BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT PRESENTS RED HOOD #1 REVIEW

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Batman, Batman White Knight: Presents Red Hood, Batman White Knight: Presents Red Hood #1, Batman White Knight: Presents Red Hood #1 review, DC Comics, Gotham, Jason Todd, Red Hood, Sean Murphy, White Knight

Batman White Knight: Presents Red Hood #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

The one missing piece of lore from Sean Murphy’s White Knight alternative Batman universe has always been a particularly intriguing quandary. A quirk of writing on Murphy’s part had Jason Todd portrayed as the first Robin by the acclaimed Batman White Knight series. Now the mystery of what happened to Jason Todd is finally revealed  in Batman: White Knight Presents Red Hood #1, as Murphy’s Esleworlds style White Knight saga continues to expand in DC Black Labels new two-part miniseries. Co-written by Murphy along with Clayton McCormack, with art by Simone di Meo and colorist Dave Stewart, Batman: White Knight Presents Red Hood delves into Jason Todd’s fall from grace as the first Robin – where he gave up Batman’s secret identity  to the Joker and unbeknown to the Bat-Family was actually still alive out there somewhere. That juicy narrative thread is the tantalising hook which provides the catalyst for this miniseries’ premise and the fascinating insight it offers into Jason Todd’s character. 

Jason’s story is one that has reverberated throughout the White Knight universe and impacted on virtually every character. Having cheated death at the hands of the Joker by betraying Batman in the opening flashback, the issue flash forwards to even darker times in Neo Gotham. Jason Todd has spent years going form pillar to post, he’s been kicked out of the military and turned his back on the Superhero game for good. Now older, drunker and seemingly non-the-wiser our red-motorbike helmet wearing vigilante has taken to stealing from street gangs. That is until he crosses paths with a new Robin girl wonder wannabe  called Gan. 

The writing is really pacy, emotive and injected way more fun into this story than I was expecting – especially after the grim opening scenes. I really liked the dynamic between “Beer Guy” and this new Robin as the crime-fighting lessons begin. Jason is determined to do a better job training this Robin than Batman did with him, the dialogue and sentiment proves quite moving at times as well. Simone Di Meo’s art has a distinct Manga quality that is very different from Murphy’s work on this universe, but in the context of this story the different artistic style and warmer color pallet Dave Stewart employs works extremely well. Batman: White Knight Presents Red Hood #1 delivers  a long-awaited insight into the legacy of the Red Hood and his place in the White Knight universe. His mentorship of the new Robin also makes for a terrific read and I’m excited to see how this story plays out.

Publisher DC Comics

Story Sean Murphy / ScriptClay McCormack

Art Simone Di Meo / Colors Dave Stewart

Cover Sean Murphy

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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

DETECTIVE COMICS #1062 REVIEW

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Batman, Batmobile, DC Comics, DETECTIVE COMICS #1062, DETECTIVE COMICS #1062 review, Gotahm, Gotham Nocturne, gothic, Horror, Rafael Albuquerque, Ram V

Detective Comics #1062

Review by Paul Bowler.

With the new creative team of writer Ram V (The Swamp Thing, Catwoman, The Meany Deaths of Laila Starr) and artist Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Superman / Batman) at the helm Detective Comics #1062 sets out an eldritch Gothic threat that will strike at the heart of the Dark Knight’s world like never before. This issues ominously titled “Overture” kicks off Ram V’s “Gotham Nocturne,” an epic all-new four part storyline. From the outset its clear this tale is going to be one steeped in operatically charged  horror and music. Something is also terribly wrong with Batman. Despite all of his best efforts, Bruce has been unable to pin down the source of the foreboding dread which besets him and the city he is sworn to protect. Indeed, the worlds greatest detective will soon confront his inner demons and his own mortality as a terrifying invasion of real demons start emerging from the shadows of Gotham City – a horror that is spawned with devastating consequence from the uncanny melody currently haunting the darkest corners of Gotham…

