THE FLASH MOVIE SUPER BOWL TRAILER TEASES MULTIPLE BATMEN!
Worlds collide in our first proper look at The Flash when the first Official Trailer and Big Game TV Spot arrived during the Super Bowl – teasing multiple Batmen and an epic time twisting multiverse style adventure for the DC Universe!
Ezra Miller stars as the Scarlet Speedster in The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti. When Barry Allen uses his superpowers to travel back in time to change the events of the past, his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future! Trapped on a world without Superheroes, Flash must coax a certain Dark Knight out of retirement and rescue a Kryptonian…. but not quite the one he was expecting! But in order to right the time line and save the universe Barry will be faced with making the ultimate sacrifice!
It seem the Flash with feature no less than two Batmen: Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck, who both back to reprise their iconic roles as the Dark Knight! Sasha Calle also debuts as Supergirl, Kiersey Clemons is back as Iris West, Ron Livingston plays Henry Allen, and Michael Shannon also returns as Zod! , and just shows how badly. Despite all the major change at DC Studios and the controversy surrounding Ezra Miller I’m still pretty excited about this movie – mostly because Keaton is back as Batman! According to James Gunn, The Flash is reportedly “one of the greatest superhero movies ever made” and will reboot the entire DCU to usher in Gunn’s new era for the DC movies.
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 one missing piece of lore from Sean Murphy’s White Knight alternative Batman universe has always been a particularly intriguing quandary. A quirk of writing on Murphy’s part had Jason Todd portrayed as the first Robin by the acclaimed Batman White Knight series. Now the mystery of what happened to Jason Todd is finally revealed in Batman: White Knight Presents Red Hood #1, as Murphy’s Esleworlds style White Knight saga continues to expand in DC Black Labels new two-part miniseries. Co-written by Murphy along with Clayton McCormack, with art by Simone di Meo and colorist Dave Stewart, Batman: White Knight Presents Red Hood delves into Jason Todd’s fall from grace as the first Robin – where he gave up Batman’s secret identity to the Joker and unbeknown to the Bat-Family was actually still alive out there somewhere. That juicy narrative thread is the tantalising hook which provides the catalyst for this miniseries’ premise and the fascinating insight it offers into Jason Todd’s character.
Jason’s story is one that has reverberated throughout the White Knight universe and impacted on virtually every character. Having cheated death at the hands of the Joker by betraying Batman in the opening flashback, the issue flash forwards to even darker times in Neo Gotham. Jason Todd has spent years going form pillar to post, he’s been kicked out of the military and turned his back on the Superhero game for good. Now older, drunker and seemingly non-the-wiser our red-motorbike helmet wearing vigilante has taken to stealing from street gangs. That is until he crosses paths with a new Robin girl wonder wannabe called Gan.
The writing is really pacy, emotive and injected way more fun into this story than I was expecting – especially after the grim opening scenes. I really liked the dynamic between “Beer Guy” and this new Robin as the crime-fighting lessons begin. Jason is determined to do a better job training this Robin than Batman did with him, the dialogue and sentiment proves quite moving at times as well. Simone Di Meo’s art has a distinct Manga quality that is very different from Murphy’s work on this universe, but in the context of this story the different artistic style and warmer color pallet Dave Stewart employs works extremely well. Batman: White Knight Presents Red Hood #1 delivers a long-awaited insight into the legacy of the Red Hood and his place in the White Knight universe. His mentorship of the new Robin also makes for a terrific read and I’m excited to see how this story plays out.
