The Swamp Thing #1 Review

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DC Comics, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #1, Swamp Thing #1 review, The Pale Wanderer, The Swamp Thing #1, The Swamp Thing #1 review

The Swamp Thing #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new era of horror blossoms in The Swamp Thing #1, DC Comics brand new 10 part maxi-series from the creative team of writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins. The Guardian of the Green has a new host, Levi Kamei, who cannot control his nightmarish metamorphosis into the Swamp Thing. Finding himself caught up in a terrifying mystery surrounding the ghastly murders committed by an ancient desert legend, Levi must revisit events from the past in his homeland of India, and confront a fearsome new villain if he is to ever understand the horrifying reality of what is happening to him…

Ram V is no stranger to Swamp Thing having written for Justice League Dark and Future State Swamp Thing for DC Comics. Now as part of DC Comics Infinite Frontier initiative in the aftermath of the Death Metal and Future State events, Ram V’s new Swamp Thing mini-series introduces us to Levi Kamei (DC’s first lead character heralding from India), an everyday guy with a deep rooted fear of flying, who now faces an inner-struggle to understand and control his dream fuelled transformations into Swamp Thing.

Exactly how Levi initially became Swamp Thing is opaquely mapped out by Ram V over a series of flashbacks to Levi’s trip to India to visit his dying father. Burning terror, violence and a dark bargain made by his brother all played some role in Levi’s origin as Swamp Thing. Previously, once a character had been transformed into Swamp Thing it was permanent, and there was no turning back. Ram V masterfully sows an uncanny twist into the narrative that seems to indicate that Levi is some kine of vessel or conduit for the Green, especially if Levi’s petrifying trans Atlantic flight back from India to the USA is anything to by, and its a change that respectfully builds on the enduring legacy of Swamp Thing whilst also branching out in a completely fresh direction for the character.

Swamp Thing #1: Becoming Part 1 broodingly establishes this new set-up as the action divides between a Sherif and his deputies investigation of a gruesome murder in the Sonoran Desert, the haunting legend of the Pale Wanderer, and Levi Kamei’s recollections about his trip to India after he returns to New York where he is welcomed home by his long-term friend-with-benefits – Jennifer Reece. It is only really at this issues mid-way point that this series’ premise becomes more clear as we begin to see the wider picture of Levi’s plight, one that’s steeped in the history of India, along with powerful real-world and environmental issues, raw emotion and dark creeping horror. 

Gloriously illustrated throughout by artist Mike Perkins, every page blooms with intricate detail, vivid horror, and unsettling atmosphere. The scene setting opening in the desert offers a curious mix of isolation and dread, where the forensic examination of a corpse and the lifecycle of a blowfly provides a stark contrast with the symbiosis of Levi’s metamorphic relationship with  both Swamp Thing and natures inexorable cycle of life and death. The grim story of the Pale Wanderer, a former Civil War soldier who abandoned his humanity after he wandered into the desert, and subsequent manifestation as some ghostly ghoul is also rendered with eerie clarity by Perkins. Levi Kamei’s journey is filled with compelling mystery and drama throughout, with Perkins art and colourist Mike Spicer’s exquisite use of rich tones and shadows bringing Levi’s mesmerising mind-trip down the green rabbit hole of Swamp Thing’s domain to life as dark fantasy melds with the frightening real-world  horror of his transformations.

Ram V is clearly going for a less esoteric approach here than some writers have previously taken with Swamp Thing, and on the whole this makes the series feel extremely accessible to all. Fans might be disappointed there’s no mention or acknowledgment of the current Swamp Thing, Alec Holland, or recent events in Justice League Dark, and the battle with the Upside-Down Man. However, Ram V does such a great job introducing Levi Kamei as a new kind of Swamp Thing with this issue that it all serves to further the mysterious tone of the story anyway. This issue is a little bit of a slow burn, but its rich with characterisation, and everything builds to a nerve jangling face-off between Swamp Thing and the Pale Wanderer.

Swamp Thing #1 sets Levi Kamei on a hauntingly macabre path, one  fraught with emotional turmoil and grim revelations. I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this 10 part maxi-series, I’m a big horror and Swamp Thing fan, and I’m pleased to say that I was highly impressed with this issue. If Ram V’s Future State Swamp Thing wetted your appetite for more, then The Swamp Thing #1 is sure to satisfy your horror craving with its deep and enchanting take on the character, and a killer creative team firing on all cylinders.  