Ram V works his magic again with this impeccably paced scene-setting issue. Juggling rich characterisation and dark Gothic horror with consummate ease to craft a spellbinding mystery that inexorably builds around the Dark Knight. Whether he’s cracking a smuggling ring, battling a grotesque monster, or figuring out the workings of a strange box that looks like something from a Hellraiser movie, Batman is constantly on the back foot as the sinister events – seemingly orchestrated by a secret cabal – threaten to overwhelm him. Although the curtain is raised on this new threat, Ram V wisely keeps the air of suspense building, immersing us in rich characterisation and intricate plot twists as Batman realises he has only scratched the surface of this mystery. The full scale of what he faces in Gotham Nocturne gradually becomes apparent. But just who is human, who is demon, and has there been a demon within Batman all along?

The artwork by Rafael Albuquerque is every bit as impeccable and compelling as we’ve come to expect. Every page is awash with vivid imagery and brooding atmosphere – enhanced further by Dave Stewart’s exceptional use of colour and tone. Rafael Albuquerque masterfully captures the essence of the Batman’s world and the chilling danger he faces. Everything from the unflinching action, to the simmering lurking dread and the Gothic majesty of Gotham itself is all sublimely rendered via the prism of Albuquerque’s distinct take on Gotham. There’s lashings of visceral horror and gore too. One particularly gruesome sequence that really stands out is a startling transformation and fight with a hulking monstrosity. Bruce also experiences a horrific nightmare at one point that proves especially unsettling – highlighting just how vulnerable the Dark Knight really feels.

Simon Spurrier (Legion of X, Suicide Squad: Blaze) is on board as Detective Comics ongoing backup writer In these backups, Spurrier is set to explore various characters across Gotham, and how their stories interact with Batman’s wider world. The first new story feature Jim Gordon’s welcome return as a private investigator, with artwork by Dani (Arkham City: Order of the World, Coffin Bound), ‘The Coda’ is a stylish noir-tinged tale where Gordon’s case to find a woman’s missing son leads him into the ruins of Arkham. Detective Comics #1062 also marks the debut of a fantastic new logo and border designed by Darran Robinson. The issues stunning main cover is drawn by Evan Cagle, with variant covers by Lee Bermejo and J.H. Williams III, as well as InHyuk Lee, and a foil variant by J.H. Williams.

The new creative team hits the ground running with Detective Comics #1062 and brings a haunting new aesthetic to the fore as Batman is confounded by the unimaginable horror that’s sweeping across Gotham. Expectations for Ram V’s run on Detective Comics has been high, his skill in melding horror and  drama is flawlessly applied here, and together with Rafael Albuquerque’s superb artwork I’m pleased to say this issue exceeds all expectations. 

Publisher DC Comics

Writer RAM V / Artist Rafael Albuquerque

Colors David Stewart

Backup: Writer Si Spurrier / Artist Dani

Cover Evan Cagle

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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 #125 REVIEW

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Batman, Batman #125, Batman #125 review, Batmobile, Catwoman, Chip Zdarsky, DC Comics, Failsafe, Jorge Jimenez, Robin, Tomeu Morey

Batman #125

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new era begins for the Dark Knight with Batman #125 and marks the debut of the hotly anticipated creative team of Zdarsky, Jimenez and Morey on DC Comics flagship Batman title. It becomes clearly apparent from the outset that Chip Zdarsky is very much indeed on board for the “long haul” with this run, especially if the catalogue of seismic events in this dark, brooding opening story arc are anything to go by. “Failsafe” sees Bruce Wayne’s life reaching a significant turning point with Bruce haunted by dreams of a tripled Clown Prince of Crime, the Dark Knight must also grapple with a gruesome spate of murders, and the far-reaching mystery behind them. The victims are the billionaires and high-flyers of Gotham, and as Batman starts to uncover the dark connection between them it gradually puts everyone closes to him in mortal danger. 