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
With the new creative team of writer Ram V (The Swamp Thing, Catwoman, The Meany Deaths of Laila Starr) and artist Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Superman / Batman) at the helm Detective Comics #1062 sets out an eldritch Gothic threat that will strike at the heart of the Dark Knight’s world like never before. This issues ominously titled “Overture” kicks off Ram V’s “Gotham Nocturne,” an epic all-new four part storyline. From the outset its clear this tale is going to be one steeped in operatically charged horror and music. Something is also terribly wrong with Batman. Despite all of his best efforts, Bruce has been unable to pin down the source of the foreboding dread which besets him and the city he is sworn to protect. Indeed, the worlds greatest detective will soon confront his inner demons and his own mortality as a terrifying invasion of real demons start emerging from the shadows of Gotham City – a horror that is spawned with devastating consequence from the uncanny melody currently haunting the darkest corners of Gotham…
Ram V works his magic again with this impeccably paced scene-setting issue. Juggling rich characterisation and dark Gothic horror with consummate ease to craft a spellbinding mystery that inexorably builds around the Dark Knight. Whether he’s cracking a smuggling ring, battling a grotesque monster, or figuring out the workings of a strange box that looks like something from a Hellraiser movie, Batman is constantly on the back foot as the sinister events – seemingly orchestrated by a secret cabal – threaten to overwhelm him. Although the curtain is raised on this new threat, Ram V wisely keeps the air of suspense building, immersing us in rich characterisation and intricate plot twists as Batman realises he has only scratched the surface of this mystery. The full scale of what he faces in Gotham Nocturne gradually becomes apparent. But just who is human, who is demon, and has there been a demon within Batman all along?
The artwork by Rafael Albuquerque is every bit as impeccable and compelling as we’ve come to expect. Every page is awash with vivid imagery and brooding atmosphere – enhanced further by Dave Stewart’s exceptional use of colour and tone. Rafael Albuquerque masterfully captures the essence of the Batman’s world and the chilling danger he faces. Everything from the unflinching action, to the simmering lurking dread and the Gothic majesty of Gotham itself is all sublimely rendered via the prism of Albuquerque’s distinct take on Gotham. There’s lashings of visceral horror and gore too. One particularly gruesome sequence that really stands out is a startling transformation and fight with a hulking monstrosity. Bruce also experiences a horrific nightmare at one point that proves especially unsettling – highlighting just how vulnerable the Dark Knight really feels.
Simon Spurrier (Legion of X, Suicide Squad: Blaze) is on board as Detective Comics ongoing backup writer In these backups, Spurrier is set to explore various characters across Gotham, and how their stories interact with Batman’s wider world. The first new story feature Jim Gordon’s welcome return as a private investigator, with artwork by Dani (Arkham City: Order of the World, Coffin Bound), ‘The Coda’ is a stylish noir-tinged tale where Gordon’s case to find a woman’s missing son leads him into the ruins of Arkham. Detective Comics #1062 also marks the debut of a fantastic new logo and border designed by Darran Robinson. The issues stunning main cover is drawn by Evan Cagle, with variant covers by Lee Bermejo and J.H. Williams III, as well as InHyuk Lee, and a foil variant by J.H. Williams.
The new creative team hits the ground running with Detective Comics #1062 and brings a haunting new aesthetic to the fore as Batman is confounded by the unimaginable horror that’s sweeping across Gotham. Expectations for Ram V’s run on Detective Comics has been high, his skill in melding horror and drama is flawlessly applied here, and together with Rafael Albuquerque’s superb artwork I’m pleased to say this issue exceeds all expectations.
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
A new era begins for the Dark Knight with Batman #125 and marks the debut of the hotly anticipated creative team of Zdarsky, Jimenez and Morey on DC Comics flagship Batman title. It becomes clearly apparent from the outset that Chip Zdarsky is very much indeed on board for the “long haul” with this run, especially if the catalogue of seismic events in this dark, brooding opening story arc are anything to go by. “Failsafe” sees Bruce Wayne’s life reaching a significant turning point with Bruce haunted by dreams of a tripled Clown Prince of Crime, the Dark Knight must also grapple with a gruesome spate of murders, and the far-reaching mystery behind them. The victims are the billionaires and high-flyers of Gotham, and as Batman starts to uncover the dark connection between them it gradually puts everyone closes to him in mortal danger.
Chip Zdarsky quickly establishes the new status quo for his era of Batman with Bruce dealing with the ominous fallout from his unsettling dreams, leading to a poignant interlude as Bruce briefly touches base with Selena Kyle, before the plot really kicks into high gear. Its really good to see Tim Drake’s Robin working closely alongside Batman once again for this series. Zdarsky brings an entirely fresh energy to this Dynamic Duo, and its great to see them back in action as a team again. We also learn that Bruce has clearly struggled with his unique work-life balance since loosing the bulk of his fortune. Indeed, it seems Bruce Wayne has almost become surplice to requirements now in the Dark Knight’s war on crime, something Tim is quick to point out to him.
