Detective Comics #1047 Review

Tags

Arkham Asylum, Arkham Tower, Batman, Batwoman, DC Comcis, Detective Comics, Detective Comics 1047, Detective Comics 1047 review, Gotham, Ivan Reis, Mariko Tarmaki, Shadows of the Bat

Detective Comics #1047

Review by Paul Bowler

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Arkham Asylum has fallen and been replaced by Arkham Tower; a new facility built in the heart of Gotham itself and run by the enigmatic Dr Weir together with Dr Chase Meridian – a consultant appointed by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. 

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Mariko Tamaki

Pencils Ivan Reis / Inks Danny Miki

Colors Brad Anderson / Letters Ariana Maher 

Cover Irvin Rodriguez

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About The Author

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

THE SWAMP THING #3 REVIEW

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DC Comcis, Floronic Man, Levi Kamei, Mike Perkins, Poison Ivy, Ram V, Swamp Thing #3 review, The Green, The Swamp Thing, The Swamp Thing #3

The Swamp Thing #3 Review

Review by Paul Bowler.

Ram V’s and Mike Perkins new Swamp Thing ten part max-series has quickly become one of the major highlight of DC Comics Infinite Frontier initiative. The Swamp Thing #3 continues Levi Kamei’s dark journey of discovery as the new avatar of the Green following his battle with the Pale Wanderer. In a bid to understand the root cause of his frightening transformations Levi enlists the help of his friend, Jenifer Reece, while he undergoes an MRI scan which results in them both being unexpectedly transported into the Green…

“My Green Amaranthine” is an enchanting metaphysical voyage into the Green quite unlike anything we’ve seen before. Levi and Jennifer become separated after the MRI triggers a spore induced spirit quest down this proverbial rabbit hole to the Green, and writer Ram V heightens the psychedelic tone of the narrative further in their encounters with some of the realms bizarre denizens. Poison Ivy is perhaps the most intriguing of the characters Levi meets as Swamp Thing.  It seems she’s been split into to two personas that share a warped dynamic reminiscent of the relationship between the Red Queen and the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. After a fragmenting chase Jennifer is saved by the Floronic Man, whose motives as yet remain unclear, and somewhat unsettling.

Mike Perkins artwork on this issue is phenomenal. The intricate, clinical detail of the MRI scans melds seamlessly with the ongoing narrative and mystery that has dogged Levi’s life since returning from his trip to India to visit his dying father and secure his family’s ancestral lands for Prescot Industries. His depiction of the Green is a veritable paradise of mystery, magic and beautiful vistas of rich flora and fauna. Perkins delivers a stunningly beautiful rendition of both aspects of Poison Ivy, with each of her personas shining through, the Floronic Man is ungainly and sinister, the hulking Woodewos feels more like a terrifying force of nature, and the throughout the extent of Levi’s journey colorist Mike Spicer ensures everything is awash with gorgeous tones and hues throughout. 

Although three issues in we are still really none the wiser about Levi’s origin as the new Swamp Thing, Ram V does go some way to brining everything into a sharper focus by transposing events through then prism of the Green for this issue. Fortunately there’s a familiar face waiting in the wings to help Levi understand what’s happening to him and the contagion spreading through the Green. With its intriguing storyline and outstanding art Ram V and Mike Perkins are knocking it out the park with this maxi-series. The Swamp Thing #3 is an enchanting voyage into the heart of the Green itself, and highly recommended. 

Publisher DC Conics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist Mike Spier / Letterer Aditya Bidikar 

Cover Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer

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About The Author

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

The Swamp Thing #2 Review

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DC Comcis, Horror, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #2 review, The Swamp Thing #2, The Swamp Thing #2 Review

The Swamp Thing #2

Review by Paul Bowler

Levi Kamei’s nightmarish becoming as the new avatar of the green continues in The Swamp Thing #2, from writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins. Confronted with terrifying transformations he cannot control, Levi turns to his friend Jenifer Reece in NYC to help him contend with the trauma of his past, and the horror of the Pale Wanderer’s bloody rampage of death across the Sonoran desert in Arizona.

