Batman Comics

My husband @VenPixel and I went to Fan Expo Canada this weekend, and we had a really nice time! I’m obviously not a reporter, so I won’t attempt to do an objective review of the event, but I’d like to share some highlights. Be careful, there are some spoilers below for the DCnU!

We started by finding the DC table and I got to meet James Robinson, writer of Justice League of America. I told him I enjoyed his run on JLA, and specifically that he made me interested in non-Bat characters such as Supergirl, who recently had sort of an identity crisis and became a very dark version of herself. He thanked me and and started to talk about women in comics, which has been a real hotbed of conversation lately (there was a lot of discussion about women creators at the San Diego ComicCon DC panel, check out DC Women Kicking Ass for details). Robinson said that there are actually a lot of women in JLA, which I agreed with, and then said that I should come to the DC New 52 Panel (which I’d already planned to attend) because they’d be announcing something and it also involved women characters. I considered saying that I think the larger concern is women on the creative side, since in my opinion women aren’t under-represented within the comics themselves (though how they’re represented is questionable), but instead I just told him I’d see him at the panel and that was that! It was very exciting have met him.

Batman Inc 1 variant cover by Yannick Paquette

Then we went and got seated for the New 52 panel. Remember, if you want real reporting it’s not here, these are just the bits I cared enough about to write down.

Dan DiDio asked who likes Justice League, then picked a kid out of the audience and let him read the new Justice League 1 and Flashpoint 5, which as we know won’t be released until Wednesday. I was so jealous! We can only hope that the kid understood the huge significance of the moment

Tony Daniel talked about how Dick Grayson is a totally different Batman than Bruce Wayne, and how excited he is to be writing Bruce (now that he’ll be working on Detective Comics instead of on Batman). That book is high on my list in the DCnU. Daniel said that Detective Comics will be very focused on Batman and his solo detective work, we might see Jim and Alfred but not much. Batman will have a love interest, and it’s not Catwoman! That’s exciting, I can enjoy the Bats/Cats relationship but it’s nice to give Bruce some variety. Daniel also told us that we’ll see short plot arcs but big concepts, and it leads into something big next year. Francis Manapul said that the ending of Detective Comics 1 is a cliffhanger that will “blow our faces away”. Can’t wait to find out what he means by that!

Captain America special Fan Expo cover

On the topic of characters in the relaunched DC universe, Eddie Berganza (the editor) said that they’re being cautious about how they reintroduce characters, and they don’t want to do it all at once. It has to feel fresh and new, and they’re waiting to have the right tone and people involved in each comic. He was asked specifically about Wally West and Donna Troy, and said “just wait”. What about the events of Hush, does Catwoman still know who Batman really is? Eddie said Catwoman 1 will have a scene about identities that answers those questions, I’m looking forward to seeing where they go with that since it will have a pretty big effect on how the different characters interact.

Finally, we have news about Stephanie Brown!! She was Batgirl, but as we know Barbara Gordon will be returning to that cape, and everyone’s been wondering what Steph will be doing in the DCnU. So, we don’t have to wonder anymore. Spoiler alert! Dan DiDio said that Steph will return to costumed crimefighting as ‘Spoiler’, her original alter-identity. That’s amazing! I am so glad to know that she’ll be getting action in the comics, and really look forward to reading about her adventures.

After the New 52 panel I got to say hi to Brian Azzarello and Yanick Paquette. I told Brian how much I loved the Flashpoint Batman mini-series, his take on Thomas and Martha Wayne was amazing, and his Joker comic was super cool. I thanked Yanick for the Batman Inc art, and told him that specifically in issue 2 I loved how he drew Bruce and Selina together, they looked exactly like themselves. He seemed pleased with that, and it was really exciting to get to meet them!

Batman 247 - Special Holiday issue!

We went to the Drawing Batman panel, where Marcus To and Tony Daniel both took turns drawing, and it was projected for us to watch. I’m still amazed at their skill and talent, being able to draw like that would be so great – I can do all sorts of handiwork but drawing is definitely beyond me. While they drew they answered questions about their work, comics, etc. I asked them to talk about drawing Joker, and their answers were very interesting! Daniel said that when he was working with Grant Morrison, their Joker was influenced by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, but modern and cool. To said that his Joker was inspired by Batman: The Animated Series, and the dark eye makeup was very important. He also liked Jim Lee and Frank Quitely’s takes on Joker, which I definitely agree with. That panel was great, they’re both such excellent but different artists. I hoped to get one of the drawings they did but wasn’t so lucky.  After the panel I introduced myself to Marcus To, he’s been nice enough to answer me on Twitter so it was cool to connect in real life.