Zdarsky skilfully weaves several intricate narrative threads across this issue, some of which involve the Penguin capitalising on the recent murders for his own advantage. But a flurry of curveball plot twists mid-way through the issue soon sets a tragedy of events in motion that reopens old wounds for Batman and leads to the emergence of the brand new horror that is Failsafe.
Artist Jorge Jimenez and colourist Tomeu Morey make a welcome return to this series after seven month away. From the urban gothic of the Bat-Cave to the glitz of the Iceberg Lounge Jimenez’s gorgeously rendered artwork is always a feast for the eyes, and together with Morey’s richly honed color pallet they harness a vivid noirish tone and style that melds perfectly with Zdarsky’s vision of the Dark Knight’s world. Gotham has never looked better and Batman is more imposing than ever. The level of detail Jimenez packs into every page is quite astonishing, there are some big action-set pieces to die for, and exquisite moments of characterisation that capitalise on all the emotional beats of Zdarsky’s script.
The backup story by Zdarsky, artist Belen Ortega and colorist Luis Guerrero focuses on the power struggle that has broken out in the criminal underworld of Gotham in light of recent events, with Selina Kyle caught in the middle! It sets up a self-contained addendum to the main story line and provides a good showcase for Selina, who might well even make a tidy profit from all the turmoil? While not exactly the highlight of the issue, Two Birds, One Thorne does hold one surprise reveal that I doubt anyone saw coming.
Zdarsky, Jimenez and Morey have certainly got their new six-part “Failsafe” arc off to a confident start here with this giant sized issue. While I enjoyed this issue, I wasn’t quite as blown away by it as I was expecting. That said Batman #125 still has plenty of stand-out moments and shock surprises for fans to enjoy, the exposition gets a bit heavy in places, but overall the break-neck action and fantastic artwork are by far the biggest selling points. An impressive, if somewhat formulaic, start to this new era of the Dark Knight.
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
Arkham Tower looms over Gotham in Detective Comics #1047 like a dark ominous shroud. Yet beneath its gleaming high-tech facade and promises of new therapies from the mysterious Dr Wear, a terrifying darkness is waiting to be unleashed. But with Batman taking a break from Gotham City following the events of Fear State, the Bat-Family’s supporting heroes must step-up in the Dark Knights absence. If, like me, the solicitations for this issue made you think another year, another ‘Bat-Event,’ then you’d be wise you to think again as you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. The Tower: Part 1 kicks off a 12-part weekly Detective Comics event, Shadows of the Bat, written by Mariko Tarmaki, and the first chapter of its engaging and mysterious storyline draws you in right from the outset.
Arkham Asylum has fallen and been replaced by Arkham Tower; a new facility built in the heart of Gotham itself and run by the enigmatic Dr Weir together with Dr Chase Meridian – a consultant appointed by Mayor Nakano. The issue is something of a slow burn to begin with, as Tamaki builds the tension with scene setting flashbacks that shift between the Towers opening, Batwoman’s investigation of the new Arkham’s therapies, and a chilling portent within the pages of a hand made tarot scrapbook before plunging us full throttle into the carnage the Bat-Family must confront in the present-day when the inevitable riot break out in Arkham Tower. Tamaki weaves grim, action-packed descent into chaos for the Bat-Family, with action divided between characters either rushing to the scene while others are missing, or trapped inside the tower in dire peril.
Featuring pencils by Ivan Reis and Inks by Danny Miki, Detective Comics #1047 looks absolutely stunning. Every panel is awash with rich detail and steadily gathering menace. The panel layouts are dynamically structured, moving from free-flowing to chaotically haphazard, all in perfect sync with the beats of the story. There’s intense close up drama, horror, and high-rise shocks cleverly interspaced with the Bat-Family’s interactions against the backdrop of Gotham and the terror unfolding within the tower itself. The vivid colors employed by Brad Anderson stylishly accentuates the mood and pace as the drama unfolds, and letterer Ariana Maher also does a fantastic job of making this surprisingly dialogue heavy issue a throughly engrossing and gripping read.