Chip Zdarsky quickly establishes the new status quo for his era of Batman with Bruce  dealing with the ominous fallout from his unsettling dreams, leading to a poignant interlude as  Bruce briefly touches base with Selena Kyle, before the plot really kicks into high gear. Its really good to see Tim Drake’s Robin working closely alongside Batman once again for this series. Zdarsky brings an entirely fresh energy to this Dynamic Duo, and its great to see them back in action as a team again. We also learn that Bruce has clearly struggled with his unique  work-life balance since loosing the bulk of his fortune. Indeed, it seems Bruce Wayne has  almost become surplice to requirements now in the Dark Knight’s war on crime, something Tim is quick to point out to him. 

Zdarsky skilfully weaves several intricate narrative threads across this issue, some of which involve the Penguin capitalising on the recent murders for his own advantage. But a flurry of curveball plot twists mid-way through the issue soon sets a tragedy of events in motion that reopens old wounds for Batman and leads to the emergence of the brand new horror that is Failsafe.

Artist Jorge Jimenez and colourist Tomeu Morey make a welcome return to this series after seven month away. From the urban gothic of the Bat-Cave to the glitz of the Iceberg  Lounge Jimenez’s gorgeously rendered artwork is always a feast for the eyes, and together with Morey’s richly honed color pallet they harness a vivid noirish tone and style that melds perfectly with Zdarsky’s vision of the Dark Knight’s world. Gotham has never looked better and Batman is more imposing than ever. The level of detail Jimenez packs into every page is quite astonishing, there are some big action-set pieces to die for, and exquisite moments of characterisation that capitalise on all the emotional beats of Zdarsky’s script. 

The backup story by Zdarsky, artist Belen Ortega and colorist Luis Guerrero focuses on the power struggle that has broken out in the criminal underworld of Gotham in light of recent events, with Selina Kyle  caught in the middle! It sets up  a self-contained addendum to the main story line and provides a good showcase for Selina, who might well even make a tidy profit from all the turmoil? While not exactly the highlight of the issue, Two Birds, One Thorne does hold one surprise reveal that I doubt anyone saw coming.

Zdarsky, Jimenez and Morey have certainly got their new six-part “Failsafe” arc off to a confident start here with this giant sized issue. While I enjoyed this issue, I wasn’t quite as blown away by it as I was expecting. That said Batman #125 still has plenty of stand-out moments and shock surprises for fans to enjoy, the exposition gets a bit heavy in places, but overall the break-neck action and fantastic artwork are by far the biggest selling points. An impressive, if somewhat formulaic, start to this new era of the Dark Knight.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Chip Zdarsky

Artist Jorge Jimenez Colourist Tomeu Morey

Letter Clayton Cowles  Cover Jorge Jimenez

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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

AQUAMAN ANDROMEDA #1 REVIEW

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Aquaman, AQUAMAN ANDROMEDA #1 REVIEW, Aquaman: Andromeda #1, Black Label, Christian Ward, DC Comics, Ram V

Aquaman: Andromeda #1

Review by Paul Bowler

The world of Aquamam comes to DC’s Black Label for a new three part series Aquaman Andromeda, from writer Ram V (Venom, The Swamp Thing) and illustrated by Christian Ward (Thor, Invisible Kingdom). Aquaman Andromeda #1 is a highly compelling and immersive experience that works on many levels. Blending rich sci-fi themes and dark psychological horror, Ram V take us on a deep dive into the Pacific Ocean, where Arthur Curry, a crew of scientists on an experimental submarine, and even old foes will find themselves facing a dark terrors in the depths of beyond that will test even the King of Seas to breaking point. Initially, Aquaman’s presence is slightly cursory at best. Ram V shows us a more contemplative side to Arthur Curry, where his need for solitude and dedication to the duty of his aquatic realm strikes a much finer balance than anyone could’ve suspected.

