Batman The Return: Retrospective

While the actual Batman: The Return comic was slightly disappointing, I figured I would do a retrospective on the entire series.

Overall, the plotline was very good. The Vicki Vale stuff got old about issue two, but the nice little moments between Bruce and the other members were nice. There was a whole host of problems, though.

First off, the editing was pretty crappy. In the Oracle issue, they get Batgirl's costume wrong three panels in a row and then suddenly it gets fixed. Also, Vicki Vale gets told three different stories--very inconsistent.

Second, the series was what I hoped it wouldn't be: Bruce going around and testing each of his allies. Why on earth does he have to do this again? Didn't he learn his lesson from the six other times he pulled this? I almost cheered out loud when Stephanie smacked  him across the face.

Third, although I usually greatly enjoy Fabian Niceiza's writing, this was very poor. All the issues just felt unnecessary. I really wish DC would stop these one-shots that really add nothing to the mythos. While there were moments in each issue I enjoyed, ultimately the overaching story just fell apart. Maybe a three-issue miniseries would have been better. This certainly didn't warrant 7 issues.  

Knight and Squire!!!

DC just put up the preview for Knight and Squire #. And may I say wow. Wow, wow, and ohmygod yes.

I absolutely love the characters of Knight and Squire, who have been drastically underused--basically shoved off into a corner until called upon by Grant Morrison (they were the shining light of Batman: The Black Glove). Knight doesn't have Bruce Wayne's looks, of course, but he does possess a personality to make up for it.

And seriously, just check out the art:

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.

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

Ellis' Authority vs. Millar's Authority

Recently, I discovered that I'd read ever Batman book the library had. Since the Marvel universe looks completely confusing, and most of the other DC titles were checked out, I began my first foray into non-DC Comics titles. one of the first I picked up was The Authority.

Now having consumed the first run (all the library has, dang it), I'm chiming in on the Ellis-vs-Millar debate. I'm a little nervous to do it on a forum (have you heard some of the crazy people there? And I thought I was an uber nerd), but hey, that's what a blog is for.

Personally, I thought that while the Millar issues were a little clumsy, and definitely inelegant compared to Ellis' run, Millar's plots weren't as formulaic as Ellis'.

Millar might have been hampered by the fact that Jenny Sparks--the most kick-ass heroine ever--was dead, but that doesn't excuse his liberal use of dues ex machina at the end of issue #29. Also, Millar was sincerely lacking in character development for every one except Jenny Quantum, Midnighter, and Jack Hawksmore. I felt that he was too wrapped up in an awesome plot and accidentally painted himself into a corner.

However, he gets props for having a Apollo-cares-for-Midnighter scene, as opposes to the other way around (one of Ellis' big follies, and not unlike the case of them always depowering Superman in the first season of JL--Apollo simply came off as weak).

Ellis had his own share of problems. The first three or so storylines of the run ran basically along the same lines, and I even think the same Apollo-gets-beaten (sorry to harp on it but it seriously annoyed me) happened twice. Midnighter was pretty badass, though.

All in all, I think I preferred Ellis run. Millar's run was too problematic and a little too hamfisted for my tastes. The execution, ultimately, was shaky compared to Ellis' sure grasp of the characters. While Millar seemed to ignore all characterization in favor of his plot, but ultimately undermined himself because of the book's incomplete feel.

I Can't Believe its Not the Justice League!

...or maybe I can.

DC just announced that, come late August (and the return of Bruce Wayne to present time), they will not be changing the Justice League lineup.

For those of you unfamiliar with the current Justice Leaguers, its Batman (Dick Grayson), Donna Troy, Mon-el, Starfire, Cyborg, Green Arrow, the Atom, Hal Jordan, Dr. Light (who may or may not have quit the team), the Gaurdian, and Congorilla.

If you don't have a clue who some of these people are, you aren't alone. I did pick up the first couple of issues of "Cry for Justice" (what this lineup seems to be based on). They were decent, but not good enough to escape being dropped in favor of another Bat-title.

I understand the Dick Grayson, Mon-el, and Donna Troy characters as stand-ins for the Trinity, and also to some extent Green Arrow (although he's gone now), Hal Jordan, and the Atom. But seriously, who the hell is Congorilla? And how did the Justice League become a second title for the Titans? With a random gorilla and some C-listers thrown in, of course.

