All Star Batman #10 Review

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Alfred Pennyworth, All Star Batman, All Star Batman #10, All Star Batman #10 review, Batman, Batman the First Ally Part 1, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Jordie Bellaire, Rafael Albuquerque, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Scott Snyder, Steve Wands, The First Ally

All Star Batman #10

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight detective faces a new, deadly enemy in All Star Batman #10, an unpredictable foe, one whose attacks are seemingly impossible to counteract! Batman uncovers a dark scheme from decades past, but inconceivably the architect of this insidious plot could well be one of his closets allies of all! All Star Batman #10 reunites Scott Snyder with his American Vampire collaborator Rafael Albuquerque for this stunning new Batman story arc: The Last Ally!

Interspaced with flashback to a rooftop chase across the pond in London and Batman and Alfred’s present day escapade in Miami, All Star Batman #10 hit’s the ground running, and doesn’t let up for a moment. The Batmobile is driven like an old pro, there’s an enemy with a familiar face to be caught, and the crowd goes wild before you‘ve even finished turning a few pages. Hell, you’d be forgiven for thinking that’d be enough full-on Bat-action for one issue alone, but this is Snyder and Albuquerque we are talking about here, and like Batman in this issue they sure know how to grab our attention with a scene stealing entrance!

Having got word something dangerous is being smuggled into Miami, Bruce and Alfred go all good cop bad cop to get the information they need, and their subsequent attempt to infiltrate an old fort off the coast sequestered by a quartet of leaders from Miami’s most feared crime families puts Bruce in terrible danger. Initially what feels like an Oceans 13 heist coated with Miami Vice glamour and menace, soon becomes a deadly game of pirates, and before you can say shiver me timbers all hell breaks loose as the bullets start flying!

This storyline is going to delve into Alfred’s past, an exciting concept in itself, but what I really liked about this issue was how Scott Snyder used the narrative to highlight the surrogate father / son bond between Alfred and Bruce. There are certain points in this issue, usually right in the thick of the action, where Alfred’s reminiscing feels genuinely heart-warming and quite moving. However, these moments are also powerfully counterbalanced with Alfred’s steely determination, especially during the interrogation scene, where we gain further insight into his character and just how far he’d be willing to cross the line if need be.

The pencils and inks of Rafael Albuquerque’s artwork brings the first chapter of The First Ally to life in glorious fashion. The action is often fast and furious, with concisely structured page layouts relaying Snyder‘s vision with the same flawless synergy their collaborations always bring, as story and art seamlessly fuse as one. Rafael Albuquerque’s spectacular art effortlessly draws you in, you’d swear can almost hear the roar of the crowd as Batman ejects form the Batmobile, there’s centrally no doubting that Alfred means business either, those flashbacks have a unique favour that perfectly encapsulates the era, and the high-tech security of the fort soon becomes engulfed in a slow-motion barrage of gunfire with a yo, ho, ho, and a bottle of rum. The colors by Jordie Bellaire beautifully complement Albuquerque’s art, from the dusky hues of London from times before to the bombastic tones of the opening chase sequence, though to the vivid shades of the Miami skyline, and the ice blues and greys of the fort showdown, Bellaire’s colors sublimely enrich every single scene.

Killers-In-Law, written by Rafael Albuquerque and Rafael Scavone, featuring art by Sebastian Fiumara, and colors by Trish Mulvihill, is the new backup story which accompanies this new All Star Batman story-arc, involving Bruce Wayne going deep undercover to infiltrate the Russian mafia. It’s an edgy, brutal, bare knuckle story, one that plays its cards close to its chest, insomuch that it fills in just enough back story to keep us guessing how everything is going to slot together with The First Ally story-arc.

Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque round off The First Ally: Part 1 in fine style. You might say that Bruce’s good taste in art is his saving grace in this issue, but it also puts him smack-bang in the middle of a heart-grabbing mystery, one that Snyder brilliantly blindsides us with as past and present collide in the most unexpected way possible. The First Ally is another masterpiece in the making from Snyder and Albuquerque, with its gritty storytelling and outstanding artwork, All Star Batman #10 doesn’t just exceed expectations, if anything, it drives right through them!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Scott Snyder / Art and Cover & Variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque

Colors Jordie Bellaire / Letters Steve Wands

Variant Cover Sebastian Fiumara

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All Star Batman #8 Review

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All Star Batman, All Star Batman #8, All Star Batman #8 review, Batman, comics, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Dean White, Ends of the Earth, Ends of the Earth Part 3, Francesco Francavilla, Giuseppi Camuncoli, Mark Morales, Scott Snyder, The Cursed Wheel, The Mad Hatter

All Star Batman #8

Review by Paul Bowler

An uncanny, mind-bending adventure awaits in All Star Batman #8 as the Dark Knight’s mission to save the world leads Batman into a fateful encounter with one of the most deranged members of his infamous Rogue’s Gallery… the Mad-Hatter!

