Detective Comics #968 Review

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A Lonley Place of Living, Alfred, Alvaro Martinez, Azeral, Batcave, Batman, Batwing, Batwoman, Cassandra, Clayface, Damian, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #968, Detective Comics #968 review, James Tynion IV, Nightwing, Raul Fernandez, Red Hood, Red Robin, Tim Drake, Tomeu Morey

Detective Comics #968

Review by Paul Bowler

A Lonely Place of Living reaches its astounding conclusion in Detective Comics #968, with Tim Drake now back on Earth, but he’s also brought a fearsome menace back with him – a future version of himself that has been tragically moulded by fate to become the Batman! This misguided Batman is determined to complete his mission to kill Batwoman and change the future, not even the Dark Knight and his allies can stand against him, and now Red Robin must fight to save everything that he’s ever fought and died for…

Suffice to say, Detective Comics #968 is not only one hell of an action packed issue, its also probably writer James Tynion’s finest story arc so far during his run on Detective Comics. With its throwbacks to A Lonely Place of Dying and nebulous links to the Mr Oz storyline going on over in Action Comics, this storyline with its timey wimey narrative has made for compelling reading, and effectively brought Tim Drake‘s story full circle as he returns to the fold in a battle royal with his future self who now wears the mantel of the Bat!

Tynion skilfully balances the cast of Bat-characters in this issue, with Batman, Red Robin, Nightwing, Damian, Red Hood, and Alfred squaring off against the future Tim / Batman in the Batcave, while Batwoman, Azeral, Cassandra, Batwing, and Clayface bravely confront a lethal attack from hacked Colony drones at the Belfrey. Everyone in the Bat-Family gets a moment to shine in the spotlight, the dialogue and banter positively crackles from the page, and the team dynamic that makes this book so strong will no doubt be made all the richer by the dramatic far-reaching implication of the events that unfold over the course of this issue.

Detective Comics #968 also dazzles with some especially striking artwork, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez, inks by Raul Fernandez, and colors Tomeu Morey, the bold, free flowing page layouts and panoramic double page spreads exquisitely relay the frenetic action and emotional beats in vivid detail; while the concise letting by Sal Cipriano ensures the dialogue seamlessly blends the narrative across each and every panel. From the face-off in the Batcave to the showdown in the Belfrey, the extensive cast of characters are all impressively rendered, dynamic perspectives give each location a distinct tone, and the temporal effect that intermittently manifests around the future Tim / Batman also provides an interesting visual flourish.

This story-arc has been nothing short of brilliant, and James Tynion IV has excelled once himself again with this issue. Detective Comics 968 delivers an extremely satisfying, powerful, and moving conclusion to A Lonely Place of Living. It’s great to finally have Tim Drake back after his apparent demise in the battle with the Colony and his subsequent incarceration outside of time by Mr Oz. A Lonely Place of Living has offered us an intriguing glimpse into the future (or at last one possible future), it will be fascinating to what happens now that Tim has returned to the Bat-family, and I can’t wait to see what Tynion and Co have in store for this team next!

Publisher DC Comics.

Writer James Tynion IV / Pencils Alvaro Martinez / Inks Raul Fernandez

Colors Tomeu Morey / Letters Sal Cipriano

Cover Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, & Adriano Lucas

Varian Cover Rafael Albuquerque

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Detective Comics #940 Review

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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

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Detective Comics #936 Review

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Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batwoman, Brad Anderson, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #936, Detective Comics #936 Review, Gotham, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Rafael Albuquerque, Raul Fernandez, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Spoiler, The Colony

Detective Comics #936

Review by Paul Bowler

A new threat is rising in Gotham City. Batman and Batwoman have assembled a new generation of heroes against this secret army of the Colony and their extreme tactics. Now, in Detective Comics #936, Batman is missing, and the time has come for Batwoman to take charge. But will she able to make Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and erratic super-villain seeking redemption Clayface work together as a team?

Rise of the Batmen Part 3: Army of Shadows, continues the brand new story-arc by James Tynion IV, where Batman and Batwoman have begun training a new strike force of young heroes to face the soldiers of the Colony that have modelled themselves on the Dark Knight and begun scouring the city, ruthlessly dealing with anything perceived as potential a threat – including it now seems, even Batman himself!

Tynion deftly builds on the series’ new direction and concept with Detective Comics #936, as Kate Kane confronts her doubts about training Batman’s team over a drink with former love interest Renee Montoya (she was also the Question), who makes a long awaited return here after being absent from the DC Universe – for the most part – since the New 52 reboot. It is a powerful, moving, and insightful scene for both characters. However, Montoya can easily see though Kate’s tough façade, and her parting words of advice are tinged with bittersweet sincerity for them both. From there an emergency call brings Batwoman to the teams new Belfry HQ, where Red Robin presents Kate with the news that Batman has been ambushed by the Colony, and that its now up to her to must decide what they do next.

