Batman #86 Review

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Alfred, Batman, Batman #86, Batman #86 review, Brice Wayne, Catwoman, City of Bane, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Deathstroke, Gotham, James Tynion IV, Lucius Fox, Nightclimber, Slade Wilson, Tony S. Daniel

Batman #86

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new era begins in Batman #86, but the Dark Knight’s world has changed forever. Bane is defeated and one of Batman’s oldest allies is dead. Now as Batman begins to rebuild his life and embarks on his bold new vision for Gotham, Deathstroke arrives in town, hired under a deadly new contract that threatens everything Batman is striving to achieve…

New series writer James Tynion IV takes the helm of DC Comics flagship Batman title for this next chapter in the life of the Dark Knight, together with the epic new art team of Tony S. Daniel and Danny Miki, for a story that instantly sets the tone for an entirely new directions as Batman starts to pick up the pieces after Alfred’s death. Their Dark Designs Part 1 gives us poignant insight into Batman’s radical new approach towards Gotham, indeed Alfred Pennyworth’s untimely demise in City of Bane inevitably hangs heavily over this issue, and consequently because of these opening scenes it also resonates just as powerfully in the wake of Batman’s confrontation with Deathstroke as well.

Batman has other allies though who will seem to be just as crucial to the Dark Knight’s designs during Tynion’s run. So, with Catwoman undercover and working a room full of Gotham’s high-fliers at the New Wayne Campus and Lucius Fox crafting Batman new and ever more wonderful toys in an immense subbasement workshop, Batman is free to deal with the lethal contract killers he’s been monitoring. Tynion is clearly going all-out with some new, and inventive technological innovations for the Dark Knight’s arsenal, and this issue sees the debut of the perhaps Batman’s most fearsome vehicle to date – the Nightclimber!

Needless to say the artwork that graces the pages of Batman #86 is little short of phenomenal. The pencils by Tony S. Daniel combined with Danny Miki’s inks are like a match made in heaven, and together with the vibrant colors by Tomeu Morey this issue is a veritable feast for the senses. From the opening rain-swept scenes over Gotham with a contemplative Batman, to witnessing the hired killers gathering in secret, and the deft inter-cutting between Batman’s conversations, first with Catwoman and then Lucius, there is a rich fluidity and consistency to the art that is staggeringly beautiful. Of course, Deathstroke is the one who has been brought in to lead this band of hired killers and the showdown with Slade Wilson – though brief – is still impressively depicted.

Closing things out with an intriguing mystery, a night sky full of memories, and a dark epilogue Batman #86 gets the new creative teams run off to a pretty good start. However, Batman #86 follows what has arguably been one of the most divisive runs in recent times for Batman comics. So is Batman #86 a bold new era or damage control? I honestly cannot decide as this issue felt like a little of both to me. I still feel that Tom King’s run has done immeasurable harm to the legacy of the Dark Knight, but, if anyone can fix things I’m sure James Tynion IV is the man to do it. Fingers crossed, eh?

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: James Tynion IV

Pencils: Tony S. Daniel Inks: Danny Miki Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover Tony S Daniel & 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

Detective Comics #1018 Review

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Alfred, Batman, Batmobile, City of Bane, DC Comics, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #1018 review, Gotham, Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Godlewski

Batman Detective Comics #1018

Review by Paul Bowler

A chill wind blows over Gotham in the aftermath of City of Bane. Detective Comics #1018 finds the Dark Knight in a dark, lonely place, as both Bruce Wayne and Batman. But there is little time to mourn his greatest loss as a series of gruesome ritualistic killings have been happening across the city. It would seem that supernatural forces have unleashed a monstrous pagan spirit. Batman must quell his personal demons for now and stop the killings, or Gotham’s festive season will be irrevocably tainted with blood and death…

For me Peter J. Tomasi’s run, after such a strong start, felt like it had been curtailed somewhat because of the Year of the Villain tie-in (something which I feel also spoiled a lot of my favourite comics, including Hawkman, Supergirl, and The Flash), although it has to be said that Tomasi’s story with Mr Freeze didn’t feel shoehorned into the umbrella style narrative of that ‘event’ like so many others did, if anything he was one of the few writers that really seemed to embrace the concept to really run with it and make anything even remotely cohesive from it as a result.