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist  Mike Spicer  / Letterer Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer

Variant Cover Francesco Mattina 

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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 #2 Review

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DC Comics, Future State, Future State Swamp Thing, Future State Swamp Thing #2, Future State Swamp Thing #2 review, June Chung, Mike Perkins, NCBD, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #2

Future State Swamp Thing #2

Review by Paul Bowler

Humanity strikes back in Future State Swamp Thing #2 to reclaim the world the new Swamp Thing avatar has nurtured and forged in his own image. Duped by Woodrue Wilson’s quest for power and revenge, a lone group of survivors have hatched a terrible plan that will plunge the world into darkness. Yet for all his enemies insidious deceptions Swamp Thing also harbours a terrible secret of his own, one that will call for the ultimate sacrifice lest the green be lost from the world forever…

As we move into the second month of DC Comics Future State comic book event, one depicting a possible future for the DCU in the aftermath of Death Metal, few have embraced this opportunity for such creative free licence like writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins with their dark, apocalyptic Future State Swamp Thing. 

In Future State, Swamp Thing is now the Green Father overseer of the world, sheer loneliness led to him creating offshoots of his own species blessed with his memories of humanity, and though he believed mankind was lost Swamp Thing’s encounter with a human survivor has finally led him to a desolate S.T.A.R labs facility in the frozen north. Now in this second, concluding issue writer Ram V explores the dark visions of the mysterious Undying Man, the gnarled Jason Woodrue: the Floronic Man! He has captured the hero who was once known as Obsidian and convinced the  leader of this last bastion of humanity that by harnessing his powers they can save the world. Swamp Thing must lead his own kind and the last ragtag band of human resistance against Woodrue, but will humanities last sapling of hope survive to see the dawn of a new world?

Mike Perkins artwork renders every nuance of Swamp Thing’s determination to reach his goal in striking, almost visceral detail. Swamp Thing is quite literally prepared to walk through the fires of Hell to reach his goal. The depiction of the horrifically disfigured Woodrue is also vividly realised, with his seething ambition and desire for revenge at being rejected by the green fuelling his deranged scheme. The juxtaposition between Swamp Thing and Woodrue’s motivations are the backbone to this story. Neither have been all that honest with those who follow and trust them either. The dramatic line Ram V establishes between saviour and destroyer is masterfully blurred, with Perkin’s art sumptuously cultivating a lush spectacle of apocalypse and rebirth, while the intricate use of color by June Chung beautifully seeds the narratives rich emotional undercurrents as they flourish and bloom.

The powerful closing scenes are deeply heartrending as Swamp Thing confronts the enormity of what he has wrought upon the world, himself, and the constructs he’s crafted from his inner self and feelings. Future State Swamp Thing #2 is a magical, visceral and emotional addition to the legacy of Swamp Thing. When this event started I must admit I dismissed it, believing Future State would be just a rehash of DC’s abortive 5G event, instead Future State  has proven a great showcase for new talent and creative teams, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have been proven wrong about my misgivings. Future State Swamp Thing has been the evergreen jewel in the crown of DC’s Future State event, like all good stories it leaves you wanting more, and more we shall have when the new 10 issue maxi-series by Ram V and Mike Perkins, with colors by Mike Spicer, debuts in March!

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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

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colors June Chung

Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and June Chung 

Future State Nightwing #1 Review

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Batman, Bruce Wayne, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Future State Nightwing #1 review, Future State Nightwing#1, Gotham, NCBD, Nightwing, The Next Batman

Future State Nightwing #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Dick Grayson carries on the good fight in Future State Nightwing #1 as he leads the resistance in Gotham against the Magistrate’s oppressive regime. Batman is gone and Bruce Wane is believed to be dead. In order to stay one step ahead of the Magistrate and his cybernetically enhanced troops Nightwing has established a base in the abandoned Arkham Asylum, but a visit from Gotham’s new Batman could prove fortuitous — at least so long as he can fight like a Dark Knight!

DC Comics Future State is in full swing now following the aftermath of the multiverse saving events of Death Metal, and it looks like this possible glimpse into the future is going to be very dark indeed for Nightwing. Now as Nightwing’s mission to keep the citizens of Gotham safe from the Magistrate’s police state begins to escalate, writer Andrew Constant quickly establishes how grim the situation has got in Gotham since Batman was murdered by Peacekeeper-01. Right from the get-go the stakes are raised as Nightwing intervenes to help a couple being harassed by a Cyber, although everything isn’t quite what it seems, and plans are being hatched in Magistrate HQ to take Nightwing out — permanently!