Much of the action takes place on the prototype submarine Andromeda, the incredible high-tech vessel is powered by an experimental quantum drive, and her crew is a diverse mix of coutures and specialities — some of whom have a far more intuitive understanding of the nature of the sea than even they themselves realise. It is this Marine Biologists haunting backstory almost unconsciously drives the narrative as the Andromeda embarks on its mission to investigate a mysterious signal emanating from Point Nemo – the infamous spaceship graveyard used  by the various nations of the world for their crafts splashdowns on returning to Earth since the dawn of the space race.

Aquaman Andromeda is beautifully illustrated throughout by Christian Ward. Every page is like an aquarium of encapsulated drama and mystery, rich with detail, vivid color, and mesmerising clarity. Aquaman’s time above and below the waves strikes distinct parallels between story beats, with warm tones and an almost soft focus conveying his treasured solace in a simple task, while ominous shadows creep in before descending into the deep to face a strange new calling. Ward gives Aquaman’s traditional costume a slight makeover as well; with accents reminiscent of a coral reef. The Andromeda submarine is another marvel to behold, with its futuristic corridors and instruments. 

This series looks set to take full advantage of the edgier format Black Label  can offer. The sense of building dread is palpable throughout, events also set master pirate Black Manta on a collision course with his old nemesis, and the attack by a giant Cephalopoda leads to a jaw-dropping confrontation with Aquaman. This cracking first issue unashamedly wears its sci-fi-horror influences on its sleeve, and provides an intriguing set-up for what’s to come as something begins awakening down in the dark at Point Nemo. If you like comics being a tad edgier then you’ll be amazed at how DC’s King of the Seas takes a voyage to the darker side of sci-fi here, as Aquaman Andromeda #1, with its thrilling story by Ram V and fantastic artwork by Christian Ward, is sure to float your boat!

Publisher DC Comics (Black Label)

Writer Ram V

Artist Christian

Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Christian Ward

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About The Author

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

The Swamp Thing #11 Review

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DC Comics, Horror, Levi Kamei, Mike Perkins, Ram V, Swamp Thing, The Spawn Thing #11 Review, The Swamp Thing, The Swamp Thing #11

The Swamp Thing #11

Review by Paul Bowler

DC Comics The Swamp Thing is back along with the creative team of writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins as they return for a “Second Season” of spellbinding adventures featuring their new avatar of the Green, Levi Kamei (DC’s first leading character to herald from India). Levi Kamei was left in pieces, quite literally, during the final issue of the 10 part maxi-series, but now the breakout horror hit is back by popular demand for an extended run that will take the series to sixteen instalments!

The Swamp Thing #11 picks up after the climatic battle between Levi and his brother, Jacob, which saw the Swamp Thing broken up after the Prescot research facility was destroyed in the battle. A sinister new stage in their grand designs was also hinted at. Now The Swamp Thing #11 reveals just how dark and ominous those plans were; along with the implications it will have for the Green if they succeed. Ram V ramps up the body horror and supernatural themes to eleven and beyond with this scene-setting issue. No stone is left unturned, physically or emotionally, with Levi’s essence fractured within the Green, while his long-term friend Jennifer Reece seeks the help of Tefe Holland (daughter of the original Swamp Thing), and Mr Pilgrim puts his fate in Woodrue’s hands as he goes under the knife for a grisly medical procedure at a secret Prescot facility.

Mike Perkins artwork is brings Ram V’s haunting script to life with awe-inspiring detail and clarity. The blend of Levi’s dream-like visions exquisitely weave a mesmerising state of flux around Swamp Thing. Meanwhile, Perkin’s art portrays Jennifer’s emotional journey via the tendrils of recaps that pepper the narrative with further insight, and the ghoulish vivisection unfolding at Prescot certainly isn’t for the squeamish either. Mike Spicer’s glorious colors enrich the stark horror and emotional trauma felt by protagonist and antagonist alike, as the dramatic seeds of diligently planted in every scene blossom with a veritable cornucopia of flora, fauna and visceral terror.

