. Fox now has control of the Wayne fortune, the board of Wayne Enterprises want Bruce quietly sidelined from the company, and Batman is going to have to tighten his utility belt with a more cash strapped, low-tech, approach to crime fighting.

Guillem March’s strikingly detailed artwork for Batman #101 brings vivid clarity to the events in this issue. Numerous pages are awash with swapping vistas of Gotham as Batman looks back on simpler times, where Commissioner Gordon always stood by the Bat-Signal, Robin fought by the Dark Knight’s side, and Alfred was ever present in the Bat-Cave to offer advice.  Now all these constants in Batman’s life are gone, March’s artwork beautifully encapsulates these reflective, emotionally charged moments, whilst Tomeu Morey’s subtle colors heightens them perfectly in the Dark Knight’s powerful scenes with Lucius Fox and his tender soul-searching moments with Catwoman. Batman’s no-holds-bared fight with Lucius Fox’s new bodyguard, Grifter, is another highlight as well.

Along with having Bruce relocating his operations as Batman to a more modest location in Gotham, Tynion also acknowledges what Joker War will mean for Bat and the Cat relationship now. Tough decisions need to be made to accommodate the new status quo Bruce has adopted to allow himself to work off the grid as leaner, more self-sufficient Batman, and Catwoman being the number one target of Gotham’s underworld after stealing the Wayne fortune back from the Underwriter isn’t exactly going to make things any easier for them or their relationship going forwards.

Brief mentions of Punchline’s media message and Clownhunter’s vigilante antics also get thrown into the mix to keep those plot lines bubbling away in the background for future issue to explore. Although this issue comes across initially as being rather downbeat after Joker War, there’s a distinct move by Tynion here to really start to place his stamp of the character with a more back-to-basics approach. With its excellent character driven narrative by James Tynion IV and terrific artwork by Guillem March, Batman #101 heralds a new beginning for the Dark Knight – in more way than one!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist: Guillem March

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & 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

Batman #100 Review

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Batman, Batman #100, Batman #100 review, Batmobile, DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War finale, JOker War part 6, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey

Batman #100

Review by Paul Bowler

Life changing events await the Dark Knight in Batman #100 as Joker War reaches its thrilling finale courtesy of the dynamic creative team of writer James Tynion IV, artist Jorge Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey. The fate of Gotham City hangs in the balance as Batman reaches his epic showdown with the Joker at ACE Chemicals, the outcome will change Gotham forever, and the aftermath will herald a bold new era for Batman and his allies!

James Tynion IV deftly juggles an ensemble cast of Bat-characters and numerous ongoing plot strands in Batman #100, with Batgirl revisiting her role as Oracle in the iconic Clocktower to coordinate the Bat-Families efforts by initiating latent protocols in the Bat-Computer and broadcasting a message of hope to Gothamites while Nightwing leads the fight against Joker’s marauding goons on the streets alongside Red Robin, Batwoman, Red Hood, Spoiler, Orphan, and Signal. I’m really pleased that Dick Grayson is finally back as Nightwing at last, especially now the whole Ric Grayson fiasco is out the way, and his banter with Barbara is a joy to behold here. Commissioner Bullock also steps up to the plate too; putting career on the line to keep GCPD in the fight to save Gotham.

Of course the main event of this landmark issue is Batman’s confrontation with the Joker at ACE Chemicals. The Clown Prince of Crime has donned his own Jokerized next-gen Bat-Suit for the occasion, and he’s even brought a present to the party to taunt the Dark Knight – Alfred’s weaponised corpse! Batman’s eternal conflict with the Joker has been elevated into a frightening theatre of war over the course of James Tynion’s Joker War story-arc – quite literally in some instances — and Tynion skilfully delivers a refreshingly new slant on the familiar tropes that inevitably resurface when Batman and Joker clash so spectacularly as this. The Joker really manages to push Batman’s buttons this time around though, finally getting the chance to really twist the knife just for good measure, before a wild card enters the fray and forces the Dark Knight to make a game changing choice that I feel won’t be as easy to walk away from once the dust has settled.