This issue rattles along at a cracking pace. Batwoman quickly ascertains the Colony forces have military form, but it is Red Robin who really helps Kate to address her issues concerning Batman and her ability as a leader. It’s a great scene for both characters, and it offers a fascinating insight into how they both perceive Batman and feel they’ve earned his trust. The time has come for Batwoman and Red Robin to summon Spoiler, Orphan, and Clayface to the Belfry and to bring them up to speed with their mission, together with some expert advice from Kate’s father, to prepare them for what they must face with Batman now MIA.

Detective Comics #936 is a mighty fine looking issue, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez and inks by Raul Fernandez, every scene flows seamlessly into the next, and the staggering level of detail on every page skilfully accentuates the many subtleties and nuances of Tynion’s excellent scrip. From Kate’s musings on her past reflected in a her own beer glass during a quiet drink in a bar with Renee Montoya, to the dual functionality and visual spectacle of the Belfry’s huge window, this issue also delivers its fair share of big-action set–pieces as well. The colors by Brad Anderson are another major highlight of this issue of Detective Comics, with glorious tones and rich shades enhancing ever scene, especially those set in the Belfry.

James Tynion IV has done a fantastic job with this issue; it’s packed from cover to cover with action, suspense, and great characterization. Everything builds to a thrilling cliff-hanger in Detective Comics #936, a hidden agenda is revealed, the Belfry comes under attack, Clayface’s unpredictable abilities prove crucial, and Batwoman finally learns that she has what it takes to be the leader that Batman trusted her to be.

Of all the new comics that I’ve been reading recently, Detective Comics has easily been the standout new Bat-title from DC’s Rebirth event for me. Everything from the writing, the art, and its exciting cast of characters just seemed to click together right from the start. This creative team have really raised the bar with Detective Comics, its fresh, different, and TEC #936 is another excellent issue in this new story-arc.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: James Tynion IV / Pencils: Alvaro Martinez

Inks: Raul Fernandez / Colors: Brad Anderson / Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Martinez, Fernandez & Morely

Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

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Detective Comics #934 Review

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Adriano Lucas, Azrael, Batman, Batwoman, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #934, Detective Comics #934 Review, Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows, Gotham, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Rise of the Batmen Part 1, Spoiler

Detective Comics #934

Review by Paul Bowler

The Batman family must confront a new menace in Detective Comics #934, when an unknown enemy that looks suspiciously like Batman begins stalking Gotham City and using ruthless tactics against perceived threats. Batman and Batwoman unite to train the next generation of young heroes in Gotham: Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and the reformed super-villain Clayface, to battle crime and protect their city. ..

As well as returning to its original numbering, Detective Comics now embraces an entirely new concept, and gets a new creative team with the advent of DC Rebirth, as writer James Tynion IV, artist Eddy Barrows, inker Eber Ferreira, and colorist Adriano Lucas usher in a new era for DC’s flagship comic series. Detective Comics #934 also marks the return of Batwoman to play a major role in the DC Universe, now working alongside Batman, together they will form a new team of superheroes with, Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan, and Clayface, to confront the challenge of this mysterious new Darker Knight prowling Gotham like a vengeful predator, but can they work as a team, and is Clayface really ready to change his villainous ways?

You know, as excited as I am by Batman, Nightwing, and All Star Batman, of all the new Bat-Titles coming our way during DC’s Rebirth, its Detective Comics that I’ve really been looking forward to the most. I often feel that Detective Comics got a bit overlooked at times during The New 52, but I’m sure all that will change; especially now on the strength of this first issue by James Tynion IV and the exciting new premise it establishes.

The initial scenes of Rise of the Batmen Part 1 flashbacks to events as Gotham’s deadly new cape and cowl attacks Azrael, it’s a brutal fight, but with Batman’s arrival on the scene this strange doppelganger impersonating Batman soon beats a hasty retreat to the shadows. The new status quo and cast of characters is quickly set out as the issue unfolds, as Kate’s father’s sentiments are echoed later in Batman’s request for her to help him find out why Azrael was attacked and who is controlling the drones that have been spying on Gotham’s vigilantes. It’s really interesting to see Bruce and Kate working together so closely again, the unusual dynamic between them really plays to Tynion’s strengths as a writer, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Batman and Batwoman will work together. Given how tense and distant their relationship has sometimes been, this issue heralds a major turnaround on that front, it’s a terrific scene, and pivotal to forging their bond of trust and respect as equal partner in recruiting and running their boot camp for their new trainees.

