Earth 2 #26 Review

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Aquawoman, Batman, comics, DC Comcs, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #26 Review, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Nicola Scott, Pete Pantazis, Red Tornado, Superman, The New 52, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott, Val Zod

Earth 2 #26

Review by Paul Bowler

The final battle begins in Earth 2 #26. A massive Boom Tube has opened in space. While Green Lantern attempts to prevent the world being transported to Apokolips, the Wonders of Earth 2 have united with Commander Khan and the surviving World Army forces to attack the facility generating the Boom Tube in Geneva. The young Kryptonian Val Zod must now battle the evil Superman as Earth’s fate balances on the edge of oblivion…

Events take a dramatic turn in The Kryptonian: Part 6 as Tom Taylor steers the conflict on Earth 2 towards the mother of all showdowns between the combined forces of this parallel world and the might of Apokolips itself. After last issues extra sized prelude to this main event, Earth 2 #26 wastes no time at all in plunging you right into the thick of the action, with Green Lantern using all his power to stop the world being dragged through the Boom Tube, while Batman leads the charge against Bedlam’s base in Geneva, and Val Zod steps up to the plate as Earth 2’s new Man of Steel to confront the wrath of Superman, the former protector of this world, now transformed and resurrected by Apokolptian science as Darkseid’s crazed Herald.

Tom Taylor rounds off the current Kryptonian storyline in Earth 2 #26, with an issue that’s positively bursting at the seams with action, as we see Val Zod embrace his destiny as the new Superman of Earth 2. Faced with an army of Parademons and Warhounds standing between them and the complex housing the source of the Gateway threatening the world, Batman forms a plan with Aquawoman, Flash, Hawkgirl, Major Sato, and Commander Khan’s forces to breach the facility so they can free Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, Mr Miracle, from Bedlam’s mind control and shut down the device they’ve been forced to build.

Earth 2 #26 certainly has more than its fair share of action, and Tom Taylor does an excellent job maintaining the pacing and structure of this issue while balancing all the characters and big action set-pieces. Its great to see all the Wonders of Earth 2 working together as a team, there are some great moment of characterisation as well, along with a couple of surprising plot twists that few of us could have seen coming either. Unfortunately there’s no sign of Dr Fate this issue, which is a shame really, as it would’ve been great to see him take part in the battle.

The scenes in Smallville, where Lois and Martha are still reeling after Superman killed Jonathan Kent, as the young Jimmy Olsen continues monitoring the global situation from Amazonia are handled really well. Tom Taylor has written some really strong roles for all the female characters of Earth 2, especially Lois Lane, her resurrection as the Red Tornado was an inspired move by Taylor, and her role proves even more crucial now following the events at the Kent’s farm. Aquawoman is another great character, regal and powerful, Queen Marella dominates every scene she’s in. The way she puts Commander Khan in his place when she arrives in Geneva is priceless, dismissing Khan’s greeting with hardly a glance, and her clash with Bedlam leaves us with no doubt that the Queen of the Sea is a mighty force to be reckoned with.

Ever since the Superman returned from the dead as the crazed Herald of Darkseid and Val Zod was discovered in Arkham Asylum, the inevitable showdown between these two Kryptonian powerhouses has been the major event that we’ve all been waiting for. One of the four Krytonians that Lara and Jor-El sent into space before Krypton was destroyed; Val Zod was then hidden in Arkham Asylum by Terry Sloan. It’s been fascinating to see Val’s character progress over the course of this storyline, as his new friends Jimmy Olsen and Red Tornado helped Val overcome his agoraphobia and he learned how to use his powers. Now his journey has come full circle. Val Zod’s confrontation with the evil Superman is the undoubted highlight of this issue as Val’s vow of pacifism clashes with the raw power and ferocity of Superman’s wrath.

Nicola Scott’s art is as superb as everything we’ve come to expect from her work on this series. Earth 2 #26 contains so many artistic highlights that you will be completely immersed and swept away by the sheer spectacle of it all. Nicola Scott has excelled herself with this issue, along with inker Trevor Scott, and colorist Peter Pantazis, every page is so vividly detailed and crammed with action: from the Warhound flattening Bat-Punch, to the epic scale of the ground battles themselves, and the conclusion of Val‘s showdown with Superman, this issue of Earth 2 has it all.