Fittingly, this penultimate instalment of Ends of The Earth unites the all-star team of acclaimed writer Scott Snyder and artist Guiseppe Camuncoli to bring us the most intriguing and bizarre chapter in this saga so far. Batman’s quest to contain and neutralize the deadly spores Mr Freeze unleashed upon the world has already been partly successful, thanks to a cure provided by Poison Ivy, brining a temporary reprieve to the crisis, but the creeping death could begin spreading again at any moment. Now, with a team of camouflaged adversaries called the Blackhawks hampering Batman’s efforts and Duke suddenly MIA, the trail of clues has led him to a secluded house in the dank depths of the Batchaloo swamp where Batman must now confront the Mad-Hatter.

Ends of the Earth Part 3, like all of the issues in Scott Snyder’s latest All Star Batman story-arc, begins with Batman walking – quite literally – into the story; with a monologue-like introduction that gives us a tantalizing taste of what to expect from this issue as Batman emerges from the waters of the swamp. In essence while the narrative is more prose than comic book in many respects, these entrances have all felt like metaphors for the far wider scope of the overall story itself. Yet in other, more subtle ways, they also feel deeply personal and frank, non more so perhaps than with this issue, as Snyder writes from the very heart and soul of his being in a way that resonates as powerfully with the reader as it does with the characters on the page.

There are battles with some familiar faces and those not so familiar as well, but they are over before they are even instigated really. Batman doesn’t have time to hang about, the clock is ticking, the world is at stake, and nothing is going to make him late for this tea party! I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never rated the Mad-Hatter that highly, and in fact I’ve always considered him to be a decidedly second rate Bat-villain. However, Snyder does indeed work his magic – weaving in some intriguing connections from the past – to make the Mad-Hatter a truly dangerous and compellingly cunning adversary to be reckoned with in this issue.

All Star Batman #8 features some of this arcs most distinctive artwork yet, with Giuseppi Camuncoli’s pencils beautifully rendering the swampy locale, the initial fights are a joyous blend of instinct, strategy, gadgets, and wise fashion choices that prove Batman’s way never goes out of style. I can’t decide whether its Camuncoli’s depiction of the Mad-Hatter’s warped dreams for his inventions to send the world collectively though the looking glass or the terrifying plunge through the raw psyche of the Dark Knight’s grey matter that is the biggest highlight of the issue, but one thing’s for sure, with such gloriously atmospheric inks from Mark Morales and hauntingly psychedelic colors by Dean White, this issue is deliriously brilliant experience on every level.

The Cursed Wheel Part 7, continues the back up story written by Scott Snyder, and featuring stunning artwork by Francesco Francavilla. Although the focus for the majority of this storyline has been on Duke’s training, here we take a bit of time out for this beautifully crafted interlude – which also nicely links in with past events – as Duke finds inspiration in the most unlikely of places.

Our trip down the rabbet hole ends as All Star Batman #8 draws to a close in a fittingly explosive, and reality warping fashion. So, has this issue changed my mind about the Mad-Hatter? Well, yes, almost… While I don’t think the Mad-Hatter will ever be amongst my favourite villains from Batman‘s Rogues Gallery, this issue from Scott Snyder and Guiseppe Camuncoli has certainly altered my perceptions of the character. All Star Batman #8 is a wild, psychological, and chilling mind-trip though a Bat-themed Wonderland and it sets everything up for the thrilling conclusion of Ends of The Earth where the true villain will finally be revealed!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder / Pencils: Giuseppi Camuncoli

Inks: Mark Morales / Colors: Dean White / Letters: Steve Wands

The Cursed Wheel Part 7 / Writer: Scott Snyder / Art: Francesco Francavilla

Regular Cover & Variant Cover: Camuncoli & White

Variant Cover: Francesco Francavilla

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The Flash #16 Review

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Barry Allen, Captain Cold, Carmine Di Giandomenco, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Golden Glider, Heat Wave, Iris West, Ivan Plascencia, Joshua Williamson, Kid Flash, Mirror Master, The Flash, The Flash #16, The Flash #16 review, The Flash Rebirth, The Flash Rogues Reloaded, The Rogues, Trickster, Weather Wizard

The Flash #16

Review by Paul Bowler

It seems the Rogues have pulled off the perfect crime in The Flash #16, after tricking the Scarlet Speedster into leaving Central City to fight Mirror Master and his mirror duplicates of the Rogues in Corto Maltese, the real Rogues struck back in Central City at five different locations! Now the Flash must race home, but can even the fastest man alive prevent this quintet of crimes when they are being carried out all at the same time?

Rogues Reloaded Part 3 illustrates just how ingenious the Rogues plan really is, and it highlights the shattering aftermath for the Flash because he was distracted by their mirror version on the other side of the world. Flash’s confidence certainly takes a knock in this issue, fortunately Iris West, who Barry has just started dating (although he hasn’t told her he’s the Flash), inspires him to use the Rogues new way of thinking and turn it to his advantage.

