Detective Comics #940 Review

Tags

Batman, Batwoman, Brad Anderson, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #940, Detective Comics #940 review, Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows, Gotham, Gotham City, Jacob Kane, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Rafael Albuquerque, Raul Fernandez, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Spoiler, The Colony

Detective Comics #940

Review by Paul Bowler

Batwoman confronts her father and Red Robin battles against impossible odds as the epic showdown with the Colony reaches its thrilling climax in Detective Comics #940, and it’s an issue destined to rock The Dark Knight’s world to the core. Batman, Batwoman and their new team of young heroes will soon face the chilling reality that, no matter the outcome, this battle to save Gotham may have already been lost…

For me, Detective Comics, with Batman and Batwoman fronting the team consisting of Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and super-villain seeking redemption Clayface, has been the highlight of DC Comics Rebirth and the new Bat-Books in general. From the moment it was announced, this titles concept and team structure, along with the inclusion of Clayface, captivated my imagination, and I love the dynamic that’s evolved between this fledgling superhero team as its evolved and learned to work together under Batwoman’s stewardship.

James Tynion IV ensures that Rise of the Batmen: Part 7 delivers a powerful finale for this first arc. I really like how Tynion has developed the bond between Bruce and Kate over the course of this storyline. Now they are forced to face the most challenging and difficult of circumstances, with Batwoman finally confronting her father’s treachery, as leader of the Colony and the one responsible for unleashing this army of Batmen and drone on Gotham, while Batman faces a desperate race against time to reach Tim at the old Wayne Tower.

Eddy Barrows gorgeous artwork for this issue of Detective Comics elevates the drama and tension to the max, with dynamic, almost cinematic page layouts. The scenes on and around the Colony Airship are spectacular, Barrows dazzles us with smashing action-packed moments of high drama as Batwoman’s fury spills over, but it is the moments where – having made himself the sole target of the drones – Red Robin makes his stand against this ultimate no-win-scenario that will truly have you on the edge of your seat. Eber Ferreira’s inks complement Barrows’ art brilliantly, enhancing the finer details and nuances of every scene, and the colors by Adriano Lucas meld with sublime grace to reflect the action and emotional beats of the story perfectly.

Detective Comics #940 is good, frustratingly good in fact, because to say more would completely spoil it. Suffice to say, James Tynion IV that pulled out all the stops for this one, its a master class in storytelling, plotting, and characterization. This issue has some of most powerful and emotional scenes that we’ve seen for a long time in a Batman comic. Barrows, Ferreira, and Lucas have also made this one of their most visually impressive issues so far. The emotional fallout from the cataclysmic events in Detective Comics #940 are conveyed in the most heartrending way, its moving stuff, and, needless to say, the ending will completely blow you away.

Rise of the Batmen has been a terrific start to Tynion’s run on Detective Comics. If this arc is anything to go by, I‘m sure Detective Comics will have become a must read Bat-Title for many fans, and now with the Night of the Monster Men crossover event about to begin, I can’t wait to see what Tynion and the whole creative team on Detective Comics have in store for us next!

Publisher: DC Comics / James Tynion IV

Art: Eddy Barrows / Inks: Eber Ferreira / Colors: Adriano Lucas

Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Barrows, Ferreira & Lucas

Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

twitter-follow screen_name=’paul_bowler’ show_count=’yes’ text_color=’00ccff’]

Detective Comics #936 Review

Tags

Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batwoman, Brad Anderson, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #936, Detective Comics #936 Review, Gotham, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Rafael Albuquerque, Raul Fernandez, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Spoiler, The Colony

Detective Comics #936

Review by Paul Bowler

A new threat is rising in Gotham City. Batman and Batwoman have assembled a new generation of heroes against this secret army of the Colony and their extreme tactics. Now, in Detective Comics #936, Batman is missing, and the time has come for Batwoman to take charge. But will she able to make Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and erratic super-villain seeking redemption Clayface work together as a team?

Rise of the Batmen Part 3: Army of Shadows, continues the brand new story-arc by James Tynion IV, where Batman and Batwoman have begun training a new strike force of young heroes to face the soldiers of the Colony that have modelled themselves on the Dark Knight and begun scouring the city, ruthlessly dealing with anything perceived as potential a threat – including it now seems, even Batman himself!

Tynion deftly builds on the series’ new direction and concept with Detective Comics #936, as Kate Kane confronts her doubts about training Batman’s team over a drink with former love interest Renee Montoya (she was also the Question), who makes a long awaited return here after being absent from the DC Universe – for the most part – since the New 52 reboot. It is a powerful, moving, and insightful scene for both characters. However, Montoya can easily see though Kate’s tough façade, and her parting words of advice are tinged with bittersweet sincerity for them both. From there an emergency call brings Batwoman to the teams new Belfry HQ, where Red Robin presents Kate with the news that Batman has been ambushed by the Colony, and that its now up to her to must decide what they do next.

