I just watched the Young Justice premiere, and it definitely lived up to expectations. Cadmus was suitably creepy, and I love, love, loved the way they didn't just throw Superboy in, but actually showed Robin/Kid Flash/Aqualad rescuing him from the cloners. I actually sat up and squealed. It was completely unexpected.
I also enjoyed the continuity set up. No one-off episodes here! Good use was made of the comics--the Guardian was not only present but featured, and J'onn J'onzz has his modern look. This is a more mature cartoon, and thank god for that. I was beginning to think we would never get back to the feel of the BTAS and JLU cartoons.
That isn't to say that this is as utterly wonderful as the old DC Animated Universe cartoons. Young Justice lacks the subtlety of the DCAU. No subtext here. It is definitely aimed at an 8-13 year old audience, and it is a bit oversimplified. The Justice League is portrayed as overprotective jerks, and all the characters are pretty one-dimensional, except for maybe Aqualad.
As for casting, its mostly pretty good, especially for the adults. Robin sounds a little street-kid for Dick Grayson (I'm assuming that he's Robin, though it's never said), and Superboy is too deep-n'-macho for a teenager. The characters are strange in the first few minutes, mostly due to Speedy's sudden and inexplicable temper tantrum. It makes sense if you know the comics, but in context its completely out of place.
Kid Flash is probably my favorite character. He's got excellent lines, both by him and about him ("Speedy isn't Flash's sidekick? That makes no sense."). He offers a nice balance in an episode that could go to the bad side of strange and creepy very quickly.
Warner Bros. new anime-leanings are on show here, and I felt they worked very nicely. It wasn't crazy-Japanese, nor was it identical to the DCAU style. A good blend, overall. The monsters looked good, and Robin and Kid Flash had very nice character designs. Miss Martian was also good, but she only got a minute of screen time so there wasn't a good chance to look her over.
The only thing that I thought was outright strange was Aqualad's weapon, which was basically an knockoff Green Lantern ring, except in the form of two guns. I haven't seen the new Aqualad, but I didn't think he had that weapon. Guaranteed, he isn't really that much of a threat without it, but I was thinking he'd go more the Tempest-water-sorcery route.
Overall, this was a nice if clunky beginning. It isn't up to the level of Justice League, though, not even the pilot of that show. I think that the characters and plot were a little to simple. I'd like to see more depth, multiple plot threads, and actual motivations for characters. I'm hoping that further episodes exceed this one and this is just the stumbling of a new show, and not a trend.
Overall: 8 out of 10
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Review: Batgirl #13
Batgirl #13
by Brian Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez
Rating: 5/10
The gist of this issue is that Clayface and Batgirl get into a fight because Clayface wants to break into a bank to get into his safe deposit box. We also learn that Detective Nick Gage (more on his creepy relationship with the Batfamily later) has a dead wife/girlfriend.
Well, this was certainly a dead average issue. Really, it was just kind of a cute little filler issue with a "meaningful" talk between Gage and Stephanie. Also, we see Wendy, aka Proxy, for about three panels. I'm still not convinced that she's a meaningful character.
I don't understand the need to make each and every person who comes in contact with the Batfamily a damaged person. There was absolutely no need for Nick Gage to have a skeleton in the closet. He works best as the ray of sunshine in the Gotham universe, a nice light-hearted character with some wisecracks and a touch of romantic interest.
Then there's the whole Barbara/Nick/Stephanie thing. Seriously, to be a detective you have to be at least 27. Stephanie is, at most, 19. To have both Stephanie and Barbara dating, or at least interested in, the same guy is creepy to no end. This isn't a sophomore girl crushing on a senior's boyfriend. This is a late teenager coming on to a late twenties, early thirties guy.
Seriously. Just make it a Barbara/Dick/Nick love triangle and leave it at that. (Where is Dick these days in Barbara's life? Aren't they engaged, or has that been forgotten again?)
My high points for the issue were the art, which was kind of light and DCAU oriented, the feel Batgirl should have in my opinion. Also, Oracle is finally gone. This is Batgirl's book, after all, and I was seriously getting incredibly sick of Calculator. At least he is (apparently) taken care of for quite awhile.
Miller seems to be faltering these last few issues. Let's hope it picks back up these next issues.
by Brian Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez
Rating: 5/10
The gist of this issue is that Clayface and Batgirl get into a fight because Clayface wants to break into a bank to get into his safe deposit box. We also learn that Detective Nick Gage (more on his creepy relationship with the Batfamily later) has a dead wife/girlfriend.
Well, this was certainly a dead average issue. Really, it was just kind of a cute little filler issue with a "meaningful" talk between Gage and Stephanie. Also, we see Wendy, aka Proxy, for about three panels. I'm still not convinced that she's a meaningful character.
I don't understand the need to make each and every person who comes in contact with the Batfamily a damaged person. There was absolutely no need for Nick Gage to have a skeleton in the closet. He works best as the ray of sunshine in the Gotham universe, a nice light-hearted character with some wisecracks and a touch of romantic interest.
Then there's the whole Barbara/Nick/Stephanie thing. Seriously, to be a detective you have to be at least 27. Stephanie is, at most, 19. To have both Stephanie and Barbara dating, or at least interested in, the same guy is creepy to no end. This isn't a sophomore girl crushing on a senior's boyfriend. This is a late teenager coming on to a late twenties, early thirties guy.
Seriously. Just make it a Barbara/Dick/Nick love triangle and leave it at that. (Where is Dick these days in Barbara's life? Aren't they engaged, or has that been forgotten again?)
My high points for the issue were the art, which was kind of light and DCAU oriented, the feel Batgirl should have in my opinion. Also, Oracle is finally gone. This is Batgirl's book, after all, and I was seriously getting incredibly sick of Calculator. At least he is (apparently) taken care of for quite awhile.
Miller seems to be faltering these last few issues. Let's hope it picks back up these next issues.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Review: Jenny Sparks--Secret History of the Authority
Secret History of the Authority: Jenny Sparks (GN)
By Mark Millar
Art by John McCrea and James Hodgkins
Rating: 8/10
Though this book is not critical to the timeline of the Authority, it provides and interesting look into the (wonderful) character of Jenny Sparks. It follows Jenny through her first meeting with each member of the Authority and her life through the twentieth century.
The best issues were the Engineer, #4 (an extremely interesting a nuanced look at Hitler) and Jack Hwksmoor by far. Hawksmoor is a character we never learn much of, and this provided much needed background.
The Engineer's issue had an extremely thought provoking plot, but ultimately #4 stood above all the rest, which is sad since it didn't deal with a single other member of the Authority. This brings me to by greatest criticism, which is none of the other characters were given enough attention to feel like anything more than props next to Jenny. The Doctor's issue was mediocre, with only one good scene. Apollo and Midnighter's was flat out boring, and fell prey to the trap of portraying the pair without any personality other than their relationship.