Ram V’s new DC Comics 10 part Swamp Thing maxi-series expands the trials of Levi Kamei’s frightening transition into the realms and reality of the green, casting further light on Levi’s haunting origins as the new Swamp Thing back in India, and the murderous designs of the ghostly Pale Wanderer. Following their initial encounter this second issue charts the recurring nightmares Levi begins to suffer, where each of his fateful encounters with this wraith-like desert legend ends the same, and another victims perishes as the Swamp Thing is torn asunder. Writer Ram V skilfully  blends the mystery and horror of Levi’s plight. Levi’s long-term friend, Jennifer, proves key to helping him get closer to the truth, while the lone Sherif investigating the murders in the Sonoran desert resolves to seek out that which has become his own private quietus in the dwindling twilight of his career.

Mike Perkins art and Mike Spicer’s colors gloriously cultivates and infuses the rich narrative of Ram V’s script with a blend of dynamic page layouts, sumptuous detail, chilling undercurrents of horror and a subtle palette of delicate hues that flow seamlessly across every page. From the grotesque imagery of Levi’s dreamscape “lessons” as Swamp Thing with the Pale Wanderer, to more frightening revelations about what transpired during his trip India, and the shocking realisation of what he is becoming are all rendered in startling clarity. The Sherif’s discussion with his deputy in the run-down bar in Aztec Town Arizona is another highpoint, one brooding with atmosphere, dread and macabre insight into his fixation with finding the spirit of this long dead Cilvil War soldier that cast off its humanity after wandering into the desert. 

Ram V masterfully brings all these tangled plot threads together in The Swamp Thing #2, as this unholy trinity of Swamp Thing, the Pale Wanderer and the Sherif finally seek each other out. The spectacular evergreen fallout from this showdown is a sight to behold, one rooted firmly in Levi’s homeland, and bringing revelations that none of the participants could’ve ever expected or truly believed possible. A surprise, if brief, cameo from a prominent DC hero, and a knowing reference to Alec Holland are all just some of the tantalising narrative seeds sown into the plot to make this another hauntingly enthralling issue of this new Swamp Thing maxi-series!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist Mike Spicer / Letterer Aditya Bidikar

Cover Perkins & Spicer

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About The Author

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

Superman #29 Review

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Clark Kent, DC Comcis, Future State, Jon Kent, Lois Lane, Metropilis, Philip Kennedy Johnson, Superman, Superman #29, Superman #29 Review

Superman #29

Review by Paul Bowler.

Following his innovative take on the future of the Superman family during Future State, writer Philip Kennedy Johnson takes the helm full-time for Superman #29, for the first in a two-part story that will unfold this month in both Superman and Action Comics. “The Golden Age” presents an insightful and moving character study where Johnathan Kent reflects on his father’s great legacy, just as a new threat strikes from outer space, attacking Clark and almost killing him! The young hero must finally confront the foreknowledge he gained during his time with the Legion of Superheroes in the future about Superman’s fate – one that might soon become a frightening reality…

Much like Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Future State work, his debut issue as lead writer on Superman also focuses more on character than the actual event, more specifically here he throws the spotlight on the complexities of Clark’s relationship with his son after the long time Jon’s spent apart from his parents. The fallout from Brian Michael Bendis’ era is keenly felt. However the “The Golden Age” which Johnson aims for centres on the adolescent belief that our parents are infallible, and the inherent consequences when that unwavering sense of fearlessness crumbles  when Jon witnesses his father falter for the first time in battle. 

Amidst the emotional turmoil of exactly how Jon chooses to have that conversation with his dad about what he discovered thanks to his time with Legion, and Clark’s heartfelt way of getting Jon to open up to him about what’s really worrying him, allows Johnson to explore a rich  emotional narrative that empowers the dynamic between the characters like never before. There’s also the mystery of who-or-what is causing the intergalactic breaches, and with Amanda Walker scheming on the side-lines you can be sure things wont go well for anyone who gets caught in the crossfire. 

The artwork for Superman #29 by penciller Phil Hester and inker Eric Gapstur, with colors by HI-FI provides a distinctly clean and uncluttered visual style and tone for the issue. The standoffishness of Jon’s somber reluctance to talk to his father — sure in the knowledge that Clark died once before and that the Legion of Superheroes told him it could happen again — is also cleverly portrayed through the page-layouts with subtle notes of body language that express Jon’s fears just as strongly as the dialogue. 