We walked around on the main floor, I bought Batman 247 which is on my list of Matches Malone issues but discovered when I got home that Matches isn’t actually in the comic! So it seems that I do have all his Batman and Detective Comics appearances! The rest will be harder to find, they’re less common and some are worth less so they’ll be in 50 cent bins, which means they’re not as well organized.

I also bought a beautiful print of the Batman Inc 1 variant cover by Yanick Paquette (which you can see above), and he signed it for me! I’ll get it framed, such an excellent piece of artwork.

And then we were done with Fan Expo! There were people in all sorts of amazing outfits, I was so impressed with how creative and high-quality some were! We had a good time, and it definitely helped convince me that going to San Diego ComicCon next year is a good idea. Now it’s time to start planning my costumes! If you went to Fan Expo I’d love to hear about your experiences and see photos, so leave a comment!

Batman 713

Writers & Artists: Fabian Nicieza, Steve Scott, Daniel Sampere, Andrei Bressan, Walden Wong, Rich Perrota, Rodney Ramos

This is the wrap-up issue leading into the DCnU reboot, and it’s written as a retelling of the Batman story. It opens with “This is the story of a boy who lost his parents, but through that loss gained a noble purpose in life. He grew up obsessed with fighting crime — with the idea of never letting any other innocents suffer as he had.” Our narrator describes Bruce first taking on the cowl, then working with Robin, and as the story progresses the artistic style changes to match the era depicted. Here’s a panel I really enjoyed, I haven’t seen Batman looking that cheerful in years.

As the tale continues we realize that the narrator isn’t Batman himself, and I started to wonder if it was Joker. He refers to the first Robin as “an incredibly annoying child”, after all. But, the level of detail and care for the characters showed it couldn’t possibly be Joker telling this story. Who else, then, would give only one brief mention of all of Jason Todd, as though the only important parts of his involvement with the Mission were when he showed up and then when he died?

And at the same time, criticize Tim’s Robin as a “mistake”? I was so upset by that! But once you read it and figure out who the narrator is, it makes sense. As a wrap-up story I did like this issue, especially the way it’s drawn and the suggestion at the end that the Bat-cave needs a Bat-pole – it really really does.

Justice League of America 60

Writers & Artists: James Robinson, Daniel Sampere, Wayne Faucher

This issue also tied up loose ends – specifically, the entire Justice League. Over the course of the story as they remember old battles and think about their own futures, everyone on the JLA decides to quit! It’s a pretty good way of opening up space for the new JLA, since at least nobody has to die.

They reminisce about a few huge fights, I had a hard time getting into that and understanding the impact of those battles on these heroes, possibly because of how it was written and possibly because those situations happened in books I haven’t read. There were also some great moments and beautiful art, like Supergirl killing an evil robot bare-handed:

I love that she wears super-shorts under her super-skirt! Helps protect the super-modesty. We also have a really interesting moment where Congorilla brings up Batman Inc and African superheroes in general (I stuck two pages together for ease of reading, it didnt look exactly like this in the book):

He makes a good point, I think — Africa is a big place and I’m not surprised that there are already superheroes working there. But why is that the only person who sees this is a Scottish man-turned-Gorilla? It reminded me of how white the JLA is, and the whole superhero world. One thing I really hope to see as the DCnU launches and then grows is more diversity, both in terms of creators working at DC comics and also in the characters portrayed. There was that great image showing other heroes posed like Wonder Woman (Batman’s awesome!), that’s such a prime example of how women are represented differently. I think the comic world in general, and DC within that, has a lot of room to grow and this relaunch is a great opportunity to bring in a wide range of characters. I hope they live up to the possibility.

Good evening Gotham! This week we get more final issues, with the DCnU relaunch coming closer, and more wrap-up stories like Detective Comics, Batgirl and Red Robin last week. I’m excited but also a bit nostalgic, knowing that big changes are coming to the characters that I care so much about. I especially wonder what will happen to Steph Brown and Cass Cain, hopefully something great. Here’s what I’m reading this week:

Justice League of America 60 – The new Justice League will be a different group of people, and this issue probably leads into that. I wonder how it’s going to work, what will happen to the current characters. Also, flipping through the first few pages I see Donna Troy, I thought she died back in issue 58 – glad to see her back, but what’s up with that?