Joker War has seen some amazing work grace the pages of Batman from artist Jorge Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey, and with Batman #100 they’ve certainly gone that extra mile to make this issue extra special. Jimenez’s richly detailed artwork and dynamic page layouts convey the action at a break-neck-pace. Batman’s showdown with the Joker is all boiling vats of chemicals, brutal combat, and frightening horror — both psychological and physical. Alfred’s weaponised corpse is also chillingly macabre and looks like something that’s just shambled out of a Re-Animator movie. Other highlights include Oracle back in the Clocktower, the Bat-Family fighting Joker’s forces on the streets of Gotham, and Nightwing’s face-off with Punchline are all especially standout moments as are the vivid colors and hues by Tomeu Morey which bring a startling clarity to a fire ravaged Gotham gripped by chaos, the oppressive shadows of ACE Chemicals look more sinister than ever, whilst gleaming tones from Bruce’s futuristic dreams for the Bat legacy become a maniacal twinkle in the Joker’s eye, and the fiery finale is awash  with the bittersweet hopes and shades of the new dawn waiting on the horizon.

In the aftermath of Joker War writer James Tynion manages to wrap things up with considerable style. There’s no attempt to pull the wool over out eyes. As is the way with most comic book ‘events’ nowadays everything and nothing changes in almost equal measure,  corruption in Gotham may been exposed on every level, but the ambiguities of Joker’s fate are unashamedly  glossed over to leave things open-ended, there’s a funeral for a dear friend, and we even get a tantalising glimpse of Gotham’s newest vigilante and rival to Batman – the Ghost Maker! 

If all that wasn’t enough Batman #100 also features two back-up stories, both written by Tynion. Intervention, with art by Carlo Pagulayn, inks by Danny Miki and colors by Tomeu Morey features the first meeting between Batman and Clownhunter. The reveal of Clownhunter’s true identity wasn’t quite what I was expecting, if anything it had an almost Robin-in-waiting tone to it, and it will be interesting to see where Tynion takes this interesting — if somewhat messed-up — character next. Dead Ringers features art by Guillem March and colors by Tomeu Morey, and shifts the focus towards Punchline in the aftermath of Joker War. I‘m not a huge fan of  Punchline, her character has slowly grown on me over the course of Joker War, but unfortunately this tale proved rather underwhelming and was easily the weakest out of the two back-up stories in this issue.

The only criticism I can really level at Batman #100 is that the requisition of the Wayne fortune feels little more than a sidebar to the main action and isn’t really explained in any detail at all. As for Joker War itself, well, as comic book events go, I think it turned out rather well. Some might argue that it was just a series of big set-pieces with scant narrative content and that James Tynion was writing solely for the omnibus / trade collection. To a degree, Joker War certainly reads better as a whole, but the story is far more than the sum of its parts. Joker War has examined the dark schism between Batman and Joker from an entirely fresh perspective, its shaken up the status quo, reunited the Bat-Family, and tackled the emotional fallout from Alfred’s death in a way that finally brings some meaning to his senseless demise during Tom King’s run.

Joker War reaches a powerful, emotional and action-packed conclusion with this outstanding issue — and overall I think Joker War can be considered a rousing success on practically every front. James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez and Tomeu Morey have excelled themselves with Batman #100, they’ve revitalised DC Comics flagship Batman book in every conceivable way, and I can’t wait to see where this teams run on Batman will take the Dark Knight and his allies next.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artists: Jorge Jimenez / Gillem March / Carlo Pagulayan

Inks: Jorge Jimenez / Gillem March / Danny Miki

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Cover: Jorge Jimenez & 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

Batman #99 Review

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Alfred Pennyworth, Batgirl, Batman, Batman #99, Batman #99 Review, Batwoman, Bruce Wayne, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, Joker War Part 5, NCBD, Nightwing, Orphan, Punchline, Red Hood, Red Robin, Signal, The Joker

Batman #99

Review by Paul Bowler.

The endgame of Joker War looms in Batman #99 as the Dark Knight and the Joker prepare for the ultimate showdown. Batman knows he cannot win this war alone. He’s going to need the whole of the Bat-Family to help him reclaim Gotham. It’s time for a reunion with the first Robin, Dick Grayson, but is he ready and willing to return as Nightwing so soon after reclaiming his lost memories?

Everyone is in place as the penultimate chapter of Joker War unfolds, writer James Tynion IV delivers his most thrilling issue of Batman to date, and the rich level of characterisation he employs is mind-blowing in the extreme. We are treated to a frightening insight to the Joker’s twisted psyche and his anarchic vision of Gotham. Equally chilling is his warped use of the Wayne fortune, enjoying his luxurious new Jokermobile as he surveys the carnage he’s unleashed, and his ruthless demeanour towards his minions — including his new partner in crime Punchline – as he makes his final preparations at ACE chemicals highlights just how determined the Joker has become over the course of Joker War.