The art, overall, held up the story well. It was the type to stand back and let the plot take over, which worked well in my opinion. Very clean, but not showy. I hadn't encountered either of the artists before this book, and it reminded me a lot of Chris Sprouse's work on The Return of Bruce Wayne.
Overall, a nice book if you're interested in the Authority, but not exceptional.
~Caro
By Mark Millar
Art by John McCrea and James Hodgkins
Rating: 8/10
Though this book is not critical to the timeline of the Authority, it provides and interesting look into the (wonderful) character of Jenny Sparks. It follows Jenny through her first meeting with each member of the Authority and her life through the twentieth century.
The best issues were the Engineer, #4 (an extremely interesting a nuanced look at Hitler) and Jack Hwksmoor by far. Hawksmoor is a character we never learn much of, and this provided much needed background.
The Engineer's issue had an extremely thought provoking plot, but ultimately #4 stood above all the rest, which is sad since it didn't deal with a single other member of the Authority. This brings me to by greatest criticism, which is none of the other characters were given enough attention to feel like anything more than props next to Jenny. The Doctor's issue was mediocre, with only one good scene. Apollo and Midnighter's was flat out boring, and fell prey to the trap of portraying the pair without any personality other than their relationship.
The art, overall, held up the story well. It was the type to stand back and let the plot take over, which worked well in my opinion. Very clean, but not showy. I hadn't encountered either of the artists before this book, and it reminded me a lot of Chris Sprouse's work on The Return of Bruce Wayne.
Overall, a nice book if you're interested in the Authority, but not exceptional.
~Caro
Monday, August 16, 2010
YouTube is Live!
Caro and Hanz (the authors of this blog, under the psuedonym Beckony) have offically posted the first Real Men Wear Tights youtube video. It's recorded on a crappy webcam, and is only the second video Caro has ever edited, but we're still proud of it!
Part 1 of our review of Batman: Under the Red Hood can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKLb97K8qEA
P.S. Don't forget to vote in the new poll!
Part 1 of our review of Batman: Under the Red Hood can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKLb97K8qEA
P.S. Don't forget to vote in the new poll!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Batman: Under the Red Hood came out last Tuesday, and me being the geek I am bought it on the first day and watched it.
Overall, I thought it was good but there were definitely some flaws.
First up was Joker's voice. He sounded more like Lex Luthor than the Joker, and it was obvious they were going for a Heath Ledger motif which didn't work well in animation (my friend, who feels about Joker the way I do about Batman, took particular issue with this).
Secondly, Dick Grayson's character design wasn't right. His hair was way too short and he was too buff for a lean acrobat.
The ending, while close to the one in the graphic novel, could have benefited from taking more from the original. A lot of the original punch was missing from this watered-down version.
The movie did have it's high points. The animation on the fight scenes and acrobatics was excellent, better even than some of the Justice League stuff. And Joker (however messed up they may have made him) had a fantastic scene with the Black Mask that made both me and my fellow comic nerd laugh for a good thirty seconds.
All in all, I rate this one around a 6.5/10.
Once I get a digital voice recorder (or figure out how to turn off the camera part of my webcam), me and Hanz, the fellow comic nerd, will be doing a full commentary on Under the Red Hood. This will serve as either the first or second episode of the podcast we're working on.
Overall, I thought it was good but there were definitely some flaws.
First up was Joker's voice. He sounded more like Lex Luthor than the Joker, and it was obvious they were going for a Heath Ledger motif which didn't work well in animation (my friend, who feels about Joker the way I do about Batman, took particular issue with this).
Secondly, Dick Grayson's character design wasn't right. His hair was way too short and he was too buff for a lean acrobat.
The ending, while close to the one in the graphic novel, could have benefited from taking more from the original. A lot of the original punch was missing from this watered-down version.
The movie did have it's high points. The animation on the fight scenes and acrobatics was excellent, better even than some of the Justice League stuff. And Joker (however messed up they may have made him) had a fantastic scene with the Black Mask that made both me and my fellow comic nerd laugh for a good thirty seconds.
All in all, I rate this one around a 6.5/10.
Once I get a digital voice recorder (or figure out how to turn off the camera part of my webcam), me and Hanz, the fellow comic nerd, will be doing a full commentary on Under the Red Hood. This will serve as either the first or second episode of the podcast we're working on.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Review: Return of Bruce Wayne #2
Return of Bruce Wayne #2
By Grant Morrison
Art by Frazer Irving
Rating: 7.5/10
For anyone not reading this, here's a quick summary: Bruce Wayne is now in Puritan times. He thinks he is someone sent form the church to help track down witches, but really he helps solve crimes. The woman who found him in the woods, Annie, is thought to be a witch, and he tries to protect her from the townspeople, especially the fanatical Brother Malleaus, a witch hunter.
Wow! This was definitely an improvement over issue #1, although still not without flaws. Morrison's plot skills really shine here, especially with the character of Annie. She is very well portrayed, and works within the story.
I love how Bruce's detective skills are put to work here. Its just a fantastic showcasing of why Bruce is Batman, and its for more than just the martial arts. The character of Brother Malleaus is great (and I'm not going to spoil for you as to why). The last pages, at Annie's "trial" are just so powerful and fantastic.
Still, for all my gushing, this issue does have problems. First off is the art. It's not bad, don't get me wrong, but there are some panels (and its more than a couple) where the characters look really...weird. I can't explain it. Their facial expressions just look strange in context.
Secondly, I have no clue what the heck is going on with this whole Superman/Time Masters subplot. I honestly don't get the whole thing. Yeah, I understand the Darkseid-destruction device thing implanted in Bruce, but why in the world is his head on a 61st century bioengineered historian-thing? And how the heck does that even make sense, if Bruce is supposed to destroy the world when he gets to the TWENTY-first century? and yet somehow he's in the SIXTY-first?
Great plot, but it just doesn't make enough sense.
By Grant Morrison
Art by Frazer Irving
Rating: 7.5/10
For anyone not reading this, here's a quick summary: Bruce Wayne is now in Puritan times. He thinks he is someone sent form the church to help track down witches, but really he helps solve crimes. The woman who found him in the woods, Annie, is thought to be a witch, and he tries to protect her from the townspeople, especially the fanatical Brother Malleaus, a witch hunter.
Wow! This was definitely an improvement over issue #1, although still not without flaws. Morrison's plot skills really shine here, especially with the character of Annie. She is very well portrayed, and works within the story.
I love how Bruce's detective skills are put to work here. Its just a fantastic showcasing of why Bruce is Batman, and its for more than just the martial arts. The character of Brother Malleaus is great (and I'm not going to spoil for you as to why). The last pages, at Annie's "trial" are just so powerful and fantastic.
Still, for all my gushing, this issue does have problems. First off is the art. It's not bad, don't get me wrong, but there are some panels (and its more than a couple) where the characters look really...weird. I can't explain it. Their facial expressions just look strange in context.
