Batman Comics

Hello Bat-fans! We’re in that calm before the storm now, with costume prep finished but Comic Con not until next week, so I have time for some Quickies! This afternoon I read three new comics, I’m not going to recap the whole stories for you (go buy some comics!) but here are a few fun moments that I hope you enjoy. Be warned – spoilers below!

Detective Comics 11, written by Tony Daniel, art by Julio Ferreira, Eduardo Pansica, Eber Ferreira, and Tomeu Morey

This comic makes a lot more sense if you read Batman in Adam West’s voice, rather than Kevin Conroy or Christian Bale.  Still, lines like “Moving .. in … slow … motion” followed immediately with “… cant move … fast enough” leaves something to be desired, I’m sure Batman would be thinking more than that. The art is okay; some of the panels where the perspective is at an odd angle end up looking a bit weird, but we get a page of Bruce in the shower so I won’t complain.

Batwing 11, written by Judd Winick, art by Marcus To, Ryan Winn, Le Beau Underwood, and Brian Reber

In the last issue, the family of Matu Ba (Batwing’s ‘Alfred’) was all killed, and today he has to go to a small dictatorship country called Tundi for their funerals. Meanwhile, Batwing is fighting Long the Antlered Dragon, and with Nightwing’s help they’re tracking a missing nuclear weapon. This issue is great, not losing momentum when switching between storylines, and fitting a lot of story into the 20 pages. Batman and Penguin share a great moment here, so although it doesn’t feature Batwing, I wanted to share it just for Marcus To’s art.

Justice League 10, written by Geoff Johns, art by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Mark Irwin, and Jonathan Glapion

This guy Graves is going after the enemies of the Justice League, which sounds good but really just gives him more information about how to fight the League themselves. This leads to the inevitable argument up on the Watchtower where Cyborg reveals things he knows about each member of the League. We also get a nice Batman/Superman moment:

Graves suck the life-force out of each member of the Justice League one by one, magically feeding on their pain and sorrow. We see each member of the League fall except Batman. On the final page he’s shown defeated with the rest of his team, but why is he the only one who we don’t see taken down? Maybe that will come back in the next issue…  I also notice that Gary Frank is mentioned on the cover of this issue, but not on the title page, that’s a bit odd.

Good evening, Gotham City!! Happy Canada day to those in Gotham North, and Happy Independence Day to my friends south of the border! This hot weather puts me in the mood for a cool drink and a comicbook, and lucky for me there are a few good ones coming out today. Before I get to that, though, a costume update — as I’m sure everyone will be glad to hear, my Bat-dress is ready to go! It’s about time, since the San Diego Comic Con is next week! I don’t have any full costume photos to share quite yet, but here’s a blurry iPhone shot that gives you an idea of what the utility belt looks like:

Yes, those are Bat-sunglasses, we creatures of the shadows don’t do too well with California’s bright sunshine. Enough costume talk, here’s what I’m reading this week:

Batman: Earth One – Batman’s origin story, the official DCnU version! Some people may think it’s redundant, but I love a good origin and don’t mind reading Batman’s again! With a storyline that’s as well known as this one, it’s always interesting to see what the writer adds, changes, or removes altogether. I think Geoff Johns has enough history with the character to do it justice, and although I’m not very familiar with Gary Frank’s art, I’ve liked his recent Justice League work. Although I don’t normally buy hardcover graphic novels when they first come out, this was a birthday present that I’m definitely looking forward to reading (and thanks again!!)

Earth 2 3 – Still mad at DC for calling it Earth 2 instead of Earth Two. And don’t tell, but I may have neglected to actually read issue 2 (despite enjoying issue 1)… This isn’t technically a Bat-book anyways, but I have to read it for gay Alan Scott if nothing else!

