Batman Eternal #29 Review

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Arkham Asylum, Batman Eternal #29, Batman Eternal #29 Review, Batwing, comics, DCComics, Deacon Blackfire, Hush, James Tynion IV, Jim Corrigan, Joker's Daughter, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Romulo Fajardo JR, Scott Snyder, Simon Coleby, The New Doctor, The Spectre, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #29

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham is gripped by chaos, marshal law has been declared, and Commissioner Bard is in league with Hush. Now that Batman and his allies know the truth about Bard’s alliance with Hush, and with Catwoman, the daughter of the Lion, determined to reassert the natural order of crime in Gotham, all Hell is about to break loose in Arkham Asylum. The spirit of Deacon Blackfire has possessed Maxi Zeus, the Deacon and his supernatural forces now control Arkham. Batwing and Jim Corrigan are trapped. The power of the Spectre is all that can help them now, but the Deacon has other ideas, one that will unleash Hell on Gotham City itself!

The pieces of Hush’s grand design begin to fall into place in Batman Eternal #29, as the Dark Knight evaluates the full extent of the corruption within the GCP, Bard’s betrayal, and the nano-swarm in the Narrows. The City of Shadow and Doubt also brings Arkham’s role in events to the fore, in this dark storyline by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script by Ray Fawkes, and consulting writers Tim Seeley, and Kyle Higgins, as Batwing and Jim Corrigan face the supernatural resurrection of Deacon Blackfire in Arkham Asylum.

Batman Eternal #29 picks up this supernatural subplot with ghoulish relish, the sight of Alfred alone, raving in a cell, driven out of his mind after Hush injected fear toxin directly into his brain, is enough to send chills down the spine. There are some disturbing interludes with the Joker’s daughter, Hush is also stalking the streets of Gotham, implementing another stage in his plan, and Batwing has to claw his way back through Arkham after becoming separated from Jim Corrigan – who is now at the mercy of Deacon Blackfire.

Batwing’s struggle to escape from the phantoms beneath Arkham, trapped underwater, with his air supply running out, is another highlight of this issue. Its good to see how Batwing manages to cope with his predicament, especially with so many of his suits systems offline, he’s able to fight back against the supernatural forces and re-establish his com-link with Batman. This leads to a great scene, were Alfred’s daughter, Julia, now acting as Penny Two, is able to coordinate their efforts from the cave, and work together to attempt to decipher the cryptic code from the Riddler’s cell that Batwing’s suit has been analysing.

The art by Simon Coleby really helps to build the dark and sinister tone of this issue. The exterior scenes in Gotham, especially those featuring Hush and the Joker’s daughter, bring us right down to street level, while Batman takes to the air to tackle the GCPD’s heavy handed approach to the civil unrest in Gotham. Coleby’s art brings a dark, gritty tone to a variety of locations and characters, each superbly defined and illustrated, which, together with Romulo Fajardo JR’s intricate colors and subtle tones, really enhances the brooding atmosphere of impending dread that permeates every aspect of this issue as events unfold in Arkham.

Batman Eternal #29, with its diverse plot, extensive cast of characters, and spellbinding action, is the culmination of several plot threads that have been developing for a while now over the course of this weekly series. This issue builds to a nerve jangling climax; as Batwing races to save Jim Corrigan from Deacon Blackfire’s power, and the paranormal shocks and twists continue right up until the final page. Batman Eternal #29 continues to impress on every level, with its great story and art, this excellent issue sets the stage for some significant developments at Arkham Asylum just in time for Halloween!

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Batman #35 Review

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Batman, Batman #35, Batman #35 Review, Batman Endgame, comics, Danny Miki, DCComics, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, James Tynion IV, Justice League, Kelly Jones, Scott Snyder, The New 52

Batman #35

Review by Paul Bowler

A new chapter in the Dark Knight’s legacy begins in Batman #35, as writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo brings us their most epic story to date: Batman Endgame. With a mysterious gas attack right in the heart of Gotham City, a new base of operations and his oldest friends having seemingly turned against him, Batman must use the most extreme countermeasures of all… Together with its vast cast of characters and major life-changing events, Batman Endgame will challenge the Dark Knight’s resolve like never before – this is the story that could end him…

Following their reinterpretation of Batman’s origin with Zero Year, the critically acclaimed creative team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo bring us Batman Endgame, the story to end all Batman stories. Batman #35’s new story arc brings the series back to the present, where Batman Endgame is set during timeframe of the events and continuity that will be established after the conclusion of DC’s weekly series, Batman Eternal. Batman Endgame is Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s big story event for Batman’s 75th anniversary, and they’ve crafted their deadliest and most exciting adventure yet to celebrate this momentous landmark for the Dark Knight.

