Green Arrow #28 Review

Tags

Arrow, Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #28, Green Arrow #28 review, Hard Travelling Hero Part 3, Juan Ferreyra, Lex Luthor, Oliver Queen, Superman, The Flash, The Ninth Circle, Wonder Woman

Green Arrow #28

Review by Paul Bowler

Oliver Queen’s ongoing crusade to bring down the Ninth Circle brings him to Metropolis in Green Arrow #28, where the nefarious secret cabal of financiers have targeted the only person rich and powerful enough to have rejected their ideology: Lex Luthor! Not even Oliver can deal with the scale of this threat alone. Look up in the sky, is it bird, is it plane? Nope, its Superman and Green Arrow, teaming up to save the day!

Lex Luthor finds out there’s no such thing as a glass ceiling when it comes to dealing with the Ninth Circle during his tense face-off with Green Arrow in this issue. The initial exchanges might be heavy on exposition, but with Hard Travelling Hero: Part Three writer Benjamin Percy skilfully sets Oliver’s new outlook since the Ninth Circle destroyed his life on a collision course with Luthor’s ruthless business acumen.

The results are thrilling to say the least, with Luthor going all Sherlock on Green Arrow, before a malicious hack sends Lex’s employees, along with Lexcorps share price, into freefall when the one-percenters that grease the wheels of his all-powerful business empire prove to be the Achilles heel the Ninth Circle have been looking for. Fortunately the Man of Steel is quickly on hand to swoop in to assist Green Arrow with saving those affected, but will Lex Luthor be able to find a way to repel the deadly cyber-attack in time?

The impeccable art and colors by Juan Ferreyra are as impressive as ever. Every page provides a seamless blend of drama and characterization: the brooding atmosphere as Oliver’s and Lex’s vastly opposing ideologies clash is almost palpable, everyday settings that suddenly become infused with chaos are awash with sharp colors and diffused light, and vibrant action is punctuated by Ferreyra’s glorious rendition of the Man of Steel. There’s also a brief interlude as we catch up with Black Canary’s and Emi’s plan hunt down the Underground Men and the Auctioneer, along with an update on the status of Oliver’s impending trial.

We’ve already seen the Oliver team-up with The Flash and Wonder Woman during Hard Travelling Hero, and it’s great to see Green Arrow and Superman working together here. Their scenes towards the end of the issue are the undoubted highlight of this issue. Oliver have evolved so much since his fall from grace at the hand of the Ninth Circle, its been a tough journey back for him, and to hear get praise from Superman is a really defining moment for the character. I’m guessing this story-arc will probably lead to Green Arrow finally being accepted by the Justice League. I certainly hope so anyway, because it feels like it’d be the next natural step for the character to take, and it would really enhance his presence in DC Comics new Rebirth continuity.

It seems Green Arrow has even given Lex Luthor a new perspective on a few things as well, his help provides Oliver’s quest with some new leads, and sets Green Arrow on the road to the darkest city of all… Green Arrow #28 continues this series’ incredibly strong run with another breathtaking paced story from Benjamin Percy and the spellbinding art of Juan Ferreyra. In short, Green Arrow’s road trip through the DCU has turned out to be a real thrill ride and his visit to Metropolis is one issue you don’t want to miss!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy / Art and Color: Juan Ferreyra

Lettering: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT

Follow @paul_bowler

Advertisements

Superman #27 Review

Tags

comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Gable Eltaeb, NCBD, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Godlewski, Superman, Superman #27, Superman #27 review

Superman #27

Review by Paul Bowler

The Kent family decide to take a vacation in Superman #27: Declaration Part 1 when exhaustion and the super-heroics of recent events in their lives catch up with them. It’s a road trip full of fun, insightful detours, and the unexpected as DC Comics Super-Family enjoy some much needed R&R. But with a dark threat looming on the horizon their probably going to need another vacation to get over this one before they are through!

I simply cannot express enough what a joy Superman #27 was to read. Like the Kent’s, I’ve also been feeling in need of a vacation myself (which is why I took break from reviews N stuff to enjoy Wimbledon), and this issue exemplifies everything I love about Superman since the characters renaissance following DC’s Rebirth. The family dynamic is what makes this title so enjoyable and fun to read. Writers Peter J Tomasi and Patrick Gleason craft a delightful issue here as Lois decides her family needs a vacation, Jon’s glee at checking out their hired camper van is also great fun, and even Clark is forced to agree they need a break after nodding off mid-flight as Superman!