Batman may be out of town but he still plays a major role in this issues backup story: House of Gotham by Matthew Rosenberg. Its a dark, unsettling glimpse into the not-too-distant past, with an unflinching tale of the horrifying cracks in Gotham’s mental health system that one poor unfortunately soul could soon fall through. Featuring art by Fernando Blanco and colors by Jordie Bellaire, this bleak foreshadowing of the main storyline unfolding in Shadows of the Bat looks set to be every bit thrilling.
Detective Comics #1047 is like a gloriously dark and sinister mash-up of One Flew Over the Cuckoos and The Towering Inferno. As comic book events go this one has certainly gotten off to a compelling start with its taut scraping and impressive artwork. Detective Comics #1047 is a terrific set up for Shadows of the Bat that poses just as many question as it does answers, let’s hope Tamaki can sustain the pace and keep the narrative on track for the duration of this immense storyline.
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
A terrifying new monster stalks the darkest monsters of Gotham in Batman Reptilian #1, DC Comics chilling new six-part Black Label series from the all-star team of writer Gareth Ennis and artist Liam Sharp. Batman used to be the most frightening thing in Gotham. Now something less than human lurks in the shadows, inflicting fear, and blood-curdling violence against the Dark Knight’s infamous Rogues gallery…
In this bone-chilling first chapter of Batman Reptilian: Quick and Dirty, writer Gareth Ennis crafts a bleak and gritty tale interwoven with an almost palpable sense of dread. The opening scenes with Batman meeting out his own brand of justice to a boxing champion who is just as handy with his fists outside the ring as he is in it, immediately sets the tone for this more downtrodden and uglier take on Gotham to what we are used to seeing in the mainstream Batman books. From here Ennis sets the Dark Knight on a path that will see him investigating a horrific attack that spilled out from of a clandestine gathering of some of Batman’s most nefarious foes. The low-tech means Batman employs to uncover what happened during the ensuing bloodbath which followed this gathering is refreshing, to say the least, and the graphic account of events is genuinely stomach churning.
Every brooding, creepy moment of Batman Reptilian is impressively relayed by the gorgeous painted artwork by Liam Sharp. If you thought his work on Green Lantern Season 1 & 2 was out of this world, then you are in for a real treat here is well! Sharp’s depiction of the Dark Knight’s world is truly stunning, Gotham is a noirish rainswept metropolis of ebony shadows and Gothic menace. Batman’s presence is as indistinguishable as the night itself, brutally in-your-face, unflinching and striking dread into the hearts of criminals wherever he appears — quite literally in most instances. Horror is splattered with liberal abandon by Sharp throughout, brining a psychedelic quality to the Rogues gallery of villains, and the gruesome carnage they endure is visceral in the extreme.
The simple premise of having someone, or something, that’s able to strike more fear than. Batman into the hearts of those who terrorise the upper echelons of Gotham’s villains is brilliantly effective — both narratively and visually. Yet for all this issues heady mix of brutality and gore, its the things you don’t see that actually ends up being more terrifying, and none perhaps more so than that sublime final jump moment! If you like your Batman dark and grim, well, Batman doesn’t get much darker than this! Batman Reptilian has taken a long journey to reach the page, originally being written more than five years ago for the late Steve Dillon. Gareth Ennis eventually brought the story to life with the help of Dillon’s friend, artist Liam Sharp, and now this highly anticipated project has finally come to fruition. With its eerily macabre writing from Gareth Ennis and hauntingly stylish art by Liam Sharp, Batman Reptilian #1 is everything we could’ve hoped for, and it sets up a compelling mystery that’s sure to keep us all guessing every grisly step of the way.
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
Jason Todd vows to carry out justice in Future State Gotham #2, no matter what the cost! As Gotham reels from a devastating tragedy Red Hood finds himself newly promoted to the rank of Peacekeeper Red in the Magistrate’s regime. With the Next Batman seemingly responsible for the attack, Jason must bring down this new Dark Knight, but he’s got to get past Nightwing and the rest of the Bat-Family first!
Writers Joshua Williamson and Demis Culver have taken the dark concept of a Gotham City run by the Magistrate’s cybernetically enhanced Peacekeepers, established during DC Comics Future State event, and elevated it to a whole new level with this Future State Gotham series. Having sided with the Magistrate to hunt down outlawed superheroes, Future State Gotham #2 has Jason Todd struggling with a crisis of conscience as his role as Peacekeeper Red brings his betrayal of the Bat-Family to the fore and forces him to fight his former allies.