Secondly, I have no clue what the heck is going on with this whole Superman/Time Masters subplot. I honestly don't get the whole thing. Yeah, I understand the Darkseid-destruction device thing implanted in Bruce, but why in the world is his head on a 61st century bioengineered historian-thing? And how the heck does that even make sense, if Bruce is supposed to destroy the world when he gets to the TWENTY-first century? and yet somehow he's in the SIXTY-first?
Great plot, but it just doesn't make enough sense.
Review: Return of Bruce Wayne #1
Return of Bruce Wayne #1
By Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Sprouse
Rating: 5/10
As the first issue of a miniseries, I'm going to cut this issue a little slack, especially since its probably hard to make a coherent story out of Batman-fights-cavemen.
Unfortunately, once the coolness-factor wears off (about page three) that's what we're left with: a semi-mute tale about an amnesiac Batman fighting a caveman. It's okay, I guess but there's a lot of mindless punching with not very much motivation or plot. Morrison can do a lot better than this.
Also, why is Batman the only character in the story not speaking English as we know it? I guess its supposed to be because of his screwed-up mental state, but I think its just because Grant Morrison enjoys writing that sort of dialogue, as seen in RIP and issues 8-9 of Batman & Robin.
All in all, this issue did what it was meant to do (set up the miniseries) but apparently not much more. The high point was the last three pages, where we get Bruce saving a small boy, getting thrust into the next time, and then a group of time travelers showing up minutes too late. But these last pages weren't enough to save the issue.
The only thing keeping this from a below-average rating is the fact that it's the first issue, and the art by Chris Sprouse. The art is very good: clean and almost silver-age in tone (although still not excellent). I expect more from this miniseries, and hopefully we'll get it in the next issue.
By Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Sprouse
Rating: 5/10
As the first issue of a miniseries, I'm going to cut this issue a little slack, especially since its probably hard to make a coherent story out of Batman-fights-cavemen.
Unfortunately, once the coolness-factor wears off (about page three) that's what we're left with: a semi-mute tale about an amnesiac Batman fighting a caveman. It's okay, I guess but there's a lot of mindless punching with not very much motivation or plot. Morrison can do a lot better than this.
Also, why is Batman the only character in the story not speaking English as we know it? I guess its supposed to be because of his screwed-up mental state, but I think its just because Grant Morrison enjoys writing that sort of dialogue, as seen in RIP and issues 8-9 of Batman & Robin.
All in all, this issue did what it was meant to do (set up the miniseries) but apparently not much more. The high point was the last three pages, where we get Bruce saving a small boy, getting thrust into the next time, and then a group of time travelers showing up minutes too late. But these last pages weren't enough to save the issue.
The only thing keeping this from a below-average rating is the fact that it's the first issue, and the art by Chris Sprouse. The art is very good: clean and almost silver-age in tone (although still not excellent). I expect more from this miniseries, and hopefully we'll get it in the next issue.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Review: Batgirl #8
Batgirl #8
By Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Talent Caldwell
Overall: 7.5/10
In this issue, Tim returns to Gotham to find Stephanie as Batgirl. Although he doesn't like it, they have to team up to stop Ras al Ghul's assasins from murdering Leslie Thompkins.
I liked this issue, but I haven't enjoyed these past three issues as much as I did the inital arc. However, this was a good story, and it shows how Stephanie is growing up and distancing herself from the irresponsible person she was.
And Tim...well, Tim is a jerk. He has decided to become more like Bruce, and reminds Stephanie every other panel of how she screwed up and that she isn't good enough for his (or Batman's) expectations. This time, however, Stephanie merely smiles and proves him wrong. Together, they make an effective team and begin to come to terms with the each others' new roles.
The art for this issue is good, but not up to the precedent that Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott set for the book. For this story, it works, but it has more of an anime vibe than I like.
If you aren't reading this series, I'm ashamed of you.
By Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Talent Caldwell
Overall: 7.5/10
In this issue, Tim returns to Gotham to find Stephanie as Batgirl. Although he doesn't like it, they have to team up to stop Ras al Ghul's assasins from murdering Leslie Thompkins.
I liked this issue, but I haven't enjoyed these past three issues as much as I did the inital arc. However, this was a good story, and it shows how Stephanie is growing up and distancing herself from the irresponsible person she was.
And Tim...well, Tim is a jerk. He has decided to become more like Bruce, and reminds Stephanie every other panel of how she screwed up and that she isn't good enough for his (or Batman's) expectations. This time, however, Stephanie merely smiles and proves him wrong. Together, they make an effective team and begin to come to terms with the each others' new roles.
The art for this issue is good, but not up to the precedent that Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott set for the book. For this story, it works, but it has more of an anime vibe than I like.
If you aren't reading this series, I'm ashamed of you.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Review: Batman & Robin #10
Batman & Robin #10
by Grant Morrison
Art by Andy Clarke
Overall: 8/10
As the first issue in the "Return of Bruce Wayne" storyarc, this was very good. Basically, Dick Grayson and Damian go on a hunt through Wayne Manor's secret corridors and rooms looking for signs of Bruce being stuck in the past. Oh, and Talia makes Damian try to kill Dick.
This issue was very cool because of the look into the Wayne family past. And a secret treasure hunt inside a hidden demon-worshippers hideout? What's not to like? Also, it shows that Damian isn't a total brat, which is nice.
As the first of the arc, I'm hesitant to give it full marks because of all the new plot threads that Morrison has begun. However, if they all pan out well this could be the best arc of the series.
The art is good. It may not be fully my cup of tea (I'm more in the pro-Jim Lee camp as opposed to the pro-Frank Quietly) but it is enjoyable and suits the story.
Overall, a good, fun issue that will hopefully lead to an exciting arc.
by Grant Morrison
Art by Andy Clarke
Overall: 8/10
As the first issue in the "Return of Bruce Wayne" storyarc, this was very good. Basically, Dick Grayson and Damian go on a hunt through Wayne Manor's secret corridors and rooms looking for signs of Bruce being stuck in the past. Oh, and Talia makes Damian try to kill Dick.
This issue was very cool because of the look into the Wayne family past. And a secret treasure hunt inside a hidden demon-worshippers hideout? What's not to like? Also, it shows that Damian isn't a total brat, which is nice.
As the first of the arc, I'm hesitant to give it full marks because of all the new plot threads that Morrison has begun. However, if they all pan out well this could be the best arc of the series.
The art is good. It may not be fully my cup of tea (I'm more in the pro-Jim Lee camp as opposed to the pro-Frank Quietly) but it is enjoyable and suits the story.
Overall, a good, fun issue that will hopefully lead to an exciting arc.
Monday, December 7, 2009
JSA: The Liberty Files (yes its Batman)
JSA: The Liberty Files (Graphic Novel)
By Dan Jolley
Art by Tony Harris
Rating: 9/10 (best so far)
This is an Elseworlds tale, where all the superheroes come together during WWII instead of modern time. The main character is Batman (called The Bat, a secret agent for the allied forces). He and two other heroes (The Clock, or Hourman, and The Owl, or Dr. Midnite) infiltrate Hitler's forces to take down the new super-Nazi--a brainwashed Martian Manhunter. On the way they encounter versions of the Joker, Scarecrow, and others.