Detective Comics 11 – I’ve seen a lot of hate for Tony Daniel’s run in this series, and I didn’t really agree because I’ve generally enjoyed D.C. lately (especially issue 10, I thought it was great, though it’s possible that most of what I enjoyed was the art…) Then it occurred to me that the main problem I have with D.C. was how they started big with the Joker (insert Nic Cage quote here) and then didn’t follow through, we haven’t seen Mister J all year. I’m thrilled to bits that the Batman team will be writing a Joker storyline, but whose fault is it that we had to wait this long? Of course, I don’t know what goes on behind the doors of DC Comics (and I get the sense even that people working there don’t plan ahead sometimes) but maybe if Daniel had done something with the Joker, he’d be writing Detective Comics for more than a couple more issues.

World’s Finest 3 – The continued adventures of Huntress and Power Girl! I really enjoy the inversion here: the “World’s Finest” title starred Superman and Batman for so long, it’s great to see two women taking up that title and all the symbolism that goes with it. We’re early in the series, still getting to know the characters and learning how they relate to each other and the world they find themselves in. I’m most interested to see how Helena Wayne goes from being Robin to being Huntress, and how she grieves the loss of her father, the Batman of Earth 2.

Batwing 11 - The villain here is a gangster named Long, who just happens to be a dragon. Not a man in a dragon costume, no. An actual dragon. This is why I read comics! What is the point of having a guy in Bat armor running around fighting crime if not to have him fight a dragon? Exactly. Add in Marcus To’s art and I’m definitely sold; take a look at this cover – I love Long’s antlers, and Nightwing is just perfect!

Happy Wednesday, Bat-fans! Once again it’s been longer than I’d like between updates, but we do what we can. Despite not sharing my pull file last week or the week before I did read my comics, and love the Court of Owls storyline. I’m trying not to speculate too much about who’s behind it, but it’s been fun seeing theories online. What do you think will happen this week, and who do you think is really in charge of the Court of Owls? Leave a comment and let me know!

For the record, on April 18th I picked up Batman 8, Birds Of Prey 8, Catwoman 8, Justice League 8, Nightwing 8 and Red Hood and the Outlaws 8 (yes, I’m still buying it…) It was a busy week! Then on April 25th I read Dark Knight 8 and Teen Titans 8. Today is also a great day for Batman comic readers, here’s what I’ll be buying after work today:

Batwing 9 – Issue 8 came with some startling realizations about Batwing’s current nemesis Massacre, and I wonder how that will tie in to the Court of Owls storyline today. Perhaps there’s no connection at all, the Court may just swoop in and disrupt everything in this issue! Either way, with art by Marcus To we’re in good hands and I’m sure we’ll finally see some background detail in the art, what a relief.

Detective Comics 9 – The Court of Owls comes to Detective Comics as well! Batman has to protect one of the Talons’ targets, Jeremiah Arkham, which I guess means he’s back in charge of Arkham Asylum? That’s a far stretch from where we last saw him before the relaunch, when he was Black Mask (and just as villainous as the name suggests). I’m excited to find out what happened and what Jeremiah’s up to now!

Earth Two 1 – This new series opens up an alternate universe, where we meet Golden Age heroes Jay Garrick (Flash) and Alan Scott (Green Lantern). I got pretty confused just trying to figure that much out, so I hope James Robinson writes it to be a good first-issue introduction for those of us who started reading comics within the last few years and aren’t well-versed in DC history. Artwork by Nicola Scott, I’m not familiar with her work but it’s always nice to have another female artist in the mix!

Teen Titans Annual #1 – I don’t understand why there’s a random “annual” issue (well, maybe not so random) or why it costs $4.99 (most comics are $2.99) but surprise, I got this anyways. Teen Titans is good stuff, so I’ll go along for the ride.

World’s Finest 1 – Huntress and Power Girl from Earth Two are stranded in Earth One. How did they get here? Why can’t they go back? What will they do, what are they like, what do they want? I have so many questions! I’m also definitely excited that this comic is focused on two heroines, and I like the subversive aspect – instead of the classic World’s Finest team-up (Batman, Superman, and Robin) we have Power Girl (Superman’s cousin) and Huntress (Helena Wayne). There’s potential here! I really enjoy the cover, by George Perez and Hi-Fi (yes, really).