The most compelling and insightful aspects of this issue are explored through the places they decide to visit on their Super-Road Trip. Scott Godlewski’s clear and concise artwork and panel layouts sublimely captures the essence of each location: from the exhilarating fun of bodysurfing at Niagara Falls, to the moving and remarkable story their visit to Rock Ridge Cemetery brings, even something as mundane as a bumper sticker holds a symbolic message of freedom, belief, and coexistence for Jon, together with stops in New York and Philadelphia, are amongst the many highlights that features in this superbly illustrated issue.

It is the people the Kent’s meet along the way that really make this road trip feel like you are witnessing something distinctly special as you read this comic book though, non more so, than when they are joined for dinner by war veteran Ryan Duffy. Needless to say this scene is brilliantly handled, it holds some of this issues most powerful and moving moments of all, and provides a fitting closure for this leg of the Kent’s road trip.

Superman #27 rounds everything off with a lovely scene for Lois and Clark, however a foreboding new menace is developing, duty calls, but this vacation is far from over just yet… I started reading Superman with the Multiplicity arc way back in issue #14 after someone recommend it to me. I’ve never been an avid reader of Superman, certainly not during The New 52, but since reading that issue I’ve become hooked on reading the Rebirth version of Superman.

Although I’m abstaining from reading any of the big comic book events, crossovers, or tie-in issues from ANY of the major publisher this year – TBH I’m fatigued and burned out by the constant monotonous deluge of these events that I find I can muster little or no enthusiasm for them right now – I have to say when I read comics as good as Superman #27 its clear to me why I feel this way. Superman #27 is, frankly, one of the best comics I’ve read this year. Its not flashy, its not a universe shattering epic, and there’s hardly any superpowers on show, its just a meaningful, beautifully told story that will challenge you and make you stop, think, and ponder long after you’ve finished it. In short, Superman #27, as well as providing a shining and timely reminder of just how brilliant comic books can be, is without doubt probably as uplifting and magnificent an issue you’ll read this year, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writers: Peter J Tomasi & Patrick Gleason

Art: Scott Godlewski / Colors: Gable Eltaeb

Letterer: Rob Leigh / Cover: Lee Weeks & Brad Anderson

Follow @paul_bowler

 

All Star Batman #10 Review

Tags

Alfred Pennyworth, All Star Batman, All Star Batman #10, All Star Batman #10 review, Batman, Batman the First Ally Part 1, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Jordie Bellaire, Rafael Albuquerque, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Scott Snyder, Steve Wands, The First Ally

All Star Batman #10

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight detective faces a new, deadly enemy in All Star Batman #10, an unpredictable foe, one whose attacks are seemingly impossible to counteract! Batman uncovers a dark scheme from decades past, but inconceivably the architect of this insidious plot could well be one of his closets allies of all! All Star Batman #10 reunites Scott Snyder with his American Vampire collaborator Rafael Albuquerque for this stunning new Batman story arc: The Last Ally!

Interspaced with flashback to a rooftop chase across the pond in London and Batman and Alfred’s present day escapade in Miami, All Star Batman #10 hit’s the ground running, and doesn’t let up for a moment. The Batmobile is driven like an old pro, there’s an enemy with a familiar face to be caught, and the crowd goes wild before you‘ve even finished turning a few pages. Hell, you’d be forgiven for thinking that’d be enough full-on Bat-action for one issue alone, but this is Snyder and Albuquerque we are talking about here, and like Batman in this issue they sure know how to grab our attention with a scene stealing entrance!

Having got word something dangerous is being smuggled into Miami, Bruce and Alfred go all good cop bad cop to get the information they need, and their subsequent attempt to infiltrate an old fort off the coast sequestered by a quartet of leaders from Miami’s most feared crime families puts Bruce in terrible danger. Initially what feels like an Oceans 13 heist coated with Miami Vice glamour and menace, soon becomes a deadly game of pirates, and before you can say shiver me timbers all hell breaks loose as the bullets start flying!

This storyline is going to delve into Alfred’s past, an exciting concept in itself, but what I really liked about this issue was how Scott Snyder used the narrative to highlight the surrogate father / son bond between Alfred and Bruce. There are certain points in this issue, usually right in the thick of the action, where Alfred’s reminiscing feels genuinely heart-warming and quite moving. However, these moments are also powerfully counterbalanced with Alfred’s steely determination, especially during the interrogation scene, where we gain further insight into his character and just how far he’d be willing to cross the line if need be.