Earth 2 #26 is also Nicola Scott’s final issue. Nicola Scott has been with Earth 2 since issue #1, she has brought so much to this series, creating the distinct look and style of this parallel world, its technology, and of course its heroes. Nicola Scott’s contribution to this series has been outstanding, and I look forward to her future projects.

So, with Nicola Scott’s departure, a new era of Earth 2 is set to begin. First off we will discover what happens during the major clash of worlds in Futures End, followed by a glimpse five years into the future, with September’s special tie in issue Earth 2: Futures End #1, before Earth 2 #27 hit’s the shelves (Oct 8th) and the new DC Comics weekly series, Earth 2: Worlds End, debuts in October. Earth 2 #27, written by Tom Taylor, also sees Marguerite Bennett joining the main series as co-writer, (Taylor and Bennett are also part of the writing team on Earth 2: Worlds End), with Andy Smith taking over as Earth 2’s series artist.

While not quite living up to the promise of the great cover by J.G Jones and Paul Mounts, Earth 2 #26 is still an excellent issue. Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott have wrapped up this storyline up in fine style, with its brilliantly staged action, beautiful final page, and intriguing epilogue, the possibilities for the future look very promising indeed….

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Earth 2 #22

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Apokolips, Batman, Darkseid, DC Comcs, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #22, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Nicola Scott, Pete Pantazis, Red Tornado, Superman, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #22

Review by Paul Bowler

Things look bad for Earth 2 as the forces of Darkseid continue their attack on Earth 2, all hope seems lost, but suddenly a light begins to shine in these dark times when Green Lantern is reborn from the ashes of defeat. Having taken refuge in the Batcave, the remaining wonders can only wait as, Val, the young Kryptonian they saved from Arkham, learns to use his powers, with the hope that he will help them fight the evil Superman. Now that Darkseid’s herald has learned of Val’s existence he sets out for Gotham with a squadron of Parademons, determined to crush the young Kryptonian and deal with Batman’s sudden return…

Tom Taylor beings us right back to the moment where Green Lantern was beaten to a bloody pulp by Superman in Dherain, as Earth 2 #22 transports us back into the inferno unleashed by Steppenwolf’s demise at Superman’s hand. The power of Green Lantern was given to Alan Scott by the very essence of the planet itself, now that same power suddenly returns to bring him back from his death in the raging heart of the terrifying maelstrom of Godfire that consumed him and gouged a massive scar across the surface of the world.

Green Lantern’s resurrection is stunningly crafted; Nicola Scott’s art elevates this scene to an epic scale, as Alan Scot returns from the ashes and bones of Dherain’s destruction. It’s a powerful and striking image, with skulls bathed in the glow from Green Lantern’s power ring carpeting the ground for as far as the eye can see. Perfectly accentuated by Trevor Scott’s inks and Pete Pantazis’ bold colors, this moment gets Earth 2 #22 of to a rousing start.

We then check out what’s happening back at the Batcave, as Red Arrow and Jimmy Olsen try to make sense of Dr Fate’s ramblings, and Red Tornado continues to advise Val as his Kryptonian powers begin to develop. I really like how Tom Taylor has made Lois Lane such a pivotal character in this storyline. The Kryptonian Part 2 continues to see Lois adjusting to her new life in the android body of the Red Tornado, there is an especially moving scene when she is taking to Val, and she catches sight of herself in a mirror. Its scenes like this that really makes Earth 2 something very special indeed and the poignancy of this moment remains with you long after the issue is over.

Tom Taylor keeps things bubbling away at Bedlam’s science facility where Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, and Mr Miracle have been captured and forced into helping build a boom tube capable of transporting Earth 2 through space. Superman quickly learns about the circumstances behind Val’s arrival on Earth – as well as his fellow Kryptonian’s full name – and how Terry Sloan’s kept the young Kryptonian hidden in Arkam’s basement in a secret cell. Furthermore the herald of Darkseid soon discovers what he perceives to be an even greater threat as Bedlam replays the images gathered from Arkham by the Parademons.