Writer: Judd Winick

Artists: Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs

Date: June 2012

Batwing 8 was really good. I had been unsure as to whether I wanted to continue reading this comic, though in the end I would’ve kept with it a bit longer for sure because I’m looking forward Marcus To’s upcoming art and the Court of Owls tie-in. After this issue, I’m reading it for itself, and to find out what happens with Batwing as a person. Warning, there will be spoilers ahead, including about the identity of Massacre.

The story since issue 1 has been about Batwing developing as a Bat-brand vigilante and finding his Mission, while also searching for Massacre, who’s been out killing former African vigilantes. Here in issue 8 we finally discover who Massacre is, and although I had my suspicions from the beginning (and I was totally right) it played out really well. I definitely felt engaged in the story and captivated by the relationships and effect on Batwing himself. Here’s the amazing moment where he realizes that General Keita was not the man behind the mask:

David (Batwing) realizes here that Massacre is his brother Isaac, who was a child soldier with him in Keita’s army. As I was reading this I couldn’t help but compare David with Bruce Wayne. They were born into wildly different circumstances, and they grew up almost in different worlds, but they each lost family to tragedy, and turned to crimefighting to help heal their grief. The two men talk when things finally quiet down. This was the part that really got me interested in Batwing, and in where David will go as a character after this.

Is there anything better than a Batman who believes in you? I don’t think so. The other thing that I enjoyed about Batwing 8 was Dustin Nguyen’s art. He has a very particular style, and although this is less detailed than some of his other work, especially in the backgrounds (maybe they didn’t give him much time?) I really enjoy how he drew Batman, Robin and Nightwing as well as the art we’ve already seen of Batwing himself. Here’s a great moment with our Gotham crew, ready to jump off the page:

So there we are, Batwing 8. It was sad, but in a good way, and definitely worth reading. If you’re reading it I’d love to hear what you think about this issue and where they’re going from here, comments are always welcome.

Good evening Gotham! Once again real life got in the way of my Batman time, it’s just not fair how that happens. Not only did I not get to write about last week’s comics, I didn’t even get to read them! Hopefully that doesn’t become the new normal, or I’ll have to realign priorities … who needs a day job, anyways? Just because Batman is also CEO of Wayne Enterprises doesn’t mean I can’t quit my job to focus on reading comics, right? So here’s what’s waiting for me:

Batman: The Dark Knight 7 – It’s a fun comic, what else do we need? We’re still fighting Bane and his new version of Venom, which Batman just got over thanks to some Super help. Now he’s off to find Flash and save him from a grisly end, while also tracking down more information about that mysterious white rabbit lady (has she done anything other than run around being mysterious?).

Teen Titans 7 – The Titans head to N.O.W.H.E.R.E. Headquarters (how do they find it?) to rescue Evil Superboy, and presumably drop the ‘evil’ on the way home. Overall this comic still feels like it’s in the ‘getting started’ stages, rather than being fully involved in an adventure, but I’m not complaining. I actually really enjoy extended team-coming-together stories, and it’s great to see these young heroes get to know each other.

Batwing 8 – Massacre’s hunt for former African superheroes has brought him to Gotham City, with Batwing hot on his heels. I’m looking forward to seeing how Batwing interacts with our favourite Gothamites (Batgirl, Robin, and Nightwing), and also to the big reveal about who Massacre is behind the mask.

Detective Comics 8 – Last issue we had a big showdown in Penguin’s Iceberg Lounge, and Batman rescued his girlfriend (I think?) Charlotte from icy doom. I’m feeling surprisingly lacklustre about this issue, and I want to see more detective work, but I know I’ll enjoy it once I start reading. There’s also a second feature with art by Szymon Kudranski, who drew the Penguin book that I liked so much. Here’s the cover, by Tony Daniel, I love the smoke (fear gas?!) and how Batman looks like he’s ready to just jump off the page.

It’s new comic day and I’m back with my weekly pull file! Didn’t manage to share last week’s comics, but I did read Detective Comics 7, Batwing 7, and Huntress 6. They were all good, and based on Huntress 6 I think I’ll read the new series World’s Finest that’s starting soon. I like Helena and want to see more of her! This week I have three excellent Bat-titles, which I’ll be reading as soon as we’re done here.