Ram V seizes the chance to sow this issue with broad narrative strokes that will clearly take this innovative new saga of Swamp Thing to a whole other level of strangeness and horror. A lot of intriguing elements are set up to keep us guessing, and a few surprises are waiting in the wings as well before this issue close out. I’m so glad this maxi-series got an extended run. With a creative team at the top of their game The Swamp Thing #11 is a standout horror title, and highly recommend!

Publisher DC Comics 

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colorist Mike Spicer / Letterer Aditya Bidikar

 Cover Perkins & Spicer

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About The Author

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

The Batman Film Review

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Alfred, Bat Cave, Batmobile, Catwoman, DC Comics, Gotham, Matt Reeves, Penguin, Riddler, Robert Pattinson, The Batman, The Batman film review, The Batman review

The Batman

Review by Paul Bowler

The Caped Crusader is back In director Matt Reeves The Batman, with Twilight’s Robert Pattinson  donning the cape and cowl in what has arguably become one the most hotly anticipated film of the year. The Batman has a dark, crime thriller horror vibe about it, one that often feel more akin to David Fincher’s Seven, and subsequently it elevates this gritty superhero fable into a hugely compelling character study of the Dark Knight. Set against the corrupt backdrop of a crime riddled Gotham City, the gloriously atmospheric film noir aesthetic of this Dark Knight’s world is indeed a cut above anything we’ve seen before in the genre. 

Taking place two decades after the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, and two years into Bruce Wayne’s all-consuming Bat-fuelled Gotham project, the city is now caught in the grip of a puzzle obsessed serial killer, the Riddler (Paul Dano). He’s a maniac with a penchant for murdering the elite of Gotham along with their reputations, and is just the catalyst Patterson’s emo incarnation of the Batman needs to finally step into the light and assist the GCPD’s James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) – much to the chagrin of Gordon’s colleagues. 

Matt Reeves and co-writer Peter Craig’s powerful take on Batman’s early career cleverly utilises the oft overlooked trait of Batman being comicdoms worlds greatest detective as the template for one of Batman’s darkest of cinematic outings ever, and the film is all the richer for it. Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight is an intense, deeply driven vigilante, he may have the bullet proof Bat-suit, but he’s got none of the usual high-tech gadgets and gizmos of his glossier cinematic predecessors. Indeed, Pattinson’s performance as Wayne / Batman is both mesmerising and unflinching as a Batman who is totally focused on his war on crime and hell-bent on instilling fear in criminals. He has yet to earn the trust of Gotham or Gordon, the reclusive Bruce Wayne’s only real ally is his loyal butler Alfred (brilliantly played by Andy Serkis), and this fledgling Batman’s inexperience often sees him taking nearly as much punishment as he dishes out.

Batman’s detective work crucially finds him crossing paths with Zoe Kravitz’s sultry femme fatal Selina Kyle, a.k.a Catwoman, who is conducting her own personal investigation which also brings her into conflict with Batman’s mission to solve the Riddler’s diabolical puzzles. Their tangled love story and alliance of connivence never truly convinces, but the sizzling chemistry between Pattinson and Kravitz is fuelled even further by the intensity of the dynamic between their alter-egos.

The Batman features a number of key villains from the Dark Knight’s ominous rogues gallery, with a virtually unrecognisable Colin Farrell under a mass of prosthetic make up as nightclub boss, the Penguin, Paul Dano’s blood curdling turn as Edward Nashton / the Riddler leads to some truly chilling scenes, and John Turturro proves to be an unexpectedly pivotal player in The Batman’s story as Carmine Falcone.  