Later (1948) Batman has gone back to protecting Gotham City, but he is called in to investigate agents being killed in Berlin and a Soviet nuclear device. He and the Clock reunite and also work with Superman (but not who you think). These mysteries lead to a fabulous twist ending.
Personally, I loved this. I'm not really an Elseworlds fan, but this was fantastically written with a great plot and lots of mystery. And Batman saves the world. Twice. what could be better?
The art wasn't as fabulous as the story, but it was decent. There were too many lines on all the faces, and Bruce Wayne didn't really look like I thought he should. He and Clark Kent looked very, very similar. It wasn't bad, per say, just not really my cup if tea.
By Dan Jolley
Art by Tony Harris
Rating: 9/10 (best so far)
This is an Elseworlds tale, where all the superheroes come together during WWII instead of modern time. The main character is Batman (called The Bat, a secret agent for the allied forces). He and two other heroes (The Clock, or Hourman, and The Owl, or Dr. Midnite) infiltrate Hitler's forces to take down the new super-Nazi--a brainwashed Martian Manhunter. On the way they encounter versions of the Joker, Scarecrow, and others.
Later (1948) Batman has gone back to protecting Gotham City, but he is called in to investigate agents being killed in Berlin and a Soviet nuclear device. He and the Clock reunite and also work with Superman (but not who you think). These mysteries lead to a fabulous twist ending.
Personally, I loved this. I'm not really an Elseworlds fan, but this was fantastically written with a great plot and lots of mystery. And Batman saves the world. Twice. what could be better?
The art wasn't as fabulous as the story, but it was decent. There were too many lines on all the faces, and Bruce Wayne didn't really look like I thought he should. He and Clark Kent looked very, very similar. It wasn't bad, per say, just not really my cup if tea.
You should most definitely read this.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Batman: Haunted Gotham (Graphic Novel)
Batman: Haunted Gotham
By Doug Moench
Art by Kelley Jones
Rating: 3/10
In this tale, Gotham is mystically enclosed by an invisible barrier. Imps, magic and demons are real. The Waynes have trained their son, Bruce, to be fight against the hell-forces that are going to destroy the city. They die when he is an adult, and he dons the Batman costume to fight the dark magic. (It's really alien giant serpents.)
This was just too dang weird for me. There was little resemblance to the original characters except for the names and a sketchy history. The Waynes actually became ghosts, and then Bruce killed them to keep them from the demons, who would eat their souls.
The Joker was a patchwork Frankenstein with the head of Thomas Wayne. And there were giant-magic-human-eating serpents from outer space who transformed a lonely boy into what was supposedly Killer Croc, I guess. Need I say more?
Skip this. Just do not subject yourself to it.
*Deep breath*
I have two better notes for today:
First, I would like to thank DYlogger for writing about this blog on the Time Wasters blog (www.timewasters2009.blogspot.com It is cool). It's great to hear that people enjoy this blog. Frankly, I just started it because I got sick of being called a nerd (I am a geek, thank you very much).
Also, you should read The Umbrella Academy if you haven't already. It isn't Batman related or even in the DCU, but it is one of the best series I have read. Ever. And the covers are absolutely beautiful.
By Doug Moench
Art by Kelley Jones
Rating: 3/10
In this tale, Gotham is mystically enclosed by an invisible barrier. Imps, magic and demons are real. The Waynes have trained their son, Bruce, to be fight against the hell-forces that are going to destroy the city. They die when he is an adult, and he dons the Batman costume to fight the dark magic. (It's really alien giant serpents.)
This was just too dang weird for me. There was little resemblance to the original characters except for the names and a sketchy history. The Waynes actually became ghosts, and then Bruce killed them to keep them from the demons, who would eat their souls.
The Joker was a patchwork Frankenstein with the head of Thomas Wayne. And there were giant-magic-human-eating serpents from outer space who transformed a lonely boy into what was supposedly Killer Croc, I guess. Need I say more?
Skip this. Just do not subject yourself to it.
*Deep breath*
I have two better notes for today:
First, I would like to thank DYlogger for writing about this blog on the Time Wasters blog (www.timewasters2009.blogspot.com It is cool). It's great to hear that people enjoy this blog. Frankly, I just started it because I got sick of being called a nerd (I am a geek, thank you very much).
Also, you should read The Umbrella Academy if you haven't already. It isn't Batman related or even in the DCU, but it is one of the best series I have read. Ever. And the covers are absolutely beautiful.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Batman: As the Crow Flies Review
Batman: As the Crow Flies (trade paperback, c. 2004)
By Judd Winick
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Rating: ......
This isn't a very well known storyline, probably because it had the misfortune of coming out at around the same time as gems like Batman: Hush and War Games.
"Crow" opens with a mobster who has apparently gone insane. Batman takes him down, but soon other mob hitmen go postal as well. Batman believes it is the work of the Penguin, but Oswald denies any wrongdoing. He has actually hired Scarecrow to scare his 'employees' into submission. He has provided him with a lab, and an assistant, the albino Linda Friitawa.
Then a monster begins attacking the families. It looks like a version of Scarecrow, but Crane claims he knows nothing. Batman tries to control the creature, but he gets a dose of modified fear toxin and Robin has to rescue him. The creature follows the duo back to Wayne manner. batman defeats it with the help of a mechanized suit, and the monster devolves into Crane. It turns out Penguin hired Linda to infect Scarecrow so Penguin could get rid of the Gotham families. Linda is now able to see sunlight, and also exhales nerve toxin, plus an assortment of other abilities. she tells Batman to call her "Fright" right before disappearing.
Rating:
As you may notice there is no rating on this graphic novel. Honestly, its because I couldn't decide. On one hand, (and I've said this before) I really like the way Winick handles the interaction between the batfamily, their internal motivations, and dialogue. He really portrays the characters well.
On the other hand: mechanized batsuit? Honestly? If it works that well, then why didn't Bruce just wear it all the time and be done with it? That's the reaction I have to a lot of the plot in Winick's stories. It's just a backdrop for the character interactions. And quite frankly, there's almost no plot here.
I almost wish DC would let this writer just do some comics with all the characters talking. There are some very, very well done moments in this story. I love the character of Linda, and I wish some writer had picked her up after Winick's storyline ended.
And the chapter with Batman high on fear toxin in the batmobile while Alfred and Robin try to get through to him? Priceless. The way Winick portrays Scarecrow? The best I've seen so far.
Sucky plot, yes, but fantastic characters.
I guess it depends on what you read the batbooks for.
By Judd Winick
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Rating: ......
This isn't a very well known storyline, probably because it had the misfortune of coming out at around the same time as gems like Batman: Hush and War Games.