The pencils and inks of Rafael Albuquerque’s artwork brings the first chapter of The First Ally to life in glorious fashion. The action is often fast and furious, with concisely structured page layouts relaying Snyder‘s vision with the same flawless synergy their collaborations always bring, as story and art seamlessly fuse as one. Rafael Albuquerque’s spectacular art effortlessly draws you in, you’d swear can almost hear the roar of the crowd as Batman ejects form the Batmobile, there’s centrally no doubting that Alfred means business either, those flashbacks have a unique favour that perfectly encapsulates the era, and the high-tech security of the fort soon becomes engulfed in a slow-motion barrage of gunfire with a yo, ho, ho, and a bottle of rum. The colors by Jordie Bellaire beautifully complement Albuquerque’s art, from the dusky hues of London from times before to the bombastic tones of the opening chase sequence, though to the vivid shades of the Miami skyline, and the ice blues and greys of the fort showdown, Bellaire’s colors sublimely enrich every single scene.

Killers-In-Law, written by Rafael Albuquerque and Rafael Scavone, featuring art by Sebastian Fiumara, and colors by Trish Mulvihill, is the new backup story which accompanies this new All Star Batman story-arc, involving Bruce Wayne going deep undercover to infiltrate the Russian mafia. It’s an edgy, brutal, bare knuckle story, one that plays its cards close to its chest, insomuch that it fills in just enough back story to keep us guessing how everything is going to slot together with The First Ally story-arc.

Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque round off The First Ally: Part 1 in fine style. You might say that Bruce’s good taste in art is his saving grace in this issue, but it also puts him smack-bang in the middle of a heart-grabbing mystery, one that Snyder brilliantly blindsides us with as past and present collide in the most unexpected way possible. The First Ally is another masterpiece in the making from Snyder and Albuquerque, with its gritty storytelling and outstanding artwork, All Star Batman #10 doesn’t just exceed expectations, if anything, it drives right through them!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Scott Snyder / Art and Cover & Variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque

Colors Jordie Bellaire / Letters Steve Wands

Variant Cover Sebastian Fiumara

Follow @paul_bowler

Green Arrow #16 Review

Tags

Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Dinah Lance, Emerald Outlaw, Emerald Outlaw Part 5, Emi Queen, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #16, Green Arrow #16 Review, Green Arrow Rebirth, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Red Arrow, Seattle, The Dark Archer

Green Arrow #16

The Emerald Archer goes on the offensive in Green Arrow #16, but the odds are stacked against him after being framed by the Dark Archer Malcolm Merlyn for a recent wave of murders in Seattle, hounded by a rogue team of corrupt cops called The Vice Squad, and vilified by a detestable mayoral candidate. Things don’t look good for Green Arrow and Co, but all that could soon change with the return of an old ally….Emiko Queen!

Emerald Outlaw Part 5 sees Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Chief Westberg setting out to deal with Sergeant Notting and The Vice Squad once and for all! First though, writer Benjamin Percy brings us the long awaited reunion between Green Arrow and his sister, Emi – AKA Red Arrow. Her tangle with her mother and the Yakuza bosses has made Emi tougher than ever, she’s back and – hugging aside – on her terms! From here Green Arrow #16 races along at a furious pace, as Benjamin Percy sets the scene for the showdown between the Emerald Archer, his allies, and The Vice Squad in a hanger outside Seattle, where the moral arguments of this arc become polarized like never before as the fists, bullets and arrows start flying left right and centre.

This is a mighty fine looking issue of Green Arrow, the terrific art and colors by Otto Schmidt are true spectacle to behold, and every page is crammed with action, speed, and motion as the face-off in the hanger unfolds towards its explosive and poignantly honourable conclusion. The initial reunion between Oliver and Emi is also nicely portrayed, and the running joke of everyone getting used to calling Emi by the moniker of Red Arrow is great fun. I also really like how Otto Schmidt’s chameleon-like use of color pitches the mood of each scene, perfectly matching them with the beats of the storyline, with vivid tones for the more emotional moments, while cool dark shades heighten the menace and danger of the fight in the hanger.

However, it is the multifaceted aftermath of this battle where story and art fuse beautifully as one, with media reports, a word in a mayoral candidates ear, and a tender repairing of bonds to make a family whole again that provides some of the most moving and heart-warming moments we’ve seen in this series so far, and it reaffirms my view that Green Arrow is one of the strongest titles to emerge from DC Comics Rebirth.