In the tales of Metropolis back-up story by Sean Lewis, with art by Sami Basri and colors by Ulies Arreola we see an old fan favourite from the 80’s / 90’s, Bibbo Bibbowski placed front and centre as this hero-of-the-people tackles an alien threat attempting to manipulate the citizens of Metropolis. Its a tale that taps into similar vein as the back-up stories Lewis did for Future State, DC’s Infinite Frontier penchant for back-up stories also offers a chance to showcase totally different — yet just as relevant — adventures and I’m sure there is a wealth of possibilities to explore with this format that will nicely complement the main narrative of Philip Kennedy Johnson’s run.

Overall, Superman #29 is a deeply thought provoking and emotional study of the complex relationship between Clark and Jon; along with their standing in Metropolis and indeed the universe itself. Superman #29 gets Philip Kennedy Johnson’s run off to a great start, with its character driven storyline and solid artwork, it would seem the House of El could not be in safer hands.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Philip Kennedy Johnson / Pencils Phil Hester

Inks Eric Gapstur / Colorist HI-FI

Letterer Dave Sharpe / Cover Hester, Gapstur and HI-FI

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About The Author

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

Future State Swamp Thing #1 Review

Tags

DC Comcis, Future State, Future State Swamp Thing #1, Future State Swamp Thing #1 review, Mike Perkins, NCBD, New Swamp Thing series, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #1

Future State Swamp Thing #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Future State Swamp Thing #1 proves a most welcome addition to DC Comics Future State event. In the aftermath of a terrible war life has been reborn in Swamp Thing’s image. Humanity  hides in the shadow of this new avatar of the green who now rules the Earth. The last survivors of the human race are on the brink of rebellion, but Swamp Thing is no stranger to violence, and if its war they want its war they will get! 

The regular DC Comics line is currently taking a two-month break to make way for DC’s line-wide Future State event, which has been touted as a showcase for new creative teams on many of its core titles and characters that will offer readers a glimpse into a potential future for the DC universe. Fans of Justice League Dark will undoubtably be pleased that writer Ram V is on board here for Future State Swamp Thing #1 to retain the most recent take on the character through into Future State, and together with artist Mike Perkins this new chapter in the Swamp Thing saga flourishes in the creatively fertile soil of this compelling issues grim apocalyptic storyline.

Ram V quickly establishes how in this future the world has succumbed to both the failings of humanity and heroes alike, weaving a dark analogy of the present, with climate change, war and disease ultimately providing civilisations downfall despite all the heroes efforts during Death Metal – or perhaps because of it? Most of the human race is now missing or dead, and of the few remnants of humanity Swamp Thing has managed to retain, sheer loneliness has led him to create offshoots of his own species imbued with the personalities and memories of his various recollections of humanity. Swamp Thing has become the Green Father, but his attempts to recreate humanity in his own image has also given rise to all the best and the worst aspects  of which that lies therein as well.

Mike Perkins artwork is at times gorgeously haunting and beautifully serine. From the strikingly expansive vista recapping the demise of the world though to Swamp Thing’s poetic storytelling to Calla, which in turn contrasts sublimely with conflict proved by the tenacious Indigo, and the warm kindness this Green Father still holds for humanity are all superbly illustrated by Perkins. The subtle use of color by June Chung is also excellent — accentuating the tone and  fine detail of Perkins artwork perfectly.

The inmate weirdness of Swamp Thing’s world and philosophical magical undercurrents are masterfully woven into the narrative by Ram V, which, together with Mike Perkin’s spellbinding art, almost makes it feel like we’re observing a vivisection of the very essence of what makes Swamp Thing the indomitable character that he is as the layers of his being and psyche are slowly peeled away layer by layer before our eyes.

Future State Swamp Thing #1 certainly gets this opening week of Future State off to a good start. With the discovery of a mysterious fortress in the North and the surprise appearance of another prominent DC Comics character, there’s plenty of intrigue on offer to entice us  back for the next issue. If anything, Future State Swamp Thing #1 wets our appetite even more for the 10 issue maxi-series, also by the creative team of Ram V and Mike Perkins, with colors by Mike Spicer, arriving in March.