With theaters now filling with Gothamites for a movie where the Joker will ultimately kill them all and Clown goons running riot across the city, Batman calls in the Bat-Family for a rooftop meeting to help him form a strategy to retake Gotham. It’s great to see Red Hood, Signal, Orphan, Red Robin, and Batgirl all reunited alongside the Dark Knight. Harley Quinn is also along for the ride, Batwoman and the GCPD are busy having recaptured Wayne Enterprises and saved Lucius Fox (as seen in Detective comics #1025), but of course the biggest highlight is the return of Dick Grayson to the fold. DC Comics have come to their senses and the whole Ric Grayson debacle is finally over at last! Dick has his memories back and is ready to work alongside Batman again to save Gotham, Tynion crafts a fantastic and moving reunion for Dick Grayson and Batman, and while its not quite the big set-piece hinted at on the cover this scene is still easily the standout moment of the whole issue.

Harley Quinn also gets a good share of the action and some wonderfully snappy dialogue. She challenges Batman’s plans, her furious aside to Red Robin is hilarious, and her heartfelt resolve to finish the Joker if the Dark Knight should fail is as touching as it is brutally frank in its examination of the terrifying schism and collateral damage that Batman’s never-ending conflict with the Clown Prince of Crime has wrought over the years. The only complaint I can really level at the issue of Batman is that Punchline is seemingly sidelined by the Joker himself, Clownhunter gets thrown into the mix as just an afterthought, and even Catwoman’s scheme to strike back at the Underwriter feels a little underwhelming by caparison with the bigger events going on in the  rest of the issue. 

Joker War has seen the work of artist Joege Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey elevate DC’s flagship Batman title to new heights of visual opulence, and Batman #99 is no exception to that rule. With its burning panoramic vistas of Gotham, the Joker’s bloodthirsty treatment of his Clown thugs, and the Bat-Family reunion are all highlights from this issue, but the star of the show has to be Batman’s arrival at ACE chemicals — beautifully rendered by Jimenez and sumptuously coloured by Morey these scenes in particular are almost cinematic and breathtaking in scale and intensity.

Batman #99 wraps with another nerve jangling cliffhanger and it seems Dick Grayson isn’t the only one who gets a costume change this issue either! The excellent creative team of Tynion, Jimenez, and Morey are on fire with this title, and everything is now set for the momentous 100th issue of Batman and the conclusion of Joker War!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & 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

 

Batman #98 Review

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Alfred, Batman, Batman #98, Batman #98 Review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, DC Comics, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War Part 4, NCBD, oege Jimenez, Penguin, Punchline, Riddler, Scarecrow

Batman #98

Review by Paul Bowler.

Everything stops for tea in Batman #98 as the Dark Knight’s world reels from the chaos of Joker War. Joker has taken everything from Batman, his wealth, his arsenal of vehicles, and now Batman is more vulnerable than ever thanks to a massive overdose of Punchline’s new Joker Toxin. As the Dark Knight wrestles with haunting visions and darkness Harley Quinn must watch over him while he recovers, but Punchline is on her way, and she’s hell bent on killing the Dark Knight!

Writer James Tynion IV continues to weave his magic on DC Comics flagship Batman title with yet another spellbinding, emotional, and action-packed issue. Batman #98 crams so much into this fourth instalment of Joke War its difficult to surmise just how richly crafted and well put together it all is. Tynion has Batman tripping the light fantastic for much of the issue — thanks to a brew cooked up by Harley Quinn in her floral underground hideout to cleanse Punchline’s souped up Joker toxin from his system — and the Dark Knight’s ensuing hallucinogenic tea break with the dearly departed Alfred is both deeply moving and highly insightful. Alfred serves up a unique perspective on the twisted dynamic of the Batman’s and Joker’s eternal conflict. Tynion’s powerful script also manages to salvage a plausible outcome to the devastating fallout caused by Tom King’s idiotically deconstructive run on Batman, essentially turning lead into gold, and making Alfred’s senseless death and Bruce’s inability to face up to that loss seem all the more poignant and credible as a result.