James Tynion IV also does a great job at handling this ensemble cast of characters, a fact that really shines through as we see Batman and Batwoman assessing and visiting Spoiler, Red Robin, Cassandra Cain, and Clayface individually over the course of the issue, and brining them together as a team to survive this new threat. Even though each student has their own unique attributes, strengths, and skills, Batwoman makes it clear from the outset their training is going to be tough; and she certainly isn’t going to go easy on them!

Then of course we have, in my opinion, the masterstroke move by Tynion and co, of having Clayface becoming part of the team! The scene were Batman and Batwoman recruit Basil Karlo proves to be a really powerful and emotional scene for the character, I found it genuinely moving, and the dynamic between Batman and Batwoman here is pitched perfectly. Ok, hands up, I admit I’m more than a little biased here, because Clayface is my all-time-favourite villain from Batman’s rogues galley, and I’m thrilled to see the character become such an integral part of this series, but is he really ready for redemption? Only time will tell…

Detective Comics #934 features some gorgeous artwork by Eddy Barrows and inks by Eber Ferreira. The page layouts are bold and dramatic, Barrow’s art is finely detailed and conveys the often kinetic action with an almost fluidic sense of pace and movement, all the characters are impressively realized, and Ferreira’s inks really brining out the finer nuances of Barrow’s work to such a degree that each scene literally bursts from the page with the sheer immersing power of characterization and spectacle in this issue. Likewise, colorist Adriano Lucas builds the tension and drama with a subtle blend of rich hues and bold tones, while the clever use of light and shadow accentuates the mood of countless scenes to make this issue an outstanding synergy of storytelling and art. This issue has so many highlights: Batman standing framed in light in St Michael’s Cathedral before the fallen Azrael, Batwoman swinging across the Gotham skyline, the recruiting of the individual team members, and the stunning welcome to boot camp at the Bat-Signal that emulates this issues stunning cover by Barrows, Ferreira, Lucas is a sublime move that neatly bookends the issue in fine style.

James Tynion IV has done a terrific job with Detective Comics #934, the new premise and mission scenario is set out for Batman, Batwoman, and their new team in a way that gradually builds the mystery and suspense, before the issue closes with a startling glimpse at the true scale of the menace they will all soon have to face. James Tynion gives all of the characters a moment to shine, while Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas ensure the issue is busting from cover to cover with impressive visual, along with concise letting from Marilyn Patrizio, collectively gets this new creative teams run on Detective Comics off to a great start!

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

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Batman and Robin Eternal #1 Review

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Batman, Batman and Robin Eternal #1, Batman and Robin Eternal #1 review, Bluebird, Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Jason Todd, Mother, Red Hood, Red Robin, Robin, Scarecrow, Scott Snyder, The Orphan, Tim Drake, Tony S. Daniel

Batman and Robin Eternal #1

Review by Paul Bowler

DC Comics new weekly comic series Batman and Robin Eternal #1 is finally here! This sequel to the hugely successful weekly series Batman Eternal will focus on Robin and the many characters that have been involved in the Dark Knights legacy as Robins, and will form a major Bat-Family story event to celebrate Robin’s 75^th Anniversary!

Years ago, Batman and Robin tackled one of the most unsettling cases of their careers, when they brought down a secret organization run by a ruthless human trafficker – a mysterious woman known as Mother. Although Dick Grayson never fully appreciated the true scale of the case back then, those dark secrets from the past are returning to haunt him and everyone who ever worked alongside Batman. Now Bruce Wayne is no longer Batman, Dick Grayson and his allies must deal with the menace without him. But who can really be trusted, is someone amongst them not quite who they seem, and who is the silent – yet extremely deadly – young woman swathed in black who has recently arrived in Gotham City in search of Batman?

Batman and Robin Eternal will feature a wealth of characters, villains, international intrigue, plot twists, and a few new additions to the saga of Batman and Robin along the way over the next six months in this new weekly blockbusting DC Comics series from lead writer James Tynion IV, together with Batman writer Scott Snyder, and co-writers Tim Seeley, Steve Orlando, Genevieve Valentine, Ed Brisson, and Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, with lead artist Tony S. Daniel fronting an art team which includes Paul Pelletier, Scott Eaton, and Francis Manapul.

Being the 75^th anniversary of Robin the boy wonder, and of course the character of Dick Grayson, the original Robin, this 26 issue weekly series gets off to a exciting start with Batman and Robin Eternal #1, featuring story by James Tynion V & Scott Snyder, script by James Tynion V, with art from Tony Daniel’s, together with inks by Sandu Florea, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Tom Napolitano, we plunge right into the heart of the action as three time lines converge as one. Years ago in Cairo, Egypt, a hooded figure guns down a young boys parents, while Batman and Robin patrol the Gotham skyline in the then, and in present-day Gotham Spryal agent Dick Grayson’s return to the city (see Grayson #12) finds him engaged in a motorbike chase with drugged-up weapons designer. Grayson gets some backup from Red Hood and Red Robin, and soon the action-packed chase is over and the trio quickly capture the high-tech weapons dealer.