My biggest problem with this is the fact that even after the Big Three come back in August, they're still going to keep the B-listers on the A-team (no pun intended). The Justice League is for the mainstays. That's just how it is--sorry to all who argue for the "natural progression" of sidekick-to-mentor. It's a comic book, and things just don't work out that well.

We've had the Titans, Teen Titans, and Outsiders. Those teams have become just as large as the Justice League. For the creators to say that they're "validating" the characters by putting them in the JLA undoes all of the work they've done to make the other teams integral parts of the DCU.

Also, why in the world would the Trinity not be given back their spots? It doesn't make sense. This is a bad decision, mark my words.

P.S. Can anyone with a larger Wonder Woman background than me tell me where the heck she went? I know about Bruce Wayne, obviously, and Superman's on New Krypton, but the details of why Wonder Woman vanished have eluded me.

Birds of Prey: The TV Show

I just checked out the complete "Birds of Prey" TV series and watched all thirteen episodes in about a week. It's excellent!

Okay, not very much like the comic book, but Barbra Gordon is still in it and she was still Batgirl and there's a Huntress and a Black Canary. I can't believe this was cancelled after only one season. Where was I when this happened?

Go find this at your library (or video store) and watch it. It's very much worth it.

I Stand Corrected

There is actually a third possibility for Batman's future, now, as seen in this Newserama video. In their regular 20 Questions with Dan Didio (the editor in chief of DC Comics), they asked what would happen once Bruce returned, and if Dick would give up the cowl.

Didio said, basically, 'Why can't we have two Batmen? It won't tie up as neatly as you think.'

We'll see how this plays out.

When Bruce Comes Back

To put it mildly, the Batman universe has been going through a ton of changes lately. I would recap again, but I'm sure everyone is getting sick of that. Now, its been announced that Bruce Wayne is returning to the normal DCU, and (99.9% sure about this) to the role of Batman. I am very, very pleased with this, except for one thing.

We all know that Bruce Wayne is a control freak. And Dick has gone, and, through this past year, rearranged pretty much everything having to do with the Cowl. Once Bruce returns, what's going to happen to everything that's changed this last year?

There are three possibilities (varying in probability, however) that I see:

1. Bruce returns....and swiftly dismantles everything Dick has done. The Batcave will be quickly returned to its proper place and all of the new mannerisms "Batman" has acquired will be dispensed with. The only changes that (possibly) stick are Stephanie Brown as Batgirl and Damien as Robin (again, possibly).

2. Bruce returns, resumes activites as Batman, and decides to continue acting like Dick so the public does not see yet another shift in Batman. Slowly, he reintroduces his version of Batman.

3. Bruce returns.....and that's it. He (for some unknown reason that I'm sure Grant Morrison will be able to explain) chooses not to return to the role of Batman. Maybe he assumes some sort of Oracle-ish role (although it looks like that's where Wendy's headed, so I don't know why he would), or maybe he just gets an actual life for the first time in twenty-plus years. Either way, Dick remains as Batman and the new Batman stas quo remains in effect.

Frankly, I'm hoping for the first one. I have never been Dick Grayson's biggest fan, although that's a story for another post. I really hope no one at DC pulls something screwy and suddenly Bruce decides to not be Batman.

The Return of Bruce Wayne

Well, its finally happened. A new miniseries, called Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne will chronicle Bruce Wayne's journey through time and space in order to get home. There's two drawings, one of which is a caveman Batman and the other is a pirate Batman (who looks remarkably like Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean).

And the best part? The wonderful genius Grant Morrison is writing it! Yeah!

Yup, the guy who completely screwed up the universe is now going to put it back together. Why should we even let this guy near a book having anything to do with space and odd physics? Wasn't Final Crisis enough?

Also, a caveman Batman? Dear God.

Apparently this isn't going to be a short book, either. There are six issues, with the first being 38 pages and the rest being 30. Grant also says he's trying to do some "big ideas" in this book. Wonderful.

Don't get me wrong, I respect the guy. All-Star Superman was very good and won some awards. Batman and Robin has been enjoyable. But whenever he seems to get within a football field of something "groundbreaking" "new" or "experimental" all of that flies out the window, and we're left with some sort of crazy stuff that destroys the universe.

I'm still going to pick this book up, of course. I just don't have high hopes.

You can read USA Today's interview with Morrison here.

The two images are from the article.

Five Projects for DC Entertainment...