Greig Fraser’s stunning cinema photography makes the films grimy rain-swept depiction of Gotham perhaps the biggest scene stealer of all. The spectacle of Wayne Tower and the urban gothic of the new Bat-Cave are just some of the films many standout settings. The city feels almost like a character in its own right here, as Reeves stylish direction brings a graphic novel sense of scale and awe to the production, together with a mix of atmospheric locations and fantastic special effects, to make this noir-infused comic book crime caper come to life on the screen in a way that is as menacing as it is breathtaking. Reeves uses the action sparingly, but in incredibly effective ways. Fight sequences are relentlessly brutal, there’s an incredible car chase featuring the Batmobile and a death defying leap from a skyscraper amongst The Batman’s many blockbusting big-action set-pieces to enjoy.

At just under three hours, this first solo Batman movie in a decade is the longest Batman movie ever made. The hard-boiled noir influences and striking visual style are to die for, as is that new Batmobile, and it is only the somewhat overloaded final act that holds the film back from achieving absolute perfection. Pattinson defies all expectations and totally makes the role of the Dark Knight his own as well. This epic superhero movie may have been beset by pandemic related delays but Matt Reeves The Batman has certainly turned out to be well worth the wait, and is everything you could want from a Batman movie.

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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

DC FanDome: The Batman New Trailer!

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Batmobile, DC Comics, Gotham, Matt Reeves, New Batman Trailer, Robert Paterson, The Batman, The Batman FanDome Trailer, Warner Bros

DC FanDome: The Batman NewMain Trailer!

The new, second trailer for The Batman has been released during DC’s 2021 FanDome event. The trailer offers a great taste of what this dark, noir style take on the legacy of the Batman will be like.

Thought the trailer was amazing and I’m excited to see this movie more than ever now. “The Batman,” with director Matt Reeves (the “Planet of the Apes” films) at the helm and with Robert Pattinson (“Tenet,” “The Lighthouse,” “Good Time”) starring as Gotham City’s vigilante detective, Batman, and billionaire Bruce Wayne looks set to be a box-office smash.

Also in the star-studded ensemble as Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters are Zoë Kravitz (“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “Mad Max: Fury Road”) as Selina Kyle; Paul Dano (“Love & Mercy,” “12 Years a Slave”) as Edward Nashton; Jeffrey Wright (the “Hunger Games” films) as the GCPD’s James Gordon; John Turturro (the “Transformers” films) as Carmine Falcone; Peter Sarsgaard (“The Magnificent Seven,” “Black Mass”) as Gotham D.A. Gil Colson; Barry Keoghan (“Dunkirk”) as Officer Stanley Merkel; Jayme Lawson (“Farewell Amor”) as mayoral candidate Bella Reál; with Andy Serkis (the “Planet of the Apes” films, “Black Panther”) as Alfred; and Colin Farrell (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Dumbo”) as Oswald Cobblepot.

“The Batman” is set to open in theaters 4th March 2022.

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About The Author

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

Superman Action Comics Annual 2021 #1 Review

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Action Comics, Brandon Kent, DC Comics, Future State, House of El, Philip Kennedy Johnson, Superman, Superman Action Comics Annual 2021 #1, Superman Action Comics Annual 2021 #1 review, Superwoman, The Phantom Zone

Superman Action Comics Annual 2021 #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Legacies of the past and the future entwine as one in DC Comics Superman Action Comics Annual 2021 #1, as writer Philip Kennedy Johnson revisits Future State’s House of El as   Superman’s descendants of tomorrow face a threat established during the yesteryear of the present.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Future State for me was Philip Kennedy Johnson’s one-shot that explored the distant future of the House of El, where the legacy of the Man of Steel had merged with numerous other heroes and legacies of DC universe, and the despot villain  Prythos (Kal El’s fallen son) wished to tear down everything that his family’s heroic dynasty stands for. This special Action Comics Annual ties-in broadly with Johnson’s current “Warworld Rising” arc in Action Comics, the issue opens in the near future where a mysterious old man is telling a group of children a tale of heroes from their own future. Events then flash forward to a time of great prosperity and hope for the House of El, where Superwoman, Lady Kara Zor El, is presiding over a wedding in the House of El, but before the nuptials can be completed Prythos gatecrashes the ceremony. It falls to Brandon Kent, the Superman of this era, to protect his family and save the next generation of the House of El from the menace of Prythos – killer of Darksied and the new Highfather of Apokolips!