Green Arrow #16 is the kind of issue that makes us love these characters so much. Benjamin Percy and Otto Schmidt have delivered another remarkable issue with Green Arrow #16, the jaw-dropping and emotionally charged ending of this penultimate issue of Emerald Outlaw raises the stakes to a whole new, and entirely unexpected level, and it sets everything up for a momentous action-packed finale for this brilliant story arc.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy Art and Color: Otto Schmidt

Letters: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT

Follow @paul_bowler

All Star Batman #6 Review

Tags

Alaska, All Star Batman, All Star Batman #6, All Star Batman #6 review, Batman, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Ends of the Earth, Ends of the Earth Part 1, Francesco Francavilla, Jock, Mr Freeze, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Scott Snyder

All Star Batman #6

Review by Paul Bowler

All Star Batman #6 brings the Dark Knight to Alaska as he attempts to stop Mr Freeze getting his frozen mitts on an ice core that could plunge the world into a new ice age! Critically acclaimed writer Scott Snyder is joined by the phenomenal artist Jock for All Star Batman’s new arc, Ends of The Earth, and their new take on Batman’s deadliest ice-cold adversary presents the Dark Knight with a hauntingly dark, wintry challenge as he battles to save the world from Mr Freeze in the icebound wilderness of humanities last frontier…

Scott Snyder continues to deliver a fresh slant on the Dark Knight’s rogues with DC Comics All Star Batman. Having successfully done so with Two Face in “My Own Worst Enemy”, Snyder now turns his attention to Mr Freeze (Dr Victor Fries), as the fearsome sub-zero villain embarks on a sinister plan to extract the world’s oldest ice core.

All Star Batman #6 gets Snyder’s new Ends of the Earth story-arc off to a confident start, plunging us directly into the frigid heart of this story right from the outset, with Batman – kitted out in a heavy-duty Mech-style Bat-suit that fires specially forged Batarangs – resolutely making his way to an outpost in Alaska, while the narrative gradually offers a chilling insight into his mission. Batman soon discovers the terrible fate of the researches, but it seems there’s an even nastier surprise awaiting him here at the top of the world!

Snyder masterfully builds the suspense and horror. Mr Freeze and his lumbering carbon bonded ice-zombie minions make fittingly terrifying adversaries for Batman in this issue. While its perhaps no surprise to see the familiar Mr Freeze tropes employed, such as his beloved Nora and themes of cryogenic resurrection, but its refreshing to seem them handled in a was that brings such a strong dramatic edge to the issues. The inclusion of the poem, Fire and Ice, by Robert Frost, is another masterstroke, and it’s this subtle half-guessed blend of mystery and suspense that Snyder uses to keep us guessing all the way to the final page. Even the story of how Batman’s Mech-suits Batarangs were specially crafted for this mission beautifully complements the bleak environment, stark brutality, and often reflective tone which this tale seamlessly shifts between at times.

Needless to say, artist Jock does a fantastic job with All Star Batman #6, Ends of the Earth Part 1 looks incredible. From the almost complete whiteout of the landscape 300 miles north of the artic circle, to Batman’s kick-ass Mech-Bat-suit, and Mr Freeze – who to my mind has rarely looked as ruthless and as fearsome as this – is at his maniacal deep-frozen best to provides a thrilling and palpable threat to the Dark Knight. Jock crafts so many standout moment in this issue, Freeze’s panoramic vision of the future, for instance, is gloriously realized, but my favourite scenes were with the screeching ice-zombies, I found them genuinely unnerving with their shuddering movements and blood curdling cries – especially when they overwhelm Batman at one point. Matt Hollingsworth’s colors provide a perfect accompaniment for Jock’s art, with exquisite artic blue tones, opaque, almost pearlescent whites, and shadowy hues that effortlessly melds the tension and emotional beats of the story.

All Star Batman #6 builds to a nerve jangling cliff-hanger, with danger closing in on all sides, and the Dark Knight in mortal danger. A resolution of sorts is found beating furiously at the heart of this story, one that drags protagonist and antagonist into the warped embrace of fire and ice in a scream of jaw-dropping action set-pieces, and it will leave you awestruck by the sheer overwhelming realization this arc is only just beginning!

The Cursed Wheel Part 5 written by Scott Snyder and with art by Francesco Francavilla continues All Star’s backup story focusing on Duke’s training through the wheel. Opening with a fiendish trap set by the Riddler for Batman and Duke to solve, events then flashback to their trip to Arkham to visit the Riddler in his cell, for a bizarre kind of Zero Year anniversary. But this year there’s something connected to more recent events waiting for Duke to confront. Snyder ensures the script it taut and engaging, and Francesco Francavilla’s artwork, with its angular panel layout, provides an impressively colourful mix form and shadow. This highly atmospheric story moves at a quick pace, there are some great moments of characterization for Batman and Duke, and everything quickly reaches a fittingly explosive puzzle-tinged final scene.