As you can tell, I am a fan of lists.

Justice League: When Worlds Collide Yes, I realize that the DCAU (DC Animated Universe for all you non-cartoonies) is pretty much defunct in favor of the Direct-to-DVD comic adaptations nowadays--which are still good, but not the same--but I have been watitng for this since they announced it. Supposedly it was going to bridge from Justice League Adventures to Justice League Unlimited, and have the Crime Syndicate as the villains. Also, this was going to be the story where Wonder Woman got her invisible jet (supposedly. So far limited information has been released, since there's a "slight chance" it might happen).

Another JLA/Batman cartoon Following from that first one, this is something else I would love to see. And not any of that "The Batman Strikes" crap with the halfway-to-manga animation. Iwould like a nice, in-continuity, Kevin-Conroy-as-Batman, Bruce-Timm-style cartoon. Got all that, DC?

A Fan Board This is something that I feel has been missing for a long time in the whole of the comic industry. The point of DCE is to increase sales of these characters, right? So give the fans a way to communicate what would be cool to see. And not just fans, the masses. Look at the appeal of the Dark Knight. Most of those people weren't comic fans. Giving the people a forum to give ideas for new project might bring in a new fan base. I'm not saying creators should bend to mass-market wishes, but they might get some new ideas and be able to test things out on people.

More actual Book-Books. Not that long ago, there was a line of actual novels about the DCU that was really quite good. There was also a line of Batman ones. This would get more writers out there, and more material. And I'm not talking about some movie-to-novel thing, but new stories. I really wish they would bring these back.

Batman: Hush Adaptation. Ohhh yeahhh. Fan girl wonderland.

The Renaissance of the DCU

Several things have happened in the past month that impact the new things coming out of DC. One of these is a new divison called DC Entertainment, basically to make new DC products and promote the DCU. Also, DC has announced some upcoming projects, including a series of short animated films, a Nightwing project of some sort, and a Jonah Hex movie.

I am thrilled.

I think that DC is finally taking things other than comics seriously. Sure, they had the (fabulous) series of cartoon shows, but then there was "The Batman Strikes" which I think we all can agree was a disgrace. But there's been very little other things to draw in non-comic readers, whereas Marvel has always pumped out as much stuff as they can (sometimes at the expense of quality).

For Batman fans, I don't think these new projects mean much. Most of the point, I think, is to promote lesser known superheroes (I mean, come on. Jonah Hex?). But this will probably become, if succesful, a much larger enterprise. Personally, I am hoping for another Bruce Timm-ruin cartoon series (Batman: The Animated series part II, anyone?)

Is Batman a Superhero?

In case you haven't heard, Batman: Arkham Asylum won a Guinness World Record for "Most Hyped Superhero Game" (the validity of this is in question--personally I think it's a little too much of a marketing ploy). But there's also a large outcry because apparently a large segment of the population doesn't consider Batman a superhero.

I think this is unfair. Sure, he doesn't have any "super powers" in the strictest sense. But aren't Olympic athletes considered extraordinary and of higher ability than 98% percent of the population? And also, the sheer amount of willpower and lack of self-preservation have to count for something.

Sure, he isn't bulletproof. But Bruce (since he's in the Arkham video game, I'm using him in the discussion) could walk into a room full of the most powerful beings in the known universe and stop all conversation by clearing his throat. Superman can't say that. For all his sixty different kinds of vision, he doesn't command that kind of attention.

That's what makes a superhero.

Underused Characters

With all the sudden emphasis on the Joker this past year (and therefore the exclusion of other worthy villains), I have created a list of the ten most underused Bat-Universe characters.

THE LIST

10. Warlock's Daughter--Darla Aquista, killed in the events of War Games, was resurrected as a magical being by . She has since joined the Shadowpact, but Gotham could use some mystical mayhem for the new Batman to deal with.

9. Fright--The once-lab assistant of Jonathan Crane, she betrayed him and gained the abilities to exhale neurotoxins, enhanced acrobatics, and other abilities. She was only seen once (2005), but would be a worthy villain, and one that has not been written to death.

8. Nocturna has made a few appearances lately, in the Green Arrow/Black Canary wedding issue, and the Gotham Gazette one-shots, although those were only cameos. This is one villain who could rival the Batboys in their love of the shadows.