What I really like about the Flash since DC Comics Rebirth, is how writer Joshua Williamson brings such a fresh dynamic to the character of Barry Allen and his blossoming relationship with Iris West, and this issue really plays to those strengths. The Rogues Reloaded storyline has also given Williamson the opportunity to explore new facets of the bonds between the Rogues themselves, and how they operate. Heat Wave also plays a somewhat unexpected role in The Flash #16 which unveils a chilling glimpse into the warped machinations of his flame charred psychology – and proves he’s a villain never to be underestimated!

The fast and furious pace of the action is gloriously realized by artist Carmine Di Giandomenico, the Flash’s dynamically staged analysis of how the Rogues split up to conduct their multiple crime spree is brilliantly handled by Giandomenico. The interlude with Heat Wave is another big highlight, the drama and tension crackles from the page, and the build up to the Flash’s inevitable confrontations with the Rogues culminates in a stylishly handled spectacle of super-speed action. The colors by Ivan Plascencia effortlessly mirror the tone of each scene, from Flash surveying the dark, smouldering aftermath of Heat Wave’s rampage which he wasn’t able to arrive in time to stop, to the horrific memories of the past burn vividly from the page, and the realization of the speed force as is crackles around the Flash in combat during the issues final moment is utterly sublime.

Everything builds towards the moment that we’ve all been waiting for as the Flash finally confronts the Rogues, but it would seem that there’s not quite as much honour amongst thieves as we’ve been led to believe, and his final opponent has deadly surprise in store that even the Flash might not be able to escape from!

The Flash #16 is another excellent issue from Joshua Williamson, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Ivan Plascencia. Rogues Reloaded has been a great super-powered heist caper, its really tested the Flash’s abilities and skills to the limit, Mirror Master, Golden Glider, Heat Wave, Weather Wizard, Trickster, and Captain Cold have all had a good share of the action, there’s been a myriad of plot twists that have all collectively added to the excitement, and now everything is in place for the epic conclusion of Rogues Reloaded!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Joshua Williamson / Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico

Colorist: Ivan Plascencia / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Carmine Di Giandomenco / Variant Cover: Dave Johnson

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Green Arrow #16 Review

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Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Dinah Lance, Emerald Outlaw, Emerald Outlaw Part 5, Emi Queen, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #16, Green Arrow #16 Review, Green Arrow Rebirth, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Red Arrow, Seattle, The Dark Archer

Green Arrow #16

The Emerald Archer goes on the offensive in Green Arrow #16, but the odds are stacked against him after being framed by the Dark Archer Malcolm Merlyn for a recent wave of murders in Seattle, hounded by a rogue team of corrupt cops called The Vice Squad, and vilified by a detestable mayoral candidate. Things don’t look good for Green Arrow and Co, but all that could soon change with the return of an old ally….Emiko Queen!

Emerald Outlaw Part 5 sees Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Chief Westberg setting out to deal with Sergeant Notting and The Vice Squad once and for all! First though, writer Benjamin Percy brings us the long awaited reunion between Green Arrow and his sister, Emi – AKA Red Arrow. Her tangle with her mother and the Yakuza bosses has made Emi tougher than ever, she’s back and – hugging aside – on her terms! From here Green Arrow #16 races along at a furious pace, as Benjamin Percy sets the scene for the showdown between the Emerald Archer, his allies, and The Vice Squad in a hanger outside Seattle, where the moral arguments of this arc become polarized like never before as the fists, bullets and arrows start flying left right and centre.

This is a mighty fine looking issue of Green Arrow, the terrific art and colors by Otto Schmidt are true spectacle to behold, and every page is crammed with action, speed, and motion as the face-off in the hanger unfolds towards its explosive and poignantly honourable conclusion. The initial reunion between Oliver and Emi is also nicely portrayed, and the running joke of everyone getting used to calling Emi by the moniker of Red Arrow is great fun. I also really like how Otto Schmidt’s chameleon-like use of color pitches the mood of each scene, perfectly matching them with the beats of the storyline, with vivid tones for the more emotional moments, while cool dark shades heighten the menace and danger of the fight in the hanger.

However, it is the multifaceted aftermath of this battle where story and art fuse beautifully as one, with media reports, a word in a mayoral candidates ear, and a tender repairing of bonds to make a family whole again that provides some of the most moving and heart-warming moments we’ve seen in this series so far, and it reaffirms my view that Green Arrow is one of the strongest titles to emerge from DC Comics Rebirth.