My favourite scene in Earth 2 #22 is where Lois / Red Tornado and Val leave the cave. Having spent his whole life in Arkham, the young Kryptonian is gradually overcoming his agoraphobia. Here we witness the pure joy as he discovers the wider world outside the Batcave, his senses evolving with each passing moment, before taking to the skies with the Red Tornado. Here we get to see that Earth 2 is much more than the all-out-action of previous issues, as Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott deliver a delightfully simple, yet wonderful moment, one that sparkles with awe and laughter as Val makes his first tentative attempt at flight.

The joy of Val’s first flight is short lived as the Parademon horde rapidly approaches Gotham; fortunately Hawkgirl is around to warn them. Earth 2 #22 wraps things up in style as the Parademons begin their attack. With the Red Tornado and Hawkgirl up against impossible odds, the bone crushing finale moments hurtles towards you before setting up the potentially game-changing confrontation we’ve been waiting for.

Overall this was a really good issue, with some fabulous character development, and plenty of action to keep us on the edge of our seat. While its been intriguing to guess what Dr Fate’s ramblings are about, he makes a very sad sight this issue, forlornly gazing at the cracked Helm of Nabu and mumbling in the corner of the Batcave. I just hope Tom Taylor brings Dr Fate back to normal soon. He’s a great character with so much potential and it’s been a shame to see him reduced to this state, especially for so many issues.

So, this is another great issue then by Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott. Earth 2 #22 certainly seems to be setting things up for something really big, especially given Alan Scott’s resurrection and this issues cliff-hanger ending.

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Batman #28 Review

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Batman, Batman #28, Batman Eternal, DC Comcs, Dustin Nyguyen, Harper Row, James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, Zero Year

Batman #28

Review by Paul Bowler

So far, Batman: Zero Year has certainly lived up to all expectations. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s 11-part retelling of Bruce Wayne’s early career as Batman has offered a decidedly modern twist to the Dark Knights origin, while remaining  entirely faithful to the legacy of the character. Last month, Batman #27: Part 7 of Zero Year, ended with the Batman trapped in the catacombs beneath Gotham City, fighting for his life, and mocked by the Riddler for his apparent lack of detective skills. We take a break from Zero Year for this month with Batman #28, the flash-forward “spoilers” issue Scott Snyder, together with co-writer James Tynion IV and artist Dustin Nyguyen; have created to bring us a preview of Batman Eternal.

Batman #28 provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of what this special 75th anniversary event will hold, as we discover that  Gotham City is in lock down, and a curfew is now rigorously enforced. For reasons that strike close to home, Harper Row has chosen to break this curfew. After managing to find the “magic words” to get her past the barricade, Harper is taken to an exclusive nightclub, one of the few left in Gotham, where Harper is determined to meet the new Kingpin of Gotham, with a little help from Batman of course. However, the Dark Knights world is very different place now, and he has lost so much, even the city he is sworn to protect. Harper’s new costume as Batman’s crime fighting ally is also revealed, working together, they confront Gotham’s new Kingpin, but there is one last secret still waiting to be revealed…

My, of my, how Gotham has changed. Batman #28 gives us a good sense of what Batman Eternal will be like, completely game-changing events have transpired, the Dark Knights world has seemingly been turned on its head, and even the criminal underworld has been shaken to its core. The reasons behind the lockdown are also very surprising, bringing added emphasis to Harper Row’s return, and the new role she has assumed. This issue features the debut of Harper Row’s new costume, with an outfit that has gained much speculation, but its reveal here is clearly a defining moment for the character, as is her code name and the crime-fighting methods she employs.

Snyder and James Tynion IV also bring many surprise in the shape of Batman’s allies, clearly the Dark Knights world has suffered a major upheaval, the city, the police, even the new Kingpin of Gotham now see him in a different light. Indeed, when the new Kingpin of Gotham is revealed, its one of those rare serendipitous moment in comics where a cracking plot twist catches you completely off guard and wraps itself around your neck.