Batman 713 – This issue is called “Storybook Endings”, that’s pretty intriguing. With seven people credited on the cover (one writer, three pencillers, 3 inkers) I wonder why the colourist and letterer also don’t get cover credit? Colour is one of my favourite parts of comic art, actually, it adds so much meaning. I’ve heard that this story is very restrospective and I’m really looking forward to reading it.

Superman/Batman 87 – So sad to see this book ending! It’s really grown on me as a fun non-continuity comic. This issue seems to feature the Joker, and we all know that when you put Batman, Joker and Superman in the same place it results in trouble. This will all end in tears.

Batman Retroactive 1990′s – The 1970′s and 1980′s issues were a lot of fun, and I’m sure the 90′s will be just as enjoyable. Knightfall, which is an excellent storyline, was written in the early 90′s and I’m looking forward to seeing if the style is anything similar. Check out the cover by Norm Breyfogle and Carlos Badilla, I love Batman’s bloody lip:

Holy heatwave, Batman! I sure hope Gotham city cools down soon. There were lots of exciting comics today, maybe they’ll take my mind off the temperature. Here’s what my pull file held this week:

Batman 712 – We find out what happens with Two-Face and Gilda, back from the dead! The art by Steve Scott and Andy Smith is beautiful, and every issue is a satisfying story.

Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons 2 of 3 – I’m definitely enjoying seeing how different the Graysons are in this world. In this issue things take a turn for the worse, and Dick is a really vibrant and passionate force at the centre of it. I like that about his character, how bright and alive he can be.

Batman Retroactive 1970′s – This is a one-shot by Len Wein and Tom Mandrake, DC also put out Flash and Wonder Woman issues this week. There’s a new story and one that had been published in the 70′s, and it looks like it will be a lot of fun to read.

Batman: Gates of Gotham 3 of 5 – This series has been interesting so far, looking into the history of Gotham as written by Scott Snyder. I like how the story follows both the historical Gotham (as the city was being built) and things going on in the present with Batman and crew. This series is definitely worth reading.

Justice League of America 59 - Looks like they’re still fighting on the moon. Somehow I don’t feel like these books fit in with the Batman books, but maybe they’re just not intended to. I never understand how Batman has time to be so many places, but I guess that’s his thing, right? He’s Batman.

Superman/Batman 86 – A reporter had found out who Batman is, and now he turns up dead! Who could have killed him, and on whose orders? I really enjoy this series, it’s fun and I enjoy how Batman and Superman interact. They’re not continuing it into the DCnU and that’s disappointing, in part because it tends to have really outlandish covers, they’re awesome. Here’s this week’s issue, by Miguel Sepulveda and Jose Villarrubia — Batman’s not having a good day:

I also got a preview book, DC Comics: The New 52! It’s got a few pages from the upcoming Justice League #1, which is the comic DC’s really leading with, and then one page talking about each of the new titles they’ll be offering. Although it’s not perfect, overall I’m excited for the upcoming changes and I think it can totally turn out well.

Good morning Gotham! Yesterday was the longest day of the year, and that means more time to read comics! Hurray!

Justice League of America 58 (Aug ’11) – I read this one right away, and OMG! The ending!! I couldn’t believe it. I won’t spoil it here, but go read this issue and then come tell me in the comments what you think, how you feel, and if you think it will be a permanent thing or somehow ret-conned later on.

Flashpoint: The Outsider 1 of 3 (Aug ’11) – One time I read an issue of The Outsiders by accident, and it was fun but not really engaging enough to keep reading. Not sure if this is the same group, but Batman’s in it so I’ll read it although I didn’t get to it last night.

Gates of Gotham 2 of 5 (Aug ’11) -  What a great book! This is the one where Scott Snyder is writing about how Gotham’s history affects its future, and he’s doing such a great job of tying the past in with the present. The plot is complex but totally readable, and there’s a great scene with Cassandra and Damian that makes me even more sad that Cass isn’t a bit part of the DCnu. Also loving the cover art:

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!

Happy Wednesday! New comicbook day is always lovely, even though I haven’t quite finished reading the ones I got last week! Here’s today’s new issues:

Batman 709 (Jun ’11) – This issue continues the storyline from Red Robin (which I enjoyed) and apparently Gotham City Sirens, which I don’t read. I can’t wait to see what happens when Batman and Catwoman are tested for purity

Justice League of America 56 (Jun ’11) – I’m still learning who’s who in the current Justice League, and that’s going pretty well. The story is exciting and it’s great to see how Batman interacts with other heroes.