Green Arrow #16 is the kind of issue that makes us love these characters so much. Benjamin Percy and Otto Schmidt have delivered another remarkable issue with Green Arrow #16, the jaw-dropping and emotionally charged ending of this penultimate issue of Emerald Outlaw raises the stakes to a whole new, and entirely unexpected level, and it sets everything up for a momentous action-packed finale for this brilliant story arc.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy Art and Color: Otto Schmidt

Letters: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT

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All Star Batman #6 Review

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Alaska, All Star Batman, All Star Batman #6, All Star Batman #6 review, Batman, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Ends of the Earth, Ends of the Earth Part 1, Francesco Francavilla, Jock, Mr Freeze, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Scott Snyder

All Star Batman #6

Review by Paul Bowler

All Star Batman #6 brings the Dark Knight to Alaska as he attempts to stop Mr Freeze getting his frozen mitts on an ice core that could plunge the world into a new ice age! Critically acclaimed writer Scott Snyder is joined by the phenomenal artist Jock for All Star Batman’s new arc, Ends of The Earth, and their new take on Batman’s deadliest ice-cold adversary presents the Dark Knight with a hauntingly dark, wintry challenge as he battles to save the world from Mr Freeze in the icebound wilderness of humanities last frontier…

Scott Snyder continues to deliver a fresh slant on the Dark Knight’s rogues with DC Comics All Star Batman. Having successfully done so with Two Face in “My Own Worst Enemy”, Snyder now turns his attention to Mr Freeze (Dr Victor Fries), as the fearsome sub-zero villain embarks on a sinister plan to extract the world’s oldest ice core.

All Star Batman #6 gets Snyder’s new Ends of the Earth story-arc off to a confident start, plunging us directly into the frigid heart of this story right from the outset, with Batman – kitted out in a heavy-duty Mech-style Bat-suit that fires specially forged Batarangs – resolutely making his way to an outpost in Alaska, while the narrative gradually offers a chilling insight into his mission. Batman soon discovers the terrible fate of the researches, but it seems there’s an even nastier surprise awaiting him here at the top of the world!

Snyder masterfully builds the suspense and horror. Mr Freeze and his lumbering carbon bonded ice-zombie minions make fittingly terrifying adversaries for Batman in this issue. While its perhaps no surprise to see the familiar Mr Freeze tropes employed, such as his beloved Nora and themes of cryogenic resurrection, but its refreshing to seem them handled in a was that brings such a strong dramatic edge to the issues. The inclusion of the poem, Fire and Ice, by Robert Frost, is another masterstroke, and it’s this subtle half-guessed blend of mystery and suspense that Snyder uses to keep us guessing all the way to the final page. Even the story of how Batman’s Mech-suits Batarangs were specially crafted for this mission beautifully complements the bleak environment, stark brutality, and often reflective tone which this tale seamlessly shifts between at times.

Needless to say, artist Jock does a fantastic job with All Star Batman #6, Ends of the Earth Part 1 looks incredible. From the almost complete whiteout of the landscape 300 miles north of the artic circle, to Batman’s kick-ass Mech-Bat-suit, and Mr Freeze – who to my mind has rarely looked as ruthless and as fearsome as this – is at his maniacal deep-frozen best to provides a thrilling and palpable threat to the Dark Knight. Jock crafts so many standout moment in this issue, Freeze’s panoramic vision of the future, for instance, is gloriously realized, but my favourite scenes were with the screeching ice-zombies, I found them genuinely unnerving with their shuddering movements and blood curdling cries – especially when they overwhelm Batman at one point. Matt Hollingsworth’s colors provide a perfect accompaniment for Jock’s art, with exquisite artic blue tones, opaque, almost pearlescent whites, and shadowy hues that effortlessly melds the tension and emotional beats of the story.

All Star Batman #6 builds to a nerve jangling cliff-hanger, with danger closing in on all sides, and the Dark Knight in mortal danger. A resolution of sorts is found beating furiously at the heart of this story, one that drags protagonist and antagonist into the warped embrace of fire and ice in a scream of jaw-dropping action set-pieces, and it will leave you awestruck by the sheer overwhelming realization this arc is only just beginning!

The Cursed Wheel Part 5 written by Scott Snyder and with art by Francesco Francavilla continues All Star’s backup story focusing on Duke’s training through the wheel. Opening with a fiendish trap set by the Riddler for Batman and Duke to solve, events then flashback to their trip to Arkham to visit the Riddler in his cell, for a bizarre kind of Zero Year anniversary. But this year there’s something connected to more recent events waiting for Duke to confront. Snyder ensures the script it taut and engaging, and Francesco Francavilla’s artwork, with its angular panel layout, provides an impressively colourful mix form and shadow. This highly atmospheric story moves at a quick pace, there are some great moments of characterization for Batman and Duke, and everything quickly reaches a fittingly explosive puzzle-tinged final scene.