7. Plastic Man--optimally, this tram-up would happen after Bruce returns. This may just be me (and I realize he isn't really a Bat character) but I love those two together. Also, Plas hasn't been seen in the DCU in quite a while.

6. Mad Hatter--he would be interesting to see in Red Robin, after this whole Ras Al Ghul business is over (where is this series headed, anyway?).

5. Henri Ducard-- This actually applies to all of Bruce's mentors. I would love to see a miniseries covering those 10+ years he spent overseas.

4. Nite-Wing--a sociopath, and enemy of Nightwing, I would love to see Tad team up with Jason Todd and fight Batman.

3. Ragman--now that most of Gotham's vigilantes are overseas, AWOL, or dead, the new Batman needs some allies. Ragman has been gone for a while. Is it time for a return?

2. Chancer--a villain with the power of extreme luck, Chancer was only seen once, but he nearly bested the Batman.

1. Commissoner Gordon--It's not that we haven't sen him, but when have we actually gotten any good stuff about our dear cop? With the end of Gotham Central and the miniseries GCPD, it's been awhile since we've had a really good story about Gotham's blue boys. And right now, what comics really need is just a good story--none of this earth-shattering stuff.

New Poll!

That old poll was getting a little stale, so here's a new one to vote on. What's your favorite Batman graphic novel? Up there I put a mixture of my personal favorites, and ones I know are pretty famous.

If you pick "other" (way too many to choose from, I know), comment below and tell us what it is!

Hello Mickey, Meet Peter Parker

Disney just bought Marvel Comics for 4 billion dollars.

If you're wondering why I'm talking about Marvel on a Batman blog, it is because I am jumping up and down with glee. Marvel is now seriously handicapped.

Think about it. DC was bought by Time Warner in '69. Try to name one character/person you associate with the company other than Superman or Batman in thirty seconds.

Now try to do the same with Disney.

Disney already has Mickey Mouse, Donald, Toy Story, Wall-E, and Monsters Inc. Meanwhile, Time Warner does movies, sure, and a stupid cartoon about mice, but the big things are Batman: the Animated Series, the Justice League cartoons, and the Nolan movies.

Time Warner's big thing is DC. That is their main cash cow. But when Disney says "should we make another Cars movie, or Hulk?" the answer will be Cars, because that's where all the little kids beg parents to spend their money. Also, have talking automobiles ever come under fire for being too violent/sexified/generally unagreeable? No.

The comic book market won't change--the two companies will still be deadlocked there. Comic readers don't change that much, and Disney will definitely keep publishing them. But as for other media--movies, cartoons, merchandise--DC will get an edge, because Disney's immense marketing power won't be focused on creating an X-Men cartoon.

It'll be focused on the talking mouse.


(P.S. Please rate this blog in the upper right hand corner. It only takes a second. Promise.)

Funniest Dang Thing Ever

The title is self explanatory. "Batman and Sons" is a fan-created webcomic that just happens to be hilarious.

http://batmanandsons.blogspot.com/

Read and enjoy (if you click on the comics they get bigger).

Boxes Vs. Bubbles

Maybe I'm the only one insane enough to notice this, but thought bubbles have died out, and have been replaced by boxes. I think it happened sometime early-80's, when the comics industry was trying to get away from the 60's silly-ness. Should they have?

Thought Bubbles

Pros
1. Adds immediacy
2. Easy to tell who's talking

Cons
1. can overload the panel
2. yeah, they are kinda silly looking
3. you don't always want to know every thought.
4. Sometimes what they say is obvious (The Joker!)

Thought Boxes
Pros
1. Doesn't overwhelm page
2. Cleaner looking
3. Easier to tell backstory
4.Multiple characters can be talking in the same panel if the colors are different.

Cons
1. You have to tell who's talking by the color of the box
2. sometimes you don't notice them
3. sometimes what they say is obvious (The Joker!)

Bubbles: 0
Boxes: 1

Five Worst Bat-Characters, and then Jason

Before I start this post, I would like to tell anyone who lives under a rock that John Hughes is dead at age 58. He wrote some of the best movies ever, notably Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which is tied for Awesomest Movie (with The Dark Knight). Rest in peace, John.

Now then, for a not so peaceful topic: the five worst Bat-characters.