"Crow" opens with a mobster who has apparently gone insane. Batman takes him down, but soon other mob hitmen go postal as well. Batman believes it is the work of the Penguin, but Oswald denies any wrongdoing. He has actually hired Scarecrow to scare his 'employees' into submission. He has provided him with a lab, and an assistant, the albino Linda Friitawa.
Then a monster begins attacking the families. It looks like a version of Scarecrow, but Crane claims he knows nothing. Batman tries to control the creature, but he gets a dose of modified fear toxin and Robin has to rescue him. The creature follows the duo back to Wayne manner. batman defeats it with the help of a mechanized suit, and the monster devolves into Crane. It turns out Penguin hired Linda to infect Scarecrow so Penguin could get rid of the Gotham families. Linda is now able to see sunlight, and also exhales nerve toxin, plus an assortment of other abilities. she tells Batman to call her "Fright" right before disappearing.
Rating:
As you may notice there is no rating on this graphic novel. Honestly, its because I couldn't decide. On one hand, (and I've said this before) I really like the way Winick handles the interaction between the batfamily, their internal motivations, and dialogue. He really portrays the characters well.
On the other hand: mechanized batsuit? Honestly? If it works that well, then why didn't Bruce just wear it all the time and be done with it? That's the reaction I have to a lot of the plot in Winick's stories. It's just a backdrop for the character interactions. And quite frankly, there's almost no plot here.
I almost wish DC would let this writer just do some comics with all the characters talking. There are some very, very well done moments in this story. I love the character of Linda, and I wish some writer had picked her up after Winick's storyline ended.
And the chapter with Batman high on fear toxin in the batmobile while Alfred and Robin try to get through to him? Priceless. The way Winick portrays Scarecrow? The best I've seen so far.
Sucky plot, yes, but fantastic characters.
I guess it depends on what you read the batbooks for.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Quick Reviews
Short reviews of the six comics I bought this week, all semi-Batman related.
JLA: Cry for Justice. #1, #2
Rating: 7.5/10
It's always nice to see Hal Jordan and Green Arrow together. They're just funny. Supposedly Batwoman (yippee) is showing up later.
Gotham City Sirens #2
Rating: 8/10
Definitely not what I was expecting, but better. Selina's a good liar, and the Talia connection is interesting. I wish there was more in this issue, though. But Hush kidnapping Harley? Great.
Batgirl #1
Rating: 9.5/10
Yes! Stephanie Brown takes her rightful role as a member of the Batfamily. They packed a lot into this issue, and it totally works. The only thing I didn't like is that Barbra Gordon's thought boxes are green. I never thought of her having a defined color, but green?
Titans #16
Rating: 6.5/10
This is where the "Starfire kissing Batman" picture came from, but unfortunately it was a dream. I don't think Starfire will be around much longer.
Streets of Gotham #3
Rating: 8/10
Tommy Elliot is a good villain. I'll give him that. A very though-provoking issue. He's got Dick and Damian stuck. ("A nice middle finger at the Wayne legacy" great line) There's a cool shot of a bunch of heroes in the Elliot manor.
JLA: Cry for Justice. #1, #2
Rating: 7.5/10
It's always nice to see Hal Jordan and Green Arrow together. They're just funny. Supposedly Batwoman (yippee) is showing up later.
Gotham City Sirens #2
Rating: 8/10
Definitely not what I was expecting, but better. Selina's a good liar, and the Talia connection is interesting. I wish there was more in this issue, though. But Hush kidnapping Harley? Great.
Batgirl #1
Rating: 9.5/10
Yes! Stephanie Brown takes her rightful role as a member of the Batfamily. They packed a lot into this issue, and it totally works. The only thing I didn't like is that Barbra Gordon's thought boxes are green. I never thought of her having a defined color, but green?
Titans #16
Rating: 6.5/10
This is where the "Starfire kissing Batman" picture came from, but unfortunately it was a dream. I don't think Starfire will be around much longer.
Streets of Gotham #3
Rating: 8/10
Tommy Elliot is a good villain. I'll give him that. A very though-provoking issue. He's got Dick and Damian stuck. ("A nice middle finger at the Wayne legacy" great line) There's a cool shot of a bunch of heroes in the Elliot manor.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Blackest Night: Batman #1
Blackest Night: Batman #1
By Peter Tomasi
Art by Arion Syaf, John Dell, and Vicente Cifuentes
Rating: a surprising 8/10
For those who aren't reading the "Blackest Night" arc, here's a brief summary:
The Green Lantern Abin Sur (Hal Jordan's predeccesor) told of a prophecy called Blackest Night where other colors of rings would emerge, do battle, and the universe would be extinguished. No one believed him, and now those other rings are beginning to be found. The colors are:
Green=Willpower
Yellow=Fear
Red=Rage
Orange=Avarice
Blue=Hope
Indigo=Compassion
Violet=Love
Black=Death
A villain called the Black Hand is chosen to be the herald of the black power rings. These rings are created and they seek out deceased superheroes, supervillians, and the heroes' dead family (including Jack and Janet Drake) to resurrected as the Black Corps. Black Hand goes to Bruce Wayne's grave, reaches into the ground, and pulls out a skull, saying "This is the one." He carries it with him, but never resurrects the body.
These black lanterns combat and kill superheroes (including Hawkman and Tempest) resurrecting them as more corps.
Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne go to the Wayne's grave site. They take Thomas and Martha's bodies back to the new batcave for safekeeping. This is where Blackest Night: Batman picks up.
Deadman comes and takes possession of both Dick and Damian, telling them of what is happening. They agree to help him combat it. We also see Jake and Janet Drake rise, as well as Dick's parents.
All in all, this was way better than I was expecting. It had perhaps the best post-RIP Damian writing I'd read. Major Kudos to Tomasi for that. It was a lot of explanation and story-setting-up, but that's why its 8/10 and not 9/10. I hope that next issue, when they finally start the fighting.
The other thing that I liked a lit about this story was that it brought the Batman world together with my second favorite character(s), Green Lantern. And it is done very well.
The art on this story is pretty good. Not Jim Lee, but solid. There's one scene where Deadman (in Damian's body) does this backflip onto a headstone that is illustrated very well, and its definitely in the top three panels of this issue.
By Peter Tomasi
Art by Arion Syaf, John Dell, and Vicente Cifuentes
Rating: a surprising 8/10
For those who aren't reading the "Blackest Night" arc, here's a brief summary:
The Green Lantern Abin Sur (Hal Jordan's predeccesor) told of a prophecy called Blackest Night where other colors of rings would emerge, do battle, and the universe would be extinguished. No one believed him, and now those other rings are beginning to be found. The colors are:
Green=Willpower
Yellow=Fear
Red=Rage
Orange=Avarice
Blue=Hope
Indigo=Compassion
Violet=Love
Black=Death
A villain called the Black Hand is chosen to be the herald of the black power rings. These rings are created and they seek out deceased superheroes, supervillians, and the heroes' dead family (including Jack and Janet Drake) to resurrected as the Black Corps. Black Hand goes to Bruce Wayne's grave, reaches into the ground, and pulls out a skull, saying "This is the one." He carries it with him, but never resurrects the body.