Now with Detective Comics #1018 Tomasi begins getting things back on track with Dead of Winter Part 1, however, there is no escaping the grim cloud of Tom King’s run (no, I wasn’t as fan of King either) and that hangs heavily over this issue. From the blood-soaked opening scenes we find the Dark Knight dealing with a minor crime by comparison to the one we‘ve just witnessed. From here Tomasi quickly immerse us in Batman’s ongoing investigation into the series of deaths that have recently struck the city, but now that Alfred Pennyworth is dead and Jim Gordon is unavailable, Batman only has Bullock to assist him, and not even making it home in time for a game of catch with pooches Ace and Titus affords Bruce little solace from his grief and isolation.

Employing a series of bold, sometimes overlapping page layouts, artist Scott Godlewski brings this sombre and powerful issue to life in the most stylish of ways. Sweeping snow swept vistas of Gotham blend seamlessly with the street level action with Batman. The Batmbile is a fan boy delight to behold with its gorgeous mix of crisp animated series lines, Burtonesque undertones, and classic retro flourishes. Colorist David Baron further heightens the atmosphere with vivid tones and hues alongside swarthy deep shadows, Bruce’s attempt to cast of the winter blues with a game of catch with the dogs poignantly conveys the Dark Knight’s melancholy, while Bullock’s office seems darker than the Batcave itself. The scene of the latest killing at the botanical gardens is another visual highlight of this issue, as it looks so bizarre, a twisted nightmare decked out in tinsel and baubles more akin to something like you’d have seen in the Hannibal TV series back in its heyday.

The issue ends with a dramatic cliffhanger and the stage is now set to bring the Dark Knight face to face with the stories monstrous protagonist… So, Detective Comics #1018 is a good return to form for this series, with a strong story, and reasonable enough artwork. The ramifications of City of Bane dose mean that there’s still very much a sense of picking up the pieces to this issue of Detective Comics. I can only hope that now the recent storylines and events involving Batman elsewhere are over Peter J. Tomasi’s run on Detective Comics can now really begin to stretch its wings and finally get its time to shine in the spotlight.

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: Peter J. Tomasi / Artist: Scott Godlewski

Colorist: David Baron / Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover: Rafael Samdoval, Jordi Tarrago , & John Kalise

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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

Justice League #30 Review

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DC Comics, James Tynion IV, Justice Doom War, Justice League, Justice League #30, Justice League #30 review, Legion of Doom, Scott Snyder, Year of the Villain

Justice League #30

Review by Paul Bowler.

The Justice / Doom War kicks off big time Justice League #30 as writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV take this sweeping comic book opus to a whole new level. With their arch nemesis Lex Luthor now transformed into a super-powered apex predator powered by the dark entity Perpetua, the Legion of Doom look even closer to defeating the League and succeeding in their goal to bring chaos and destruction to the DC Universe.

With the Year of the Villain now well under way Justice League #30 presents a chilling glimpse of the consequences of Luthor’s scheme if indeed that grim fate should come to pass. Snyder and Tynion collectively bring the far reaching threads of numerous story-arcs together in this issue. Indeed, it is now clear just how much has been set into place to bring everything to this point, the sheer scale and ingenuity of it all is really quite astonishing, and the Justice / Doom War looks set to take things even further – across, space, time and even the Multiverse itself!

Arguably one of the biggest revelations in this run of Justice League has been Snyder’s and Tnyion’s reintroduction of Starman’s character. Now as the core members of the Justice League gather their forces against their impending doom, Starman not only galvanises the heroes into action, his place at the heart of the plot entwines beautifully with the overarching narrative of the mythologies and forces that bind the DC Universe together.

Jorge Jimenez’s art in Justice League #30 easily rises to the occasion to match the high drama of the plot. Utilizing bold, striking page layouts, Jimenez skilfully builds the pace, the characters dramatic poses are beautifully framed, and the sheer scope of the issues grand design is quite simply breathtaking to behold. The colors by Aljandro Sanchez vibrantly complement Jumenez’s art, dazzling the eye with a glorious blend of tone and hues.