Batman Eternal is a series that Scott Snyder has developed along with his former student, James Tynion IV (Red Hood and the Outlaws), who launched Talon with Snyder, and worked with him on the Batman backup stories and annuals. Tynion brings his outstanding character work to this issue, there some fantastic flourishes, as we take this secret glimpse into the future, and see a Gotham that is even more dangerous and crazy than ever before.

Dustin Nguyen, whose art will also feature in Batman Eternal, handles the artistic duties on this issue, while Greg Cappulo works his magic on the extra pages for Batman #29. Nguyen worked with Snyder on American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares, as well as the Superman Unchained backups. Here with Batman #28, Nguyen brings a very fluid, and kinetic feel to the action, from the sweeping dark tones of the Gotham’s streets, to the gleaming and opulent interior of the nightclub, which leads to the aforementioned showdown with Gotham’s new crime boss, Nguyem’s work is perfectly suited to Gotham, and together with Derek Fridolfs inks and colorist John Kalisz, I’m pleased to say that Batman #28 is a mighty fine looking book indeed.

Batman #28 is a great sneak peek at what the rest of 2014 has in store for the Dark Knight. Snyder and Tynion deliver a sterling issue that is full of surprises, which, together with a spoiler-ific final page and Nguyen’s art, makes Batman #28 a thrilling trip into the future before Zero Year resumes in Batman #29 next month.

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Earth 2 #20 Review

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Apokolips, Barry Kitson, Batman, Darkseid, DC Comcs, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #20, Hawkgirl, Oclair Albert, Parademons, Red Tornado, Robson Rocha, Superman

Earth 2 #20

Review by Paul Bowler

(Contains Spoilers)

Superman’s plans for Earth 2 take a sinister turn as the forces of Apokolips invade the world. In the skies outside Gotham the Parademons are closing in on Hawkgirl as she carries Batman, Major Sato, and Aquawoman. Fortunately Aquawoman is able to help deal with the Parademons. As the Queen of the Sea returns to her people, Batman, Hawkgirl and Major Sato meet the others back at the Batcave, where the new ally they rescued from Arkham could well help them defeat Superman and alter the course of the war with Apokolips.

Ever since Tom Taylor took over Earth 2 in November the series taken a number of twists and turns, with Superman returning from the dead as the herald of Darkseid, war has engulfed this alternative world once more. Earth 2 #19 also introduced us to a new Kryptonian, a being that Terry Sloan had secretly hidden in the subbasement of Arkham. The identity of the new Batman was finally revealed in the pages of Earth 2 Annual #2; now in Earth 2 #20 we pick up the action as Hawkgirl returns to help Batman and his new allies escape.

Its was great to see Hawkgirl swoop into to airlift Batman and the others away from Arkham at the end of Earth 2 #19, I was beginning to think she’d been sidelined completely, so I’m happy to see that’s not the case. Tom Taylor keeps piling on the action as we witness them struggling to avoid being shot out of the sky by the Parademons. I also really like the way Aquawoman used her powers to help them all escape, it provided a magnificent opening to the issue, and although I was sorry to see her depart I’m sure the Queen of the Sea will be ready to answer Batman’s call when the time comes.

Batman finds that Hawkgirl has brought Dr Fate and Red Arrow to the Batcave as well, and Red Tornado has also arrived with Val and Jimmy Olsen. It will be interesting to see exactly how, or if, Dr Fate’s ramblings will be related to Alan Scottt’s return. Of course, they could point to something else entirely, so we should pay close attention to Khalid’s words – they may not be quite so incoherent as we think.