Ding! Ding! Seconds out… because the rest of the issue, as you’ve probably guessed by the cover, is indeed taken up by the face-off between Harley-Quinn and Joker’s new partner, Punchline. If, like me, their first clash left you feeling a bit underwhelmed then you will be pleased to know their showdown in Batman #98 is a real kick-ass fight that finally showcases both characters to their full potential. Tynion ensures the dialogue is as razor sharp as their combat, we also get to understand more about what motivates Punchline, and how she ingratiated herself with the Joker.

This issue features some truly fabulous artwork by Joege Jimenez’s as well. Stylish, overlapping page layouts capture the tone and pace of the story perfectly. Every scene focusing on Bruce’s conversation with the imaginary version of Alfred is beautiful crafted, with characters expressions conveying warmth, depth and unparalleled honesty. Punchline’s fight with Harley Quinn is — by stark contrast — a like ballet of exquisite violence and hate, with no quarter given and none taken. Jimenez’s art is enriched further by the striking tones and hues of colorist Tomeu Morey which makes Bruce’s hallucinogenic state and the stunning backdrop of Harley’s underground hideaway seem to almost leap from the page. Even the brief interludes with Catwoman as she recuperates at Penguin’s secret refuge along with the rest of the Gotham rogues to wait out Joker War are finely realised by Jimenez’s and Morey. 

While this issue doesn’t redact Alfred’s death, it does go a long way to finally making Alfred’s loss feel less senseless than is once did. Finally this issues iconic “I’m Batman” scene is no-doubt the punch-the-air moment that we’ve all been waiting for since Joker War began, and its great to see Bruce putting his old friends advice — imaginary or otherwise — to good use without at moments hesitation.

Batman #98 is another terrific issue from the dynamic creative team of Tynion IV, Jimenez and Morey. They have revitalised the Dark Knight’s world with strong characterisation and striking visuals. Now with the penultimate chapter of Joker War and the landmark Batman #100 on the horizon this series continues to impress on every level, and I for one can’t wait to see how everything turns out.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & 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

 

The Batman DC FanDome Trailer!

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Batman Year Two, Catwoman, Commissioner Gordon, Gotham, Matt Reeves, Riddler, Robert Pattinson, The Batman, The Batman FanDome Trailer, The Batman Trailer

The Batman DC FanDome Trailer!

The Batman writer-director Matt Reeves has unveiled the first trailer for the new Batman film during the final panel for the DC FanDome event on Saturday. This dark, atmospheric teaser trailer, set to Nirvana’s “Something in the Way,” initially focuses  on the  Riddler (Paul Dano), who is leaving a trail of deadly teasers for the Batman and Commissioner Gordon (Jeffery Wright) to solve. There’s also a brief glimpses of Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, we also get our first full look of Robert Pattinson in the Batsuit and driving the Batmobile, and the trailer highlights Batman’s brutal crime fighting technique as he beats up a thug just to make a point!

In the panel for the film, Reeves explained that “The Batman” won’t be an origin story as such, but it does start in “Year Two” of Batman’s career, in which Batman and several other iconic characters — Catwoman, the Riddler, and the Penguin (Colin Farrell) — are still in the early stages of their lives in Gotham. The story will feature mystery, corruption, murder and even links that stretch right back  to Batman’s past! The  movie also stars John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Jayme Lawson and Andy Serkis.

Check out the awesome trailer for The Batman!

Production on the film was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Reeves had shot just 25% of the film so far. The Batman is currently in production and is  now scheduled for release in October 2021.

Of all the films and trailers featured during DC FanDome The Batman was the one I was most excited about. I thought it looked great, what were your thoughts on the trailer? One thing’s for sure, Matt Reeves “The Batman” looks set to herald a brave and bold new era for the Batman film franchise!

