Batman Comics

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artists: Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope, Jesse Delperdang

Date: Late October 2011

Rating: I LOVED Flashpoint 5. I thought the ending was excellent, and it was a great lead-in to The New 52 and the relaunched DC Universe.

Today I want to make a few Batman-related comments about Flashpoint 5; I’m not going to go through the whole book, which I hope you’ve read by now. Be warned, this will deal with the ending of the story, so if you haven’t read it there will be spoilers!

With Flashpoint, the problem inherent to the story (like most alternate universe stories) is that if Flash is successful in re-aligning the universe and bringing things back to “normal”, then all the events of the series are wiped away. If the war that destroyed Earth never happened, why should we care about it? As he lies dying, Flashpoint Batman (Thomas Wayne) sends Flash on his journey to end that world so a better one can replace it. I can’t tell you how much I loved Thomas Wayne in this moment! (remember, click to embiggen)

But at the same time he sends with Flash a letter for his son Bruce. This letter, and Flash’s memories of the life he never really lived, give the whole miniseries a purpose and an effect that lasts into the new 52. What changes in Batman will we see, if he’s a Batman who got some closure from his murdered father?

Bruce might be less tormented, more whole; will that change how he operates as Batman? I think not much, because this letter arrives several years after he’s taken on the cowl, and many years after his parents are killed – he’s already got years of loss and pain built up. But I hope that this message from his father changes how Bruce interacts with his own adopted sons, and that his relationship with his Robins is improved because of it.

One thing I really wonder is if the part we are shown is the whole letter. We see “Dear Son, There’s only one thing that I know about life. I know some things happen by chance.” This is beautiful, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Bruce reads the letter over four panels, and of course he could be re-reading it several times, but I think instead this suggests that the letter is longer. Also, when we see the signature at the end we see the bottom of the words preceding it, and those letters don’t match up with the words “by chance”. My theory is that the letter contained a few other things – first, that it wasn’t chance but choice, Thomas and Martha decided together to give up their lives for Bruce. Then something about being Batman, which now Bruce can share with his father, and then finally something about how his parents always loved him.

When Flash tells Bruce that he can still remember growing up with his mother (who died years ago in the “real” timeline), Bruce says “It could be a gift, Barry. A gift to make it all a little easier.” I feel like that’s what DC has given Bruce here, with the letter from his own father; some healing, even though it’s been such a long journey to get here, can go a long way.

It’s finally here! Flashpoint 5 and Justice League 1, I can’t believe it’s today! My comic store The Beguiling was open for the midnight release last night but I couldn’t go until today, and it was so hard to wait through the day until I could finally get my comics! I’d love to hear from anyone who picked up today’s comics, let me know what you think about the ending of Flashpoint and the relaunch.

Justice League 1 – The next thing that’s going to happen in my evening is reading this book. I know, it’s dangerous to make statements about what’s going to happen in the future, but I’m feeling lucky. After all the talk about the relaunch, the feeling I’m left with at the core is that this is the Justice League I know and love. Although the relaunch will change aspects of these characters, I know I’m going to truly enjoy seeing this group of heroes working together again.

Flashpoint 5 – I read this immediately upon getting home, just couldn’t wait any longer, and it was so good! I won’t spoil it for you, but I will say that it was hugely satisfying. The artwork was gorgeous, I really liked the big splash page, and  Batman was so Battish I just can’t get over it. The ending was perfect, and I already look forward to re-reading the whole Flashpoint series. Take a look at the cover by Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope, and leave a comment with your thoughts on this week’s comics!

Hello and happy new comic day, everyone! There are so many good comics out this week, but I’m not as excited as usual because of some other Batman goings-on in my life — this weekend I’m going to be an extra in Dark Knight Rises!! It’s such a once in a lifetime experience, I can barely even think about it. If Christian Bale is there, I might need to be restrained… Well, we’ll see. On to the comic books!

Batman Beyond 8 – I’ve tried really hard to care about Batman Beyond, but it’s just not happening. I’m sorry, I know that sounds awful, and there’s nothing specifically wrong with it – I actually like the overall look of the artwork, and it’s well written. It’s just that somehow from month to month I can never remember what’s going on, and I don’t feel any connection to Terry McGinnis. I’ll read it, but I don’t mind that this book isn’t continuing into the DCnU.

Batman: Arkham City 4 of 5 – This book has been so much fun! I love how Joker and Harley are drawn, and Batman is as badass as he should be. The videogame will be a lot of fun when it comes out, and I like that DC is doing a comicbook tie-in.