These black lanterns combat and kill superheroes (including Hawkman and Tempest) resurrecting them as more corps.
Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne go to the Wayne's grave site. They take Thomas and Martha's bodies back to the new batcave for safekeeping. This is where Blackest Night: Batman picks up.
Deadman comes and takes possession of both Dick and Damian, telling them of what is happening. They agree to help him combat it. We also see Jake and Janet Drake rise, as well as Dick's parents.
All in all, this was way better than I was expecting. It had perhaps the best post-RIP Damian writing I'd read. Major Kudos to Tomasi for that. It was a lot of explanation and story-setting-up, but that's why its 8/10 and not 9/10. I hope that next issue, when they finally start the fighting.
The other thing that I liked a lit about this story was that it brought the Batman world together with my second favorite character(s), Green Lantern. And it is done very well.
The art on this story is pretty good. Not Jim Lee, but solid. There's one scene where Deadman (in Damian's body) does this backflip onto a headstone that is illustrated very well, and its definitely in the top three panels of this issue.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
JLA/JLU Batman Episodes
Injustice for All (2 pt, JLA):
The basic plot is that Lex Luthor starts an Injustice Gang and The JLA takes him down. Batman is featured in this episode.
--Rating: 7.5/10
--Although this is a Batman centric episode (and therefore rocks), he comes off almost weak-looking in comparison to everyone else. First he's poisoned, then the Joker manages to sneak up on him, hit him with a bag of bricks, and capture him. In episode 2, he redeems himself by making it seem like he planned it all. There's a fabulous scene where he manipulates Cheetah into alerting the JLA that there's a bomb on the Watchtower.
Twilight (2 pt, JLA)
Plot: Darksied comes to the Watchtower asking for help because Brainiac is attacking Apokolips. It's of course a ploy, and the JLA has to take down both villians.
--Rating: 9/10
--Featured in this episode is how Batman and Superman interact and it came off perfectly.There's a scene where Batman reads Superman the riot act about not wanting to help Darkseid, and its wonderful. Also, the last ten minutes of the storyline are all almost exclusively Superman/Batman. The only downside to this is an overdone fight scene between three members of the JLA and Brainiac.
This Little Piggy (1 pt, JLU)
Plot: Wonder Woman (who Batman is in a romantic relationship with) is turned into a pig by Circe and Batman has to get her turned back.
--Rating: 5.5/10
--WONDER WOMAN?! No...just no. I didn't like it when they did it in the comics, I don't like it here. The basic story is pretty good, but Batman comes off very out of character. And (spolier alert here) he SINGS. "Am I Blue", to be exact. In front of a room full of people.
A Better World (2 pt, JLA)
Plot: In parallel universe, the JLA took over the world, convinced they could wipe out injustice and in the process became dictators. That universe's Batman built a portal to see another dimensions, and found the regular universe. They captured the real heroes and imprisoned them in the other world so they could bring "justice" to this one.
--Rating: 9.5/10
--Wow. This was just a great episode. Superman kills Luthor (AU Superman), Batman talks to Batman (fabulous scene, that one), and the Justice League explores Arkham Asylum. To tell more would spoil the plot. You must see this episode, even if you never watch another.
For The Man Who Has Everything (1 pt, JLU)
Plot: Batman and Wonder Woman go to the Fortress of Solitude for Superman's birthday, and end up battling Mongul.
--Rating: 8/10
--This is a really good episode, just for the fact that it shows Batman can hold his own against these superpowered menaces. It spends a little too long in Superman's fantasy world (brought on by the Black Mercy), but I guess I feel that way because I'm not a Superman fan. There's also some nice dialouge between Batman and Wonder Woman at the beginning.
The basic plot is that Lex Luthor starts an Injustice Gang and The JLA takes him down. Batman is featured in this episode.
--Rating: 7.5/10
--Although this is a Batman centric episode (and therefore rocks), he comes off almost weak-looking in comparison to everyone else. First he's poisoned, then the Joker manages to sneak up on him, hit him with a bag of bricks, and capture him. In episode 2, he redeems himself by making it seem like he planned it all. There's a fabulous scene where he manipulates Cheetah into alerting the JLA that there's a bomb on the Watchtower.
Twilight (2 pt, JLA)
Plot: Darksied comes to the Watchtower asking for help because Brainiac is attacking Apokolips. It's of course a ploy, and the JLA has to take down both villians.
--Rating: 9/10
--Featured in this episode is how Batman and Superman interact and it came off perfectly.There's a scene where Batman reads Superman the riot act about not wanting to help Darkseid, and its wonderful. Also, the last ten minutes of the storyline are all almost exclusively Superman/Batman. The only downside to this is an overdone fight scene between three members of the JLA and Brainiac.
This Little Piggy (1 pt, JLU)
Plot: Wonder Woman (who Batman is in a romantic relationship with) is turned into a pig by Circe and Batman has to get her turned back.
--Rating: 5.5/10
--WONDER WOMAN?! No...just no. I didn't like it when they did it in the comics, I don't like it here. The basic story is pretty good, but Batman comes off very out of character. And (spolier alert here) he SINGS. "Am I Blue", to be exact. In front of a room full of people.
A Better World (2 pt, JLA)
Plot: In parallel universe, the JLA took over the world, convinced they could wipe out injustice and in the process became dictators. That universe's Batman built a portal to see another dimensions, and found the regular universe. They captured the real heroes and imprisoned them in the other world so they could bring "justice" to this one.
--Rating: 9.5/10
--Wow. This was just a great episode. Superman kills Luthor (AU Superman), Batman talks to Batman (fabulous scene, that one), and the Justice League explores Arkham Asylum. To tell more would spoil the plot. You must see this episode, even if you never watch another.
For The Man Who Has Everything (1 pt, JLU)
Plot: Batman and Wonder Woman go to the Fortress of Solitude for Superman's birthday, and end up battling Mongul.
--Rating: 8/10
--This is a really good episode, just for the fact that it shows Batman can hold his own against these superpowered menaces. It spends a little too long in Superman's fantasy world (brought on by the Black Mercy), but I guess I feel that way because I'm not a Superman fan. There's also some nice dialouge between Batman and Wonder Woman at the beginning.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Detective Comics #854
Detective Comics #854
By Greg Rucka
Art by J.H. Williams III
Overall: 6.5/10
For the first time in at least forty years, Detective comics features someone other than The Dark Knight--Batwoman.
We don't know much about Kate Kane. The major story line she was involved in was about a bizarre religion of crime. She was kidnapped by this cult, who attempted to sacrifice her because of her name, Kane, like Cain. Kate was stabbed through the heart, only to to be saved by Renee Montoya, aka The Question. This storyline picks up where that one left off, with Kate trying to discover the identity of the religion of crime's new leader.