Each branch of the issues key storylines has villains plotting to strike while the heroes embark on a daring plan to turn the tide in their favour. Set against this dramatic backdrop, some grave reservations are voiced, and darkness lurks waiting to strike as the issues time-warping cliff-hanger builds to the momentous return of some old favourites…

Justice League #30 crams a hell of a lot in but there’s no denying that the final page is the one that is really this issues big selling point. I won’t spoil it – even though its already been well documented that this issue of Justice League features the return of some much beloved characters – but people who know me know that I’m a big fan of these classic Golden Age characters and needless to say that final page left me with a big silly grin on my face.

For an issue that has so much going on and so many plates spinning in the past, present and future its all the more remarkable that Justice League #30 is also an excellent jumping on point for new readers. If you haven’t been following this version of Justice League, or read Metal, or any of the other tie-in issues from previous events then this issue will quickly bring you up to speed as it sets up some tantalizing possibilities for the future. Most of all though Justice League #30 is one of those joyous issues that makes you punch the air with delight. Providing both a blockbusting opening to the Justice / Doom War and a most welcome return to the classic era of comics, this is indeed one of the finest issues of Justice League that Snyder and Tynion have crafted so far!

Writers: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV

Art: Jorge Jimenez / Colors: Alejandro Sanchez

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Cover: Francis Manapul / Varian Cover: Jay Anaceleto & Romulo Fajaroo JR

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Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 Review

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Batman, Batman Curse of the White Knight, Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 Review, Commissioner Gordon, DC Black Label, DC Comics, Gotham, Joker, Matt Hollingsworth, NCBD, Sean Murphy

Batman Curse of the White Knight #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Dark secrets and old scores wait to be settled in Batman Curse of the White Knight #1, the hotly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman White Knight, when the Joker sets out to recruit Azrael to his cause to ruin the Wayne legacy and bring chaos to Gotham City once more!

Writer and artist Sean Murphy’s new eight-part mini-series continues to build on the foundations set up during Batman White Knight which established his unique spin on the Dark Knight’s world, one where Joker reclaimed his sanity to become the good guy, while Batman’s increasingly brutal methods effectively painted him as the bad guy. Now in the sequel Curse of the White Knight the Joker is back with an axe to grind, and determined to have the last laugh on Gotham as Batman contemplates his future as the Dark Knight.

From the foreboding flashback to Arkham, 1685, to the Clown Prince of Crimes ingenious escape in the present, right up to Batman and Gordon’s grim discovery, Sean Murphy’s script quickly sets up the premise of this new mini-series and runs with it for all its worth. The warped existential fallout of Joker’s and Jack Naper’s psyche in the aftermath of Batman White Knight allows Murphy to skilfully fuel the chilling narrative via the Joker’s character, and fan the flames of Jean Paul’s equally fractured psyche to bring Azrael to the fore.

Gordon knows Bruce is Batman now, but that doesn’t really seem to have changed the dynamic between them. If anything, their relationship now seems more assured and measured in Curse of the White Night. The mystery they uncover offers up some tantalizing clues early on. However, the big highlights this issue are the character driven Bat-Family moments: such as the powerful scenes between Bruce and Dick Grayson in the Bat-Cave, where Murphy’s blisteringly sharp dialogue shows just how much Bruce’s perceived failure has had on him, there’s some wry humour to defuse the darkness as Batman and Batgirl assess the case evidence so far, and the late Alfred Pennyworth’s deeply moving note is sure to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Sean Murphy’s art is on top form and brings everything to the page that you’ve probably come to expect from this series already. The dark, gritty rendition of this alternative slant on the Dark Knight’s world is swathed in deep shadows and a mesmerising gothic grandeur that seems to encompass even the smallest scene. Arkham is more sinister than ever, Murphy’s grizzled Batman seems even more intimidating this time around, fan boy cinematic flourishes such as the Joker’s gun are an added bonus to enjoy, and the Bat-Cave depicted here is a sweeping vista of Bat-paraphernalia the likes of which feels more like a frame in a movie than a panel in a comic book. Matt Hollingsworth’s colors complements Murphy’s artwork perfectly as you’d expect, with the opaque shades of the earlier scenes giving way to subtle greys and earthier tones as the issue progresses to a fiery denouement. The lettering by AndWorldDesign is crisp and clean – essential in a dialogue heavy issue like this – and together with the sumptuous art and colors you will soon find yourself immersed in the multiple twists and turns of the plot.