Now that we know Thomas Wayne is the new Batman, having survived being attacked by Joe Chill, we also saw how Bruce discovered his father had survived but decided to cut him out of his life completely. Thomas Wayne assumed the identity of the Batman after Bruce Wayne’s death, in order to honour the memory of his son. However, at 65 years of age, Thomas had to resort to using Miraclo, a drug he stole from Rex Mason (not Rex Tyler incidentally) which gives enhanced strength but only last for one hour at a time. The inclusion of Metamorpho’s identity, along with the Miraclo drug referencing the Tyler connection and Hourman, is most intriguing, and I’m sure Taylor will address the whole Rex Mason / Rex Tyler quandary in time. The new Batman has admitted he is addicted to this drug. Perhaps most shocking though, was the way he killed the Joker in his stasis chamber. It is clear this new Batman is a very complex character, however with hindsight; it is perhaps understandable now why Thomas Wayne would execute the man who caused such pain and suffering to his family.

We also get to learn more about Val, the young Kryptonian, who Terry Sloan kept hidden in Arkham’s subbasement, sealed away from the world and the sunlight that would charge his Kryptonian superpowers. Val has never left his room at Arkham, so he is very apprehensive of his new surroundings, but luckily Lois Lane, her mind now existing inside the andriod body of the Red Tornado, is able to get through to him. I really enjoyed this scene between Val and Red Tornado; where Lois explains what she is going through in order to help Val overcome his fear of the outside world.

Superman goes on the rampage again in Earth 2 #20, instructing the Parademons to destroy every place of worship around the globe, to show the people of Earth 2 that there is now only one God, and his name is Darkseid! The Dark Age pt 4 features pencils by Barry Kitson and Robson Rocha, as well as inks by Kitson and Oclair Albert, with Color by Peter Pantazis, and together they strike a seamless balance between the early action sequences and character driven moments, while showing the terrifying wrath of Darkseid’s herald.

Tom Taylor brings a lot of plot threads together in Earth 2 #20, time is given over to some significant character development, especially for Val and Lois (Red Tornado), and I thought the final scenes were particularly moving, especially in the light of all the havoc and destruction Superman is causing around the world. After several frenetic, action packed issues, and Batman’s origin over in the Earth 2 Annual #2, Earth 2 #20 is another excellent issue, one that brings a ray of hope into the lives the new wonders during their world’s darkest hour.

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Earth 2 Annual #2 Review

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Batman, DC Comcs, Earth 2, Earth 2 Annual #2, Earth 2 Batman, Robson Rocha, Scott Hanna, The New 52, Tom Taylor

Earth 2 Annual #2

Review by Paul Bowler

After months of speculation and rumours, the origin of the new Batman of Earth 2 is finally revealed. It is a tale that follows the original Batman’s investigation into a series of brutal murders, where each of the victims skulls have been crushed by someone with enhanced strength. Batman visits crime boss Frankie Francavilla to find the connection between the victims, and learns Francavilla also knew Thomas Wayne. Having discovers the truth behind his parents murder Batman tracks down the man killing Francavilla’s men, a man destined to become the New Batman of Earth 2 and claim the mantel of the Bat as his own…

Ever since the new Batman first appeared in the Earth 2 Annual #1, the speculation about his identity has continued to build month after month, with each issue he subsequently appeared in teasing us with even more hints and clues about who he might be. Now as the forces of Apokolips begin their invasion, the identity of this mysterious character is finally revealed in this months eagerly waited Earth 2 Annual #2. Since Tom Taylor took over writing Earth 2 expectations for this issue have been high, so I’m happy to say that Taylor has really surpassed himself with this issue.

Taylor sets the tone perfectly from the outset, as the gunshot rings out on that fateful night in Crime Alley, before we rejoin the story in 1994 as the original Earth 2’s Batman examines a corpse in the Gotham morgue. I like how Batman’s investigation ties directly into the man who killed his parents, Joe Chill, which in turn then leads the Dark Knight to Frankie Francavilla and the discovery of the events leading up to the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne.

I like the banter that Taylor writes between Alfred and Batman as he prepares to break into Francavilla’s mansion, where we learn Batman has just spent the last two years training with the League of Shadows. After the Dark Knight has gotten Francavilla to talk, his story about Thomas Wayne proves an enlightening one, as we discover how Wayne became drawn into crime lord’s circle of friends and met Martha for the first time. However, when Thomas marries Martha and Bruce is born, Wayne’s friendship with Francavilla turns sour, and Thomas quickly finds that Frankie Francavilla is not a man you can simply walk away from…

Frankie finishes his story as the killer attacks the mansion and begins shooting the guards. Batman rushes to confront the balaclava clad intruder, but soon finds he is no match for the killers enhanced strength.  Even though he is injured, Batman stands his ground, telling the assailant that Francavilla will answer for his crimes. The Batman’s words seem to get through to the intruder, who suddenly breaks off the attack and escapes into the night.