There is more than a hint of John Carpenter’s film, The Thing, about this opening chapter of Ends of the Earth, especially with its setting, remote base, something nasty frozen in the ice, and its themes of contaminated blood. I love this darker, more atmospheric, horror toned story, and I think Snyder and Jock have excelled themselves with this remarkable issue which splices story and art in such a way that it actually feels like it reads more like prose than a comic book – Steve Wands uncanny use of lettering makes every word leap from the page. It’s great to have Scott Snyder and Jock working on a Batman book again. No question about it, All Star Batman #6 is a must-read issue, with its terrific cover by Jock, as well as a Jock Variant cover , and Francavilla Variant, this issue sets the stage from one of Snyder’s most compelling story-arcs to date!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Scott Snyder / Art Jock

Colors Matt Hollingsworth / Letterer Steve Wands

The Cursed Wheel Part 5 written by Scott Snyder with art by Francesco Francavilla

Cover Jock / Jock Variant / Variant Cover Francesco Francavilla

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Superman #14 Review

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comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth Superman, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Justice League Incarnate, Marcelo Malolo, Multiplicity, Multiplicity Part 1, Multiversity, New Superman of China, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Red Son Superman, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Superman, Superman #14, Superman #14 review

Superman #14

Review by Paul Bowler

Superman #14 kicks off the New Year in fine style with a multi-Earth epic! Multiplicity Part One is steeped in the legacy of the character and world of Superman, as writers Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason offer an action packed opening instalment to this adventure, with art by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Marcelo Maiolo that sees Kal-El discovering a new threat that is collecting all the Supermen throughout Multiverse!

After inexplicably running into, well almost, the badly beaten Red Son Superman of Earth 30, Kal-El quickly learns of his counterpart’s plight. Namely, that something, or someone called Prophecy and his army of Gatherers have been hunting the Superman of Earth 30 and countless other Supermen from across the Multiverse. Now the Gatherers have a new target, Kenan Kong, the New Superman of China, and the Red Son Superman has managed to escape from captivity to bring this warning to the Superman of our Earth.

Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason move the plot along at a cracking pace right from the start. Its heavy on exposition in parts, but not distractingly so, and once the Gatherers – strange gangly creatures that look like they’ve just scuttled out of Pans Labyrinth – arrive, we get to see Superman and Red Son Superman of Earth 30 fighting side by side against these seemingly indestructible monsters. This all exhilarating stuff, but things really notch up a gear in the excitement stakes (especially for Grant Morrison fans) during a brief respite from the Supermen’s battle with the Gatherers when the Justice League Incarnate arrive!

Yes, if you enjoyed Morrison’s sweeping Multiversity saga you are absolutely going to love this issue of Superman, and even if you are late to the party, there’s still plenty going on here to enjoy, and it’s explained in a way that won’t alienate or leave you scratching your head and wondering what on Earth is going on either.

Superman #14 is a great looking issue, with art by Ivan Reis (Layouts), Joe Prado (Finishes), and Marcelo Maiolo (Colorists), and they do a fantastic job of juggling the numerous characters involved in this issue. One thing I really liked about this issue was how it never felt cluttered or sacrificed the finer details in any way, which can sometimes be the case when a large roll call of characters and different locations are involved. The opening battle with the two Supermen battling the Gatherers is especially good, its awesome to see both Supe’s really cut loose like this, and the Gatherers relentless chanting of two phrases becomes quite disquieting after a time. The colors are also gloriously rich and vibrant throughout. Then of course we have the return of the JLI characters from Grant Morrison’s Multiversity to enjoy, with a quick who’s who to bring everyone up to speed, and some insight of their mission to save the Supermen on the Gatherers “list” from being kidnapped a taken to a processing facility.

The issue builds to a frenetic and exciting close with Superman, the Superman of Earth 30, and the Justice League Incarnate attempting to save the New Superman of China from the Gatherers, and the glimpse of the terrifying fate that awaits the captured Supermen of the Multiverse also provides us with one hell of a cliff-hanger to keep us on the edge of our seat until the next issue!

I’ve never followed Superman comics that much if I’m honest, most of the New 52 passed me by, so I’ve been reluctant to give the Rebirth Superman titles a go, until, that is, someone recommended Superman #14 to me to the other day. So, I thought I’d give it a whirl, and I’m sure glad that I did. Its been a long, long time since I’ve read a Superman comic that’s made me want to read the next issue right away, but Superman #14 certainly did! I’m a fan of Morrison’s Multiversity as well, so I think that was also a big factor in my enjoyment of this issue, but I was also very impressed by what Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason have done with this issue, the story was so engaging, especially for newcomers (like me), and the art by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Marcelo Maiolo was also exceptionally good. One thing is for sure, Superman #14 has got me interested in Superman comics again, and I’ll certainly be sticking around to see what happens next in this Multiplicity storyline.