Batman Curse of the White Knight #1 gets this new series off a fantastic start. Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth make a fantastic team, the Joker’s plot in Curse of the White Knight is sure to test Batman and his allies to the limit, the introduction of Azrael to their Dark Knight’s mythos is also an intriguing one, and I really like how this storyline follows on from the events of the previous mini-series in so many unexpected and surprising ways. One thing’s for sure, this new chapter in the White Knight saga looks set to shake Gotham to the core!

Publisher DC Comics (DC Black Label)

Writer, Art, & Covers by Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors by Matt Hollingsworth

Letters by AndWorldDesign

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Detective Comics #1006 Review

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Batman, DC Comics, Detective Comics #1006, Detective Comics #1006 review, Gotham, Horror, Kyle Hotz, Peter J. Tomasi, The Spectre

Batman Detective Comics #1006

Review by Paul Bowler

Dark, supernatural forces stalk Gotham in Detective Comics #1006 as the Spectre enlists Batman’s help in solving the mysterious disappearance of Jim Corrigan – the GCPD detective who is the host for the spirit of God’s Vengeance.

With this issue of Detective Comics writer Peter J Tomasi weaves a grim, suspenseful tale featuring the Spectre. This otherworldly character hasn’t featured prominently for a while now, so Kyle Hotz’s eye-catching cover immediately caught my attention, and I found myself instantly caught up in the gripping story within.

Tomasi quickly sets the tone by setting up a beguiling mystery for the Dark Knight when he is recruited by the Spectre after he can no longer feel Jim Corrigan’s presence. Though we are privy from the outset to Detective Corrigan’s ambush and abduction by bizarre green hooded cultists, who also murder his partner, we are still left just as much in the dark as the Spectre and Batman as to what has happened to Corrigan. The plot is skilfully crafted by Tomasi to keep us guessing every step of the way. From the striking opening scenes when Corrigan is attacked, through to Batman’s daunting initial rooftop encounter with the Spectre, and their eventual investigation of the gruesome crime scene the pace of this issue doesn’t let up for a moment.

The artwork by Kyle Hotz conjures up a wonderfully creepy atmosphere and gothic looking Gotham. Indeed, Hotz’s impressive work here in realizing Batman’s grim world reminded me a bit of Kelley Jones’ take on Batman, albeit in far more restrained in style, but still nevertheless equally as captivating if, like me, you are a fan of somewhat darker supernatural themed Batman stories and atheistics for the Dark Knight. The Spectre’s aforementioned rooftop recruitment of Batman is a big highlight, as is the gore soaked charnel house crime scene that serves as the primary focal point which drives much of the issues narrative. Similarly, the sombre color palette employed by colorist David Baron stylishly complements Hotz’s artwork to accentuate both the gritty and paranormal elements of Tomasi’s story perfectly.

It was great to see the Batman working alongside the Spectre in this issue and I thoroughly enjoyed this change of pace and tone following Tomaski’s Arkham Knight storyline. With its mysteriously compelling story by Peter J Tomaski and atmospheric artwork by Kyle Hotz Detective Comics #1006 is well worth checking out – especially if a decidedly stranger and more unearthly tale of the Dark Knight is your thing.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Peter J Tomasi / Artist: Kyle Hotz

Colorist: David Baron / Letterer: Rob Leigh / Cover: Kyle Hotz

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SHAZAM! Film Review

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Asher Angel, Billy Baston, David F Sandberg, DC Comics, DC Extended Universe, Dr Thaddeus Sivana, Mark Strong, Seven Deadly Sins, Shazam, Shazam Film Review, Zachary Levi

SHAZAM!

Review by Paul Bowler.

Shazam! is a confident and fun addition to the DC Extended Universe. Magic and monsters collide in this wildly entertaining mix of superhero action movie and body-swap comedy Directed by David F Sandberg, and written by Henry Gayden (with story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke).