There is more than a hint of John Carpenter’s film, The Thing, about this opening chapter of Ends of the Earth, especially with its setting, remote base, something nasty frozen in the ice, and its themes of contaminated blood. I love this darker, more atmospheric, horror toned story, and I think Snyder and Jock have excelled themselves with this remarkable issue which splices story and art in such a way that it actually feels like it reads more like prose than a comic book – Steve Wands uncanny use of lettering makes every word leap from the page. It’s great to have Scott Snyder and Jock working on a Batman book again. No question about it, All Star Batman #6 is a must-read issue, with its terrific cover by Jock, as well as a Jock Variant cover , and Francavilla Variant, this issue sets the stage from one of Snyder’s most compelling story-arcs to date!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Scott Snyder / Art Jock

Colors Matt Hollingsworth / Letterer Steve Wands

The Cursed Wheel Part 5 written by Scott Snyder with art by Francesco Francavilla

Cover Jock / Jock Variant / Variant Cover Francesco Francavilla

Follow @paul_bowler

The Flash #9 Review

Tags

Barry Allen, Carmine Di Giandomenco, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Flashpoint, Ivan Plascencia, Jorge Corona, Joshua Williamson, The Flash, The Flash #123, The Flash #9, The Flash #9 review, The Flash of Two Worlds, The Kid Flash of Two Worlds, Wally West

The Flash #9

Review by Paul Bowler

The original Kid Flash finally meets the new Kid Flash in The Flash #9 as terrible danger strikes! In this special issue from Joshua Williamson, Jorge Corona, and Ivan Plascencia, Wally West and Wally West must team-up to help the Flash as the Scarlet Speedsters investigation into the events from DC Universe Rebirth #1 continues.

The Flash #9 offers a wonderful blend of action, mystery, and nostalgia, as writer Joshua Williamson continues to build on the bold new era for Barry Allen in the wake of DC’s Rebirth event – of which The Flash has arguably been one of the most consistent and integral parts of DC Comics brand-wide revitalization.

Kid Flash of Two Worlds is a charming and insightful single story issue. Its Halloween in Central City, an accident has left the Keystone Bridge badly damaged, and its up to the Flash and Kid Flash to race to avert disaster. The dynamic between the Flash and the new Kid Flash is handled really well by Williamson, it’s still complicated slightly because Wally doesn’t known Barry is the Flash, and things get notched up a level when the original Kid Flash arrives to help out as well. But this historic meeting inadvertently causes some major trouble for the Flash and they must unite to bring the Flash back from the brink of oblivion.

This sets in motion a chain of events which leads to some startling revelations for the new Kid Flash. One thing that shines though in this issue is the close bond between the speedsters and their loved ones, they are like family now, and as such they look out for each other. There are some wonderful scenes in this issue between the Wally West’s, and later Barry and Wally, as the Flashes’ mull over the mystery of why the world forgot the original Wally West, and the identity of who is sending Iris flowers is another beautiful touch. In short, The Flash #9 is a superb character driven issue, which also sets out some tantalizing possibilities for the future.

Jorge Corona’s artwork skilfully balances the emotional warmth and electrifying action in this issue. There are some highly impressive splash pages, dynamically angular page layouts also match the beats of the story perfectly, the characters and their expressions are well realized, and the urgency when Kid Flash’s past and present have to save the Flash is skilfully portrayed. It is in the quieter moments though, where Corona’s art really excels, there’s a short interlude with Wally’s friend Chunk, moving scenes as Wally talks about his parents, and a coda between the original Wally and Barry that is almost too magical for words. The colors by Ivan Plascencia look as impressive as ever, the speedsters scenes are awash with bold, vibrant tones as the speed force crackles around them, while the more emotional, thoughtful moments take on a sombre quality with somewhat duskier hues and richer shadows, and that final page is simply to die for.

The Flash #9, with its stunning cover by Carmine Di Giandomenco, beautifully emulates the classic Silver Age “Flash of Two Worlds” story and cover from The Flash #123 (1961), and writer Joshua Williamson does a fantastic job of melding those classic elements with a distinctly modern spin for this DC Rebirth take on it. The Flash #9 is an unmissable super-speed delight, and one that tips its hat to the past, present, and future in fine style.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Jorge Corona / Colorist: Ivan Plascencia / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Carmine Di Giandomenco / Variant Cover: Dave Johnson

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #9 Review

Tags

Arkham Asylum, Batman, Batman #8, Batman #9 review, Batman I Am Suicide, Batman I Am Suicide Part 1, comics, Commissioner Gordon, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Gotham, Gotham City, June Chung, Mikel Janin, Tom King

Batman #9

Review by Paul Bowler

It’s a case of better the devil you know in Batman #9 as the Dark Knight embarks on a mission to return Psycho Pirate to Gotham so he can save Gotham Girl. Recruiting a team from the bowels of Arkham’s most deranged and dangerous to break into an impregnable prison in order to take something from one of his deadliest enemies, there’s no doubt that Batman has had some crazy ideas in his time, but this could be suicide!