I really like the strong dynamic between Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake. They make a great team, there’s some fun banter between them as well, and working in a Gotham where Bruce is no longer Batman has clearly strengthened the bond between them. While Dick sets off to deal with some official super-spy business, Red Hood’s opinion of Gotham’s new Dark Knight is brought into sharper focus when Bluebird has a run in with the new Batman, and it seems Harper’s no pushover when it come to dealing with Bat-Bots!

Even though the weekly series takes place in the present-day setting of Gotham, where Bruce Wayne is no long Batman and Jim Gordon has taken over as the new robo-suited Dark Knight, Bruce still have a key role to play. The story revolves around a mystery from the past from back when Dick Grayson was Robin, and Bruce Wayne was the Batman, and involves Mother during Robin’s first globe trotting adventure. Flashbacks to these past events featuring Batman / Bruce Wayne and Robin / Dick Grayson are fleeting in this first issue, but when Grayson’s mission at the reopening of a Gotham University in the present reminds him of his first encounter with Scarecrow when he was Robin, it sets in motion a deadly chain of events that could unleash danger and betrayal on all sides as an unknown figure from the past returns.

It’s also good to see Tony Daniel returning to Gotham City. Tony Daniel’s spent over five years writing drawing Batman comic books and more than three years writing them, so it’s fantastic to see Tony Daniel’s art in Batman and Robin Eternal. Since moving on from Detective Comics in 2012 the writer / artist has worked on a number of projects, including writing and drawing the recent run of Deathstroke. As we might’ve expected, Batman and Robin Eternal provides a welcome reunion for Daniel’s with these iconic characters, and his brilliant artwork on this first issue quickly sets the tone and style of this weekly series. The inks by Sandu Florea are also excellent, highlighting every aspect of Daniel’s art, and the rich colors by Tomeu Morey make this issue look absolutely stunning. Needless to say, the cover for Batman and Robin Eternal #1 by Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea, and Tomeu Morey, is superb, and probably one of the most impressive covers for a new series that I’ve seen in a long time! (There is also a great variant cover by Mikel Janin.)

It’s no secret that the all new, silent and deadly version, of Cassandra Cain makes her welcome debut to the New 52 in Batman and Robin Eternal, and it’s clear her role will be a key factor that drives the narrative of this weekly series. Let’s just say that her appearance during this issue comes at a most unexpected moment, actually it completely wrong-foots you, and it’s a brilliantly handled scene that illustrates her fighting skills perfectly. I’ve always liked Cassandra Cain, she’s a terrific character, and I’m looking forward to discovering more about her role in the events of Batman and Robin Eternal in the weeks ahead.

There are also some good scenes featuring Harper and her brother, Cullen, their bond is as strong as ever, however, it seems Steph isn’t too happy about being left on the sidelines again while Bluebird hit’s the streets. Harper Row is another worthy addition to the Bat-Family, she’s evolved into such a pivotal character since her introduction, and I’m sure Batman and Robin Eternal will give the character a chance really to shine.

Dark secrets wait in the shadows, there’s a message from the past for Dick Grayson, and who is the mysterious Orphan? James Tynion V and Scott Snyder have worked their magic on Batman and Robin Eternal #1, Tynion’s engaging multi-layered script sets a high benchmark for the series, as the story weaves seamlessly between timelines, and the art by Tony Daniel’s is stunning! Batman and Robin Eternal #1 delivers a cracking start to the series, packed from cover to cover with full-throttle action, great characterization, and one of the most jaw-dropping final pages ever its clear we are going to be in for one hell of a ride!

Publisher: DC Comics

Story by James Tynion V & Scott Snyder

Script by James Tynion V

Art: Tony Daniel

Inks: Sandu Florea

Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Cover: Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea, and Tomeu Morey / variant cover: Mikel Janin

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Batman Eternal #41 Review

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Batgirl, Batman, Batman Eternal #41, Batman Eternal #41 review, comics, Gotham, Harper Row, James Tynion IV, Joe Quinones, Kelsey Shannon, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Red Hood, Red Robin, Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #41

Review by Paul Bowler

A new threat menaces Gotham in Batman Eternal #41, as the children infected by the nano-swarm are drawn to a warehouse, where assembly has begun on a giant transmitter. It’s up to Red Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Harper Row to investigate and stop whoever is controlling the nano-controlled teens before the device can be activated.

With Batman busy dealing with the Riddler, Batman Eternal #41, finds Red Robin and his allies tackling the threat posed by the nano-tech virus in this fast-paced story from writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with script by Kyle Higgins, and consulting writers Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley. From its chilling opening moments, the terrible power of the nano-swarm is finally revealed, and even Gotham’s protectors are unaware of the terrible danger they now face.