Philip Kennedy Johnson delivers a welcome return to the empire of the House of El which he established in Future State, and this Annual sets up a wealth of possibilities for the both the future and the present of the DCU. Tales of the House of El takes the wedding backdrop and turns it into a thrilling all-out action adventure, one laced with heartfelt emotion, a perilous voyage through the Phantom Zone, the surprise return of an old Superman villain, and there’s even a hint of redemption in the air as the story races to get to the church on time for its joyous final act.

The artwork by Siya Oum and Scott Godlewski provides us with dynamic realisation of the richly textured narrative. From the gleaming opulence of the Sanctuary to the chilling vistas of the Phantom Zone, the characters are stylishly defined, and the action sequences impressively rendered throughout. Hi-Fi’s colours are, as always, of a high standard, and every scene is awash with vibrant hues that perfectly accentuates the fine detail of Oum and Godlewski’s work.

I throughly enjoyed this exciting sojourn back to the Future State era of the House of El portrayed in Superman Action Comics Annual 2021. Whether the open-ended nature of much of what transpires in this issue will actually impact or influence Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Action Comics run, of course, remains to be seen. I for one sincerely hope these plot threads and characters are revisited again at some point. Superman Action Comics Annual 2021 #1 is a beautifully crafted story, one where a child’s toy becomes a treasured relic and the future personification of the fundamental  legacy of the House of El itself… hope.

Writer Philip Kennedy Johnson

Artist Siya Oum & Scott Godlewski

Colorist Hi-Fi / Letterer Dave Sharpe

Cover Scott Godlewski & Gabe Eltaeb

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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 REPTILIAN #1 REVIEW

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Batman, Batman Reptilian, Batman Reptilian #1, Batman Reptilian #1 Review, DC Black Label, DC Comics, Gareth Ennis, Gotham, Horror, Liam Sharp, NCBD

Batman Reptilian #1

Review by Paul Bowler

A terrifying new monster stalks the darkest monsters of Gotham in Batman Reptilian #1,  DC Comics chilling new six-part Black Label series from the all-star team of writer Gareth Ennis and artist Liam Sharp. Batman used to be the most frightening thing in Gotham. Now something less than human lurks in the shadows, inflicting fear, and blood-curdling violence against the Dark Knight’s infamous Rogues gallery…

In this bone-chilling first chapter of Batman Reptilian: Quick and Dirty, writer Gareth Ennis crafts a bleak and gritty tale interwoven with an almost palpable sense of dread. The opening scenes with Batman meeting out his own brand of justice to a boxing champion who is just as handy with his fists outside the ring as he is in it, immediately sets the tone for this more downtrodden and uglier take on Gotham to what we are used to seeing in the mainstream Batman books. From here Ennis sets the Dark Knight on a path that will see him investigating a horrific  attack that spilled out from of a clandestine gathering of some of Batman’s most nefarious foes. The low-tech means Batman employs to uncover what happened during the ensuing bloodbath which followed this gathering is refreshing, to say the least, and the graphic account of events is genuinely stomach churning.

Every brooding, creepy moment of Batman Reptilian is impressively relayed by the gorgeous painted artwork by Liam Sharp. If you thought his work on Green Lantern Season 1 & 2 was out of this world, then you are in for a real treat here is well! Sharp’s depiction of the Dark Knight’s world is truly stunning, Gotham is a noirish rainswept metropolis of ebony shadows and Gothic menace. Batman’s presence is as indistinguishable as the night itself, brutally in-your-face, unflinching and striking dread into the hearts of criminals wherever he appears — quite literally in most instances. Horror is splattered with liberal abandon by Sharp throughout, brining a psychedelic quality to the Rogues gallery of villains, and the gruesome carnage they endure is visceral in the extreme.