Tom King really begins to stamp his mark on the series with this issue of Batman. I Am Suicide Part 1 is a wonderfully brooding and menacing opening to this new story arc. King brings us a frighteningly graphic and nightmarish glimpse into Bane’s psyche forged in brutality right from the outset, one that’s chilling in the extreme, and it makes Bane‘s presence feel all the more formidable and ominous as a result. Psycho Pirate is also something of a revelation here; and his role is potentially the most intriguing one of all.

The embellishments King waves into the narrative are sublime, there’s a wonderful scene with Alfred, and a nostalgic tip of the hat to the Batman TV series, but ultimately it is Batman’s decision to accept Amanda Walker’s proposition that brings him to Arkham, and that’s were the issue really notches up the suspense. The Dark Knight’s recruitment drive is uncompromising, calculated, and full of surprises. There’s a host of familiar faces here, some old, some newer, some unexpected, and King is clearly relishing every moment here as Batman’s makes his way through this ghoulish pick-and-mix of madness and mayhem to form his team.

Mikel Janin’s excellent pencils and inks on this issue gloriously flesh out the powerful nuances and subtexts within every scene, matching the beats of King’s tautly scripted plot perfectly, and the result is stunning. The psychological horror and revulsion of that opening scene alone nearly drowns you in terror, Janin’s rendition of Bane is as mesmerising as it is intimidating, this makes the contrast with the tender emotional scenes with Gotham Girl all the more striking, and if ever there was a money shot in comics then our glimpse of the Dark Knight standing outside the gates of Arkham in this issue will totally blow you away. June Chung’s colors are equally magnificent, with deep shadows, aquatic hues, and hazy dread dominating early scenes, while Arkham’s interior with its red railings and opaque off-white walls, and resplendent atmospheric gloom are just some of the many visual highlights that fires the imagination as the issue unfolds.

Indeed, there’s a legion of foreshadowing to enjoy, and hints that several things are going to spin out from the issue. The final addition to Batman’s team brokers no argument as this issue draws to a closes in fine style. I’ve been enjoying Tom King’s run since he took over on Batman. Sure, I had a few misgivings and some slight niggles with the early issues, but those gradually ironed out. His approach to Batman has ushered in a fresh new era and simultaneously widened the scope of Batman‘s world and has made him even more integral to the rest of the DCU overall. It takes time to get used to a new creative team sometimes, I Am Gotham got things off to a good start post Rebirth, Night of the Monster Men had its moments, but I feel that with Batman #9 Tom King is really hitting his stride now and bang on the money with this first instalment of I Am Suicide.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Tom King / Pencils & Inks: Mikel Janin

Colors: June Chung / Clayton Cowles: Letters

Cover: Mikel Janin / Variant Cover: Tim Sale and Rico Renzi

Follow @paul_bowler

The Flash #7 Review

Tags

Barry Allen, Carmine Giandomerico, Central City, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Flash Rogues, Goodspeed, Ivan Plascencia, Joshua Williamson, Kid Flash, lightning strikes twice, The Flash, The Flash #7, The Flash #7 review

The Flash #7

Review by Paul Bowler

The super-speed face-off between Flash and Godspeed that we’ve all been waiting for hit’s the ground running in The Flash #7, as the scarlet speedster rallies against his new arch nemesis. Yet, in order to have any hope of defeating Godspeed, the Flash must call upon the newly empowered speedsters of Central City to relinquish their Speed Force powers, and that’s something that could prove just as problematic…

Whilst still reeling from the murder of his girlfriend, Meena Dhawn, by Godspeed, Barry Allen is now confronted with the horrifying truth that his friend, and fellow speedster Detective August Heart, is in fact the very menace they’ve been working together to defeat – Godspeed! The last few issues have seen the pieces of the puzzle gradually falling into place: the storm that gave citizens in Central City speed powers, the connection to Dr. Carver, leader of the Black Hole faction of scientists, and Detective Heart’s investigation into his brother’s death all illustrate just how cleverly Godspeed has been hiding in plain sight all along.

The Flash has been another of the big highlights of DC’s Rebirth for me, its completely reinvigorated the character, and made the comic book series’ narrative feel far more cohesive than it ever did during the latter part of its New 52 run. The Flash #7 is another impressive issue from Joshua Williamson, Carmine Di Giandomenico, and Ivan Plascencia. Lightening Strikes Twice Part 7, the penultimate issue in this arc, sees Godspeed pressing home his advantage, beating Flash to a pulp, while flashbacks detail how August discovered how to steal the speed force from the other speedsters. Even though Godspeed is faster than the Flash, so fast in fact, that he can actually be in two places at the same time, we also learn this ability comes with a painful price.