Batgirl 7 – This issue gives us Barbara’s side of the events of The Killing Joke, which left her paralyzed until the DC relaunch when she regained the ability to walk. That’s actually really exciting to me; we so often hear stories about women told by men and from the perspective of men, it’s great to see this event which is so crucial to the character’s development from her own perspective. If anyone can do her justice, Gail Simone can.

Batwoman 7 – The last issue was written with a really interesting structure, and it wove together six (I think) people’s stories over the course of the issue. It was excellent in both art and writing, so I’m looking forward to that being continued here in issue seven. This is one of the issues drawn by Amy Reeder, who also drew 6 and 8; it was announced recently that she’s not working on it anymore and I’m disappointed, simply because I quite liked her style and felt that it suited the story very well. I hope she finds work on another book and that Batwoman continues to be awesome with the new team.

Batman & Robin 7 – I’m always happy when it’s a Batman & Robin week! We’re still in the ‘Damian Runs Away With a Bad Guy’ storyline, today Batman finds Damian in Morgan Ducard’s lair and confronts them. I expect to see a smashing fight scene, lots of expensive weaponry and destruction of property, and judicious application of post-battle Bat-hugs. Based on the cover, by Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray and John Kalisz, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed!

Good evening Gotham, it’s new comic book day again! There’s another unusual title in my pull file this week, Batman makes an appearance in the series Hawk & Dove. I mentioned how much I enjoy crossover comics and so it almost feels like DC knows its market by providing them to me, but being a woman who reads comics I guess I really can’t say that at all. On the blog DC Women Kicking Ass you can read an interview with Janelle Asselin, former editor at DC comics. As the title says, they discuss women, comics, and marketing, and it’s a fascinating article that I definitely recommend checking out. When you’re done with that, here are the comics I’m reading this week:

Batwing 6 – Batwing heads to Egypt where he finally faces down Massacre. Meanwhile, we learn more about his troubled past and how he came to Batman’s attention. I’m interested to see where that goes, but a bit concerned about Ben Oliver’s artwork. So far Africa’s looked pretty much entirely the same, so I hope he gives us more sense of location and detail in the backgrounds in this issue.

Detective Comics 6 – Batman’s following the trail of a man called Snakeskin, who has the ability to change his own face at will, but their path will intersect with the Penguin when Snakeskin and his girlfriend Chase pull a heist at Penguin’s Iceberg Casino. We all know how much I enjoy this series, but what’s with the lack of Joker? There was such a big deal made about the opening issue and what that could possibly mean for the Joker’s future, but that seems to have just not gone anywhere. Maybe I just need to be a bit more patient.

Hawk and Dove 6 – I’ve never read Hawk and Dove, and had only heard of them tangentially – mostly because the series has been cancelled and there will only be two more issues after this one. After extensive research I’ve learned that Dove’s power is that she can turn into a dove, which I have to say does not seem to be particularly well-suited to a life of crimefighting. On the other hand, I spend inordinate amounts of time thinking about a man who dresses up as a giant bat, so I shouldn’t make judgements. All that aside, Rob Liefeld was both writer and artist on this issue and I do quite enjoy the cover:

Hello and happy Wednesday! Did everyone have a good New Years celebration? I got to spend the evening with some other Bat-fans, and we had a lovely time. There may even have been champagne and fancy dresses! This week a few exciting comics came out, here’s what I found in my pull file tonight:

Batwing 5 - I enjoyed issue 4 and definitely want to see where this storyline goes. Will Batwing get the jump on Massacre before another former superhero is killed? Will he need Batman’s help to do so? We’ll find out! I also noticed that there was a different artist for issue 4; Ben Oliver drew issues 1 – 3 and also 5, but Chris Cross drew issue 4. I appreciated that Cross gave more detail in the backgrounds, which was my main criticism of Oliver, but now that I’ve had a change, I’m actually sort of leaning towards preferring Oliver’s treatment for this particular bat-title.