#5--Bat-mite. Why? No one can seem to write him well. He was meant to be sort of the bumbling, trying-to-be-helpful type (that right there annoys me), but has morphed into a Mr. Mxyzptlk wannabe. He only exists to be an metaphysical pest, popping up now and then to screw around when the writers don;t know where to go next. He's a useless character really, recently resurrected by our dear Mr. Morrison, and better left forgotten.

#4--Bruce Wayne, Playboy Edition. Yes, he counts as a separate character. I really wish we would see less of Playboy Bruce slipping out of parties after seeing the bat-signal through a conveniently placed window. Honestly, how many times have we seen that? Does every single comic need to include it? I'd rather have a page of mediocre dialogue between Alfred and Damian than one of Bruce making yet another bad excuse about working late. Plus, he's just so shallow.

#3--Black Glove--sorry, Grant, but I'm picking on you again. I liked the idea for RIP, I really did, but I couldn't stand the villain. For one, he wasn't really explained ever. And two, it was just too nicely done. How many times have people tried to destroy Bruce's sanity? Too many to count. so this guy just jumps in and succeeds? no. No way. Plus, when we finally see The Black Glove, he's no one interesting, just another incoherent cackling maniac.

#2--Damian Wayne. As if he even deserves to be called (or even truly has the name of) Wayne. This spoiled little brat needs a good spanking and an even better writer. So far, he's so one-sided it makes me gag. The only thing he can do is smart off and try to best Alfred. He's another character who's just there to give the other's something to talk about. I really believe he has potential, though, if only someone would come along and show that there's actually a little boy beneath that cliched, faux-badass routine.

And finally...

#1--Batwoman I hate her. I'm sorry, but I do. I had high hopes for the character when she first appeared, but unfortunately she's become just another highly-mocked parody of a person. Come on, DC, people actually have lives beyond their choice of dates. Do you really need to reiterate the fact that she's a lesbian every. other. Freakin. PANEL? Does she exist beyond that fact, or does she just go into some sort of stasis chamber whenever she isn't making out or wearing the costume? I have a sneaking suspicion that they put Kate into the comics just to say "Look! Look! We're diverse!" And there isn't anything worse than diversity for diversity's sake. It just makes it a bad joke.

Now then, to the obvious question: Why not Jason Todd?

Okay, I'm only going to say this once.

I LIKE JASON TODD.

He's just different. And, when written right, is a wild card. Both good and bad or either or none at all. He plays outside the moral code that gives a hint of predictability to the rest of the Batman family. I truly, truly believe that, if given the chance, he could be one of the greatest characters. Especially so if he isn't quite so angst, and becomes sort of an on-and-off character who may help you and may hurt you. Plus, now I really want to know what his secret is (see Battle for the Cowl #3 if you don't know what I'm talking about).

Next Up:

I'm thinking maybe a review of some of the Batman-centric Justice League Adventures and Justice League Unlimited episodes. That was a JLA cartoon on in the late nineties to early 2ooo's. It was an awesome series and had some really adult (not un-kid-friendly, but just grown-up and complex) storylines. Sometimes they portrayed Batman extremely well, sometimes they missed the mark. I think I'll do five episodes to start out. If you haven't seen the series, you need to get it from the library, a friend, where ever. I even like it better (the Batman episodes, at least) then Batman: The Animated Series, though it's not as well-known.

Anatomy of a Terrific Comic Writer

Batfans have had a deluge of mediocre comics recently, from the insane RIP, to the godawful "All-Star Batman and Robin." We need a really, really good writer to come in.

Checklist of An Awesome Batman Writer:

-has read all the Bat comics from the past two years, and all the major storylines (Knightfall, War, the murder of Vesper Fairchild, Hush, The Last Laugh, Killing Joke, No Man's Land, Year One, etc). This includes JLA and Superman/Batman.

-grew up reading comics

-has seen the movies

-has no great need to "leave their mark", except for in the quality of their stories

-doesn't feel an urgency to reinvent, reimagine, or reconstruct the characters, but is able to have them evolve

-has at least a passing familarity with the toonverse Batman and other dimensional versions of Batman

-wants most of all to produce something that will make fans (not editors, not marketing boards) cheer/cry/write letters of praise.

-occasionally peruses and listens to comic forums and message boards, but is strong enough to follow their vision.

-has read at least two Batman fanfics

-identifys themself as a geek.

-has had the fantasy at least once of being Batman/Batgirl/Robin.

-won't do something completely insane just for the sake of being different.

And finally:

-knows the value of a good Batman story.