Joshua Williamson does a terrific job bringing the plot strands of this arc together in this issue. We see Barry at perhaps his lowest ebb, forced to retreat and recover, devastated by Meena’s death, and oblivious to the hostage situation unfolding in central city court house. It also becomes chillingly clear just how much August has been corrupted by his speed powers and thirst for revenge, when Godspeed intervenes to deal with the Black Hole Agents, underlining his stance as a super speed equivalent of judge, jury, and executioner.

Carmine Di Giandomenico’s artwork stylishly conveys every dramatic twist and turn of Joshua Williamson’s intricately paced storyline. The page layouts are packed with detail and seamlessly maintain the flow of the action. I love how Giandomenico brings an electrifying fluidity to the way the Flash, Godspeed, Wally, and the other speedsters use the speed force, it really immerses you in the action, and Ivan Plascencia’s stunning use of color gives each speedster powers a very distinct, individual, look all their own. Godspeed’s powers are used in some pretty nasty and violent ways too, in this issue, reinforcing his threat as a major villain. There are also some genuinely moving scenes when Wally finally reveals his powers to the Flash. Carmine Di Giandomenico and Ivan Plascencia bring a rich warmth to these scenes, with Wally’s reasons for not wanting to tell his aunt Iris about his powers, along with his grief about Meena – who was secretly training him to use his powers – ultimately enabling Flash to devise a plan that will help him fight Godspeed.

Indeed, Meena’s tragic death resonates powerfully throughout this issue, and it is her influence on Barry and Wally that also fittingly provides the catalyst that bonds their friendship and forges Flash’s idea to harness the power of the remaining speedsters created by the speed force storm. The Flash #7 builds to emotional climax, with powerfully moving scenes as the Flash has to convince the speedsters to give up their powers, and it all culminates in race towards a high-velocity cliff-hanger that will bring the twisted schism of the Flash’s and Godspeed’s conflict full circle in the most personal choice of battlegrounds for both of them.

The Flash #7 continues DC Comics strong run of new Rebirth titles. The creative team on this book have propelled the Flash to even greater heights with this exciting storyline, and I look forward to seeing how the thrilling conclusion of this ac plays out.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Joshua Williamson / Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico

Colorist: Ivan Plascencia / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Carmine Di Giandomenico Variant Cover: Dave Johnson

Follow @paul_bowler

Detective Comics #940 Review

Tags

Batman, Batwoman, Brad Anderson, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #940, Detective Comics #940 review, Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows, Gotham, Gotham City, Jacob Kane, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Rafael Albuquerque, Raul Fernandez, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Spoiler, The Colony

Detective Comics #940

Review by Paul Bowler

Batwoman confronts her father and Red Robin battles against impossible odds as the epic showdown with the Colony reaches its thrilling climax in Detective Comics #940, and it’s an issue destined to rock The Dark Knight’s world to the core. Batman, Batwoman and their new team of young heroes will soon face the chilling reality that, no matter the outcome, this battle to save Gotham may have already been lost…

For me, Detective Comics, with Batman and Batwoman fronting the team consisting of Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and super-villain seeking redemption Clayface, has been the highlight of DC Comics Rebirth and the new Bat-Books in general. From the moment it was announced, this titles concept and team structure, along with the inclusion of Clayface, captivated my imagination, and I love the dynamic that’s evolved between this fledgling superhero team as its evolved and learned to work together under Batwoman’s stewardship.

James Tynion IV ensures that Rise of the Batmen: Part 7 delivers a powerful finale for this first arc. I really like how Tynion has developed the bond between Bruce and Kate over the course of this storyline. Now they are forced to face the most challenging and difficult of circumstances, with Batwoman finally confronting her father’s treachery, as leader of the Colony and the one responsible for unleashing this army of Batmen and drone on Gotham, while Batman faces a desperate race against time to reach Tim at the old Wayne Tower.

Eddy Barrows gorgeous artwork for this issue of Detective Comics elevates the drama and tension to the max, with dynamic, almost cinematic page layouts. The scenes on and around the Colony Airship are spectacular, Barrows dazzles us with smashing action-packed moments of high drama as Batwoman’s fury spills over, but it is the moments where – having made himself the sole target of the drones – Red Robin makes his stand against this ultimate no-win-scenario that will truly have you on the edge of your seat. Eber Ferreira’s inks complement Barrows’ art brilliantly, enhancing the finer details and nuances of every scene, and the colors by Adriano Lucas meld with sublime grace to reflect the action and emotional beats of the story perfectly.