The Huntress 4 (of 6) – I love this book! Huntress is a really interesting character, and although I don’t know much about her backstory at this point, I like how she handles herself and the fact that she’s working against crimes like human trafficking. Also, she’s so fashionable! In this issue, Huntress has to decide if she’s willing to kill for her cause, it should be very interesting to see how she comes to her decision.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice 4 (of 5) – I wrote about how great the art in this book is, so it’s exciting to have a new issue to read. Now that Batman’s in the picture, I wonder when he’ll take a more active role in the situation? I’m also looking forward to seeing what happens when Cassandra finds out that Penguin is not exactly the man he’s presented himself as being.

Detective Comics 5 – The Joker is still at large, and this issue opens with protesters out in force to support Joker and call for Batman’s arrest or worse. I’ve really liked Detective Comics so far, it’s been great. One odd thing – I notice that Szymon Kudranski (who is the artist on the Penguin miniseries) is credited on the cover of this issue, but not on the title page inside. Does anyone know what’s up with that? Here’s the cover, by Tony Daniel and Tomeu Morey:

Feels like Tuesday, but comics come out today so it must be Wednesday! I notice there’s a new edition of No Man’s Land coming out, I’d love to get a copy but I put it on my Holiday Wish List so I can’t pick it up this week. If anyone else gets it, let me know how it looks and if it’s a good edition to get! Here’s what I’m reading today.

Batwing 4 – The cover says “Secret Origin Unveiled” and I’m looking forward to learning more about Batwing’s history and motivations. I glanced at the first page to see how it looked and got sucked in to reading the whole opening scene, it’s definitely an engrossing book!

Detective Comics 4 – Finally! It feels like ages since the last issue and I really want to know if Gordon is OK — I’m pretty sure he was in The Dollmaker’s clutches when the last issue ended! Batman will probably save him, but how? I’d also like to know a bit more about The Dollmaker. He seems to make dolls out of pieces of people, but why? Where does he come from? Maybe I’ll find out today!

Huntress 3 of 6 – If this one is as good as the last two issues, I’m happy. Huntress is a really interesting character, I like how she interacts with other people both as a hero and as a person. And it’s always nice to see a kick-ass woman get a comic focused on her and her work.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice 3 of 5 – I have to admit, I didn’t get a chance to read issue 2 yet, but I want to! Penguin’s always been an interesting character, and I enjoy his parallels with Batman. The art also been good, so it will be fun for that reason too. Unfortunately due to technical woes I’m unable to share a cover image right now, but it was going to be this one, I love the use of light to emphasize the image.

That’s about it for me! Hopefully I’ll have the scanner back up and running so I can post in detail about some of these books on the weekend, wish me luck. And let me know what you’re reading!

Good evening Gotham! It’s another quiet week, with only two new Bat comics in my pull file today. That’s okay – these are two that I’m interested in reading and which have been pretty good in their first two issues. Let me know in the comments if you’re reading these or others, and what you think about them!

Batwing 3 – I’m still warming up to this series. The story is good, it caught my interest and hasn’t disappointed yet, but the artwork isn’t my favourite and I’m still learning to enjoy it. I generally expect more detail in the backgrounds of scenes, but it seems to be a conscious stylistic choice as opposed to lack of time or effort on the artist’s part. In the end, I figure if I’m willing to give Red Hood a 3 issue chance, I have to give at least as much to Batwing – plus, Judd Winnick hasn’t offended me yet with how women are represented in this book, and that’s a good thing.

Detective Comics 3 – Last issue ended on quite a cliffhanger, and I’ve enjoyed Tony Daniel’s work so far, both the art and the writing. With Joker on the loose after breaking out of Arkham, and Jim Gordon in danger of being re-made by The Dollmaker, Batman will definitely have his hands full today. And as we all know, a busy Batman is a happy Batman! Though “happy” isn’t exactly how I’d describe his appearance on the cover, by Tony Daniel and Tomeu Morey: