X-Men #18 Review

Tags

Age of X, Darwin, House of X, Johnathan Hickman, Karkoa, Mahmud Asrar, Marvel, Marvel Comics, NCBD, Power of X, Sunny Gho, Synch, The Children of the Vauly, The Vauly, Wolverine, X-Men #18, X-Men #18 Review, X-Men The Vault

X-Men #18

Review by Paul Bowler.

The secrets of the mysterious Vault are finally explored in X-Men #18 from writer Johnathan Hickman, artist Mahmud Asrar and colorist Sunny Gho. It has been a long time since this team of specialist agents were sent by the Quiet Council of the Mutant nation of Krakoa to investigate the Vault – a place where time moves differently and a chronal lock makes it impossible for anyone to rescue them. 

Along with the central premise of establishing the new Mutant Island nation of Krakoa, Johnathan Hickman’s relaunch of the X-Men, which began with House of X and Power of X, also revealed that Professor X’s long-time friend, Moria MacTaggert was really a Mutant with a Groundhog Day style power that allowed her to relive multiple irritations of her timeline. Having spent many lifetimes trying to advance the X-Men’s cause and rebooting the timeline each time to learn from their setbacks, House of X and Power of X saw Moria discover that the ultimate threat and suppression of Mutantkind rested with an artificial intelligence that would be created in the distant future – Nimrod. 

So when a Child of the Vault managed to escape from the Vault – a technological marvel that uses time dilation and advanced technology to alter humans — the X-Men sent the Mutants Darwin, Wolverine (Laura Kinney) and Synch to South America to enter the Vault and assess the potential threat, along with the capabilities of the children, and uncover any inherent weaknesses in the children’s powers or the Vaults remarkable technological infrastructure. The only trouble is the team never returned. They’ve been gone for months, but as time moves differently inside the Vault, Darwin, Wolverine and Synch have now actually been inside the Vault for centuries!

The ongoing narrative of Hickman’s new X-Men run has sometimes felt less of the compelling blend of fresh ideas and innovative character arcs that spun our of House of X and Power of X, and more like a case of two-steps forwards and two-steps back as branches of the storyline unconsciously folded back over itself or became diluted with meandering events like X of Swords. Hickman is keeping a lot of plate spinning — some more successfully than others — but so far its been enough to keep everyone guessing and excited about where all of this is essentially  going for the X-Men.

Darwin, Wolverine and Synch entered the Vault way back in X-Men #5, now with X-Men #18 Hickman is finally addressing this tantalising plot thread, and he certainly doesn’t disappoint with the often bizarre and mind-boggling revelations that are divulged thick-and fast throughout this issue with almost serendipitous glee. Having this issue narrated via Synch’s recollections of events is also a clever move by Hickman which organically drives the plot from key selective viewpoints, with the inner machinations of the Vault and the motivations of the Children of the Vault converging on parallel lines with the X-Men’s incursion, and the series’ now iconic bullet-point style info-graphics filling in the blanks — especially the insightful information concerning the evolution of Synch’s powers post resurrection and what this could mean for mutant kind going forward.

This team was selected for their unique survival abilities: Darwin can adapt to any life-threatening situation, Wolverine has her healing-factor, and Synch can duplicate their powers. They were ideally suited to this mission, especially as there was no way back if things went wrong (which of course they did), and X-Men #18 details what happened in the initial moments of the relative 537 years that the team have effectively been missing. The Children of the Vault are purportedly the true heirs of the world, meant to be vastly superior to humans and Mutants, so how they react to the “wild gods of the outside world” proves decidedly disturbing, and the technological wonders of the  Vault are an uncanny challenge in itself for the X-Men’s team to experience — let alone  fully comprehend. 

Artist Mahmud Asrar and colorist Sunny Gho give substance and clarity to the finer vagaries of Hickman’s storyline, with hauntingly futuristic landscapes, advanced machinery and technological interfaces, and the almost palpable mix of awe and trepidation the team experience permeates every page. Asrar does a fantastic job of rendering these powerful emotional moments as the mysteries of the Vault begin to unfold, with intricate, sweeping page-layouts seamlessly condensing the narrative, there’s an action-packed encounter between the X-Men and the Children of the Vault that is also impressively realised, while Sunny Gho’s subtle use of delicate tones and shade brings an almost spiritual quality to the teams journey into the unknown and the ensuing centuries of discovery that await.