Publisher DC Comics

Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason

Art by Ivan Reis (Layouts), Joe Prado (Finishes), Marcelo Maiolo (Colorist)

Letterer Rob Leigh / Cover Gleason / Gray / Kalisz

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Batman (2016) Annual #1

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Batman, Batman #1 Annual, Batman (2016) Annual #1, Batman Annual #1 review, Batman Silent Night, Bilquis Evely, David Finch, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Gabe Eltaeb, Gotham, Ivan Plascencia, Jordie Bellaire, Mat Lopes, Neal Adams, Paul Dini, Ray Fawkes, Riley Rossomo, Scott Bryan, Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, Tom King

Batman (2016) Annual #1

Review By Paul Bowler

The hush of winter snowfall settles over Gotham City as Christmas draws near in the Batman (2016) Annual #1, but as we all know, there can never truly be a “Silent Night” in Gotham for the Dark Knight, his allies, or even his enemies, in this quintet of special festive tales from the Bat-Caves finest talent!

So, considering Gotham City can be a bit of a gloomy, crime ridden, place for much of the year, you’ll be pleased to know that this Batman Annual brings some surprise Christmas cheer for Batman and Gothamities alike as the holiday season fast approaches.

First off, we have Good Boy, written by Batman series writer Tom King, with pencils and inks from David Finch, and colors by Gabe Eltaeb. Ok, well, I have to admit the first page of this one freaked me out a little. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been very, very weary of dogs, so the start of this story put me on edge a bit. Still, its testament to King’s writing and some rather fine art from Finch that I found myself, along with Bruce, being won over by Ace and this story that turned out to be a far more heart warming tale than I first expected.

Scott Snyder returns for the next story, together with Ray Fawkes, to bring us Silent Night, a thoughtful and moving Christmas story with Declan Shalvey on pencils and inks, and colors by Jordie Bellaire. Snyder and Fawkes bring an ingeniously techno-themed spin to the Bat-Signal with a new system designed to guide Batman’s actions, and one that ultimately leads into the eponymous silent night of the title itself. Its a lovely story, beautiful rendered by Shalvey and Bellaire, and one that gives us all call to take some time out from all the technological noise and clutter of our haphazard modern world to enjoy those small moments of grace and wonder while they fleetingly last.

Not So Silent Night of the Harley Quinn is actually every bit as festive as its title suggests. The script by Paul Dini throws Batman and Harley Quinn together for a jaunt around Gotham in the Batmobile while Batman patrols. This was easily my favourite story in the Annual, mostly for the distinct style, tone and look of this story because of the pencils, inks, and colors by the brilliant Neal Adams. It was great to see this more classic take on Batman’s costume again, and the Christmas spirit also permeates every aspect of this fun story.

On the flipside, Stag, written by Steve Orlando, with pencils and inks by Riley Rossomo, and colors by Ivan Plascencia, proves an altogether different affair. There’s a sound Christmas message beating at its heart, well-meaning and indeed quite thought provoking, but I felt the coda to this story jarred somewhat. It sets up something for 2017, but it all just seemed a little too grim to me, especially considering the other stories around it.

The Insecurity Diversion rounds of this Batman Annual with a trip to Arkham and an audacious escape attempt by one of the inmates. Scott Bryan Wilson’s script builds a concise and complex narrative as the mystery unfolds, with Batman shadowing the escapee every step of the way until the real villain of the piece – who isn’t really a surprise – is revealed, but it is a journey that is nevertheless a compelling and insightful one. Excellent artwork and inks from Bilquis Evely set the scene perfectly, and Mat Lopes colors nicely complement the festive tone with cool icy tones, before the story closes as Batman turns the tables on his enemies in fine style.

I don’t normally tend to read comic book annuals as a rule, however, considering the great writers and artists involved in this Batman (2016) Annual #1 from DC Comics I simply had to check this one out (especially with its gorgeous cover by David Finch and Brad Anderson), and I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a great little anthology of Christmas themed Batman stories, each is uniquely different and brings something new to the table, and while I enjoyed some more than others, overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this annual.

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The Flash #9 Review

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Barry Allen, Carmine Di Giandomenco, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Flashpoint, Ivan Plascencia, Jorge Corona, Joshua Williamson, The Flash, The Flash #123, The Flash #9, The Flash #9 review, The Flash of Two Worlds, The Kid Flash of Two Worlds, Wally West

The Flash #9

Review by Paul Bowler

The original Kid Flash finally meets the new Kid Flash in The Flash #9 as terrible danger strikes! In this special issue from Joshua Williamson, Jorge Corona, and Ivan Plascencia, Wally West and Wally West must team-up to help the Flash as the Scarlet Speedsters investigation into the events from DC Universe Rebirth #1 continues.

The Flash #9 offers a wonderful blend of action, mystery, and nostalgia, as writer Joshua Williamson continues to build on the bold new era for Barry Allen in the wake of DC’s Rebirth event – of which The Flash has arguably been one of the most consistent and integral parts of DC Comics brand-wide revitalization.