Thanks to an encounter with a mysterious ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou), when Billy Baston (Asher Angel) shouts the word SHAZAM! the streetwise 14 year old foster kid is now magically transformed into the adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi). Billy is still a kid at heart though, albeit one in a muscle-bound, godlike body, with incredible strength, speed, and the power to throw lightening bolts from his fingertips! Shazam delights in suddenly being an adult version of himself by having terrific fun with his superpowers. But he must also master his powers quickly in order to confront the evil Dr Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) and the threat of the monstrous demons known as the Seven Deadly Sins being unleashed on the world.

With a script that essentially feels like a super-powered spin on Tom Hanks’ 1988 comedy film Big – even paying homage to it at one point during a fight in a big department store – Shazam is a goofy adventure packed with jokes and exuberant fun. Asher Angel is perfectly cast as Billy Baston, a kid that suddenly finds himself bequeathed with incredible power and responsibility, who, along with Zachary Levi playing his amusing super-powered alter-ego, brings a gloriously frank and excitable sense of wonder to the character.

The strong emotional dynamic is enhanced further by Billy’s foster family. Jack Dylan Grazer is a delight as Billy’s nerdy foster brother Freddy Freeman, and Faithe Herman is also great as Billy’s foster sister Darla. It is this warm grounding in reality that’s the key to Shazam’s success, you become more invested in the characters as a result, and it also provides a nice counterbalance to all the fantasy elements as well.

Mark Strong is well cast as the wickedly evil super-villain Dr Sivana and provides an excellent adversary for Shazam to face-off against in David F Sandberg’s sickly directed movie. Although Shazam doesn’t have quite the same epic wall-to-wall action of more recent superhero blockbusters, the conflict between Shazam and Dr Sivana still provides plenty of crowd-pleasing superhero action to enjoy, and the exciting finale featuring the scary CGI onslaught of the Seven Deadly Sins rounds everything off in fine style.

Shazam, created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck in 1939, might be one of the lesser known comic book characters (he actually sold more comics than Superman at one point and was originally called Captain Marvel until legal problems saw the character side lined for a time until he was resurrected by DC Comics as Shazam), its great to see the character appear now in the DCEU and get a well deserved share of the limelight.

Boasting a superb cast and wry blend of action and laughter, Shazam is without doubt one of the most entertaining and funny superhero movies I’ve seen in a long while. The DC film universe is really finding its feet now!

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Stunning New Aquaman Trailer Released!

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Amber Heard, Aquaman, Aquaman 5 minute trailer, Aquaman Extended Trailer, Aquaman Official Trailer, Aquaman Trailer, Arthur Curry, Atlantis, Black Manta, DC Comics, James Wan, Jason Momoa, Mera, New Aquaman Trailer, NYCC 2018, Ocean Master, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

New Aquaman Extended Trailer Released!

Check out the brilliant new 5 minute trailer for Aquaman!

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be… a king!!

Aquaman in theaters on December 21, 2018!

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Batman Kings of Fear #1 Review

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Arkham Asylum, Batman, Batman Kings of Fear, Batman Kings of Fear #1, Batman Kings of Fear #1 review, Batmobile, comics, DC Comics, Kelly Jones, Michelle Madsen, NCBD, Scarecrow, Scott Peterson, The Dark Knight, The Joker

Batman Kings of Fear #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Renowned artist Kelly Jones returns to the Dark Knight’s world with Batman Kings of Fear #1, the first issue in DC Comics stunning new miniseries written by former Batman editor Scott Peterson. Batman has been watching over Gotham City for many, many years, but now the Dark Knight is beginning to question the effectiveness of his relentless war on crime. Plagued by self doubt, insecurities, and personal fears that threaten to overwhelm him Batman must now face Scarecrow as he unleashes chaos in Arkham Asylum! This blockbusting new six-issue miniseries has Batman confronting the darkest challenge of his crime fighting career and portrays Scarecrow in a terrifying new way that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 kicks off in a fittingly macabre fashion as Batman takes on the Joker and stops another of his maniacal schemes. Kelly Jones striking visuals and Scott Peterson’s intense storytelling quickly immerses us in the warped schism that Batman and the Joker seem perpetually condemned to play out. Scott Peterson weaves some especially insightful and haunting dialogue into their journey to Arkham Asylum – so much so that the Clown Prince of Crime even seems to jangle the Dark Knight’s nerves at one point. Once inside Arkham the dark humour, a snarky Doctor, and the ensuing breakout of mayhem all collude to ramp up the ominous air of brooding menace that’s been closing in on Batman right from the outset.