The book opens with Kate interrogating a low-level criminal. Batman appears (Dick Grayson, we assume) and they have a few pages of conversation about how their are such-and-such number of crime covens, how this is a serious fight, etc. Kate, in the morning, goes to have breakfast with her girlfriend, Anna. Anna, believing that Kate's sleep-deprived appearance stems from Kate cheating on her, says that she needs a stable relationship and this isn't it.
Kate returns to her home, where she talks with her father about her mission. Then she enters her own miniature batcave, and receives from her father an experimental military gun, saying she knows "exactly who to use it on". She sets off on her batcycle to track down the religion's new leader. When she finds a coven of the religion's followers, she attacks them, demanding the leader's identity. Suddenly, a pale girl flanked by almost zombie-like guards appears. She calls herself Alice, and says "I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, because I'm not myself, you see." She is obviously the new leader. The comic ends with Batwoman pointing the gun she received at Alice.
Well, this is certainly one of the more different storylines this month. It has a lot of potential, but this first issue feels like mostly filler, and contrived, trying-too-hard scenes between Kate and the people she cares about. The character of Anna especially seems out of place. She only appears for three pages, long enough to break up with Kate and leave.
The whole conversation with her father as well just doesn't sit right. She goes from talking about the Batman to working out and being reminded of her injury to the batcave in a whirlwind of dialogue. The book really picks up with the entrance of Alice (the most interesting character in this whole book), but unfortunately it is three pages from the end.
The other problem is the art. When Kate has the costume on, it's done in a noir, almost painting style (ala Alex Ross). When she's Kate, it's a very comic style, except for one panel that looks like it's done in water colors. It's very disconcerting. You can't just read the comic, you have to constantly readjust to the art. And I don't know whose idea it was to have Kate look like a goth teen in the "breakfast with Anna" scenes, but its there.
There is a Question second feature (maybe I'm mistaken but weren't Renee and Kate into each other at the end of 52?) which is about ten time better than the cover story. If your a big Renee Montoya fan, I'd pick up the book for that, but otherwise this is one to skip.
By Greg Rucka
Art by J.H. Williams III
Overall: 6.5/10
For the first time in at least forty years, Detective comics features someone other than The Dark Knight--Batwoman.
We don't know much about Kate Kane. The major story line she was involved in was about a bizarre religion of crime. She was kidnapped by this cult, who attempted to sacrifice her because of her name, Kane, like Cain. Kate was stabbed through the heart, only to to be saved by Renee Montoya, aka The Question. This storyline picks up where that one left off, with Kate trying to discover the identity of the religion of crime's new leader.
The book opens with Kate interrogating a low-level criminal. Batman appears (Dick Grayson, we assume) and they have a few pages of conversation about how their are such-and-such number of crime covens, how this is a serious fight, etc. Kate, in the morning, goes to have breakfast with her girlfriend, Anna. Anna, believing that Kate's sleep-deprived appearance stems from Kate cheating on her, says that she needs a stable relationship and this isn't it.
Kate returns to her home, where she talks with her father about her mission. Then she enters her own miniature batcave, and receives from her father an experimental military gun, saying she knows "exactly who to use it on". She sets off on her batcycle to track down the religion's new leader. When she finds a coven of the religion's followers, she attacks them, demanding the leader's identity. Suddenly, a pale girl flanked by almost zombie-like guards appears. She calls herself Alice, and says "I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, because I'm not myself, you see." She is obviously the new leader. The comic ends with Batwoman pointing the gun she received at Alice.
Well, this is certainly one of the more different storylines this month. It has a lot of potential, but this first issue feels like mostly filler, and contrived, trying-too-hard scenes between Kate and the people she cares about. The character of Anna especially seems out of place. She only appears for three pages, long enough to break up with Kate and leave.
The whole conversation with her father as well just doesn't sit right. She goes from talking about the Batman to working out and being reminded of her injury to the batcave in a whirlwind of dialogue. The book really picks up with the entrance of Alice (the most interesting character in this whole book), but unfortunately it is three pages from the end.
The other problem is the art. When Kate has the costume on, it's done in a noir, almost painting style (ala Alex Ross). When she's Kate, it's a very comic style, except for one panel that looks like it's done in water colors. It's very disconcerting. You can't just read the comic, you have to constantly readjust to the art. And I don't know whose idea it was to have Kate look like a goth teen in the "breakfast with Anna" scenes, but its there.
There is a Question second feature (maybe I'm mistaken but weren't Renee and Kate into each other at the end of 52?) which is about ten time better than the cover story. If your a big Renee Montoya fan, I'd pick up the book for that, but otherwise this is one to skip.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Batman #687
Batman #687
By Judd Winick
Art by Ed Benes
Overall: 9.5/10
The one thing that Bruce Wayne could never fully give was humanity. There were a few touching moments, true, but he cared little for emotion. This made him a legend. This gave him the power to walk into a room full of superpowered beings and have all conversation stop. It also alienated him from everyone he cared about, even after the Crisis and his year of soul-searching.
Dick Grayson is a new kind of Batman. He doesn't manipulate people like Bruce did, and he's much more human. This gives the potential for so many new stories, and real, thoughtful interaction in the batfamily without all the infighting and trust issues Bruce caused. Don't get me wrong--I loved Bruce Wayne. But I'm looking forward to the possibilities.
In many ways, Batman #687 defines this change. It begins with Dick taking down a group of thugs from inside the Batmobile--he still isn't comfortable wearing Bruce's costume. Then there's a visit from Superman and Wonder Woman, a talk with Alfred (more on this later), and moving into the new headquarters (more on this, too).
The Superman and Wonder Woman scenes were executed beautifully. They handed over Bruce's costume, talked a little about what Bruce had had planned for the event of his death, and left. Mostly, their brief appearance served to open up the discussion about what will happen, now that Bruce is dead, and Dick's reaction to his surrogate father's death, something we didn't get to see in Battle for the cowl. Ultimately, Dick decides not to let the JLA run the funeral, but instead to let Bruce go quietly, without the parade, like he wanted, and to let the legend of the Batman live on.
The talk between Alfred and Dick is near perfect. There's one bit that encompasses, I think, everything that Bruce's family is dealing with from his death:
DICK: "You prepare yourself for this day...well, prepare is the wrong word. Do you prepare yourself for the sun to rise, for water to flow from a tap? No. These are knowables. These are eventualities. I knew I would never see him as an old man. No, he'd leave us in a box, with jet black hair, and the only lines on his face would be ones brought by injury.
You knew it wouldn't end well. Despite all the training, all the brilliance, all the strength...under it all there was just flesh, blood, and bone. And a man who never feared death. You know as well as do he was frightened of a great many things, but his own mortality barely made the top hundred list with him. I just....
....I just wasn't ready to lose him."
ALFRED: "I know. I know. I wasn't "ready" either."
^That is spectacular.