Kid Flash of Two Worlds is a charming and insightful single story issue. Its Halloween in Central City, an accident has left the Keystone Bridge badly damaged, and its up to the Flash and Kid Flash to race to avert disaster. The dynamic between the Flash and the new Kid Flash is handled really well by Williamson, it’s still complicated slightly because Wally doesn’t known Barry is the Flash, and things get notched up a level when the original Kid Flash arrives to help out as well. But this historic meeting inadvertently causes some major trouble for the Flash and they must unite to bring the Flash back from the brink of oblivion.

This sets in motion a chain of events which leads to some startling revelations for the new Kid Flash. One thing that shines though in this issue is the close bond between the speedsters and their loved ones, they are like family now, and as such they look out for each other. There are some wonderful scenes in this issue between the Wally West’s, and later Barry and Wally, as the Flashes’ mull over the mystery of why the world forgot the original Wally West, and the identity of who is sending Iris flowers is another beautiful touch. In short, The Flash #9 is a superb character driven issue, which also sets out some tantalizing possibilities for the future.

Jorge Corona’s artwork skilfully balances the emotional warmth and electrifying action in this issue. There are some highly impressive splash pages, dynamically angular page layouts also match the beats of the story perfectly, the characters and their expressions are well realized, and the urgency when Kid Flash’s past and present have to save the Flash is skilfully portrayed. It is in the quieter moments though, where Corona’s art really excels, there’s a short interlude with Wally’s friend Chunk, moving scenes as Wally talks about his parents, and a coda between the original Wally and Barry that is almost too magical for words. The colors by Ivan Plascencia look as impressive as ever, the speedsters scenes are awash with bold, vibrant tones as the speed force crackles around them, while the more emotional, thoughtful moments take on a sombre quality with somewhat duskier hues and richer shadows, and that final page is simply to die for.

The Flash #9, with its stunning cover by Carmine Di Giandomenco, beautifully emulates the classic Silver Age “Flash of Two Worlds” story and cover from The Flash #123 (1961), and writer Joshua Williamson does a fantastic job of melding those classic elements with a distinctly modern spin for this DC Rebirth take on it. The Flash #9 is an unmissable super-speed delight, and one that tips its hat to the past, present, and future in fine style.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Jorge Corona / Colorist: Ivan Plascencia / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Carmine Di Giandomenco / Variant Cover: Dave Johnson

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Batman #9 Review

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Arkham Asylum, Batman, Batman #8, Batman #9 review, Batman I Am Suicide, Batman I Am Suicide Part 1, comics, Commissioner Gordon, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Gotham, Gotham City, June Chung, Mikel Janin, Tom King

Batman #9

Review by Paul Bowler

It’s a case of better the devil you know in Batman #9 as the Dark Knight embarks on a mission to return Psycho Pirate to Gotham so he can save Gotham Girl. Recruiting a team from the bowels of Arkham’s most deranged and dangerous to break into an impregnable prison in order to take something from one of his deadliest enemies, there’s no doubt that Batman has had some crazy ideas in his time, but this could be suicide!

Tom King really begins to stamp his mark on the series with this issue of Batman. I Am Suicide Part 1 is a wonderfully brooding and menacing opening to this new story arc. King brings us a frighteningly graphic and nightmarish glimpse into Bane’s psyche forged in brutality right from the outset, one that’s chilling in the extreme, and it makes Bane‘s presence feel all the more formidable and ominous as a result. Psycho Pirate is also something of a revelation here; and his role is potentially the most intriguing one of all.

The embellishments King waves into the narrative are sublime, there’s a wonderful scene with Alfred, and a nostalgic tip of the hat to the Batman TV series, but ultimately it is Batman’s decision to accept Amanda Walker’s proposition that brings him to Arkham, and that’s were the issue really notches up the suspense. The Dark Knight’s recruitment drive is uncompromising, calculated, and full of surprises. There’s a host of familiar faces here, some old, some newer, some unexpected, and King is clearly relishing every moment here as Batman’s makes his way through this ghoulish pick-and-mix of madness and mayhem to form his team.

Mikel Janin’s excellent pencils and inks on this issue gloriously flesh out the powerful nuances and subtexts within every scene, matching the beats of King’s tautly scripted plot perfectly, and the result is stunning. The psychological horror and revulsion of that opening scene alone nearly drowns you in terror, Janin’s rendition of Bane is as mesmerising as it is intimidating, this makes the contrast with the tender emotional scenes with Gotham Girl all the more striking, and if ever there was a money shot in comics then our glimpse of the Dark Knight standing outside the gates of Arkham in this issue will totally blow you away. June Chung’s colors are equally magnificent, with deep shadows, aquatic hues, and hazy dread dominating early scenes, while Arkham’s interior with its red railings and opaque off-white walls, and resplendent atmospheric gloom are just some of the many visual highlights that fires the imagination as the issue unfolds.