The spotlight falls on Red Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Harper Row this issue as events focus on the victims of the nano-virus and the way they are being manipulated into building a strange device in an old warehouse. I really liked these opening scenes as Red Robin takes charge, he even keeps Batgirl and Red Hood in line, but it is the moments between Red Robin and Harper Row that really shine here. Harper is understandably worried her brother, Cullen, is also affected and inside the building. The way Red Robin persuades Harper to remain on the roof and monitor the situation is handled really well, and the advice Red Robin offers Harper is especially heartfelt and poignant.

Though initially I felt the art by Joe Quinones with colors by Kelsey Shannon seemed a little too bright and breezy, after a few pages Quinones’s bold lines and sharp attention to detail soon won me over, and together with Shannon’s vivid colors, this issues art actually really suited the nano-tech slant and themes of the story perfectly. This issue features some really inventive panel layouts as well: the stakeout merges seamlessly with the view from Red Robin’s binoculars, the brief interlude with Spoiler was also exciting, and the battle in the warehouse were Red Robin, Batgirl and Red Hood make a valiant stand against impossible odds is a kinetic flurry of dynamic angles and inter-cutting perspectives.

The Swarm also features the surprise appearance of a Bat-Villain, one whose there to see the nano-tech is used to its full potential, and someone that also coincidentally has a tenuous connection to the technology used to hypnotize Jim Gordon. Its clever how these throwaway remarks all tie into the major events that kicked off Batman Eternal, the ongoing sub-plot with the nano-swarm now makes a lot more sense as well, especially now that we are beginning to see how it actually slots into the overall scheme of things.

While I’m not entirely sure Batman would approve of Red Hood going all ballistic during the fight inside the warehouse given the age of the targets, despite the fact he uses rubber bullets, this issue of Batman Eternal is an action-packed spectacle that still finds time to squeeze in one last big surprise. With the nanites set to tear the Narrows of Gotham apart, a life changing decision will be made, and a new hero will rise to defend Gotham City. Batman Eternal #41 is a cracking issue of this weekly DC Comics series, with great story, art, and lots of surprises, it’s certainly an issue not to be missed.

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Batman Eternal #15 Review

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Arkham Asylum, Batgirl, Batman, Batman Eternal, Batman Eternal #15, Batwing, Batwoman, DC Comics, Derek Fridolfs, Dustin Nguyn, Harper Row, James Tynion IV, Jason Kalisz, Jim Corrigan, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, Red Hood, Red Robin, Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley

Batman Eternal #15

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham’s gang war is over following the blood soaked showdown between Penguin and Carmine Falcone. While Jim Gordon had to make a decision that could alter his life forever, Lieutenant Bard and Batman reached a new understanding after tackling the corruption within the GCPD, leading to the arrest of Commissioner Forbes and the Mayor. Batman Eternal #15 follows Red Robin’s mission to Tokyo, while Batgirl and Red Hood run into Batwoman in Rio. Plus, as Batman and Bard deal with the remaining gangs in Gotham, we return to Arkham Asylum, where Batwing and Jim Corrigan must confront the hellish forces which have been unleashed there.

Batman Eternal #15 juggles multiple pot strands, building successfully on the aftermath of the gang war, while also giving the rest of Batman’s globe trotting allies’ time in the spotlight, as well as the sinister events in Arkham Asylum. With its fast paced story by writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, script by Ray Fawkes, along with consulting writers John Layman, and Tim Seeley, Batman Eternal #15 makes good use of all the characters and finely hones each aspect of the multiple plot threads that have been gradually building over the course of this weekly series.

The Common Limit sees Red Robin pilot his aircraft to Tokyo, having uncovered the stowaway Harper Row en route, who is determined to find out who is behind the nanotech that is slowly killing her brother. There are some really fun moments between Red Robin and Harper during these early scenes, the banter between them is excellent as well, especially when Harper gets his name wrong and dons a makeshift mask, something that nicely links into the Bluebird crime-fighting persona we know she will eventually adopt (as we saw in Batman #28) to fight alongside Batman.

As Batwing and Jim Corrigan explore Arkham the full extent of what has been happening begins to become apparent. While they may seem an unlikely team, the combination of Batwing’s hi-tech suit and Corrigan’s in-depth knowledge of occult forces, actually works really well, and the characters seem to have stuck up a very natural bond. Their descent into the lower levels of the Asylum is quite unsettling, we catch sight of Riddler’s cell, a shadowy stairwell finds an inmate babbling with all kinds of madness, and the Scarecrow’s fate is almost as disturbing as the bizarre manifestations in his cell.