Earth 2 Annual #2 looks amazing. Robson Rocha’s pencils and Scott Hannah’s inks perfectly convey the dark, brooding atmosphere surrounding the new Batman’s origin. The flashback sequences are really good, especially the opening in Crime Alley, which has very a surreal and nightmarish quality to it.  Its very clever how the scenes involving Thomas Wayne are intercut with Francavilla as he talks to  Batman, while Peter Pantazi’s colors also helps enhance the different time periods, ensuring the narrative never  once feels stilted, or forced.

It’s also good to see the original Batman in action again, as we only really got to see him for one issue before he sacrificed himself to save the world. We get to see Batman searching for clues at the morgue, he frightens the living daylights out of Francavilla in the mansion, and the fights between Batman and the masked killer are also really fast and brutal. Taylor keeps us on the back foot, right up until the very end, until Batman follows the killer to the place where their lives will converge in the most startling discovery of all.

Cometh the hour, the time comes for the new Batman reveal his true identity to his allies. The origin of this character, while steeped in the legacy of the Bat, also splices other aspects from the Golden Age to deliver an unexpected dose of nostalgia in a way few could have predicted. However, now this Batman’s allies know his strength, as well as weaknesses, we are left wondering if they will ever be able to trust him in quite the same way again?

I really enjoyed the Earth 2 Annual #2; in fact, the story was so good I wanted to read it again immediately. Tom Taylor has crafted a brilliant origin for Earth 2’s new Batman, it’s been a long, agonising wait, but it’s sure as hell been worth it!

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Earth 2 #17 Review

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Arkham, Darkseid, DC Comcs, Doctor Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #17, Nicola Scott, Superman, The Flash, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #17

Review by Paul Bowler

Steppenwolf is dead, slain by his own henchman, the powerhouse known as Brutaal – who is revealed to be the previously deceased Superman of Earth 2! Transformed into the herald of Darkseid, the greatest evil in all creation, Superman killed Steppenwolf and left Dherain to burn in the raging energies of the murdered god. Commander Khan and the New Wonders retreat to the World Army Arkham Base, where the government forces have hidden dark secrets. But not even this secret location can keep them safe from the furious Man of Steel, as a new wonder is created, Doctor Fate valiantly battles Superman, and the new Batman breaks into the lower levels of Arkham to unleash the horrors imprisoned there…

Earth 2 #17 is very much all about new beginnings, as this is the first issue by the series new writer, Tom Taylor, who joins fellow Australian, the artist Nicola Scott, on charting the ongoing adventures of Earth 2. With the shocking return of Superman in Earth 2 #16, former writer James Robinson’s final issue set the stage for a whole new chapter on this parallel world. The Dark Age: Begins throws us right into the middle of the action, with Dherain consumed by fire, the World Army and the New Wonders escape to Arkham where a well-known General and Doctor Craine are overseeing a crucial upload of data to the Red Tornado.

Superman arrives and attacks Arkham as the Red Tornado comes online. Commander Amire Khan orders a full retreat, but Sloan knows there is something in the base that Superman wants. Mr Terrific knows Superman is vulnerable to kryptonite, but it is Khalid Ben-Hassin who, as everyone notices Green Lantern is missing and wonders if he managed to escape from Dherain, suggests using his magic as Doctor Fate to fight Superman.