On the subject of moving headquarters, however, the narrative falters. I want to make it clear that I blame the editor and not the writer, though. This scene appeared in Batman and Robin #1, which came out a week earlier, and the two scenes are very, very similar, though I like #687's rendition a little better. It just doesn't sit well. There's no need to have this explained twice.
The art: Frankly, its just okay. Ed Benes is pretty good, but he's no Jim Lee. No one has a chin as pointy as the one Dick sported in the funeral scenes. In the early robbery panels there are too many fire spurts and crashes to really get a full idea of what is going on. But Benes' style is clean, and coherent. Mid line.
This is one you definitely must get.
By Judd Winick
Art by Ed Benes
Overall: 9.5/10
The one thing that Bruce Wayne could never fully give was humanity. There were a few touching moments, true, but he cared little for emotion. This made him a legend. This gave him the power to walk into a room full of superpowered beings and have all conversation stop. It also alienated him from everyone he cared about, even after the Crisis and his year of soul-searching.
Dick Grayson is a new kind of Batman. He doesn't manipulate people like Bruce did, and he's much more human. This gives the potential for so many new stories, and real, thoughtful interaction in the batfamily without all the infighting and trust issues Bruce caused. Don't get me wrong--I loved Bruce Wayne. But I'm looking forward to the possibilities.
In many ways, Batman #687 defines this change. It begins with Dick taking down a group of thugs from inside the Batmobile--he still isn't comfortable wearing Bruce's costume. Then there's a visit from Superman and Wonder Woman, a talk with Alfred (more on this later), and moving into the new headquarters (more on this, too).
The Superman and Wonder Woman scenes were executed beautifully. They handed over Bruce's costume, talked a little about what Bruce had had planned for the event of his death, and left. Mostly, their brief appearance served to open up the discussion about what will happen, now that Bruce is dead, and Dick's reaction to his surrogate father's death, something we didn't get to see in Battle for the cowl. Ultimately, Dick decides not to let the JLA run the funeral, but instead to let Bruce go quietly, without the parade, like he wanted, and to let the legend of the Batman live on.
The talk between Alfred and Dick is near perfect. There's one bit that encompasses, I think, everything that Bruce's family is dealing with from his death:
DICK: "You prepare yourself for this day...well, prepare is the wrong word. Do you prepare yourself for the sun to rise, for water to flow from a tap? No. These are knowables. These are eventualities. I knew I would never see him as an old man. No, he'd leave us in a box, with jet black hair, and the only lines on his face would be ones brought by injury.
You knew it wouldn't end well. Despite all the training, all the brilliance, all the strength...under it all there was just flesh, blood, and bone. And a man who never feared death. You know as well as do he was frightened of a great many things, but his own mortality barely made the top hundred list with him. I just....
....I just wasn't ready to lose him."
ALFRED: "I know. I know. I wasn't "ready" either."
^That is spectacular.
On the subject of moving headquarters, however, the narrative falters. I want to make it clear that I blame the editor and not the writer, though. This scene appeared in Batman and Robin #1, which came out a week earlier, and the two scenes are very, very similar, though I like #687's rendition a little better. It just doesn't sit well. There's no need to have this explained twice.
The art: Frankly, its just okay. Ed Benes is pretty good, but he's no Jim Lee. No one has a chin as pointy as the one Dick sported in the funeral scenes. In the early robbery panels there are too many fire spurts and crashes to really get a full idea of what is going on. But Benes' style is clean, and coherent. Mid line.
This is one you definitely must get.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Comic Review: Batman and Robin #1
Batman and Robin #1
By Grant Morrison
Art by Frank Quietly
Overall: 8/10
Thank god that we got the "All-Star Superman" Morrison on this book and not the one that wrote the incomprehensible "Batman RIP". Just for that fact, this comic rates high.
The basic summary is that Batman--Dick Grayson, in case you haven't heard--apprehends a frog-looking man who calls himself Mr. Toad. Mr. Toad is somehow connected to another villian by the name of Pigg. We see Pigg in another part of the city, toturing a mobster and his teen daughter. He is burning new faces onto their's--odd, clown-like faces. The storyline is called "Circus of Strange" so you can see where this is headed.
We also get a few pages of commentary between Alfred, Dick, and Damian (the new Robin). There are a few gems of dialouge in these sections, but nothing nearly as good as what's found in Batman #687. Mostly it consists of Dick feeling like he's in over his head while simultaneously trying to control Damian.
My opinion:
This was a good start to the series. I would have liked to see some more talk between the batfamily, and not just this stock "I am Batman now" "I must control the city" and Damian's usual bratty attitude, which fills most of the pages where Morrison could have taken the opportunity to show Dick truly grieving. As for Damian, it doesn't seem like he cares, save for a few panels where he says that he has vowed to finish what his father began.
The Circus of Strange seems, well, a little strange. I wonder if its some of the RIP Morrison showing through. This first issue doesn't say much about the plot to come, however, other than that there are drugs involved, as well as sadistic madmen. It is quite different from other plots, though, and that may be a good thing--or prove this book's demise.
All in all, I got the sense that the creative team was a little unsure of themselves in this first issue, reverting back to old standbys for the batfamily dynamics and trying a pinch too hard on the circus aspect. The art, however, was wonderful, and the page of "things to come" shows some promising bits.
By Grant Morrison
Art by Frank Quietly
Overall: 8/10
Thank god that we got the "All-Star Superman" Morrison on this book and not the one that wrote the incomprehensible "Batman RIP". Just for that fact, this comic rates high.
The basic summary is that Batman--Dick Grayson, in case you haven't heard--apprehends a frog-looking man who calls himself Mr. Toad. Mr. Toad is somehow connected to another villian by the name of Pigg. We see Pigg in another part of the city, toturing a mobster and his teen daughter. He is burning new faces onto their's--odd, clown-like faces. The storyline is called "Circus of Strange" so you can see where this is headed.
We also get a few pages of commentary between Alfred, Dick, and Damian (the new Robin). There are a few gems of dialouge in these sections, but nothing nearly as good as what's found in Batman #687. Mostly it consists of Dick feeling like he's in over his head while simultaneously trying to control Damian.
My opinion:
This was a good start to the series. I would have liked to see some more talk between the batfamily, and not just this stock "I am Batman now" "I must control the city" and Damian's usual bratty attitude, which fills most of the pages where Morrison could have taken the opportunity to show Dick truly grieving. As for Damian, it doesn't seem like he cares, save for a few panels where he says that he has vowed to finish what his father began.
The Circus of Strange seems, well, a little strange. I wonder if its some of the RIP Morrison showing through. This first issue doesn't say much about the plot to come, however, other than that there are drugs involved, as well as sadistic madmen. It is quite different from other plots, though, and that may be a good thing--or prove this book's demise.
All in all, I got the sense that the creative team was a little unsure of themselves in this first issue, reverting back to old standbys for the batfamily dynamics and trying a pinch too hard on the circus aspect. The art, however, was wonderful, and the page of "things to come" shows some promising bits.