Kelly Jones illustrated some of the most acclaimed Batman comics imagery during the 1990’s, including the brilliant Batman & Dracula trilogy – which kicked off with Red Rain back in 1991 – and many of the covers for the acclaimed Knightfall storyline where Bane broke the Bat. Esteemed writer Scott Peterson also worked as an editor on the Batman books during Knightfall and many other pivotal Bat-stories from the 90’s. Its great to see Jones and Peterson working together again like this on Batman Kings of Fear, and their shared creative vision for the Dark Knight shines through just as vividly now as when they originally worked together on the Batman books in the 90‘s. The story in Batman Kings of Fear is not connected to DC Comics current Batman storylines, but is instead set after Bruce has been the Dark Knight for many years – giving the creative team the scope to explore the core facets of the character in new and dynamically exciting ways.

Artist Kelly Jones brings all the hallmarks of his distinctly dark, horror-tinged gothic style to Batman Kings of Fear, and then some! I’ve always been a huge fan of Kelly Jones artwork, especially Jones’ portrayal of Batman as a constantly shifting shape that always seamlessly blends in with the shadows. One of the major highlights in this issue is a face-off with some of the darkest members of Batman Rogues Galley – a truly jaw dropping sequence that places you right in the heart of Batman‘s nightmarish predicament. Another nice touch with Batman Kings of Fear is that it features the Dark Knight in his classic costume – yellow oval and all! I love how Kelly Jones always renders Batman’s billowing cape in a way that gives him an almost supernatural visage, effectively making the cape and cowl as equally a distinct character in its own right. It is this, together with Michelle Madsen’s gloriously sombre color pallet that perfectly encapsulates the raw, terrifying, almost primal presence that makes Batman so uniquely special and intimidating.

The greatest threat though comes from the Scarecrow’s terrifying plot against him. Jones and Peterson’s darkly compelling story is made even more striking by having Scarecrow as the major villain of the piece, and this creative team certainly don’t look like they will shy away from brining the most frightening aspects of this creepy iconic character from Batman’s rogues gallery to the fore either.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 hurtles along at a cracking pace, the eerie atmosphere is brilliantly offsets by the spectacular visuals, and the chilling cliff-hanger rounds off this start of this superb miniseries in fine style. Kelly Jones and Scott Peterson have certainly crafted a brilliant premise here, with Scarecrow seeking to make the Dark Knight face his greatest fear, and I’ve no doubt the creative team will continue to weave their dark magic as this story unfolds. If you like your Batman classic, unburdened by recent continuity, and laced with overtones of gothic horror then Batman Kings of Fear is the Bat-Book you’ve been waiting for!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Peterson & Art and Cover: Kelly Jones

Colors: Michelle Madsen / Letters: Rob Leigh

Variant Cover: Bill Sienkiewicz

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Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary!

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Batman, Captain Britain, comics, DC Comics, Doctor Who, God of War, Horror, Infamous Second Son, Marvel Comics, Paul Bowler YouTube, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Sci-Fi Jubilee 4th Anniversary, Sci-Fi Jubilee 5th Anniversary, Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary, Spider-Man, The Walking Dead, TWD, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee 6^th Anniversary!

I’m very happy to say my blog Sci-Fi Jubilee has now reached its 6^th anniversary! Wow, this last year seems to have flown by so fast as well! Needless to say I’ve have had a brilliant time writing this blog over the last six years, writing countless TV, film, and comic book reviews and articles from a wealth of different genres – especially when it comes to Doctor Who and Comic Books – which I real love writing about!

But of course, Sci-Fi Jubilee wouldn’t by anything without any of you! I always look at these anniversary posts as a way to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for reading and following my blog. You have always been so kind and generous, especially when I fell ill with a chest infection earlier this year, and you have constantly given me so much amazing support via your comments on my blog, nominating Sci-Fi Jubilee for blog awards, and sharing my reviews on Twitter, WordPress, and Sci-Fi Jubilee’s Facebook page.