This issue rattles along at a cracking pace. Batwoman quickly ascertains the Colony forces have military form, but it is Red Robin who really helps Kate to address her issues concerning Batman and her ability as a leader. It’s a great scene for both characters, and it offers a fascinating insight into how they both perceive Batman and feel they’ve earned his trust. The time has come for Batwoman and Red Robin to summon Spoiler, Orphan, and Clayface to the Belfry and to bring them up to speed with their mission, together with some expert advice from Kate’s father, to prepare them for what they must face with Batman now MIA.

Detective Comics #936 is a mighty fine looking issue, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez and inks by Raul Fernandez, every scene flows seamlessly into the next, and the staggering level of detail on every page skilfully accentuates the many subtleties and nuances of Tynion’s excellent scrip. From Kate’s musings on her past reflected in a her own beer glass during a quiet drink in a bar with Renee Montoya, to the dual functionality and visual spectacle of the Belfry’s huge window, this issue also delivers its fair share of big-action set–pieces as well. The colors by Brad Anderson are another major highlight of this issue of Detective Comics, with glorious tones and rich shades enhancing ever scene, especially those set in the Belfry.

James Tynion IV has done a fantastic job with this issue; it’s packed from cover to cover with action, suspense, and great characterization. Everything builds to a thrilling cliff-hanger in Detective Comics #936, a hidden agenda is revealed, the Belfry comes under attack, Clayface’s unpredictable abilities prove crucial, and Batwoman finally learns that she has what it takes to be the leader that Batman trusted her to be.

Of all the new comics that I’ve been reading recently, Detective Comics has easily been the standout new Bat-title from DC’s Rebirth event for me. Everything from the writing, the art, and its exciting cast of characters just seemed to click together right from the start. This creative team have really raised the bar with Detective Comics, its fresh, different, and TEC #936 is another excellent issue in this new story-arc.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: James Tynion IV / Pencils: Alvaro Martinez

Inks: Raul Fernandez / Colors: Brad Anderson / Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Martinez, Fernandez & Morely

Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

Follow @paul_bowler

DC Universe Rebirth #1 Review

Tags

and Phil Jimenez, Brad Anderson, DC Universe Rebirth #1, Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Hi_Fi, Ivan Reis

 DC Rebirth #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Past, present, and legacy begin to realign in DC Universe Rebirth #1, as this major DC Comics event, written by Geoff Johns, and featuring an all-star art team, including Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Gary Frank, and Phil Jimenez, kicks off this epic with a mammoth 80 page story that encompasses virtually every conceivable aspect of the DC Comics universe.

Split into four consecutive chapters, DC Universe Rebirth #1 brings events surrounding the scarlet speedster The Flash to the fore, as the repercussions of Flashpoint which heralded the beginning of the New 52 reboot of the DC Comics line that we currently have today, begins to spiral outwards as one particular characters journey intersects throughout all of the critical junctures of the DC Universe. Sadly, major details of this issue were leaked, so by now you probably already know what’s coming up in this issue. But, if by some miracle or chance you haven’t read any of those aforementioned spoilers, well, don’t worry I’m not going to throw more spoilers onto the fire as it were…

Someone said to me the other day, what’s the point reviewing it if so much about it has already been leaked and spoiled online? Good point I figured. So, rather than reviewing it in detail as such, I thought I’d simply surmise how this issue made me feel instead. Well, I must admit I came to this issue with a lot of scepticism. I’m not a big fan of reboots, relaunches, or big crossover events, frankly there have been so many few really interest me nowadays. That’s where DC Rebirth #1 differs, or at least it seems to. Split into four distinct chapters, and an epilogue, this issue actually felt more like a reinstatement of core values and themes at the heart of DC comics legacy, rather than a reboot as such, the fact that some of the plot focuses on two of my favourite characters in the DCU – Batman and The Flash – is another big plus point for me.

Do you need to know everything that’s gone before in the DCU to enjoy DC Universe Rebirth #1? Well, not necessarily, but it certainly helps. Geoff Johns has done a commendable job of brining together the various elements of DC continuity to entwine them with the context of the New 52 and the premise of Rebirth itself. There is plenty here in DC Universe Rebirth #1 that will reward long-term DC Comics fans, while I think new readers might find it all a little overwhelming, but as for me, well…

Let me put it this way, I’d only just started collecting and reading comics again after a long break when the New 52 started. It was an exciting time, new spins on classic characters, everything was very different, but overall I enjoyed it. Over time though The New 52 didn’t always quite work for me, some of it felt very disjointed. DC Universe Rebirth #1 goes some way to readdressing the balance in my opinion, the main character in this issue makes a desperate timey-wimey voyage through the DCU, touching on numerous key moments and characters, essentially paving the way for many classic characters, and teams to return. DC Universe Rebirth #1 reenergizes the legacy of the DCU, it made me feel like I was rediscovering DC Comics all over again, just like I did with the New 52, only this time it felt right, this time it felt a lot more like the DC Universe that I knew and loved so much from before.