While the mysterious new Batman breaks into the lower levels of Arkham, Superman and Doctor Fate clash in the sky above the base, where Darkeid’s servant unleashes his terrible power against Doctor Fate’s magic and the Helm of Nabu. The aftermath of their fight pummels the base into the ground, Flash manages to save Doctor Fate, and the Red Tornado emerges from the rubble as tragedy strikes. In the bowels of Arkham, the Batman has reached the stasis chambers, where the worst of the criminally insane are held, and now he must convince Major Sato to set them free…

Tom Taylor’s first issue of Earth 2 hit’s the ground running and doesn’t give you chance to pause for breath, as the New Wonders are confronted by the unstoppable fury of Superman’s attack on the World Army Arkham Base. It’s reassuring to find that although Taylor ramps the action all the way up to eleven in Earth 2 #17, none of the rich characterization and attention to detail which has been so intrinsic to the series during Robinson’s tenure, has been sacrificed in any way whatsoever.

There are some great scenes featuring Khalid Ben-Hassin as he contemplates using his magic against Superman, and later Jay Garrick’s bravery as the Flash shines though after he rescues Doctor Fate before returning to face Superman alone as the base is evacuated. The personality inhabiting Red Tornado offers a surprising twist to this issue; and her role is bound to impact on Superman’s return now that he is allied with Darkseid.

Needless to say the art by Nicola Scott for Earth 2 #17 is as stunning as ever, with Trevor Scott’s inks and colour by Pete Pantazis, this has to be one of their most dynamic issues yet. Doctor Fate’s fight with Superman is short, brutal, and shakes Arkham right down to its very foundations. The Helm of Nabu is also cracked in the battle, which has a profound effect on Khalid’s mind. The final scenes in the lower levels of Arkham as Batman confronts Major Sato offer a tantalising glimpse of some very familiar prisoners inside the stasis chambers, and Batman’s argument for releasing them hints at the new Dark Knight’s identity.

Green Lantern is conspicuous by his absence, having been beaten up by Steppenwolf and Brutaal/Superman last issue. I’m sure he would’ve escaped somehow before Dherain was destroyed; although it seemed a little odd that everyone should only noticed he was missing after they escaped to Arkham. I also hope that we catch up with Hawkgirl again soon, she’s a great character, and it’s a shame that Hawkgirl has been sidelined a little by recent events.

Earth #2 #17 is a confident start to Tom Taylor’s run on the series, any misgivings are quickly dispelled as the story follows on quickly from last issues shocking cliff-hanger, with everyone getting a good share of the action. Earth 2 #17 features a striking cover by  Ethan Van Sciver, and there is also a  variant cover by Doug Mahnnke. Earth 2 #17 is an excellent first issue by Tom Taylor, the story had  plenty of exciting surprises and art was excellent, and I’m really  look forward seeing to what Taylor has planned for the New Wonders of Earth 2 in the issues ahead.

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Batman #23 Review

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Batman, Batman #23, Bruce Wayne, Danny Miki, DC Comcs, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, James Tynion IV, Rafael Albuquerque, Scott Snyder, The New 52, The Red Hood, The Red Hood Gang, Zero Year

Batman #23

Review by Paul Bowler

Batman #23 sees Bruce cornered by the Red Hood Gang in the flaming ruins of his home, battered senseless, and defiant to the bitter end. When Bruce manages to escape, he is left with no choice but to return to Wayne Manor. It is here, within the shadowy halls of the ancestral home he abandoned so long ago, that Zero Year makes history as we witness the moment where Bruce Wayne decided to become the Batman…

Scott Snyder takes us right to the core of the Batman mythos as Bruce Wayne’s life is reborn from the ashes of defeat. Having only just managed to escape with his life after the explosive attack by the Red Hood Gang, we watch as Bruce returns to Wayne Manor, his war on crime now a smouldering ruin as he tumbles into unconsciousness. He wakes to find Alfred has returned to help aid his recovery. It is here that Alfred recalls what happened directly after Bruce’s parents were shot, in a heart warming scene, Alfred pledges his loyalty to Bruce – no matter how much they ever fight or disagree.

Events at Wayne Industries also take a sinister turn, as the Philip Kane confronts Edward Nygma. So far the Riddler seems to have been content to watch events unfold, now his intricate web of riddles is about to close in on Philip Kane, and it appears that Edward Nygma has decided its time for him to step out of the shadow of his anonymity.