Thanks to you my YouTube Channel is now a key feature on the blog as well. I really enjoyed doing the walkthroughs and videos I’ve done for Infamous Second Son, Monster Hunter World, and God of War (PS4). The channel continues to grow and I want to thank you all for your subscriptions, comments, and words of encouragement that has made the YouTube Channel such a fun and welcome addition to Sci-Fi Jubilee.

You know when I started this blog I never could’ve imagined that Sci-Fi Jubilee would go on to become as big a part of my life as it has, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Most of all though it is your feedback and support that makes Sci-Fi Jubilee and blogging feel so enjoyable and special to me. Sci-Fi Jubilee has grown so much over the last six years, its given me some amazing opportunities, enabled me to write on other websites and projects, and its all thanks to you! Cheers for all your awesome support everyone, and here’s to another fun year of reviews on Sci-Fi Jubilee and walkthroughs on my YouTube Channel in the year ahead!

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Batman White Knight #6 Review

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Batgirl, Batman, Batman White Knight, Batman White Knight #6, Batman White Knight #6 Review, Batmobile, comics, DC Comics, Jim Gordon, Mad Hatter, Matt Hollingsworth, Mr Freeze, NCBD, Neo Joker, Nightwing, Sean Murphy, The Joker

Batman White Knight #6

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham’s most iconic alliance is shaken to the core in Batman White Knight #6 as Gordon’s trust in Batman reaches breaking point! The Dark Knight’s fall from grace has been orchestrated by the reformed Joker – aka Jack Napier – now seemingly cured of his homicidal madness by therapy and medication. But the drug Jack relies on is gradually loosing its effect, the city is slowly descending into chaos, and with Batman defeated it’s up to Jack to step up to the plate when the Neo Joker finally instigates her grand plan to seize Gotham…

Set in a world that has uncannily turned the Batman into the villain and the Joker into a hero, Batman White Knight, with its story and art by Sean Murphy, and colors by Matt Hollingsworth, continues to go from strength to strength with every successive issue. Napier’s ascension in this mini-series has seem him cured and released from Arkham, from where he’s gone on to expose the corruption that has festered in the GCPD for decades, becoming a champion of the middle-classes, and covertly using an army of super-villains – along with the collateral damage this conflict causes – to discredit the Batman‘s standing in the eyes of Gotham‘s citizens.

Batman White Knight #6 sees this mini-series reach a major turning point, as Murphy’s dark tale brings Batman’s world crashing down. Seeing Gordon resolve to bring Batman in is a powerful, defining moment here, as is Nightwing assisting him by delivering the means for him to do so, and the subsequent fracturing this has on the Bat-Family when Batgirl, aghast at Nightwing’s actions, refuses to have anything to do with the plan.

This book and its starkly grim take on the Bat-Mythos, especially the look and tone of Gotham itself – being more industrial and gothic, and less generically NYC like most of the main Bat-Books – are key elements that really make Batman White Knight stand out from the crowd. Sean Murphy’s edgy, moody artistic style further enhances the grim sense of foreboding in this issue, while Matt Hollingsworth’s richly atmospheric colors bring added gavatis to every scene. The sheer fan boy glee at seeing the Batmobile from the1989 Tim Burton Batman movie Vs the Batman White Knight’s Batmobile in a high-speed chase sequence is undoubtedly one of the big highlights of the issue, however, it is the blood-spattered, bone-churching face-off between Batman and Jack Napier that follows which really steals the show – whilst also vividly illustrating the warped schism Murphy has crafted between the Batman and the Joker in this mini-series.

With Batman facing an ignoble fate in Arkham, its not long before the Neo Joker, having taken control of the villains utilizing Mad Hatter’s technology, seems hell bent on holding the city to ransom after she unleashes a giant freeze cannon on Gotham. Other standout moments that shine in this issue are an especially poignant scene between Mr Freeze and Batgirl, and Harley tires in vain to get through to Jack again as he prepares to face Neo Joker.

This was another thoroughly enjoyable issue. With its intense action, brooding characterization, unexpected plot twists, and striking visuals Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth constantly keep you on your toes in Batman White Knight #6, and as this mini-series enters its final act we are left wondering if the Batman can find possibly find a way back from everything that‘s happened, or will the Joker have the last laugh after all?

Publisher DC Comics

Writer / Artist / Covers / Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors Matt Hollingsworth

Leters Todd Klein

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