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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 #97 Review

Tags

Alfred Pennyworth, Batman, Batman #97, Batman #97 review, DC Comcis, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker Toxin, Joker War, Joker War Part 3, Punchline

Batman #97

Review by Paul Bowler

Part three of Joker War sees unfolds in Batman #97 with almost maniacal glee. With Joker’s army terrorising Gotham, the Dark Knight reels from the nightmarish visions induced by Punchline’s deadly new Joker Toxin, and the mysterious new vigilante Clownhunter begins to make his presence felt. As Joker plots his next move Batman must regain his grip on reality to strike back and reclaim his city, or Gotham will soon fall before the horror the Clown Prince of Crime has unleashed…

When it comes to ramping up the tension, horror, and action writer James Tynion IV excels on every level. Batman #97 is literally bursting at the seams with fresh developments in the Joker War saga. The Joker’s new squeeze, Punchline, is busy at the docks overseeing a new consignment of ingredients for her souped up Joker toxin destined for Axis Chemicals, when she learns that there’s a new kid on the block, Clownhunter, who seems to be making things pretty toasty for the Joker\s Clown-faced goons in the Narrows and Punchline’s none too happy about it either!

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Batman is still in the grip of the new Joker Toxin and its horrific hallucinogenic effects as he confronts Joker’s nanobot zombies at the Monarch Theatre. The action and suspense is brilliantly handled by Tynion in these scenes as Batman struggles against a threat that is an unnerving blend of reality and ghoulish illusion. The Dark Knight even believes he’s conversing with an imaginary phantom of Alfred over his cowls coms link at one point — the voice of his dearly departed friend uncannily providing the tenuous anchor he needs to focus and survive the chaos closing in around him.

Joege Jimenez is really hitting his stride now with his artwork for DC Comics flagship Batman title, and he’s clearly having a blast with the all-out action in this issue. The flashback to Clownhunter’s vigilante antics in the Narrows are a real standout moment that offers further insight into this new character. Jimenez’s rendition of the battle in the Monarch Theatre is a veritable tour-de-force of beautifully orchestrated combat, horror, dynamic panel layouts, and explosive action — while Joker and Punchline’s chilling tête-à-tête as they survey the carnage across Gotham provides our first proper glimpse into what makes their relationship tick. Colorist   Tomeu Morey also pulls out all the stops with an assured use of tone and shade to make this another stunning looking issue of Batman especially the scenes set in the Monarch Theatre and Harley Quinn’s secret hideaway.

The frantic pace of Batman #97 builds to a final scene that could well provide what we’ve all been waiting for since Joker War started, however, will this glimmer of salvation prove the guiding light Batman desperately needs in his darkest hour or will it send him over the edge completely? 

Needless to say, this is an unmissable issue of Batman. If you’ve been enjoying Joker War so far, Batman #97 will totally blow your mind. You know, every once in a while a comic book creative team just seems to click and capture lightening in a bottle. Tynion, Jimenez and Morey are doing just that right now and proving to be winning team for this book! 

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist Joege Jimenez / Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letters: Clayton Cowles / Cover: Guillem March & 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 #1025 Review

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Batman, Batwoman, DC Comics, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #1025, Detective Comics #1025 review, Gotham, Joker, Joker War, Joker War Tie In, Peter J. Tomasi, Wayne Enterprises

Detective Comics #1025

Review by Paul Bowler.

Joker War rages across Gotham in Detective Comics #1025 doubles down on in his ruthless campaign against the Dark Knight. Joker and his clown-masked goons have unleashed the arsenal they’ve plundered from the sub levels of the Waynetech R&D department. Lucius Fox is also a hostage. Now Batman and Batwoman must set aside their differences and work together to rescue Fox!

After the dark, ominous tone of the previous issues leading up to Joker War, the action ramps up to eleven and beyond in Detective Comics #1025 with Batman and Batwoman teaming up to save Lucius Fox from the Joker’s clutches. Tales From The Joker War: Attack on Wayne Enterprises is of course a collateral damage tie-in to the main events of Joker War. Opening with a firefight that has Commissioner Bullock and the GCPD pinned down in a Gotham cemetery by the Joker’s henchmen, writer Peter J. Tomasi deftly engineers the circumstances to finally get Batman and Batwoman to work together again. 

I really liked the dynamic between Bullock and Batwoman in this issue as well. The two of them make a surprisingly good, no-nonsense team, albeit only briefly for this issue. Tomasi is always spot on when it comes to balancing characterisation and plot, and this action-packed issue is no exception to that rule —  with the palpable tension between Batman and Batwoman melding seamlessly with the actions as it unfolds. Their banter is a lot of fun though and the Dark Knight is even forced to take a back seat when it comes to the driving! Lucius Fox also continues to prove his worth as one of Batman’s most trusted allies in the wake of Alfred’s untimely death, despite being drugged up to the eyeball on Joker toxin, he still attempts to resit his brainwashing and shut down the 3D weapons printers assembly line at Wayne Enterprises.

