Batman Comics

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.

Writer: Paul Dini

Artists: Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs

Date: April 2011

My Rating: An exciting adventure!

A lot happens in this issue! It’s complex and beautifully drawn, and definitely exciting. We start off with Batman and Catwoman as they realize they’re under surveillance by a mysterious new bad guy called Bedbug. Here’s the third page; I love how Catwoman’s holding onto Batman as he flies them in through a window. – who hasn’t wanted to do that? And I like the style, especially how Catwoman and Batman are drawn.

We then move to Wayne Enterprises, where Tommy Elliot (aka the villain Hush), who has previously helped Bruce by posing as him, is now using his ability to pass as Bruce Wayne to get access to the secure area. He brings along Dr Death, and the book then goes into a long flashback. The panel where we ‘fade in’ to the flashback is drawn really well – the drawing style and colour palette changes to indicate that we’re in a flashback without flatout stating the obvious.

As Dr. Death narrates, Thomas Wayne foils the Doctor’s attempt to spread a plague virus that would kill everyone in Gotham. Wayne is aided by several superheros, working together for the first time.

This marks the beginning of superheros working in Gotham, leading to Batman and the whole rogue’s gallery of villains. I love the idea that Thomas and Bruce are connected by their mutual drive to stand up against crime and to help Gotham city. Overall this issue was great and the story is very grand and exciting!