Batman #35, with its opulently crafted prologue and quick flash forward, gives us plenty to ponder over before Batman Endgame Part 1 begins in earnest in the present. With its subtle references to Zero Year and The Court of Owls, we rejoin Batman following a run in with the Scarecrow, where Scott Snyder quickly establishes a new set-up: Alfred is well on the road to recovery, its good to see his daughter, Julia, is still around too, and we also find that Bruce has moved into a new high-tech base in a very familiar part of the city.

From here Batman #35 hit’s the ground running and the excitement doesn’t let up for a moment! If anything, the no-holds-barred smack down that takes up the bulk of this issue is so well thought out, and so ingeniously clever, that you’ll be left thinking half way through the issue about how the hell Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo going to top this? That’s just in the first few pages, and you won’t have even finished the issue yet. Suffice it to say, this is a battle like no other you’ve ever seen before, and it makes you wonder what other contingence plans the Dark Knight might have secretly prepared for.

Greg Capullo’s art for Batman #35 is as breathtaking as ever, from the beautiful crafted opening, with stunning aerial views of Gotham, followed by a quick look round the new base of operations, Capullo throws us into the midst of Batman’s battle royal with the Justice League – and it’s a fight that will quite simply blow you away! Greg Capullo has gone all out for Batman’s slugfest with the Justice League, the action is fast and brutal, the “Justice Buster” suit is magnificent, and the way it functioned in this issue was brilliant. The inks by Danny Miki bring added texture and energy to every page, the scenes in the theatre look amazing, and the action feels even more intense with Miki’s excellent ink wok. FCO Plascencia’s colors enrich every page, with vivid hues for the aforementioned early glimpse of the theatre, through to the clinical opaqueness of the new base, and the battle with the Justice League sees FCO’s colors mirror each Leaguer’s abilities perfectly.

Batman #35 also features a backup story, The Pale Man, and the way this links into the main story arc of Endgame is ingeniously done, written by James Tynion IV, with fantastic art by Kelly Jones, and colors by Michelle Madsen, this dark tale follows the escape of five inmates from Arkham. Doctor Zaheer gets some late night visitors on her return home from Arkham Manor, tortured souls who each have a story they must divulge. The Pale Man is a frightening glimpse beyond the veil madness, James Tynion IV weaves a macabre web of intrigue here, which together with Kelly Jone’s art, creates a brooding atmosphere of gothic horror. A masterfully structured tale, it will be fascinating to see how these events will tie-in to the main arc of Endgame.

Its clear that from the outset that the landscape of and tone Batman Endgame is influenced and woven into the shared fabric the current bat-titles, while also drawing on elements established throughout Snyder’s and Capullo’s run; and Snyder ensures that everything knits seamlessly together in a way that’s easily accessible to new readers as well. Batman Endgame gets of to a great start with this issue, setting the groundwork for this epic to unfold, and delivering one hell of a shock ending that will catch you completely off guard. Batman #35 is the start of something really special; Snyder and Capullo have excelled themselves once again with this issue, and with its surprise ending Batman Endgame looks set to be one of their best stories ever!

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Batman #34 Review

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Batman, Batman #34, Batman #34 Review, Batman Eternal, comics, DCComics, Gerry Duggan, Matteo Scalera, Scott Snyder, The New 52

Batman #34

Review by Paul Bowler

Now that Zero Year is over, and events in Batman: Eternal have caused major upheaval in Gotham City, Batman #34 finds the Dark Knight faced with task of tracking down a mysterious killer who has been secretly haunting the streets of Gotham for many years. Now with the GCPD turned against him and Jim Gordon in jail Batman must work quickly to solve the mystery behind these heinous crimes before the killer can strike again…

Following the thrilling conclusion of Zero Year, Batman #34 sees the series move forward in time to coincide directly with the events and continuity that will follow the conclusion of DC’s current weekly series, Batman Eternal. Batman #34 is a stand-alone story, written by Scott Snyder and co written by Gerry Duggan (Who is also writing this October’s new series Batman Arkham Manor), is a spooky detective mystery, one that offers an unsettling insight into the mind of a killers deranged psyche, with art by Matteo Scalera.

When a patient from Leslie Thompkins medical clinic goes missing, Batman suspects that a killer is operating in Leslie’s neighbourhood. Batman #34 reintroduces us to a Gotham City still in turmoil following the events of Batman Eternal: the GCPD are no longer his allies, Selina Kyle is now a Kingpin, and Jim Gordon is locked up in Blackgate for murder. Now it seems a killer has been at work in Gotham and Batman didn’t notice. Furious with himself, Batman resolves to find this murder who has, until now, managed to evade the Dark Knight’s sight.

The Meek is dark and disturbing tale, one that simultaneously brings us bang up to date with current events in Gotham City while also providing a seamless transition from Snyder’s and Capullo’s 12 issue re-imagining of the Dark Knight’s origin in Zero Year. With its excellent story by Scott Snyder and co-written by Gerry Duggan, Batman #34 sees the Dark Knight working in a Gotham where the status quo has now been drastically altered. While so much has changed for Batman its good to see him working with his old friend, Leslie Thompkins, the medical practitioner who runs a clinic for the neglected and impoverished, during his investigation.

One of the aspects I really liked about this issue was the unsettling way it actually gets under the skin of the killer himself. This average guy, a person no one would notice, whose everyday life is as entombed within the realm of darkness, death, and despair as the poor and impoverished lost souls that he preys on at night. He’s one sick, twisted individual, someone who just happens to have slipped between the cracks, an opportunist nobody ever sees, his crimes blending into the dark underbelly of Gotham City, unnoticed even by the Dark Knight himself.

Matteo Scalera (Deadpool, Black Science) provides the art for Batman #34, capturing the dark and foreboding atmosphere of this tale with a series of dynamic page layouts that really pull you into events as they unfold. Scalera’s rendition of the Dark Knight’s world is perfectly suited to the tone of this story: from the cavernous shadows of the Batcave, to the headstones of Potters Field with Gotham’s skyline looming ominously in the distance, the concisely delivered recap of Batman Eternal forms a sublime collage of interconnecting images as Batman swings over the city, and the finale offers a chilling descent into the full horror of the killers design. The subdued grey and brown tones employed by colorist Lee Loughridge serves to enhance this issues dark atmosphere even further, creating a grainy mix of light and shadow that makes Batman’s search for the killer seem even more intense.

The issue concludes with a razor sharp double edged coda. While the Meek is effectively dealt with, the full extent of his depraved appetite and the dark legacy which it ultimately unearths is enough to render even Batman speechless. By the time you reach this stunning final page by Matteo Scalera and Lee Loughridge, the full impact of this issues story really hits home, and it’s an image that’s sure to send a few chills down your spine.

Batman #34 is a great self-contained issue, Snyder, Duggan, Scalera, and Loughbridge have crafted a deliciously dark and macabre story, and it certainly delivers plenty of shocks and surprises. Next we have a glimpse five years into the future, with September’s special tie in issue Batman: Futures End #1, before we return for the start of Snyder’s and Capullo’s next major Batman story arc, Endgame, that begins in October’s Batman #35, Endgame, is also set in during the same continuity established in Batman #34, and will subsequently take place directly after the conclusion of Batman Eternal.

Batman Endgame is Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s big event story for Batman’s 75th anniversary, featuring a large cast of characters and major events in store for the Dark Knight, together with back-up stories linking into the main story arc of Endgame, co written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with artists changing monthly, Batman Endgame promises to be Snyder’s and Capullo’s most epic storyline to date.