I wasn’t going to bother with Future State much, apart from Swamp Thing really, but sadly as I write this first review of 2021 the UK is also going back into lockdown. Its a necessary measure, but I won’t lie, I am finding it a little depressing. Hopefully things will get back on track soon once the vaccine gets rolled out. I’m not looking forward to spending more weeks being apart from family and friends either. Fortunately I can do everything from home, and I’ve got my writing to keep me occupied. So, no doubt I’ll end up doing some more box-set binging, I might check out some of the other Future State books as well now I’ll have a bit more time on my hands. Fingers crossed the end of this COVID 19 pandemic isn’t too far off now, so take care, and stay safe everyone. 

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colors June Chung / Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and June Chung 

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About The Author

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

Batman #103 Review

Tags

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

Batman #103

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

Publisher DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV

Artists Carlo Pagulayan & Danny Miki, Guillem March

Colorist David Baron / Letterer Clayton Cowles

Cover Jorge Jimenez & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

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

Batman #97 Review

Tags

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

Batman #97

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist Joege Jimenez / Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letters: Clayton Cowles / Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

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

 

Batman Eternal #51 Review

Tags

Alvaro Martinze, Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #51, Cluemaster, comics, DC Comcis, James Tynion IV, June Chung, Kyle Higgins, Raul Fernandez, Ray Fawkes, Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #51

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham City is burning. The crisis is spiralling out of control, villains are running wild, even the Dark Knights allies are struggling to cope. As the GCPD plan their next move, Catwoman reinforces her authority as Gotham’s Kingpin of crime. Batman raced to the Beacon Tower to confront the mastermind behind it all – the Cluemaster! Now, beaten and tied to the shattered Bat-Signal, it would seem that Batman has been completely outwitted and utterly defeated by Cluemaster. But is Cluemaster really the master criminal, or is there another waiting to be revealed..?

Cluemaster has emerged from the shadows as the major antagonist of Batman Eternal! Now the fallout from last issues cliff-hanger unfolds in Batman Eternal #51, in this story from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, featuring a great script also by James Tynion IV, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins and Tim Seeley, as the year long weekly Batman series’ penultimate issue delvers its most shocking twist of all!

Bound to the Bat-Signal, Batman must endure yet more hardship as his identity is callously stripped away, it echoes the opening moments from Batman Eternal #1, and Cluemaster is certainly not messing about either. While he basks in the glory of his apparent victory, we learn how Cluemaster set about brining his grand scheme together. Its ingenious to say the least, it seem the misdirection it caused worked both ways, and its staggering to think what this second-rate Riddler-knock off has managed to achieve.

Meanwhile, the Bat-Family do what they can to help the citizens of Gotham, but they cannot be everywhere at once. As Catwoman cracks the whip to keep the crime families in line, over at the GCPD, the situation looks grim, and its up to Jim Gordon to inspire Commissioner Bard to step up to the plate and be the commissioner the city needs. The brief interlude featuring Bluebird and Spoiler is a great moment for both characters, Harper’s exchange with Stephanie is rooted in the very essence of everything Batman stands for, and it’s a great defining moment for Bluebird – and its one that makes me like the character more than ever.

The art by Alvaro Martinze is stunning, every scene from Tynion’s exciting script is stylishly rendered, and the action flows seamlessly along at a cracking pace. The opening scenes are ablaze with high-drama, with the cape and cowl fluttering down into the flaming streets, before events shift between Catwoman’s nightclub, the GCPD, and finally Harper’s confrontation with Spoiler. Alvaro Martinze’s superbly conveys the flashbacks detailing Cluemaster’s scheme with his cohorts, and the ferocity of Bruce’s battle with Cluemaster is also really intense and brutal. Raul Fernandez’s inks enhance every detail, and the colors by June Chung are really bold and striking.

Of course the Bat is never defeated is he? As we might have expected Batman manages to get free and give Cluemaster a good kicking, but in his weakened state even the Dark Knight struggles, his punches lack power, and the moment Cluemaster has been waiting for is finally here. So, is the Cluemaster really the big-bad of Batman Eternal, or has this been just another red herring to keep us all guessing? Well, although he may have brought Batman to the brink of his greatest defeat, let’s just say that Cluemaster soon finds out just how cutthroat and unpredictable things can get when you attempt to step up into the big league of the major villains!

The year-long Bat-Epic is almost over! Batman Eternal #51 is terrific issue, by the final, shocking page, this issue will have sunk its claws in deep, and you will be left reeling by another shocking surprise cliff-hanger!

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