The simple premise of having someone, or something, that’s able to strike more fear than. Batman into the hearts of those who terrorise the upper echelons of Gotham’s villains is brilliantly effective — both narratively and visually. Yet for all this issues heady mix of brutality and gore, its the things you don’t see that actually ends up being more terrifying, and none perhaps more so than that sublime final jump moment! If you like your Batman dark and grim, well, Batman doesn’t get much darker than this! Batman Reptilian has taken a long journey to reach the page, originally being written more than five years ago for the late Steve Dillon. Gareth Ennis eventually brought the story to life with the help of Dillon’s friend, artist Liam Sharp, and now this highly anticipated project has finally come to fruition. With its eerily macabre writing from Gareth Ennis and hauntingly stylish art by Liam Sharp, Batman Reptilian #1 is everything we could’ve hoped for, and it sets up a compelling mystery that’s sure to keep us all guessing every grisly step of the way.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Gareth Ennis

Artist, colorist, and cover artist Liam Sharp

Letterer Rob Steene

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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 GOTHAM #2 REVIEW

Tags

Batman, DC Comics, Denis Cluver, Future State, Future State Gotham #2, Giannis Milonogiannis, Gotham, Jason Todd, Joshua Williamson, Magistrate, Next Batman, Nightwing, Red Hood

Future State Gotham #2

Review by Paul Bowler

Jason Todd vows to carry out justice in Future State Gotham #2, no matter what the cost! As Gotham reels from a devastating tragedy Red Hood finds himself newly promoted to the rank of Peacekeeper Red in the Magistrate’s regime. With the Next Batman seemingly responsible for the attack, Jason must bring down this new Dark Knight, but he’s got to get past Nightwing and the rest of the Bat-Family first!

Writers Joshua Williamson and Demis Culver have taken the dark concept of a Gotham City run by the Magistrate’s cybernetically enhanced Peacekeepers, established during DC Comics Future State event, and elevated it to a whole new level with this Future State Gotham series. Having sided with the Magistrate to hunt down outlawed superheroes, Future State Gotham #2 has Jason Todd struggling with a crisis of conscience as his role as Peacekeeper Red brings his betrayal of the Bat-Family to the fore and forces him to fight his former allies.

Battle lines are drawn, emotions run high, and not everything is as black-and white as we’ve been led to believe by Williamson and Culver. Jason Todd’s methods and actions have always made him something of a divisive character, and never more so than here in Death by the Family. Jason seems at loggerheads with everyone and everything in this issue. Theres a brooding sense of cross and double cross as the narrative unfolds, which in turn leads to some great character beats, and even a surprise revelation when Red Hood’s secret ally finally emerges from the shadows.

The Akiria themed artwork by Giannis Milonogiannis stylishly captures the frenetic action and pace of the issue. Action flows seamlessly from one scene to the next, with the with roof-top face-off between Jason and the rest of the Bat-Family and a high-octane dash to Blackgate which culminates in a showdown with the Next Batman all just some of the many visual highlights in this issue. I’ve always been a fan of black and white artwork like this in comics, and I think it suits the Cyberpunk tone of Future State Gotham perfectly. 

Along with the major plot elements that begin slotting into place during this issue, which in turn gives a whole new context to Jason’s mission and indeed the series as a whole, there’s also a great back up story The Cavalry featuring the Next Batman by writer John Ridley and artist Oliver Coipel to enjoy. With its intricate storyline, strong characterisation and great art Future State Gotham #2 continues to impress with a striking Neo-futuristic take on the Dark Knight’s world and legacy.

Publisher DC Comics

Writers Joshua Williamson and Denis Culver

Art Giannis Milonogiannis

Lettered by Aly’s Troy Peteri

Cover Ladronn

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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