It has felt like a hell of long wait for Marvel’s flagship X-Men title to finally get back to addressing the mystery of the Vault and the fate of Darwin, Wolverine and Synch after they failed to return. In that respect X-Men #18 certainly gets the ball rolling again, even though it frustratingly poses just as many questions as it answers. However, if you’ve stuck with Hickman’s new X-Men this far your patience is rewarded as X-Men #18 finally gives us a clear sense of progression, and in that respect above all it delivers in spades. 

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer Johnathan Hickman / Artist Mahmud Asrar 

Colorist Sunny Gho / Letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles 

Design Tom Miller / Cover Leinil Francis Yu & Sunny Gho

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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

Immortal Hulk Flatline Review

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Bruce Banner, Declan Shalvey, Gamma, Hulk, Immortal Hulk, Immortal Hulk Flatline, Marvel, Marvel Comics, NCBD, The Immortal Hulk

Immortal Hulk Flatline 

Review by Paul Bowler

Expanding on the dark saga of The Immortal Hulk, Marvel’s one-shot Immortal Hulk Flatline, written and drawn by Declan Shalvey, delivers a tale that smashes into the heart of all things Gamma! At the dawn of ever day, Bruce Banner awakens in a new place. Perhaps the Hulk is trying to tell him something? Banner has grown tired of his green-skinned alter ego, but when a new gamma-powered villain suddenly arrives in a New Mexico town he has no choice but to confront his anger, and the terrifying results are far from anything Bruce Banner could ever have predicted…

Few comics have enjoyed or can compare to the success and critical acclaim that The Immortal Hulk has enjoyed in recent years. Al Ewing and Joe Bennet – along with a number of guest artists — have redefined the character and by taking him back to his horror roots. However, Marvel were somewhat caught off guard by the unprecedented success of The Immortal Hulk, so with the series’ end  already set and established to happen with its fiftieth issue, their response was the commission of a series of one-shots by esteemed writers and artists to bring us further standalone stories from this hugely popular era of the Hulk. 

One the most eagerly anticipated of these one-shots has been Immortal Hulk Flatline by the acclaimed Irish creator Declan Shalvey who is doing both the writing and the art for this one-shots intriguing storyline. Known for his pin-sharp, striking visual style, and fine writing skills, Shalvey brings all his skill to bare on crafting something uniquely special for the Immortal Hulk Flatline. While Ewing’s and Bennet’s main series rumbles towards its conclusion, Declan Shalvey steers the narrative back to reexamining the dark schism that fuels the conflict between Banner and Immortal Hulk, with the green behemoth deposing Banner at different locales around the country, seemingly intent on drawing his attention to something that Banner is still desperately struggling to define. 

Of course that’s only part of the mystery at the heart of Immortal Hulk Flatline. The other is Banner’s chance meeting with his old friend and college lecturer on Gamma radiation, Professor Noonan. This haunting encounter leads into the discovery of a new gamma-powered adversary that Banner and the Immortal Hulk inadvertently come into conflict with. Shalvey brings some new and unexpected insights to the core themes of Al Ewing’s ground-breaking run on The Immortal Hulk, casting new light on the chilling dynamic of the series’ initial premise, and the existential common goal that ultimately drives Banner’s pantheon of alters. 

Handling the role of writer, artist and colorist like this is quite a responsibility and Declan Shalvey does so with considerable style and verve. The artwork is indeed a veritable tour de force by Shalvey, his Immortal Hulk is a distilled version of Joe Bennet’s horror themed grotesque, and more of a chiselled, brutish thug, but his Immortal Hulk persona is still every bit a darkly menacing powerhouse to be reckoned with. The new Gamma irradiated villain that Hulk battles in this one-shot possesses telekinetic-like Gammer abilities, which are used to devastating effect as their savage no-holds-barred conflict crashes from page to page across a plethora of dynamic and stylish page layouts. Petit’s lettering is bang on point as well for what is actually quite a dialogue intense issue. Shalvey also employs a masterful use of color, using muted tones to highlight the drudgery of the dead-end jobs Banner takes on to blend into the background, while vibrant colors accentuate the explosive battles, and somber hues Convey the shared reckoning of the emotive climax. 

