Future State Swamp Thing #1 Review

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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

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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

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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

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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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