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Earth 2 #21 Review

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Apokolips, Aquawoman, Batman, Darkseid, DCComics, Dr Fate, Earth 2, Earth 2 #21, Jimmy Olsen, Nicola Scott, Paredemons, Red Tornado, Superman, The New 52, Tom Taylor, Trevor Scott

Earth 2 #21

Review by Paul Bowler

With the fate of the world resting heavily on the shoulders of Earth 2’s reluctant new hero, various battles rage around the world, as the final World Army command post is crushed by the evil Superman and the hordes of Apokoilips. Batman and his new allies can only watch as events unfold. Commander Khan oversees his forces after they retreat to their last safe haven, meanwhile a secret project make preparations to abandon this doomed world, and having set Superman’s prisoners to work Bedlam makes a startling discovery…

Earth 2 #21 doesn’t exactly hit the ground running, instead Tom Taylor grabs you by the arm right from the very first page, and then proceeds to drags you dizzily through an action packed issue filled with brutal violence and more than a few surprise plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Kryptonian Part 1 pulls no punches, the evil Superman’s reign of terror has crushed the World Army and the New Wonders that opposed him, leaving the survivors from the carnage scattered and dazed by the ferocity and sheer speed with which Darkseid’s herald and his Parademons horde have decimated all resistance.

Earth 2 #21 is epic in scope and scale: from the opening battle in Moscow, events spiral outwards from Gotham, taking in the wonder of Amazonia, and even the majesty of Altantis itself. Perhaps most striking of all though is Project Beyond, a privately funded initiative by the rich and powerful, which despite their desperate attempt to abandon Earth, proves that in the end all the money in the world is ultimately worthless when you suddenly find yourself at the back of the queue just as the shit is about to hit the fan.

We also get to catch up with Commander Khan this issue, his shock and guilt about what he perceives as his failure as commander of the World Army is almost palpable as Colonel Dodds reports how many people he was able help evacuate. Tensions are still running high back at the Batcave as Batman and Red Arrow argue, Lois / Red Tornado intervenes in a great scene, being openly critical of  the new Batman’s tactical skills compared to his predecessor, who she knew was a tactical genus, and urges him to take decisive action while they wait for Val’s powers to develop.

The art by Nicola Scott for Earth 2 #21 looks as good as ever, with inks by Trevor Scott, their work elevates the thrilling events of this story further still, especially with the world wide scope that this issue presents them with. The numerous locations featured in Earth 2 #21 are vividly brought to life by Nicola Scott’s art, the attention to detail here is astounding, which, together with Trevor Scott’s inks and striking colors by Peter Pantazis, really encapsulates the increasing darkness of the apocalypse that Taylor has unleashed on this alternative world. This is brutal stuff as well. The opening scenes in Moscow, where the Atom valiantly stands his ground against Superman, are shocking and violent in the extreme. The carnage continues as Project Beyond meets a particularly nasty end on the edge of space after Superman makes an example of them.

Its not all doom and gloom though, we do fortunately have some lighter moments, especially after Major Sato manages make contact the World Army. Jimmy Olsen is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters, not only does he point out everyone’s arguing in the Batcave isn’t exactly helping to inspire Val’s confidence un humanity, the scene where the young super genus  hacks into a conference call between Commander Khan and Aquawoman is priceless; especially the banter between Olsen and the Queen of the Sea.

As Earth 2 #21 draws to a close we are also reunited with Mr Terrific, Terry Sloan, and Mr Miracle, as Bedlam begins to instigate the next stage of Apokolips’ master plan for Earth 2 and its civilization. These closing moments also lead to the fateful discovery of a secret that could change everything.

Tom Taylor cerographs the action perfectly, with each scene moving seamlessly to the next big event, and the series certainly seems to be building towards a titanic showdown. I also really liked that we got to see so many different locations and characters in this issue, sure it’s taking a while for everyone to regroup, but I think that really helps build the suspense as the World Army and the New Wonders formulate their plans – unaware of the knowledge gained by the forces of Apokolips that could now force their hand in the battle to come.

I would have liked to have seen more scenes with Hawkgirl and Dr Fate, especially as the brilliant cover for Earth 2 #21 by Ken Lashley and Matt Yackey featured Dr Fate so prominently, but that minor quibble aside, I really enjoyed this issue and can’t wait to see what Tom Taylor does next with Earth 2, especially now that Superman looks really, REALLY, angry! Bring it on!!!