Batman: Gates of Gotham 4 of 5 – The tale of Gotham’s history continues! Red Robin has been especially excellent in this series and I look forward to seeing what he does in this issue. The story opens with Robin and Red Robin fighting against a guy wearing a 100-year old diving suit (I think?) the two of them are so funny when forced to work together, I know I’ll enjoy wherever the story goes.

Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengeance 3 of 3 – After the reveal at the end of the last issue, I can’t wait to find out how they’ll follow that up!  I’ve really enjoyed seeing Thomas Wayne as Batman, so different than how Bruce turned out and yet also very Battish. I’m totally sad that it’s the last issue already, but there’s lots to look forward to in the DCnU!

Flashpoint 4 of 5 – Flashpoint! Hurrah! I’ve been enjoying this mini-series so much more than I expected to, it’s been just great. I can’t imagine how they’re going to get from here to a resolution in just two issues, but I’m sure it will be awesome. Overall a great week for comics!

Beware – there will be Flashpoint and Flashpoint: Batman spoilers below.

Batman & Robin 25 (Sep ’11)

Writer & Artists: Judd Winick, Greg Tocchini, Andy Smith

Batman & Robin continues to be one of my favourite comicbooks, it’s just so damn enjoyable! This issue finishes the story arc where Jason gets himself transferred from Arkham to Blackgate, and then proceeds to kill as many other prisoners as possible. A mystery woman and her Zoo Crew break Jason out on his way back to Arkham, holding his girlfriend Scarlet hostage in return for his cooperation. This leads us to my new favourite thing, and our newest fun tag here — Jason Gets Naked! The goodness started in Batman & Robin 23, here’s another excellent page from that issue:

“…Death didn’t do anything except slow me down a little.” And here’s Jason in B&R 25, doing what it takes to rescue Scarlet. Awesome.

Flashpoint 3 of 5 (Sep ’11)

Writer & Artists: Geoff Johns, Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope

In the last issue Flash convinced Batman to help him be struck by lighting, in hopes of regaining his powers. The attempt left him with burns over most of his body but he’s determined to try again. This time it works, he gets his superspeed and healing abilities back! Flash suggests that they should find Superman, and Batman enlists the help of Cyborg by offering his own aid as a strategist in the coming war against both Wonder Woman’s and Aquaman’s forces. Holy complex storyline, Batman! Anyways, it leads to such a cool plot twist – in this world, Superman landed in Metropolis instead of Smallville and was immediately taken in by the Government. The worst part is, they kept him underground his whole life! He’s scrawny and timid!

He’s drawn perfectly, and those eyes – it’s so clearly Superman in there, just aching to get out and rock. Overall Flashpoint has been a cool alternate world story, I’m really into it.

Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengeance (Sep ’11)

Writer & Artist: Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso

I still haven’t gotten over Wayne Casino, what a great concept. One thing that does confuse me a bit is the timing – when does this happen in relation to the overall Flashpoint story? Joker has taken Harvey and Gilda Dent’s twins hostage (some things never change) and Gordon’s traced them to the abandoned Wayne Manor. When he arrives he sees Joker holding a gun to Dent’s son, and Gordon shoots first – but all is not as it seems.

Such beautiful art, I like the colouring choices and how we move from a close-up of the girl’s face to wider and wider shots as Gordon comes to understand the situation he’s in. The last few pages of the book are brilliant and twisted, and although I won’t give away here who the Joker really is, I will say you really should be reading this book.

Can you believe it’s July already? I don’t know where spring went, but I’m really enjoying summer. Got some exciting new books today, and also finally got the ones from last week – I’ve got some fun evenings of comic reading ahead of me!

Batman & Robin 25 – I confess, I read this one before work this morning. I just had to know what happened when Batman and Robin teamed up with the Red Hood! Jason is pretty super hot here, I’ll share some details later on this week.

Batman Beyond 7 – Is this series even continuing in the DCnU? I’m still reading it, but not as excited about this as some other books, my new theory is that’s because it’s set in the future and I just don’t care as much about Terry as I do about the rest of the Bat-family. That said, I do want to know what Terry’s friend is up to with that cloud computer, and hopefully we’ll find out how Dick lost his eye.

Flashpoint 3 – There were some news articles over the last few days that said Flashpoint leads directly into the DCnU reboot, and if so, all I can say is, ‘How?’ There will need to be some major clean-up efforts going on…

Flashpoint: Batman – Knight of Vengeance 2 of 3 – I read this one before work today too! Why? Because I couldn’t wait any longer to find out who the Joker is in the Flashpoint world, and now that I know, I’m (a) surprised, and (b) a little ashamed that I didn’t realize. It’s just so perfect! And twisted, of course, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

All in all, a good haul! What are you reading?