Declan Shalvey has achieved an astonishing feat with this one-shot special. The fact Shalvey’s brought so many quintessential elements of the series together is remarkable in itself;  that he’s also made them resonate so well in such a glorious fusion of story and art makes The Immortal Hulk Flatline one-shot one of the early high-points of 2021 and a fine addition to the enduring legacy of the Immortal Hulk.

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer & Artist Declan Shalvey

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Declan Shalvey

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About The Author

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

Future State Swamp Thing #2 Review

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

Future State Swamp Thing #2

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

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About The Author

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

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colors June Chung

Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and June Chung 

Future State Nightwing #1 Review

Tags

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

Future State Nightwing #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Andrew Constant / Artist Nicola Scott

Colorist Ivan Plascencia / Letterer Wes Abbott 

Cover Yasmine Putri

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About The Author

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

Future State Robin Eternal #1 Review

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

Future State Robin Eternal #1

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Megan Fitzmartin / Pencils Eddy Barrdows 

Inks Eber Ferreira / Colorist Adriana Lucas

Letterer Pat Brosseau Cover Irvin Rodriguez & Emanuela Lupacchino

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About The Author

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

Future State Swamp Thing #1 Review

Tags

DC Comcis, Future State, Future State Swamp Thing #1, Future State Swamp Thing #1 review, Mike Perkins, NCBD, New Swamp Thing series, Ram V, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #1

Future State Swamp Thing #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Future State Swamp Thing #1 proves a most welcome addition to DC Comics Future State event. In the aftermath of a terrible war life has been reborn in Swamp Thing’s image. Humanity  hides in the shadow of this new avatar of the green who now rules the Earth. The last survivors of the human race are on the brink of rebellion, but Swamp Thing is no stranger to violence, and if its war they want its war they will get! 

The regular DC Comics line is currently taking a two-month break to make way for DC’s line-wide Future State event, which has been touted as a showcase for new creative teams on many of its core titles and characters that will offer readers a glimpse into a potential future for the DC universe. Fans of Justice League Dark will undoubtably be pleased that writer Ram V is on board here for Future State Swamp Thing #1 to retain the most recent take on the character through into Future State, and together with artist Mike Perkins this new chapter in the Swamp Thing saga flourishes in the creatively fertile soil of this compelling issues grim apocalyptic storyline.

Ram V quickly establishes how in this future the world has succumbed to both the failings of humanity and heroes alike, weaving a dark analogy of the present, with climate change, war and disease ultimately providing civilisations downfall despite all the heroes efforts during Death Metal – or perhaps because of it? Most of the human race is now missing or dead, and of the few remnants of humanity Swamp Thing has managed to retain, sheer loneliness has led him to create offshoots of his own species imbued with the personalities and memories of his various recollections of humanity. Swamp Thing has become the Green Father, but his attempts to recreate humanity in his own image has also given rise to all the best and the worst aspects  of which that lies therein as well.

Mike Perkins artwork is at times gorgeously haunting and beautifully serine. From the strikingly expansive vista recapping the demise of the world though to Swamp Thing’s poetic storytelling to Calla, which in turn contrasts sublimely with conflict proved by the tenacious Indigo, and the warm kindness this Green Father still holds for humanity are all superbly illustrated by Perkins. The subtle use of color by June Chung is also excellent — accentuating the tone and  fine detail of Perkins artwork perfectly.

The inmate weirdness of Swamp Thing’s world and philosophical magical undercurrents are masterfully woven into the narrative by Ram V, which, together with Mike Perkin’s spellbinding art, almost makes it feel like we’re observing a vivisection of the very essence of what makes Swamp Thing the indomitable character that he is as the layers of his being and psyche are slowly peeled away layer by layer before our eyes.

Future State Swamp Thing #1 certainly gets this opening week of Future State off to a good start. With the discovery of a mysterious fortress in the North and the surprise appearance of another prominent DC Comics character, there’s plenty of intrigue on offer to entice us  back for the next issue. If anything, Future State Swamp Thing #1 wets our appetite even more for the 10 issue maxi-series, also by the creative team of Ram V and Mike Perkins, with colors by Mike Spicer, arriving in March.