Superman/Batman 83 (Jun ’11) – I hope we find out what happened with dead Superman and Batman in homemade armor! The cover features Batman riding a dragon while Superman wields an electrified sword, what more can a girl ask for?

Good evening Gothamites! Tonight I have three new and exciting comicbooks:

Batman 707 (Apr ’11) – The classic Batman book, and I haven’t written about it yet! How is this possible? I’ll fix that with this issue, which promises awesomeness – it opens with an underwater trap! More soon.

Justice League of America 54 (Apr ’11) – I really liked the CSA story arc that we just finished, and the cover of this one looks great. Supergirl is badass!

Superman/Batman 81 (Apr ’11) – I read the last issue but don’t really remember it… something with zombies, maybe? Hey, it’s got Supes and Bats in it, I’m game.

Take a look at the cover of Superman/Batman. I love the two logos together like that, it’s like fanfiction come true. And is that Samurai Batman (look at the ears on his helmet!!) fighting Superman? Awesome!! Love his utility belt.

Writer: James Robinson
Artists: Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter, Norm Rapmund
Date: February 2011
My Rating: Supergirl steals the show!

This is the third issue of JLA I’ve read, and I’m really into it! It’s got enough Batman to keep me interested, and I’m slowly getting to know some other characters. This month Supergirl had some awesome dark moments, I wanted to focus on her.

Quick recap – The Crime Syndicate of America (evil Justice League from alternate universe Earth 3), featuring sexy big bads Owlman and Ultraman, showed up searching for a way to stop the evil forces destroying their home universe. Another even bigger bad guy Omega Man also showed up, and so this green chick Jade enclosed the entire city (Washington DC, of course) in a dome. This protected the world against Omega Man, but also means that the JLA and CSA are trapped inside together. They decide to band together to fight Omega Man, but not everyone is on board.

Omega Man brought a lot of bad energy with him, and Supergirl gets to take a walk on the wild side as a result. Here we see her reaction to her new outlook on life:

(click through to see it larger)

I gotta say, if Dick Grayson were all bat-suited up and talking inspirational right in front of me, I might have a similar reaction. Makes a girl glad to believe in alternate universes.

Once Supergirl is pushed to choose a side, she goes where we might not have expected. On the other hand, Ultraman is a pretty intense character, and Supergirl’s looking for someone to go crazy with right now. Who better than Ultraman, with his unlimited powers and complete lack of morals or general human concern? He’s also got quite the body.

And yes, that’s Owlman and Ultrawoman in the middle panel there, along with Donna Troy (apparently a crossover from Star Trek). I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this plays out in future issues! The last page of this issue has another great image, but I’m not going to share it here. Read it yourself and let me know what you think!

Writer: James Robinson

Artists: Mark Bagley, Rob Hunter, Norm Rapmund

Date: December 2010

My Rating: Sexier Than Expected!

I don’t normally follow JLA, but I heard that #50 was going to have some Very Special Guests that I’ve greatly enjoyed in fanfic, and figured I’d check it out. So I had the guys at The Beguiling add it to my pull file, and boy am I glad. This issue was excellent!

It’s fun but weird to come in to a comic series and have no idea what’s going on. I don’t know all the characters, I don’t know what their powers are. I don’t know who the bad guys are. I watched the first couple seasons of the cartoon show, but things are very different now. And you know, I think that’s okay – it’s nice not to know everything. It’s fun to try to figure out what’s happening and why, and sometimes working for something (in this case, understanding) makes it better when you get there.

Luckily, it isn’t confusing the whole way through – after a couple pages we get into the main part of the story, and the reason why I bought the issue in the first place. The Crime Syndicate of America shows up from alternate universe Earth-3! The CSA is basically an evil Justice League, starring Owlman (Batman), Ultraman (Superman) and Ultrawoman (kind of a weird cross between Wonder Woman and Lois Lane). They’re all kind of psychotic, and needless to say, I love them.

The CSA’s world is being destroyed by a bomb that Lex Luthor from a third other universe created, and they’ve decided to survive by taking over “our” world. That leads to Favourite Moment in the Comic #1. Donna Troy (Wonder Woman’s equally-hot sister) explains the concept of a multiverse, and the example she uses is a switched-gender ‘verse. Here’s Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern in that world:

Favourite Moment #2 is kinda random, so I’m just gonna put it out there. Owlman and UltraWoman (from the Crime Syndicate of America) having sex on a pile of bags of money.  Note the dead henchmen tumbling out of the blown-open safe.

So there you have it! Justice League of America turns out to be a sexier comic than we might otherwise have expected.

I am the night!