The artwork by new series artist Kenneth Rocafort is good too, with overlapping panel layouts nicely accentuating the pace and flow of the action, characters are all clearly defined, and the overall look of the issue makes for a very pleasing read. Rocafort’s art and colorist Dan Brown’s use of bold tones and hues  also works exceptionally well together. Highlights included the battle in the cemetery, the fleet of Joker drones, and a tank-busting assault on Wayne Enterprises to save Lucius Fox.

Its been a long while since we’ve seen Batman and Batwoman working together (Detective Comics #981 to be precise), so it was great to see them team-up like this for Joker War. However, although they are willing to collaborate by the end of the issue, clearly they are still far from being on the same page as to their methods. I must admit I really enjoyed Detective Comics #1025 a lot more than I expected. Normally I’d avoid tie-in issues like the plague, but I’m pleased to say that this issue with its non-stop-action and strong characterisation was just the ticket — no doubt thanks to having a writer of Peter J. Tomasi’s caliber at the helm. I still feel that Tomasi’s run on Detective Comics has been held back slightly by having to accommodate so many DC Comics events and tie-in’s, but Detective Comics #1025 is certainly a key chapter in Joker War and well worth checking out.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Peter J Tomasi / Artist: Kenneth Rocafort 

Colorist: Dan Brown / Letters: Rob Leigh

Cover: Kennith Rocafort

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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 #96 Review

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Batman, Batman #96, Batman #96 review, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War Part 2, NCBD, Punchline

Batman #96

Review by Paul Bowler.

Joker War unleashes havoc across Gotham in Batman #96 while the Clown Prince of Crime sets the stage for the final act of Batman’s downfall! Still reeling from the effects of a new, even deadlier version of Joker toxin, Batman is on the run, haunted by darkness from his past and present. Only one person can save the Dark Knight from madness as the Joker’s scheme threatens to overwhelm him – Harley Quinn! There’s also a new player in town, but who is the mysterious Clownhunter?

Writer James Tynion IV continues to knock it out of the park with his work on Batman. The grim horror tone gets ramped up even further in Joker War Part 2 as much of the issue plays out like a nightmarish dreamscape for the Dark Knight detective. Tynion masterfully blurs the lines between fantasy and reality in Batman #96 as the Joker’s scheme viciously permeates every aspect of Batman’s world – especially the tragic fallout from Alfred’s recent death which resonates even more powerfully now as a result. Of course much of what Batman finds himself experiencing is, initially at least, a warped illusion caused by the souped up version of the Joker toxin Punchline gassed him with last issue. 

Things are looking bleak for Gotham, with Punchline running the show at Wayne Enterprises and the Underbroker controlling City Hall, while the Joker’s new army of gangland goons rampage through the city with some wonderful toys courtesy of the Joker’s recent acquisition of the Wayne fortune. As for the Joker, well, he’s busy buying up air time left right and centre for his own macabre reasons. Tynion refines the narrative with some exceptionally bold strokes in this issue that simultaneously encompass the introduction of an intriguing new character, Clownhunter, while Harley Quinn ends up becoming Batman’s best hope of salvation — even though her help effectively sends him crashing so far over the edge he actually begins to perceive what’s happening to him!

Joege Jimenez’s artwork on this title is really something to behold. Every page of Batman #96 is rich with detail, the concise panel layouts stylishly convey the finer nuances of the story, and the colors by Tomeu Morey are to die for. Highlights include the idyllic future fantasy that has Batman once more sporting a Bat-Suit reminiscent of the sleek ice-tech styling of George Clooney’s final costume from Batman and Robin, the moments of brutally which snap us back to reality are so vividly crafted they are genuinely disturbing, Gotham continues to look more gothic with each passing scene, and the cliffhanger is a masterclass of horror swathed in flickering shadows.

But what exactly is the Joker working towards this time? Well, that all starts to become much clearer now as this second part of Joker War starts to unfold, and he’s clearly pushing all the right buttons to get under Batman’s skin. No bones about it, this time the Joker really is playing for keeps! Batman #96 is another must-read issue, with its terrific writing from James Tynion IV and superb art by George Jimenez, there can be no doubt that Joker War is shaping up to be the DC Comics event of the year!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez / Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letters: Clayton Cowles / Cover: Jimenez & 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