Nicola Scott’s artwork and Ivan Plascencia’s vivid color palette stylishly conveys every nuance of the plot as scenes shift from Nightwing’s vertigo inducing rooftop skirmish, to the gleaming Cyberpunk vista of Gotham, the  high-tech interiors of Magistrate HQ, and the gloomy ruins of Arkham Asylum that Nightwing now calls home. Nightwing’s costume for Future State is  a nice blend of the classic look with some cool looking futuristic refinements. Although the story is primarily action driven, its in the quieter moments where Dick talks via video link to his allies, especially Barbara, where Nicola Scott’s art really shines and accentuates the scripts emotional beats with powerful effect. Yasmine Putri’s cover portrays a stunning depiction of Nightwing – its almost as if Gotham has a new Arkham Knight!

The face-off between Nightwing and the Next Batman is easily the big highlight of the issue. While I found this new Dark Knight’s debut in Future State The Next Batman #1 rather underwhelming, his characterisation here in Future State Nightwing is much less one dimensional, and far more satisfying as a result. Andrew Constant really fleshes out the characters and their motivations in these scenes, which, though heavy with exposition, skilfully adds an intriguing    plot twist into the mix as the Magistrate’s forces close in. 

It seems the future hasn’t been kind to Dick Grayson, but he’s still very much depicted here in Future State as the character that can resist the darkness and remain in the light — despite all the friends and allies he’s lost. Although Future State Nightwing #1 might not exactly be the most groundbreaking chapter in DC Comics current line-wide Future Sate event, the exciting story by Andrew Constant and impressive artwork by Nicola Scott nevertheless still provides a fascinating glimpse into these dark times for Nightwing in Future State.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Andrew Constant / Artist Nicola Scott

Colorist Ivan Plascencia / Letterer Wes Abbott 

Cover Yasmine Putri

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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 Robin Eternal #1 Review

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Batman, DC Comics, Eddy Barrdow, Future State, Future State Robin Eternal # review, Future State Robin Eternal #1, Magistrate, Megan Fitzmartin, NCBD, Robin, Robin Eternal #1 review, Spoiler, Stephanie Brown

Future State Robin Eternal #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Future State Robin Eternal #1 provides a thrilling, action-packed new chapter in DC Comics line-wide Future State comic book event as Robin strikes back against the Magistrate’s oppressive regime in Gotham. A regenerative drug that could make his cybernetic forces immortal is en route to the city. Robin and Spoiler must embark on a daring heist at 20,000 feet to intercept it, but will Tim and Stephanie Brown’s emotional baggage jeopardise their mission or prove the key to its success?

DC Comics Future State has so far provided an intriguing glimpse into a possible future for the publishers core titles and characters. Future State Robin Eternal might not be the most catchy sounding addition to the line-up on glancing at the solicitations but new rising star writer Megan Fitzmartin (Supernatural)  has clearly brought her A game to the table for this jaunt into a future vision of Gotham, and fans of Tim Drake’s Robin and his former girlfriend Stephanie Brown, a.k.a Spoiler, will find plenty to enjoy here. Tim Drake’s Robin  has been pushed from pillar to post somewhat in recent times, so its great to see him being put front and centre like this in Future State.

Megan Fitzmartin crafts a fast-paced, action-driven story, laced with strong emotional beats for the character. It seems that Tim has soldiered on alone as Robin as the Magistrate’s regime took over Gotham – banning the masks and costumed vigilantes with his advanced technology and cybernetically enhanced forces. Believing that Batman, Bruce Wayne, has been killed, along with the betrayal of Jason Todd, and Dick Grayson in Arkham, this lone Robin is desperate to find a way to stop the shipment of a new drug derived from the Lazarus Pit that can make the Cybers unbeatable. Fitzmartin skilfully highlights just how Stephanie’s and Tim’s former history still makes things strained between them, and there’s a welcome reunion with an old We Are Robin member as well that’s also beautifully written into the narrative.

This futuristic looking Gotham is realised with some pretty amazing artwork too. With pencils  by Eddy Barrdows (Detective Comics), inks by Eber Ferreira, and colors by Adriana Lucas, Future State Robin Eternal boasts a distinctly vibrant, almost Cyberpunk vibe that dynamically cascades across the stylish page layouts. From the stunning rainswept opening battle between Robin and the hulking Cyber high on the new prototype drug, through to Tim’s emotional scenes with Spoiler, along with his reunion with Darcy, and the inevitable team-up with Robin leading his allies on an exciting Mission Impossible style heist to intercept the shipment of the Lazarus Resin are  all just some of the many highlights brilliantly crafted by the artistic team for this impressive looking issue. 