We also get some insight into the origin of the Red Hood Gang, including revelations about their connections to Gotham City, and how the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents was instrumental in leading the Red Hood to form the gang. Although the Red Hood has targeted Bruce, he still takes the time to enjoy his moment of triumph. It seems that their lives have been inexorably drawn together, like moths to a flame, each consigned to a path that had already been written by fate to make them the complete antithesis of the other. This fearful symmetry is relayed through the dialogue, which is then punctuated by two deliberately placed gunshots, which slam home the Red Hood’s connection to Bruce Wayne and the night Bruce left the theatre with his parents. If over the course of Zero Year, the Red Hood is indeed revealed to be the Clown Prince of Crime, the events of Batman #23 will mark a significant milestone in the characters origin.

Scott Snyder takes the familiar origin story of Batman and enhances it with a decidedly high-tech twist, delivering something that is eternally faithful to Bill Finger’s origin story from the classic Detective Comics #33 (1939), whilst enabling Zero Year to offer an entirely new perspective on the iconic scene where the bat flies into the manor and changes Bruce’s life forever. Snyder and Capullo bring this moment to life in the most spectacular way imaginable; epic in scope and scale, these pages will leave you breathless as the grand visuals magically unfold.

The art for Batman #23 by Greg Capullo and Danny Miki charts every exquisite moment leading up to the scene where Bruce Wayne is inspired to become the Batman, together with the intricate colors by FCO Plascencia, this third instalment of Zero Year captures the epic nature of Snyder’s new take on the Dark Knights origin perfectly. Told through a series of intermingling flashbacks – signified by FCO’s sublime color palette that alters for each period of time the story jumps between – the chains that bind the gates of Wayne Manor shatter symbolically as Batman #23 shows Bruce at his lowest point since his parent’s brutal murder.

For all his training and dedication to his cause, Bruce has been unable to stop the Red Hood. Now as Bruce recovers from the near fatal attack by the Red Hood Gang, he finds Alfred has returned to tend his wounds, and after Alfred recalls the aftermath of the Wayne’s murder on that fateful night, he later walks the darkened halls of Wayne Manor a deeply troubled man. This voyage through what Bruce perceives to be his own failings is beautifully offset by his discovery of the cave as a child, and the moment when his father rescued him. In essence, it is Bruce’s fathers words that now call out to him from the past, in a moment of quiet reflection where Bruce searches the house for a way to banish his despair; it is the father who guides his son back from the brink of the abyss once more before the bat appears and becomes emblazoned on his soul forever.

Rafael Albuquerque provides the art for the back up story by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, where the young Bruce Wayne ends up fighting for his life in a death match in Norway. The Pit shows how Bruce endured a trial by combat, which lasted for over twenty eight hours, where his training and skills as a fighter were pushed to the limit by a relentless number of opponents. Even against these insurmountable odds, the young Bruce Wayne refuses to back down, and in the end his inner strength ensures that no man will dare stand against him.

The cover of Batman #23 by Capullo, Miki, and Plascencia shows one of Batman’s gauntlets as it is being pulled on, his other hand clasped tightly around the wrist, locking it into place as the full moon rises in the sky overhead. Batman #23 marks the momentous events leading up to the moment where Bruce will soon choose to don the cape and cowl of the Dark Knight, and Capullo’s cover beautifully captures the majesty  of this event and frames it against the gleaming orb of the moon. The variant cover for Batman #23 by Gary Frank (Shazam) and Brad Anderson is equally as atmospheric, and shows Bruce standing inside Wayne Manor – the building now fused symbiotically with the cave itself – silhouetted against the moonlit sky as the bats that inspired him fly in through the window while Bruce prepares to embrace his destiny swathed in a cloak of shadows.

Batman #23 is the most enthralling instalment of Zero Year so far. The narrative is rich and complex, Snyder draws together many elements – past and present – as the multiple storylines converge for the thrilling climax. This incredible final scene rounds off another excellent issue by Snyder and Capullo as Zero Year begins to spread its wings and the legend of the Dark Knight is born anew…