Indeed, there’s a legion of foreshadowing to enjoy, and hints that several things are going to spin out from the issue. The final addition to Batman’s team brokers no argument as this issue draws to a closes in fine style. I’ve been enjoying Tom King’s run since he took over on Batman. Sure, I had a few misgivings and some slight niggles with the early issues, but those gradually ironed out. His approach to Batman has ushered in a fresh new era and simultaneously widened the scope of Batman‘s world and has made him even more integral to the rest of the DCU overall. It takes time to get used to a new creative team sometimes, I Am Gotham got things off to a good start post Rebirth, Night of the Monster Men had its moments, but I feel that with Batman #9 Tom King is really hitting his stride now and bang on the money with this first instalment of I Am Suicide.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Tom King / Pencils & Inks: Mikel Janin

Colors: June Chung / Clayton Cowles: Letters

Cover: Mikel Janin / Variant Cover: Tim Sale and Rico Renzi

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The Flash #7 Review

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Barry Allen, Carmine Giandomerico, Central City, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Flash Rogues, Goodspeed, Ivan Plascencia, Joshua Williamson, Kid Flash, lightning strikes twice, The Flash, The Flash #7, The Flash #7 review

The Flash #7

Review by Paul Bowler

The super-speed face-off between Flash and Godspeed that we’ve all been waiting for hit’s the ground running in The Flash #7, as the scarlet speedster rallies against his new arch nemesis. Yet, in order to have any hope of defeating Godspeed, the Flash must call upon the newly empowered speedsters of Central City to relinquish their Speed Force powers, and that’s something that could prove just as problematic…

Whilst still reeling from the murder of his girlfriend, Meena Dhawn, by Godspeed, Barry Allen is now confronted with the horrifying truth that his friend, and fellow speedster Detective August Heart, is in fact the very menace they’ve been working together to defeat – Godspeed! The last few issues have seen the pieces of the puzzle gradually falling into place: the storm that gave citizens in Central City speed powers, the connection to Dr. Carver, leader of the Black Hole faction of scientists, and Detective Heart’s investigation into his brother’s death all illustrate just how cleverly Godspeed has been hiding in plain sight all along.

The Flash has been another of the big highlights of DC’s Rebirth for me, its completely reinvigorated the character, and made the comic book series’ narrative feel far more cohesive than it ever did during the latter part of its New 52 run. The Flash #7 is another impressive issue from Joshua Williamson, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Ivan Plascencia. Lightening Strikes Twice Part 7, the penultimate issue in this arc, sees Godspeed pressing home his advantage, beating Flash to a pulp, while flashbacks detail how August discovered how to steal the speed force from the other speedsters. Even though Godspeed is faster than the Flash, so fast in fact, that he can actually be in two places at the same time, we also learn this ability comes with a painful price.

Joshua Williamson does a terrific job bringing the plot strands of this arc together in this issue. We see Barry at perhaps his lowest ebb, forced to retreat and recover, devastated by Meena’s death, and oblivious to the hostage situation unfolding in central city court house. It also becomes chillingly clear just how much August has been corrupted by his speed powers and thirst for revenge, when Godspeed intervenes to deal with the Black Hole Agents, underlining his stance as a super speed equivalent of judge, jury, and executioner.

Carmine Di Giandomenico’s artwork stylishly conveys every dramatic twist and turn of Joshua Williamson’s intricately paced storyline. The page layouts are packed with detail and seamlessly maintain the flow of the action. I love how Giandomenico brings an electrifying fluidity to the way the Flash, Godspeed, Wally, and the other speedsters use the speed force, it really immerses you in the action, and Ivan Plascencia’s stunning use of color gives each speedster powers a very distinct, individual, look all their own. Godspeed’s powers are used in some pretty nasty and violent ways too, in this issue, reinforcing his threat as a major villain. There are also some genuinely moving scenes when Wally finally reveals his powers to the Flash. Carmine Di Giandomenico and Ivan Plascencia bring a rich warmth to these scenes, with Wally’s reasons for not wanting to tell his aunt Iris about his powers, along with his grief about Meena – who was secretly training him to use his powers – ultimately enabling Flash to devise a plan that will help him fight Godspeed.

Indeed, Meena’s tragic death resonates powerfully throughout this issue, and it is her influence on Barry and Wally that also fittingly provides the catalyst that bonds their friendship and forges Flash’s idea to harness the power of the remaining speedsters created by the speed force storm. The Flash #7 builds to emotional climax, with powerfully moving scenes as the Flash has to convince the speedsters to give up their powers, and it all culminates in race towards a high-velocity cliff-hanger that will bring the twisted schism of the Flash’s and Godspeed’s conflict full circle in the most personal choice of battlegrounds for both of them.

The Flash #7 continues DC Comics strong run of new Rebirth titles. The creative team on this book have propelled the Flash to even greater heights with this exciting storyline, and I look forward to seeing how the thrilling conclusion of this ac plays out.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Joshua Williamson / Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico

Colorist: Ivan Plascencia / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Carmine Di Giandomenico Variant Cover: Dave Johnson

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