I wasn’t going to bother with Future State much, apart from Swamp Thing really, but sadly as I write this first review of 2021 the UK is also going back into lockdown. Its a necessary measure, but I won’t lie, I am finding it a little depressing. Hopefully things will get back on track soon once the vaccine gets rolled out. I’m not looking forward to spending more weeks being apart from family and friends either. Fortunately I can do everything from home, and I’ve got my writing to keep me occupied. So, no doubt I’ll end up doing some more box-set binging, I might check out some of the other Future State books as well now I’ll have a bit more time on my hands. Fingers crossed the end of this COVID 19 pandemic isn’t too far off now, so take care, and stay safe everyone. 

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Ram V / Artist Mike Perkins

Colors June Chung / Letters Aditya Bidikar

Cover Mike Perkins and June Chung 

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About The Author

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

Batman #105 Review

Tags

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

Batman #105

Review by Paul Bowler

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV

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

Colorist David Barron / Letterer Clayton Cowles

Cover Jorge Jimenez & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

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

Juggernaut #1 Review

Tags

Cain Marko, Fabian Nicieza, Juggernaut, Juggernaut #1, Juggernaut #1 review, Juggernaut mini-series, Marvel, Marvel Comics, NCBD, Ron Garney, X-Men

Juggernaut #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Cain Marko returns in Juggernaut #1, Marvel’s brand new five part mini-series from well renowned X-Men scribe Fabian Nicieza (X-Force, Deadpool) and acclaimed artist Ron Garney (Captain America, Daredevil).

Done with letting other people pick up the pieces Cain Marko is getting his life back on track by working for Damage Control and putting his destructive talents as the Juggernaut to  good use. With the assured hand of writer Fabian Nicieza at the helm Juggernaut #1 quickly sets the stage for the tone of this series right rom the outset. Nicieza presents a far more sympathetic take on the character of Cain Marko, which is immediately refreshing as Juggernaut has often been portrayed somewhat one dimensionally in the past (having suffered years of abuse by his father, been rendered powerless, or hurt, familiar tropes usually see him written as just a raging, unstoppable powerhouse), and the end result is as solid character piece that elevates Juggernaut   to a whole new level.

The story itself is straightforward enough. While on a demolition job in a run down neighbourhood Juggernaut encounters a group of homeless teens, but when one of them exhibits super-powers and gets injured he decided to help out and become something of a mentor to her while she recovers in hospital. Fabian Nicieza cleverly weaves the core narrative of this series through the conversations between Juggernaut and D-Cell in the hospital, with pacy, wry dialogue highlighting just how lost both of them are in the difficult junctures of their lives, and it is here that Juggernaut finds the sense of purpose he’s been looking for to become a more positive force in the world.

Juggernaut #1 features some great artwork by Ron Garney that perfectly captures the soul-searching mood of the issue. Garney balances the raw, overwhelming power of Juggernaut with the moving sincerity of Marko’s wish to help D-Cell, and the bold, heavier, shades and tones employed by color artist Matt Milla works in perfect conjunction with Garney’s expressive, yet understated artwork. Highlights include Juggernaut cutting loose on the demolition site, the flashback to his torturous journey across Limbo and his ultimate sacrifice at The Crossroads, but it is the heartwarming scenes with Marko at D-Cell’s hospital bedside that really make this issue a compelling read.

Nothing can stop the Juggernaut, except himself of course, and the first issue of this new mini-series brings that fact home with all the crystal clarity of a mystic gem. For that is exactly what Juggernaut #1 — with its thought-provoking story by Fabian Nicieza and terrific art by Ron Garney – is, an unexpected little gem in the veritable sea of comic book events dominating the landscape at the moment, and with a startling cliffhanger that isn’t kidding around in the slightest I’ve high expectations for the rest of this mini-series!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Fabian Nicieza /Artist Ron Garney / Color Artist: Matt Milla

Letterer VC’s Joe Sabino / Cover: Geoff Shaw

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About The Author

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

 

Batman #99 Review

Tags

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

Batman #99

Review by Paul Bowler.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

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

 

Batman #98 Review

Tags

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

Batman #98

Review by Paul Bowler.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

Follow @paul_bowler

About The Author

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