Two further interludes, one involving Batman and Lieutenant Bard as they round up the remaining gangs members, the other with Batgirl, who has reluctantly teamed up with the Red Hood, on her mission in Rio to find evidence to clear her father of causing the Gotham train crash, although brief, ensure that both subplots are kept bubbling away in the background. I really like the dynamic between Batman and Bard, it’s very different to the one the Dark Knight had with Gordon, and I look forward to seeing how it develops over time. Batgirl and the Red Hood also had some intense scenes, and it was good to see Batwoman show up as well.

Dustin Nguyn’s art for this issue of Batman Eternal is excellent, together with Derek Fridolfs inks, the various locations and extensive cast of characters are all handled really well. Nguyn’s art brings a real sense of kinetic action to every scene, especially the segments in Arkham, with its sinister supernatural elements and hordes of raving lunatics lurking down in the Asylums shadowy depths. The colors by Jason Kalisz also gives each section of the story its own distinct tone: from the crimson hues inside Red Robin’s aircraft, the greys and blacks of Gotham are in stark contrast to the purple neon glow over a back street in Rio, while the horrors of Arkham are cloaked in mixture of deep shadows and ghoulish magic as Batwing and Jim Corrigan explore its secrets.

Batman #15 rounds everything off with a thrilling double edged cliff-hanger, one that will see Batwing’s reliance on the technology of his armoured suit pushed to the limit, while in Arkham’s basement Corrigan must face a new terror waiting in the darkness. I really enjoyed this issue, the various plot elements all meshed together well, and I also liked how we finally got to return to the storyline in Arkham as well. All in all then, I’d have to say Batman Eternal #15 was a good solid issue, the story and art were really impressive, and I look forward seeing how the intriguing global adventures with Batman’s allies and the supernatural storyline in Arkham pans out, as well as the impact they’ll have on future events in Batman Eternal.

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The Fury of Firestorm #17 Review

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Dan Jurgens, DC Comics, Firestorm, Hi-Fi, Jason Rusch, Justice League, Karl Kesel, Kid Flash, Ray McCarthy, Red Robin, Ronnie Raymond, Solstice, The Fury of Firestorm The Nuclear Man, The New 52, The Teen Titans

The Fury of Firestorm the Nuclear Man #17

Review by Paul Bowler

With the Continuum Facility destroyed Ronnie and Jason are determined to clear Firestorm’s name. They make a start by repairing the damage done to Mt Rushmore by Dr Megala, but they come under attack by a helicopter sent by General Eiling, who is still convinced that Firestorm is a threat to national security.

Firestorm tries his best to avoid a direct confrontation, even phasing himself into the helicopter cockpit to talk to the pilot, but they refuse to listen so Firestorm decides to leave, unaware that the Teen Titans are monitoring him from Lex Towers in New York. Firestorm returns to Ronnie’s house in Walton Mills, changing back into their civilian identities just as Ronnie’s mother is about to leave for another date with Jason’s dad. Ronnie and Jason meet up with Tonya, who wrote a history paper for Ronnie while he was busy being Firestorm, and she tells him how that same paper has now won first prize in a young scholars competition.

Jason isn’t impressed that Tonya’s work won’t get the recognition it deserves. Ronnie feels bad about it as well and promises to make it up to her, but first Ronnie and Jason have to use their Firestorm powers to try and rebuild the S.T.A.R Quantum Physics Lab they destroyed. Firestorm arrives at the demolished building and is attack by Kid Flash, Solstice, and Red Robin from the Teen Titans who believe he is working for N.O.W.H.E.R.E.

Tired of being pushed around, Firestorm deflects the Teen Titans attacks with a devastating energy blast that knocks them senseless, before focusing his transmutation powers at the lab. But try as he might he cannot rebuild the entire building, it collapses again, leaving Firestorm exhausted by the effort. The Teen Titans realize that they were wrong about Firestorm and rush over to help. Red Robin says he believes he didn’t cause all the damage, he warns Firestorm about N.O.W.H.E.R.E, and even offers the Nuclear Man a place on the Teen Titans.

Firestorm politely declines the Titans offer for now, but says he will keep in touch. Later that day Ronnie goes back to High School and tells Mrs Schmidt the truth about his history paper, revealing how he cheated, and got Tonya to write it for him. As he told the truth Mrs Schmidt decides to give Ronnie a second chance to write his own paper and hand it in on Monday. As he rushes home to share the good news, Ronnie is shocked to find the house ransacked and his mother his mother missing…

The Fury of Firestorm #17 is one of Dan Jurgens best issues yet. It features some great banter between Ronnie and Jason as they restore Mt Rushmore to its original state, with Ronnie teasing Jason that he might uses their combined powers as Firestorm to carve The Simpson family onto the monument instead! There are some nice character building moments for Ronnie as well in Firestorm #17, particularly when he tries to reason with the helicopter crew, and even the Teen Titans bit of more than they can chew when they make Ronnie angry.