Writer: James Robinson

Artists: Javi Fernandez

Date: Aug ’11

My Rating: A nice counterpoint to the main Flashpoint storyline, with good artwork.

The Outsider, it turns out, has nothing to do with the Outsiders. I should have known that, and once I re-read the first issue of Flashpoint it came back – he’s the guy who says he’ll help fight both the Amazonians and the Atlanteans, as long as it doesn’t get his suit dirty. He’s in India, and has mysterious but far-reaching powers. One thing I liked about this comic was seeing that meeting from a different point of view, it was done really well – turns out the Outsider really is hunting for that Blackout guy! Be warned, there’s a spoilers below.

A side conversation, almost a throwaway moment, tells us that Bruce isn’t the only important character who didn’t make it to the Flashpoint world:

Alfred! *sheds a single solemn tear* “Hm”? That’s all he gets? The man who was closer even than Batman to being meta-human? Well. He’ll always live on in my heart! And presumably in DCnU, too.

The fight scene that follows is sort of watered down by the dialogue, which all relates to shared history between a bunch of characters I’ve never heard of. The point seems to be that the Outsider can fight like hell, and they really play up the ‘keep the suit tidy’ thing!

I do quite like the artistic style in this issue, the use of colour and space, and I’ll definitely read the following two issues to find out what happens with the Outsider and whoever’s trying to have him killed. Here’s one of the final pages, I think it works really well.

Did anyone else read this one? Let me know what you thought of it, and have a great week!

Good morning! New comics always brighten up the middle of the week, even when I don’t get around to talking about them until Friday… Here’s what I’m reading:

Flashpoint 2 of 5 – This issue continues DC’s big ‘event’ mini-series, and I’m excited! Of course, when am I not excited about something comic-related? We’ll find out what happens with Flash and Batman — does Batman believe Flash’s story about coming from an alternate past? Or will he just beat him to a pulp? The cover image shows Batman electrocuting Flash, that can’t be healthy.

Flashpoint -  Batman: Knight of Vengeance 1 of 3 – Batman lures crime to him by running Wayne Casino, while still working with Gordon to make Gotham a better place. Meanwhile, the Joker has kindapped DA Harvey Dent’s children. Can Batman save them in time? I heard a rumor about what Joker’s origin might be in this Flashpoint world and I can’t wait to find out if it’s true – it would be amazing.

Batman Beyond 6 – I’m enjoying the futuristic world and the relationship between old Bruce and Terry. The storyline last issue didn’t really stand out in my mind, but this month might be more memorable. Once again, the cover by Dustin Nguyen is excellent, I really like the colours and the textures, and the implication that this glowing green villain has the Bat in his clutches!

Hello Gotham! Hope everyone’s had a good week and enjoyed all of last week’s fantastic comics. I can’t wait to read the ones I’ve picked up today!

Batman 710 – Always nice to see Two-Face getting some action! We’re done with testing Batman, Red Robin and Catwoman for moral purity, but was that storyline fully resolved, or are those crazy crusaders still floating around somewhere? I guess I’ll find out!

Batman: Gates of Gotham 1 of 5 – This is a mini-series that will help explain some back-story about the Wayne and Kane families which Morrison referred to in Return of Bruce Wayne and also Batman Inc. Written by Scott Snyder, I’ve quite enjoyed his work on Detective Comics and I’m interested to learn more about his version of Gotham’s history.

Justice League of America 57 – Continuing the story about Eclipso and a strange city on the dark side of the moon! Maybe Dick Grayson will kiss someone else … a girl can dream!

Superman/Batman 84 – In recent issues, Batman from the future came and took current-Superman to help the future Justice League fight against Morgaine Le Fay (why is she always evil? Can’t a woman be a powerful sorceress without turning to the dark side? I guess not in this ‘verse.) I’m enjoying seeing an alternate future and their Batman is bad-ass (as always) so this should be a great fun ride.

Batman & Robin 23 - Jason Todd! Oh Jason, what will you do next? I loved Dick and Damian’s relationship in the previous issue, and I get the sense that this one is all about Bruce and Jason figuring out how to interact now that they’re both back from the dead. The writer and artists are different so we’ll see how they do; I love the variant cover:

I also picked up Flashpoint 1, which I didn’t get last week but have heard excellent and intriguing things about. Let me know what you’re reading, and what you think of these comics!