While I don’t tend to go in for comic book events that much I have to say I’ve found Future State quite entertaining so far — from the issue I’ve read anyway. Future State Robin Eternal #1’s creative team seizes the premise of this possible future and runs with it for all its worth. The ensuing result proves extremely satisfying indeed, Future State Robin Eternal is a veritable showcase of creative verve, and the issues thrilling cliffhanger provides a great hook to bring us back for the conclusion in the next issue.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Megan Fitzmartin / Pencils Eddy Barrdows 

Inks Eber Ferreira / Colorist Adriana Lucas

Letterer Pat Brosseau Cover Irvin Rodriguez & Emanuela Lupacchino

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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 #105 Review

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Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batman #105, Batman #105 review, Batmobile, Bruce Wayne, Carlo Pagulayan, Christian Duce, Clownhunter, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Ghost-Maker, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, NCBD

Batman #105

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight and Ghost-Maker face-off in a no-hold’s barred showdown in Batman #105, with the fate of Clownhunter, Gotham and Batman’s austerity driven war on crime all resting on the outcome!

Batman #105 by writer James Tynion IV, artists Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce and colorist David Barron, is the final chapter in Ghost-Maker’s introductory story – Ghost Stories – before the regular Batman title takes a short two-month hiatus to make way for the Next Batman as part of DC Comics next big line wide comic book event  – Future State.

I’ve really enjoyed how Tynion has explored Bruce’s complex relationship with this childhood rival from his past, and how the new anti-hero Ghost-Maker has returned to wreak havoc on Gotham in the aftermath of Joker War. In this issue of Batman we finally learn the reason their friendship fractured so badly and how it impacted on their quests to become crime-fighters. The opening flashback in Argentina is beautifully written by Tynion, and its fascinating to see what caused Bruce and Ghost-Hunter to take such different paths. The rest of the issue also showcases Tynion’s character-driven writing style, there’s an emotional reckoning between Harley Quinn and Clownhunter, and a thrilling edge-of-your seat battle between Batman and Ghost-Hunter that unexpectedly brings their story full circle. 

My only really complaint in this issue is with the art by Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce and stylish use of color by David Barron, which is all adequate enough, but the differing styles do feel a tad disjoined and unsatisfying. Since Joker War the art team on Batman hasn’t been all that consistent, sadly Ghost Stories Part 4 does suffer as a result, and it tarnishes what has otherwise been a really good storyline. Batman is a flagship title after all, so come on DC Comics, get your act together and sort out a regular art team for Tynion’s run whydontya?

James Tynion has really begun to make his mark on this series and I look forward to seeing where thing’s go from here The conclusion of this epic tale involving Batman and Ghost-Hunter in Batman #105, does however, reach an intriguing conclusion that’s far beyond anything that could’ve been expected. With the tantalising prospect of a new Batmobile just around the corner Batman certainly seems to be keeping his friends close these days, and his enemies even closer…

Publisher DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV

Artists Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce

Colorist David Barron / 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 Beyond #48 Review

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Batman, Batman Beyond, Batman Beyond #48, Batman Beyond #48 review, Blanque, Booster Gold, Bruce Wayne, Dan Jurgens, DC Comics, Gotham, Terry McGinnis

Batman Beyond #48

Review by Paul Bowler.

The future and the past collide in Batman Beyond #48 when Terry McGinnis’ mentor Bruce Wayne suddenly turns against him! Luckily histories greatest unknown hero – Booster Gold – is on hand to whisk Batman Beyond back to the Gotham of yesteryear, to the time when Bruce Wayne is Batman. It looks as if Batman and Batman Beyond are finally going to meet at last… or will they?

Its time for Batman Beyond to go all back to the future — well sort of — but with a fun twist as writer Dan Jurgens turns familiar tropes on their head and sends him back to the present day instead. Events unfold extremely rapidly from the outset, throwing us right into the heart of this intriguing time travel quandary Terry McGninnis faces, and the stakes are deeply personal for him as well.

