Review: "Detective Comics" #936

Just when I had almost given up Detective Comics, writer James Tynion IV finally remembers that he's actually one of the best Batman writers in recent time (go ahead and read the Batman/TMNT crossover). 

In this issue, he finally taps a bit deeper into some of the main characters' minds and motivations, while streamlining its main story transforms the comic into a highly entertaining, surprising and gripping affair. Alvaro Martinez' art and Brad Anderson's colors make for an impressively dark and menacing Gotham, thus completing the comic's positive overall impression.

8/10

Further Links:

Detective Comics #934

Detective Comics #935 

Keepin' It 360: "DKIII: The Master Race" #5

By now, DK III probably considers itself more edgy, important and tough than it actually is, as Miller, Azzarello and Kubert gradually trade in compelling storytelling for big graphic gestures. Don't get me wrong, this is still AAA entertainment, from art to writing, but #5 is the weakest entry so far, losing some of the series' drive and direction.

7/10

Further Links:

DKIII: The Master Race #3

DKIII: The Master Race #4

The Good, The Bad and Something About Comics: "Batman" #1

                   +Positive                                         -Negative

The Batsuit is still amazing. Love the homage to the original Batmobile. Jordie Bellaire's red and yellow color palette makes for an impressive Gotham. The showdown over Gotham impresses visually and dramatically. A more than auspicious ending.

The Justice League references are an afterthought. Dialogues are not always on point. Supporting cast does not convince.

Batman has not yet reached the heights of the Snyder/Capullo years, but this is by no means a disappointing start.

7/10

Further Links:

Batman: Rebirth #1

Keepin' It 360: "Detective Comics" #935

Problems persist here, as the "superhero academy" story arc is a directionless mess, including artificial and shallow dialogues and a romance that really no one needs. The comic redeems itself a bit once writer Tynion IV addresses the story surrounding Azrael and the mysterious attackers; but after all it remains a pretty underwhelming experience altogether.

4/10

Further Links:

Detective Comics #934

Review: "Detective Comics" #934

Batman and Batwoman set out to train a bunch of rookies for the fight against a mysterious threat as Detective Comics #934 starts out with a blast into the "Rebirth" era, posing as a blueprint for how the series might look in the future.

As you'd expect from Detective Comics, it's lighter in tone and theme as compared to the main Batman series, with the Caped Crusader not quite being as sharp and relentless as you'd probably hope for. Admittedly, some dialogues are close to being kitsch, with scenes a bit too much over the top at times, but writer James Tynion IV knows how to keep the action exciting throughout the whole comic. And artist Eddy Barrows, inker Eber Ferreira and colorist Adriano Lucas create a Gotham that impresses with its dark, fearful and threatening atmosphere, even though they are somewhat out of their comfort zone when the pace and action pick up, leaving us with a few too many confusing panels.

But the comic's most important aspect is the large cast on offer here, showcasing the extended Batman family that will be at the center of Detective Comics. From more prominent characters like Azrael, Clayface (whose scene is an absolute success) Red Robin and Batwoman to lesser known heroes such as The Spoiler and Cassandra, it's an exciting potpourri of what DC has to offer in the future. 

PS: See if you can find the "Punisher" reference.

8/10

Further links:

Batman: Rebirth #1

Review: "Batman: Rebirth" #1

Batman: Rebirth #1 has a lot going for it in the beginning. Writers Scott Snyder and Tom King put Calendar Man in the spotlight of a Batman story again, and his story as well as artistic conception by artist Mikel Janin make you wonder why we haven't seen more of such a compelling villain in the past. 

Duke Thomas' fresh take on Robin shows great promise and potential too, as King and Snyder take up the strong narrative and character established in "The New 52". Batman himself is grittier and grimmer compared to the previous instalment, also due in large parts to Janin's art and June Chung's coloring, which is outstanding throughout the whole comic (especially the double-page batcave panel is an absolute eye-catcher).

However, after all Batman: Rebirth #1 does not manage to fully deliver on its huge initial promise, mainly because it's just over in the wink of an eye (half of the comic is promo material. Come on, DC!). Why the story ends so abruptly, and what exactly all this has to do with a rebirth is anyone's guess, and hopefully subsequent issues will shed a bit of light on it all. Until then, we're left with a somewhat half-baked experience.

7/10

Further Links: 

Final Thoughts on the "DC Universe Rebirth"

Batman #52

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6

Comic of the Day 2/5: "DK III: The Master Race" #4

Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello have decided to go all out on this issue, with results that don't always convince. 

Everything in DK III: The Master Race #4 is supposed to be meaningful, important and grand. From the amazingly composed first panel that harks back to the shrinking of The Atom to the confrontation between Superman, Lara and the Kryptonians to a surprise appearance of The Flash, everything is extremely fast paced, first class entertainment. But it was their ability to squeeze every ounce of drama of a selected amount of scenes that have made the first three issues so special.

Andy Kubert's pencils and Brad Anderson's colors only add to the spectacle. Images of blood on snow and a Bruce Wayne that looks even more battered than in the last issue make for a relentless and violent atmosphere that penetrates the whole comic. The Batgirl tie-in comic complements the main story perfectly, as it knows to impress with great gestures and even adds Aquaman to the mix. 

But featuring Batman, Superman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Robin, The Atom, The Flash and Aquaman, DKIII: The Master Race is too crowded and has too much to tell to actually make a valid point. As a one-off spectacle it's great, but I hope Miller and Azzarello return to the moderate and more ponderous atmosphere that so magnificently defined the series .

7/10