Geoff Johns densely plotted story is brought to life by the four artists; each with their own very distinct style. DC Rebirth is a beautiful looking book from cover to cover, in terms of visuals; this is one of the most impressive DC issues I’ve read of this kind in a long while. With much of the book colored by Hi-Fi or Brad Anderson, their work brings an underlying sense of consistency throughout the issue, which helps ensure the differing art styles never jar with each other or distract you from the story – which can often be the case when so many people are working on one issue. If anything, the attention to detail here is staggering, the sheer emotion, and drama conveyed in some scenes is genuinely moving, particularly towards the end, with a major discovery rounding things off with a bang, before a surprising epilogue knocks it out the park in fine style!

DC Rebirth #1 is set before Justice League #50 and Superman #52, so you might want to check those out first. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by DC Universe Rebirth #1, as I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. At this price point for 80 pages, its really great value for money as well, and I’d certainly recommend picking it up. I know this hasn’t been like my usual kind of comic review, but I didn’t want to spoil anything for you, there’s been enough of that around Rebirth already, and there’ll be plenty of time for us to chat over the details of everything in the comments later if you want to. For now, all I can really say is, approach this issue with an open mind, and I think you will be left genuinely surprised and filled with anticipation for what the future now holds for the DCU. Sometimes I think with all the hype, promotion, social media chatter, spoilers, and endless speculation, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what it is that makes us all love reading comic books so much, and I think DC Universe Rebirth #1 goes a long way to helping us all remember why we love these comics and these characters, as it celebrates the legacies of yesteryear, today, tomorrow, and beyond…

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman Eternal #34 Review

Tags

Alfred, Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #34, Batman Eternal #34 Review, Brad Anderson, comics, DC Comics, Gotham, Hush, James Tynion IV, Julia Pennyworth, Kyle Higgins, Raul Fernandez, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, The New 52, Tim Seeley, Wayne Enterprises

Batman Eternal #34

Review by Paul Bowler

With marshal law declared in Gotham City and the destruction of Arkham Asylum, Batman and his allies have discovered that Commissioner Bard was in league with Hush all along. Now Hush is targeting Batman’s secret weapons caches all over the city. In order to prevent Hush detonating more sites Batman and Alfred’s daughter, Julia, must split up and disable the explosives at each location. After Julia is confronted by Hush at the Cicero weapons cache, the Dark Knight races to the rescue, and events soon draw Batman towards a fateful showdown with Hush that could very well spell the end of Wayne Enterprises itself…

Julia Pennyworth battles valiantly against Hush in Batman Eternal #34, which sets in motion a chain of events that result in the Dark Knight’s world being shaken to the core like never before. State of Truth is another action packed issue of this weekly DC Comics series, with its densely plotted storyline from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, script by Kyle Higgins, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley, providing us with a nail biting fight between Penny Two and Hush that really galvanises Julia’s role in Batman Eternal and elevates her standing as one of Batman’s newest, and perhaps most trusted of allies.

The aforementioned fight is blisteringly violent, with no quarter given and none taken, and the ensuing aftermath – with the heightened tension caused by Julia’s plight – sees Batman facing a race against time to save her from an explosive end. The outcome is ingeniously devised, and there are a couple of heart stopping moments that will keep you guessing too.

With Lucius Fox dealing with the backlash against Wayne Enterprises because of its involvement with Batman’s hidden weapon caches, the Mayor and Commissioner Bard continue to put pressure on Fox to deal with the situation. Meanwhile in the cave, Batman notices that Hush has accessed another cache in a location that holds a great significance for both of them, one that inexorably leads them towards a decisive confrontation.

Alvaro Martinez does a great job with the art for Batman Eternal #34, together with Raul Fernandez’s Inks, and colors by Brad Anderson, they maintain this weekly series high standard of art to deliver a stylishly crafted issue that seamlessly brings a distinct tone and style to each of the key locations featured throughout the story. The intensity of the fight between Hush and Julia is superb, its edge of the seat stuff, and you feel like you are right there with Batman as he frantically claws through the rubble to find her. The scenes at Wayne Enterprises and the Batcave set everything up for the brutal showdown between Batman and Hush; which unfolds over the final pages utilising impressive and dynamic panel layouts that really draw you into the heart of the action.

Batman Eternal #34 continues to impress with its diverse cast of characters, great story and art, and this issue in particular propels the main story-arc towards a startling turning point that few could have predicted. Everything the Dark Knight stands for is about to come crashing down around him. This is one of the best issues so far in this weekly series, tautly scripted and visually striking, Batman Eternal #34 holds dark portents for Gotham, Gordon, and even Bruce Wayne as the full scale of Hush’s grand design finally becomes clear!

Follow @paul_bowler

 

Batman Eternal #3 Review

Tags

Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #3, Batmobile, Brad Anderson, DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Jason Fabok, Jim Gordon, Scott Snyder, Stephanie Brown, The New 52

Batman Eternal #3

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow @paul_bowler

 

Batman Eternal #1 Review

Tags

Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #1 Review, Brad Anderson, Commissioner Gordon, DC Comics, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Jason Fabok, Scott Snyder, The New 52

Batman Eternal #1

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow @paul_bowler