The addition of Booster Gold is the real masterstroke here. Not only is it a good old-fashioned team-up, the banter between Batman Beyond and Booster Gold is also very funny, and I really like the quirky dynamic between them. Given that Dan Jurgens is at the helm we can rest assured Batman Beyond’s time travelling shenanigans with Booster Gold are in safe hands, other writers have used Booster Gold very poorly of late in my opinion, so it’s great to see Jurgens redressing the balance.

Visually this is quite a striking issue of Batman Beyond from penciler Paul Pelleteir, along with inks by Norman Rapmund and bold colors by colorist Chris Sotomayor that seamlessly melds the two different eras this issue bridges to great effect. The action flows at a fast, almost unbroken pace for virtually the entirety of the issue as Batman Beyond and Booster Gold go through the ubiquitous team-up squabbles and fisticuffs before they join forces to achieve their goal — to prevent the time delayed subliminal message that caused Bruce Wayne to turn against Batman Beyond in the future from ever being implanted by the telepath Blanque. Characters, locations and emotional beats are all rendered in rich detail and vibrant color by the artistic team — along with a terrific final page that nicely encapsulates the tone of this issues eye catching cover by Dan Mora.

A hugely enjoyable issue in its own right, Batman Beyond #48 feels like a breath of fresh air in the DCU at the moment. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Batman Beyond who became a part of the DCU after the success of the Batman Beyond animated series (1999-2001), this has been the characters longest running comic book series to date, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m also a fan of Booster Gold, so I’m really happy to see him being written in the way he should be again, and teaming up with Batman Beyond is the icing on the cake! Batman Beyond in 2020 is such a great concept as well, its just a shame its taken until nearly the end of Dan Jurgens iconic run for it to finally happen.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Dan Jurgens / Penciller: Paul Pelleteir 

Inks: Norman Rapmund / Colorist: Chris Sotomayor

Letterer: Travis Lanham / Cover: Dan Mora

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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 #101 Review

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Batman, Batman #101, Batman #101 review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Gotham, Guillem March, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Lucius Fox, Punchline, Robin, Tomeu Morey

Batman #101

Review by Paul Bowler

A new dawn rises over Gotham City in Batman #101 as the dust settles in the aftermath of Joker War. The full impact of the Joker’s reign of terror and the effect its had on the citizens of the city is now realised in the cold light of day. Batman chooses a bold new path for his war on crime as Bruce Wayne’s life is changed forever, and why exactly is Cole Cash – a.k.a.-Grifter, now working for Lucius Fox?

It’s time to ring in the changes as writer James Tynion IV sets out a new direction for the Dark Knight in this somber, emotional and reflective issue of Batman. Joker War might be over but the fallout from what the Clown Prince of Crime did to the city using the Wayne fortune will have long lasting ramifications for Bruce Wayne. Tynion delivers some terrific character moments for Batman and Lucius Fox as they reevaluate their lives in the wake of the traumatic  events they each suffered, both mentally and physically, during Joker War. Fox now has control of the Wayne fortune, the board of Wayne Enterprises want Bruce quietly sidelined from the company, and Batman is going to have to tighten his utility belt with a more cash strapped, low-tech, approach to crime fighting.

Guillem March’s strikingly detailed artwork for Batman #101 brings vivid clarity to the events in this issue. Numerous pages are awash with swapping vistas of Gotham as Batman looks back on simpler times, where Commissioner Gordon always stood by the Bat-Signal, Robin fought by the Dark Knight’s side, and Alfred was ever present in the Bat-Cave to offer advice.  Now all these constants in Batman’s life are gone, March’s artwork beautifully encapsulates these reflective, emotionally charged moments, whilst Tomeu Morey’s subtle colors heightens them perfectly in the Dark Knight’s powerful scenes with Lucius Fox and his tender soul-searching moments with Catwoman. Batman’s no-holds-bared fight with Lucius Fox’s new bodyguard, Grifter, is another highlight as well.

Along with having Bruce relocating his operations as Batman to a more modest location in Gotham, Tynion also acknowledges what Joker War will mean for Bat and the Cat relationship now. Tough decisions need to be made to accommodate the new status quo Bruce has adopted to allow himself to work off the grid as leaner, more self-sufficient Batman, and Catwoman being the number one target of Gotham’s underworld after stealing the Wayne fortune back from the Underwriter isn’t exactly going to make things any easier for them or their relationship going forwards.