Ronnie also has to face up to the fact that even Firestorm’s powers have limits, when Firestorm is unable to rebuild S.T.A.R. Labs. There is also a nice moment when the Teen Titans offer Firestorm the chance to join the team, and it certainly leaves things open for the future. After Firestorm’s recent appearance in the Throne of Atlantis issues of Justice League and Aquaman, it was good to see the Teen Titans guest staring in Firestorm #17. Ronnie also finally comes clean about his history paper to Mrs Schmidt, it’s a great scene by Dan Jurgens, and it clearly shows just how well he understands these characters.

Dan Jurgens art for Firestorm #17 is as consistent as ever, with inking duties handled by Ray McCarthy and Karl Kesel; with everything dynamically coloured by Hi-Fi, and lettering provided by Travis Lanham. Sadly, after publishing my review of Firestorm #16 last month, DC revealed that Firestorm, along with a number of other titles, would be cancelled. I am bitterly disappointed that Firestorm has been cancelled after all the hard work put in by the new creative team.

But I don’t want to end this review on a negative note. We still have a few issues left to enjoy, so let’s take this chance to celebrate the fantastic work by this creative team, and make sure that Firestorm ends on a high. The flame may flicker, but it will never die. Its been great to see Firestorm featuring in so many comics over the last few months, and I’m really looking forward to seeing even more of Firestorm as a member of the Justice League!

Batman #17 Review

Tags

Alfred, Arkham Asylum, Batgirl, Batman, Damien, DC Comics, Death of the Family, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, Jason Todd, Jonathan Glampion, Nightwing, Red Robin, Robin, Scott Snyder, The Joker, The New 52

Batman #17

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

 

It swoops from the shadows as the Dark Knight begins to regain consciousness, the dark emissary of his own soul, stripped to the bone and ready to steel his resolve in this, quite possibly, his darkest hour against the Joker. The final chapter of Scott Snyder’s phenomenal Death of The Family drags you kicking and screaming into the light, ripping away the blindfolds, and fixing our unblinking eyes on every panel of Greg Capullo’s art as the macabre delights of Batman #17 electrify our synapses.

The banquet that the Joker has prepared for Batman is one of his most abhorrent schemes yet. Still strapped to his makeshift throne, Batman wakes in a dark cavern at the head of a long table. The rest of the Bat-Family are also bound to their chairs and seated with him. Dinner is ready to be served, with the table drenched in gasoline and rigged to explode to prevent Batman’s escape; he can do nothing but watch in horror as Alfred shambles into the cave. Driven out of his mind, and dosed with Joker toxin, Batman’s loyal friend obeys the Joker’s commands and prepares to serve the “family” meal…

With his friends overwhelmed by the horror of the banquet before them, Joker teases them all with a lit match. But the Joker hasn’t taken into account the Batman’s knowledge of the cave system, as the table becomes a raging inferno Batman breaks free and fires a charge at the ceiling that breaches an underground stream – flooding the room and dousing the flames. While the Joker tries to escape through the cave system, Batman frees his friends before giving chase. He catches up with the Joker, who tries to behead him with an axe, but as they fight the Bat-Family become exposed to a deadly new form of the Joker Toxin and violently turn against each other.

Batman and Joker face off on the edge of huge drop, where masks finally have no meaning, and the Dark Knight manages to turn the Clown Prince of Crime’s nefarious joke against him. Twisting everything the Joker professed to hold against him, using it to chip away at the last great divide between them, the one line in their nightmarish game of wits that only the Batman could ever be willing cross…

Even in defeat the Joker slips from his grasp, plunging into the waters below, leaving Batman’s family to recover from the horrific trauma the Joker inflicted upon them. Bruce oversees Alfred’s recovery at Wayne Manor, making a startling confession that only Alfred could truly understand. Alone in the cave Bruce studies the analysis of the new toxin Joker used to make the Bat-Family fight each other, and it is here, as  he gazes at the cold glow of the computer screen that the Joker’s greatest punch line is finally revealed.

With Batman #17 Scott Snyder beings the story of the Joker’s return full circle. Ever since the Joker broke into GCPD to retrieve his face from the evidence locker, leaving Gordon cowering in the darkness as he hears his officer’s necks being snapped one by one, we have been at the mercy of the Joker’s maniacal plan. Right from the outset, even Batman was left reeling when Joker abducted Alfred Pennyworth. After poisoning Gordon he systematically sets his sights on Batman’s allies, Joker’s revelation at the reservoir, that he knows their secret identities, leaves them all badly shaken. Later, when they learn that Joker may have actually found a way into the cave to leave his calling card, they are shocked that Bruce never deemed it necessary to tell them.