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Batman #27 Review

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Batman, Batman #27, Bruce Wayne, Danny Miki, Dark City, DCComics, Dr Death, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, Scott Snyder, The Riddler, Zero Year

Batman #27

Review by Paul Bowler

A former scientist at Wayne Enterprises, Dr Karl Helfern, now horrifically disfigured by the formula he created which causes accelerated bone growth, has returned as  Dr Death and used his own serum to murder the team of scientists he used to work with. With Lieutenant Gordon’s help, Bruce and Lucius Fox were able to escape from Dr Death. Despite suffering a cranial fracture, Batman tries to save the last two scientists, only to find that they have already been killed by Dr Death and the GCPD are waiting to ambush him. Batman must find a way to escape from the Police, as well as confront his differences with Gordon, if he is to have any chance of tracking Dr Death to his secret lair before the super storm hits the city.

The penultimate issue of Dark City beings with a flashback to Tokyo 1946 before returning to the Newton Centre, where Batman finds the scientists have been murdered by Dr Death, and the GCPD have cornered the Dark Knight and opened fire. The Dark Knight Detectives early years continue to unfold explosively in Batman #27, with  the GCPD’s attack cutting off Batman’s escape, leaving him reeling from a  hail of bullets.

With the inclusion of Dr Death over the last few issue, the Dark City section of Zero Year has taken on a very distinct tone and feel, with this classic villain almost symbolically representing the twisting scar tissue that has healed over the terrible loss Bruce suffered on that fateful night in Crime Alley when his parents were murdered. Scott Snyder has also explored the relationship between Bruce and Lieutenant Gordon with Dark City, flaying open the old wounds that have played such a vital part in forging the direction both of their lives have taken. Batman #27 provides a fascinating insight into the story behind the trench coat from last issue, as the faint glimmer of hope which Gordon thought he had found earlier on that day, so long ago, was ultimately dashed by the corruption within the CGPD and the tears of a young orphan’s terrible loss.

If you were still pondering over last issues other intriguing flashback, which showed Bruce, suspended in cell over a vast pit in the Sudan, then Batman #27 yields a very unexpected, and highly emotional payoff. I really like how Scott Snyder has explored Alfred’s role during these early years over the course of Zero Year. It’s also been fascinating to watch this angrier, less disciplined, Bruce Wayne take to the streets as Batman and begin his war on crime. Alfred’s concerns for how Bruce is dealing with his anger provides this issues best moment, as he does not want to see Bruce let the dark scars of the past consume him. This fantastic scene brings Bruce’s motivations for being Batman into focus like never before, as Alfred urges him to reach out to those who can help, to become a force of  justice, and hope for a city riddled with crime and corruption.

Just as Snyder is absolutely bang on the money when it comes to writing Batman, I think Greg Capullo’s work on Batman has also been outstanding; his incredible attention to detail and the realism he continues to bring to every issue is superb. The opening scenes alone are nail bitingly tense as Batman makes his escape attempt. It’s during the quiet moments though, particularly in the scenes involving Gordon, and then later with Alfred, where Capullo’s brilliant renditions of these characters expressions perfectly captures the emotional impact of these events on Bruce. We also see the first time Batman disappears while Gordon is still talking. Add to that a glimpse of Batman on a storm drenched night, one guaranteed to send a few iconic shivers of nostalgia down your spine, which together with this issues exciting conclusion, will leave you on the edge of your seat as Batman discovers he has gravely underestimated his opponents.

Danny Miki’s inks are as excellent as ever, accentuating Capullo’s art perfectly, while FCO’s amazing use of color continues to play a major role in making Zero Year so enjoyable, with the vivid purple and red tones for Batman’s daring escape from the Newton Centre giving way to the sombre blues and greys of the flashbacks, while a ghoulish palette of emerald hues accompanies Batman on his descent into the catacombs to find Helfern’s lab. Capullo’s cover for Batman #27 is also really good, disturbing and compelling in equal measure; this image of Batman’s costume twisted and distorted by Dr Death’s formula has quickly become one of my favourite Zero Year covers.

Batman #27 takes Dark City into completely unexpected territory. Scott Snyder effortlessly manages to draw together several of the plot threads that have now become so indicative of Zero Year, which considering this is only chapter two of his retelling of Bruce Wayne’s early career as Batman, it points to there being even bigger, and greater surprises awaiting us in the third chapter. As Dr Death’s plans are revealed and the Riddler’s grand schemes begin to take shape, next months special Batman #28 will offers us a glimpse into the future, before we return for Batman #29 and the conclusion of Dark City in March.

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