Brief mentions of Punchline’s media message and Clownhunter’s vigilante antics also get thrown into the mix to keep those plot lines bubbling away in the background for future issue to explore. Although this issue comes across initially as being rather downbeat after Joker War, there’s a distinct move by Tynion here to really start to place his stamp of the character with a more back-to-basics approach. With its excellent character driven narrative by James Tynion IV and terrific artwork by Guillem March, Batman #101 heralds a new beginning for the Dark Knight – in more way than one!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist: Guillem March

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 #100 Review

Tags

Batman, Batman #100, Batman #100 review, Batmobile, DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War finale, JOker War part 6, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey

Batman #100

Review by Paul Bowler

Life changing events await the Dark Knight in Batman #100 as Joker War reaches its thrilling finale courtesy of the dynamic creative team of writer James Tynion IV, artist Jorge Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey. The fate of Gotham City hangs in the balance as Batman reaches his epic showdown with the Joker at ACE Chemicals, the outcome will change Gotham forever, and the aftermath will herald a bold new era for Batman and his allies!

James Tynion IV deftly juggles an ensemble cast of Bat-characters and numerous ongoing plot strands in Batman #100, with Batgirl revisiting her role as Oracle in the iconic Clocktower to coordinate the Bat-Families efforts by initiating latent protocols in the Bat-Computer and broadcasting a message of hope to Gothamites while Nightwing leads the fight against Joker’s marauding goons on the streets alongside Red Robin, Batwoman, Red Hood, Spoiler, Orphan, and Signal. I’m really pleased that Dick Grayson is finally back as Nightwing at last, especially now the whole Ric Grayson fiasco is out the way, and his banter with Barbara is a joy to behold here. Commissioner Bullock also steps up to the plate too; putting career on the line to keep GCPD in the fight to save Gotham.

Of course the main event of this landmark issue is Batman’s confrontation with the Joker at ACE Chemicals. The Clown Prince of Crime has donned his own Jokerized next-gen Bat-Suit for the occasion, and he’s even brought a present to the party to taunt the Dark Knight – Alfred’s weaponised corpse! Batman’s eternal conflict with the Joker has been elevated into a frightening theatre of war over the course of James Tynion’s Joker War story-arc – quite literally in some instances — and Tynion skilfully delivers a refreshingly new slant on the familiar tropes that inevitably resurface when Batman and Joker clash so spectacularly as this. The Joker really manages to push Batman’s buttons this time around though, finally getting the chance to really twist the knife just for good measure, before a wild card enters the fray and forces the Dark Knight to make a game changing choice that I feel won’t be as easy to walk away from once the dust has settled.

Joker War has seen some amazing work grace the pages of Batman from artist Jorge Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey, and with Batman #100 they’ve certainly gone that extra mile to make this issue extra special. Jimenez’s richly detailed artwork and dynamic page layouts convey the action at a break-neck-pace. Batman’s showdown with the Joker is all boiling vats of chemicals, brutal combat, and frightening horror — both psychological and physical. Alfred’s weaponised corpse is also chillingly macabre and looks like something that’s just shambled out of a Re-Animator movie. Other highlights include Oracle back in the Clocktower, the Bat-Family fighting Joker’s forces on the streets of Gotham, and Nightwing’s face-off with Punchline are all especially standout moments as are the vivid colors and hues by Tomeu Morey which bring a startling clarity to a fire ravaged Gotham gripped by chaos, the oppressive shadows of ACE Chemicals look more sinister than ever, whilst gleaming tones from Bruce’s futuristic dreams for the Bat legacy become a maniacal twinkle in the Joker’s eye, and the fiery finale is awash  with the bittersweet hopes and shades of the new dawn waiting on the horizon.

In the aftermath of Joker War writer James Tynion manages to wrap things up with considerable style. There’s no attempt to pull the wool over out eyes. As is the way with most comic book ‘events’ nowadays everything and nothing changes in almost equal measure,  corruption in Gotham may been exposed on every level, but the ambiguities of Joker’s fate are unashamedly  glossed over to leave things open-ended, there’s a funeral for a dear friend, and we even get a tantalising glimpse of Gotham’s newest vigilante and rival to Batman – the Ghost Maker! 

If all that wasn’t enough Batman #100 also features two back-up stories, both written by Tynion. Intervention, with art by Carlo Pagulayn, inks by Danny Miki and colors by Tomeu Morey features the first meeting between Batman and Clownhunter. The reveal of Clownhunter’s true identity wasn’t quite what I was expecting, if anything it had an almost Robin-in-waiting tone to it, and it will be interesting to see where Tynion takes this interesting — if somewhat messed-up — character next. Dead Ringers features art by Guillem March and colors by Tomeu Morey, and shifts the focus towards Punchline in the aftermath of Joker War. I‘m not a huge fan of  Punchline, her character has slowly grown on me over the course of Joker War, but unfortunately this tale proved rather underwhelming and was easily the weakest out of the two back-up stories in this issue.