Now the final act of Scott Snyder’s masterpiece comes to fruition in Batman #17 after the Dark Knight raced to Arkham Asylum to save his friends from the Joker. As he wakes in the cavern the Joker taunts his captives mercilessly. He attempts to goad Batman into admitting why he has never exposed him or just killed him outright, in spite of all the heinous crimes he’s committed. Joker knows just what a slippery slope that would be for Batman, berating him for not having the courage of his convictions, mocking his allies with a love letter of hatred and lies.

Just when you thought you understood where Joker was coming from he summons Alfred, now a shambling wreck of his former self, who deliriously reveals the gastronomic delights the Joker has prepared for them. It is here that Batman #17 transcends all that has gone before, lurching into the realms of pure horror as Batman and his allies are confronted with a nightmare beyond anything they could have possibly imagined – and it is a scene that instantly conjures up images of a similar feast at the end of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

As the cavern explodes in flames Batman breaks free, blasting a hole in the roof to douse the chamber in water. Bruce goes immediately to Damien to make sure he is alright, then releasing Nightwing who tells him to leave them and get after the Joker. Placing his trust in them, Batman races after the Joker, but just after he leaves Batgirl notices something strange about the Joker’s two headed lion cub. A mass between its heads suddenly explodes, spewing out a new form a Joker toxin, one that sends them all into a violent rage, forcing them to attack each another whilst laughing maniacally. The return of the two headed lion cub is an inspired move by Snyder, this creepy little creature superbly illustrates the uncanny symbiosis the Joker shares with Batman, and it effectively places Batman’s allies at each other throats with its deadly cargo, peeling way their psyche as effectively as any scalpel.

Whether Batman knew he was leaving them in grave danger is uncertain, but even when he catches up with the Joker and learns what has happened, his resolve is unshaken. Batman knows they will fight back against the Joker’s toxin, his faith in their spirit is unbreakable, and he believes they are stronger than anything this monster could spawn from his diseased mind. The fact that it is Alfred who brings them to their senses before they kill each other, clearly shows just how much he means to all of them.

The Joker uses his corsage to spray acid into Batman’s face, searing his cowl, but his escape route leads directly to deep chasm. Joker stumbles over the edge but Batman catches him by the arm, holding him suspended over the very drop where the Bat Boat would dive into the Bat-Cave. Here on the edge of this yawning abyss Batman reveals how he has seen through the Joker’s plans, effectively playing him at his own joke, but before he can pull him up Joker lashes out, leaving Batman to watch as he plummets into the dark waters below.

Every page of Greg Capullo’s work on Batman has been astounding. His dark and foreboding take on Gotham City enthralled us in The Court of Owls, the Night of Owls kept us on the edge of our seats, and now with Death of The Family we have been privileged to have Capullo to illustrate one of the most sensational Joker stories of all time. Together with Jonathan Glampion’s distinctive inks and FCO Plascencia’s remarkable colours, Greg Capullo has helped create one of the most distinctive looks the Joker has ever had.

Joker’s rotting face is now even more grotesque than ever in Batman #17, with flies now constantly buzzing around him, the cadaverous grin ends up even more lopsided after a few well placed punches in their climatic showdown. With the masks of flesh and cowl both discarded by the end of this epic encounter, Scott Snyder once again defies our expectations as the closing moments unfold back at Wayne Manor when Bruce tells Alfred  of the time he visited Arkham under the pretence of investing in a new wing for the asylum. After causing a distraction, Bruce visited the Joker’s cell alone and presented him with the calling card, and thereby instantly deducing the truth in the lunatic’s eyes.

In this instant we begin to understand why the Joker allowed his face to be removed by the Dollmaker, that his entire ploy to mess with Batman’s mind was ultimately doomed to fail from that moment on, even though the cost would be high for the Bat-Family. Indeed, the actual Death of the Family here is a metaphorical one, as we begin to realise Batman’s allies could never understand the Joker like he does. The physical wounds will heal easily enough, but the psychological scars of this experience will take a long time to fade.

The deeply moving scenes where each member of the Bat-Family makes their excuses not to meet Bruce and give him the chance to explain are brilliantly staged by Snyder and Capullo. We can feel the pain of those tense silences and blunt text messages, even Dick cannot bring himself to go into detail about what the Joker said to him. As Bruce returns to the cave to study the Joker’s new toxin the results bring Death of the Family to a close with chilling finality.

Batman #17 is everything fans of this series could have hoped for. Death of the Family has shown us the deep understanding that the Batman and Joker share, and proves that it is one that goes far beyond masks and secret identities. Snyder and Capullo are one of the few writers and artists that have ever come as close to exposing the actual mechanics of this dark relationship, they have taken Batman and the Joker’s eternal dance of obsession and violence and twisted it into an all encompassing legend that will be long remembered as one of the greatest Batman stories ever told.