Detective Comics #940 is good, frustratingly good in fact, because to say more would completely spoil it. Suffice to say, James Tynion IV that pulled out all the stops for this one, its a master class in storytelling, plotting, and characterization. This issue has some of most powerful and emotional scenes that we’ve seen for a long time in a Batman comic. Barrows, Ferreira, and Lucas have also made this one of their most visually impressive issues so far. The emotional fallout from the cataclysmic events in Detective Comics #940 are conveyed in the most heartrending way, its moving stuff, and, needless to say, the ending will completely blow you away.

Rise of the Batmen has been a terrific start to Tynion’s run on Detective Comics. If this arc is anything to go by, I‘m sure Detective Comics will have become a must read Bat-Title for many fans, and now with the Night of the Monster Men crossover event about to begin, I can’t wait to see what Tynion and the whole creative team on Detective Comics have in store for us next!

Publisher: DC Comics / James Tynion IV

Art: Eddy Barrows / Inks: Eber Ferreira / Colors: Adriano Lucas

Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Barrows, Ferreira & Lucas

Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

twitter-follow screen_name=’paul_bowler’ show_count=’yes’ text_color=’00ccff’]

Green Arrow #5 Review

Tags

Arrow, Benjamin Percy, Black Canary, comcis, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Diggle, Dinah Lance, Green Arroe #5 review, Green Arrow, Green Arrow #5, Green Arrow Rebirth, Juan Ferreyra, Oliver Queen, Otto Schmidt, Seattle, The Underground Men

Green Arrow #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Oliver and Diggle break into the Inferno, the gargantuan battleship bank of The Ninth Circle in Green Arrow #5 to rescue Black Canary from Dante – the leader of the secret society that has ruthlessly destroyed Oliver Queen’s life and reputation. Now, as the Emerald Archer uncovers the full extent of what his company has been secretly funding, desperate times will call for desperate measures as Green Arrow and Black Canary take on their former ally Shado and the forces of the Ninth Circle in the depths of the Inferno…

Green Arrow #5 throws Oliver Queen and Digle into the belly of the beast that is the floating fortress called the Inferno, as writer Benjamin Percy drives the intense narrative of this arc forwards at a break neck pace to deliver one of the most thrilling issue yet of DC Comics new Green Arrow Rebirth series.

From their stealth infiltration of the Inferno amidst raging seas while Dinah endures being Dante‘s captive, Oliver and Diggle quickly decide on their next move. The banter between Ollie and Diggle is especially well written, Percy excels at making scenes like this come alive on the page, and I like how Diggle acts of the voice of reason here. The issue quickly unfolds with a series of interconnected scenes as Oliver makes his way through the Inferno, eavesdropping on a clandestine meeting headed by his CEO, and one time friend, Cyrus Broderick, which gives us a shocking insight into exactly what Queen Industries has been involved with. Its powerful stuff, packed with revelations that drag the vile people trafficking activities of the Underground Men and the insidious global machinations of the Ninth Circle into the cold light of day for Oliver.

The standout scene in the whole issue for me was the reunion between Oliver and Dinah. As ever, the characterization here is spot on, I love how Percy makes Black Canary sassy, vulnerable, and kick ass all at the same time. It’s also great how the Rebirth Green Arrow works on so many levels, there’s always lots of key moments for long term fans to pick up on, but not enough to bewilder or spoil the fun for new readers. There is also one big game changing plot twist that will makes you see this arc in completely unexpected new light, and serves to enlighten Oliver about how much the people he cares about believe in him.

Juan Ferreyra brings all the distinct qualities of his interior artwork and colors to the fore in Green Arrow #5 with some beautifully eye catching page layouts that effortlessly immerse you in the story. With sumptuous attention to detail lavished throughout, Ferreyra’s art complements the pace of Benjamin Percy’s story perfectly. The opening scenes on rough seas as Green Arrow and Diggle board the Inferno are stunning, and then we have the dark moody interiors, the layers of Shado’s and Emi’s treachery are peeled away as Black Canary waits her fate, the cavernous opulence of the vault, and a spectacular face-off between Green Arrow, Diggle, and Black Canary against Shado and the Ninth Circle in a blood boiling chamber of horrors.

Green Arrow #5 is another hugely impressive issue from Benjamin Percy and Juan Ferreyra. The frenetic pace, strong characterization and wonderful artwork make this one of the best DC Rebirth titles around at the moment in my book. The Emerald Archer’s adventures have been elevated to a whole new level of greatness by Benjamin Percy, Otto Schmidt, Juan Ferreyra, and Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT’s work on this series, and with Green Arrow #5’s action-packed closing moments and cliff-hanger to die for ending, it looks like we are going to be in for one hell of a ride!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy / Art and Color: Juan Ferreyra

Lettering: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT / Cover: Juan Ferreyra

Variant Cover: Neal Adams and Bill Sienkiewicz with Jeromy Cox

Follow @paul_bowler