The only criticism I can really level at Batman #100 is that the requisition of the Wayne fortune feels little more than a sidebar to the main action and isn’t really explained in any detail at all. As for Joker War itself, well, as comic book events go, I think it turned out rather well. Some might argue that it was just a series of big set-pieces with scant narrative content and that James Tynion was writing solely for the omnibus / trade collection. To a degree, Joker War certainly reads better as a whole, but the story is far more than the sum of its parts. Joker War has examined the dark schism between Batman and Joker from an entirely fresh perspective, its shaken up the status quo, reunited the Bat-Family, and tackled the emotional fallout from Alfred’s death in a way that finally brings some meaning to his senseless demise during Tom King’s run.

Joker War reaches a powerful, emotional and action-packed conclusion with this outstanding issue — and overall I think Joker War can be considered a rousing success on practically every front. James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez and Tomeu Morey have excelled themselves with Batman #100, they’ve revitalised DC Comics flagship Batman book in every conceivable way, and I can’t wait to see where this teams run on Batman will take the Dark Knight and his allies next.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artists: Jorge Jimenez / Gillem March / Carlo Pagulayan

Inks: Jorge Jimenez / Gillem March / Danny Miki

Colors: Tomeu Morey / 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 #99 Review

Tags

Alfred Pennyworth, Batgirl, Batman, Batman #99, Batman #99 Review, Batwoman, Bruce Wayne, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, Joker War Part 5, NCBD, Nightwing, Orphan, Punchline, Red Hood, Red Robin, Signal, The Joker

Batman #99

Review by Paul Bowler.

The endgame of Joker War looms in Batman #99 as the Dark Knight and the Joker prepare for the ultimate showdown. Batman knows he cannot win this war alone. He’s going to need the whole of the Bat-Family to help him reclaim Gotham. It’s time for a reunion with the first Robin, Dick Grayson, but is he ready and willing to return as Nightwing so soon after reclaiming his lost memories?

Everyone is in place as the penultimate chapter of Joker War unfolds, writer James Tynion IV delivers his most thrilling issue of Batman to date, and the rich level of characterisation he employs is mind-blowing in the extreme. We are treated to a frightening insight to the Joker’s twisted psyche and his anarchic vision of Gotham. Equally chilling is his warped use of the Wayne fortune, enjoying his luxurious new Jokermobile as he surveys the carnage he’s unleashed, and his ruthless demeanour towards his minions — including his new partner in crime Punchline – as he makes his final preparations at ACE chemicals highlights just how determined the Joker has become over the course of Joker War.

With theaters now filling with Gothamites for a movie where the Joker will ultimately kill them all and Clown goons running riot across the city, Batman calls in the Bat-Family for a rooftop meeting to help him form a strategy to retake Gotham. It’s great to see Red Hood, Signal, Orphan, Red Robin, and Batgirl all reunited alongside the Dark Knight. Harley Quinn is also along for the ride, Batwoman and the GCPD are busy having recaptured Wayne Enterprises and saved Lucius Fox (as seen in Detective comics #1025), but of course the biggest highlight is the return of Dick Grayson to the fold. DC Comics have come to their senses and the whole Ric Grayson debacle is finally over at last! Dick has his memories back and is ready to work alongside Batman again to save Gotham, Tynion crafts a fantastic and moving reunion for Dick Grayson and Batman, and while its not quite the big set-piece hinted at on the cover this scene is still easily the standout moment of the whole issue.

Harley Quinn also gets a good share of the action and some wonderfully snappy dialogue. She challenges Batman’s plans, her furious aside to Red Robin is hilarious, and her heartfelt resolve to finish the Joker if the Dark Knight should fail is as touching as it is brutally frank in its examination of the terrifying schism and collateral damage that Batman’s never-ending conflict with the Clown Prince of Crime has wrought over the years. The only complaint I can really level at the issue of Batman is that Punchline is seemingly sidelined by the Joker himself, Clownhunter gets thrown into the mix as just an afterthought, and even Catwoman’s scheme to strike back at the Underwriter feels a little underwhelming by caparison with the bigger events going on in the  rest of the issue. 