Battle lines are drawn, emotions run high, and not everything is as black-and white as we’ve been led to believe by Williamson and Culver. Jason Todd’s methods and actions have always made him something of a divisive character, and never more so than here in Death by the Family. Jason seems at loggerheads with everyone and everything in this issue. Theres a brooding sense of cross and double cross as the narrative unfolds, which in turn leads to some great character beats, and even a surprise revelation when Red Hood’s secret ally finally emerges from the shadows.
The Akiria themed artwork by Giannis Milonogiannis stylishly captures the frenetic action and pace of the issue. Action flows seamlessly from one scene to the next, with the with roof-top face-off between Jason and the rest of the Bat-Family and a high-octane dash to Blackgate which culminates in a showdown with the Next Batman all just some of the many visual highlights in this issue. I’ve always been a fan of black and white artwork like this in comics, and I think it suits the Cyberpunk tone of Future State Gotham perfectly.
Along with the major plot elements that begin slotting into place during this issue, which in turn gives a whole new context to Jason’s mission and indeed the series as a whole, there’s also a great back up story The Cavalry featuring the Next Batman by writer John Ridley and artist Oliver Coipel to enjoy. With its intricate storyline, strong characterisation and great art Future State Gotham #2 continues to impress with a striking Neo-futuristic take on the Dark Knight’s world and legacy.
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
Spinning out of the success of DC Comics Future State event comes Future State Gotham, an all-new ongoing series featuring former Robin Jason Todd: AKA the Red Hood. When a disaster strikes Gotham, all evidence points towards Tim Fox, The Next Batman, and Red Hood soon finds himself enlisted by the Magistrate’s totalitarian regime to hunt down this new Dark Knight.
Following the aftermath of events in Future State, Gotham is still run by a private Police force controlled by a mysterious figure known only as the Magistrate, and the law is enforced by his ruthless Peacekeepers. Written by Joshua Williamson and Denis Culver, with art by Giannis Milonogiannis, Future State Gotham #1 kicks off with an action-packed face-off between Red Hood and the Ventriloquist who has unleashed a gigantic robotic version of Scarface on Jason Todd’s neighbourhood.
Although costumed superheroes are outlawed in Gotham, Jason Todd has thrown in his lot with the Magistrate’s regime and works for them by hunting down the remaining heroes who dare defy the lockdown. Williamson delivers a fast paced issue, with Red Hood and Peacekeeper 3 teaming up to fight the Ventriloquist and Scarface, before a city-wide terrorist attack changes the landscape of Gotham forever. Jason is still reeling from the break-up with his on-off girlfriend, Ravager, there’s fraught clandestine meetings with former allies to contend with too, and a surprise promotion that finds him tasked with tracking down the new Batman as Peacekeeper Red!
Giannis Milonogiannis’ Akira inspired artwork impressively captures the Cyberpunk look of this near-future Gotham. The battle with Robo-Scarface, sweeping vistas of Gotham in the wake of an explosive attack, and the debut of Jason Todd’s new costume as Peacekeeper Red are just some of the many standout moments in this first issue. I really like black and white artwork in comics — I think it adds a whole new dimension to the characters and gives the story a very dramatic, noirish feel. I also expect Milonogiannis’ Akira style line-work led to DC Comics deciding to reprint a 1996 Batman story by Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo as the back-up story for Future State Gotham #1 as well.
Joshua Williamson, Denis Culver and Giannis Milonogiannis look set to craft a bold new direction for Red Hood and a thrilling continuation of Future State with this new series. Creatively it’s also very different from the usual Bat-Books, which I find both refreshing and exciting. Future State Gotham blends a stylish noir vibe with compelling action and is certainly going to one to watch in the months to come.
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
Damian Wayne strikes out on his own in Robin #1, DC Comics brand new ongoing series from writer Joshua Williamson and artist Gleb Melnikov. Having cut all ties with Batman and the Teen Titans, Damian will have to emerge from the shadows cast by both of sides of his parentage to forge his own legacy. Embarking on a quest to earn a place in the deadly League of Lazarus tournament, the teenage Robin uncovers new mysteries and allies as he seeks the prestige of proving himself the greatest fighter in the DC Universe!