Joker War has seen the work of artist Joege Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey elevate DC’s flagship Batman title to new heights of visual opulence, and Batman #99 is no exception to that rule. With its burning panoramic vistas of Gotham, the Joker’s bloodthirsty treatment of his Clown thugs, and the Bat-Family reunion are all highlights from this issue, but the star of the show has to be Batman’s arrival at ACE chemicals — beautifully rendered by Jimenez and sumptuously coloured by Morey these scenes in particular are almost cinematic and breathtaking in scale and intensity.

Batman #99 wraps with another nerve jangling cliffhanger and it seems Dick Grayson isn’t the only one who gets a costume change this issue either! The excellent creative team of Tynion, Jimenez, and Morey are on fire with this title, and everything is now set for the momentous 100th issue of Batman and the conclusion of Joker War!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

Follow @paul_bowler

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 #98 Review

Tags

Alfred, Batman, Batman #98, Batman #98 Review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, DC Comics, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War Part 4, NCBD, oege Jimenez, Penguin, Punchline, Riddler, Scarecrow

Batman #98

Review by Paul Bowler.

Everything stops for tea in Batman #98 as the Dark Knight’s world reels from the chaos of Joker War. Joker has taken everything from Batman, his wealth, his arsenal of vehicles, and now Batman is more vulnerable than ever thanks to a massive overdose of Punchline’s new Joker Toxin. As the Dark Knight wrestles with haunting visions and darkness Harley Quinn must watch over him while he recovers, but Punchline is on her way, and she’s hell bent on killing the Dark Knight!

Writer James Tynion IV continues to weave his magic on DC Comics flagship Batman title with yet another spellbinding, emotional, and action-packed issue. Batman #98 crams so much into this fourth instalment of Joke War its difficult to surmise just how richly crafted and well put together it all is. Tynion has Batman tripping the light fantastic for much of the issue — thanks to a brew cooked up by Harley Quinn in her floral underground hideout to cleanse Punchline’s souped up Joker toxin from his system — and the Dark Knight’s ensuing hallucinogenic tea break with the dearly departed Alfred is both deeply moving and highly insightful. Alfred serves up a unique perspective on the twisted dynamic of the Batman’s and Joker’s eternal conflict. Tynion’s powerful script also manages to salvage a plausible outcome to the devastating fallout caused by Tom King’s idiotically deconstructive run on Batman, essentially turning lead into gold, and making Alfred’s senseless death and Bruce’s inability to face up to that loss seem all the more poignant and credible as a result.

Ding! Ding! Seconds out… because the rest of the issue, as you’ve probably guessed by the cover, is indeed taken up by the face-off between Harley-Quinn and Joker’s new partner, Punchline. If, like me, their first clash left you feeling a bit underwhelmed then you will be pleased to know their showdown in Batman #98 is a real kick-ass fight that finally showcases both characters to their full potential. Tynion ensures the dialogue is as razor sharp as their combat, we also get to understand more about what motivates Punchline, and how she ingratiated herself with the Joker.

This issue features some truly fabulous artwork by Joege Jimenez’s as well. Stylish, overlapping page layouts capture the tone and pace of the story perfectly. Every scene focusing on Bruce’s conversation with the imaginary version of Alfred is beautiful crafted, with characters expressions conveying warmth, depth and unparalleled honesty. Punchline’s fight with Harley Quinn is — by stark contrast — a like ballet of exquisite violence and hate, with no quarter given and none taken. Jimenez’s art is enriched further by the striking tones and hues of colorist Tomeu Morey which makes Bruce’s hallucinogenic state and the stunning backdrop of Harley’s underground hideaway seem to almost leap from the page. Even the brief interludes with Catwoman as she recuperates at Penguin’s secret refuge along with the rest of the Gotham rogues to wait out Joker War are finely realised by Jimenez’s and Morey. 

While this issue doesn’t redact Alfred’s death, it does go a long way to finally making Alfred’s loss feel less senseless than is once did. Finally this issues iconic “I’m Batman” scene is no-doubt the punch-the-air moment that we’ve all been waiting for since Joker War began, and its great to see Bruce putting his old friends advice — imaginary or otherwise — to good use without at moments hesitation.

Batman #98 is another terrific issue from the dynamic creative team of Tynion IV, Jimenez and Morey. They have revitalised the Dark Knight’s world with strong characterisation and striking visuals. Now with the penultimate chapter of Joker War and the landmark Batman #100 on the horizon this series continues to impress on every level, and I for one can’t wait to see how everything turns out.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

Follow @paul_bowler

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