Damian Wayne is probably the most exciting and dynamic character in the extended Bat-Family that’s been crying out for his own series for a while now, and writer Joshua Williamson is clearly going to address the emotional fallout from City of Bane and send Damian on a heroes journey of self discovery with this opening story-arc. Having gone off the grid completely Damian must find the secret island where the League of Lazarus tournament is being held. That means a cage fight with King Snake, some kick ass action, and the acquisition of a marker to enter the tournament. There’s time for some reflection along the way, we also have the reintroduction of established characters like Rose Wilson and Conner Hawke, and brand new faces like Flatline and ReSpawn for Robin to meet as well.
Gleb Melnikov’s engaging artwork brings a dynamic Manga-like look that is a perfect fit for this series and a character like Damian. Alfred’s death has impacted powerfully across the whole of the Bat-Family, none more so than for Damian, and Melnikov crafts some hauntingly moving scenes with the young Robin mulling over his plans with an imaginary spectral Pennyworth watching over him. The action scenes in the cage fight with King Snake and the journey to the island are also rendered with vibrant detail.
This premier issue kicks off an important story in the DCU that will examine Damian’s connections to Batman and Talia Al Ghul like never before as Robin searches to find out the why his mother and father kept the League of Lazarus tournament a secret from him. There’s also a great mix of new and old characters for Damian to interact with, especially Rose Wilson, Conner, and the intriguing Respawn – a character with a distinct penchant for copyright infringement!
There’s a wealth of potential here for Damian to grow and evolve as a character in this series. All-in-all Robin #1 sets up the new series and its premise very well. Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov make for an inspired creative team, and its great to see Damian finally getting a long overdue stint in the limelight with his own book.
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 Dark Knight embarks on an epic European adventure in Batman The Detective #1, the new DC Comics six-part mini-series helmed by the dynamic duo of writer Tom Taylor and artist Andy Kubert.
Opening with a harrowing mid-air tragedy in the United Kingdom which spells out a dark and personal message for the Dark Knight, writer Tom Taylor quickly establishes this mini-series’ intriguing premise and brooding atmosphere of mystery. This Batman is older, somewhat past his prime and questioning his role in the world. However, Taylor deftly circumvents the usual tropes by making this a Dark Knight Detective that isn’t simply driven by the death of his parents and the more recent loss of Alfred, instead we have a Batman in the twilight of his career who is finally ready to move on from the ghosts of his past. The terrible attack in the UK simply provides the catalyst Batman needs to pack his bags, put the past to bed, and set out from Gotham City to investigate!
Batman The Detective also sees the Dark Knight’s visit to England leading to an encounter with the UK’s own dynamic duo of Beryl Hutchinson as The Knight and her new Squire, Amina, who looks set to become something a of new side-kick for Batman over the course of his European mission. Of course the characters and Britain are very different in this modern iteration when the Squire was originally introduced in the 1950s (The Knight, Percival Sheldrake, was created by Roy Thomas and Michael Bair for You All-Stars in 1948, while The Squire, his sidekick, was created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang for Batman #62 in 1951), and their investigation into the crash-site at the West Pennie Moors in Lancashire spells high-tech intrigue and supernatural danger for them both!
Andy Kubert’s pencils and inks are a perfect fit for this story. From the dramatic opening, to the emotionally charged scenes in the Bat-Cave, though to Batman and the Squire’s uncanny team-up against a spectral adversary Kubert’s art enriches every page with detail, while Brad Anderson’s vivid use of tone and shade accentuates every nuance of Taylor’s action-packed story as it unfolds. The look of this incarnation of Batman is a cool hybridisation of Miller’s iconic Dark Knight Returns suit and the Snyderverse’s Kightmare Bat-Fleck, and the end result is extremely impressive looking indeed.
You can’t really go wrong with a superstar creative team like Tom Taylor and Andy Kubert. The premise in itself is enough to ensure the first issue has the momentum to gets this new mini-series off to a strong start. Its going to be interesting to see where this adventure with new foes, allies, and the hunt for the menace known as Equilibrium will take Batman and Squire next. With its solid storytelling and great art Batman The Detective #1 deftly blends current themes with elements and characters from yesteryear; whilst also crafting a bold new take and look for the Dark Knight mythos.
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
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