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Justice League of America #2 Review

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May 232013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Justice League of America

Issue #2

Written by Mark Kindt, Art by Scott Clark

Published: May 2013

Leave it to DC all-star Geoff Johns to take a team of second stringers and make them more interesting and compelling than the actual Justice League. Justice League of America contains some big names like Martian Manhunter, Catwoman, and Hawkman, but then there’s also Stargirl and Vibe. The team that’s been put together is an effective one, but whether or not they could stop the Justice League – which, unknown to them, is the purpose of the team – seems very likely, at least at this stage.

In this issue, the Justice League of America gets an official endorsement from the President of the United States that stems from a scene very reminiscent of the opening scene in X2: X-Men United. Martian Manhunter bypasses all of the White House’s defenses to show that he could easily kill the President, leaving him with no other option but to back the team. It’s dirty pool, but that’s what makes this book and these characters so compelling. They do have the country’s best interest in mind, but they will cut corners to get there.

Then there’s the Secret Society, the current antagonists of the book. The one member whom we’ve seen looks like a cross between the Joker, the Riddler, and Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred Pennyworth. Whatever his visual inspirations, the effect works and he’s very intimidating, managing to the be the scarier character when side-by-side with the Scarecrow. Johns is definitely doing a good job in drumming up interest in the Secret Society.

So we’ve got two teams, one full of heroes and the other villains, both incredibly shady. It’s definitely a solid foundation and there’s a lot of potential with this mix of characters. I have the utmost faith in Johns to take this book somewhere worthwhile.

Action Comics #19 Review

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May 192013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Action Comics

Issue #19

Written by Andy Diggle, Art by Tony Daniel

Published: June 2013

Superman is pretty far down the list of my favorite heroes and I don’t think I’d ever make the effort to keep up on one of his titles, but it’s very hard not to enjoy the Man of Steel on some level. He’s such a pure superhero with all the punching and the flying and the glowing green weakness. I get a kick out of that stuff just for nostalgia’s sake if nothing else, and I think a lot of comic fans feel the same way.

Action Comics 19 kicks off the hybrid storyline. Clark Kent/Superman is chasing a story overseas with Lois Lane. Sure enough, trouble finds Superman. While investigating a lead, he’s attack by three War of the Worlds-esque war machines. It’s satisfying to watch unfold. This is the New 52. Superman is still fairly unestablished, so the men piloting the machines are confident that the three of them can swat down a flying man in blue tights. Of course, Superman prevails, because he is Superman after all.

After the brawl is when things really get interesting, when Superman discovers that one of the men who attacked him was none other than boy reporter Jimmy Olsen. Superman’s simply seeing things, right? That’s one of the mysteries powering this arc. What isn’t a mystery is who is behind the attack, which is immediately revealed to be Lex Luthor, which isn’t a surprise. That’s not a complaint, though. We watch Luthor spar off with a psychoanalyst. Lex is holding her hostage as she attempts to analyze him, which is classic narcissistic Lex.

Andy Diggle understands both Lex and Superman, which makes for some great reading. The current arc isn’t the most compelling, but there are plenty of little moments that make the title well worth reading.

Batman Incorporated #9 Review

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May 052013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Batman Incorporated

Issue #9

Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Chris Burnham

Published: May 2013

Batman Inc. #9, like Batman and Batman and Robin, is dealing with the Requiem story and the immediate fallout of Damien’s death. Unlike the other two titles, which had Batman furiously patrolling the streets of Gotham and taking his turmoil out on criminal scum, Batman Inc. gives plenty of screen time to the other members of Batman Inc., as well showing some more of the battle where Robin lost his life. After all, Batman Inc. is the title where Robin actually died at the hands of Heretic. The few glimpses of the battle show the Bat-family trying to keep it together while continuing to battle Heretic and other Leviathan henchman. It’s powerful, emotional stuff.

Leviathan continues to hold Wayne Tower hostage and speak out against Batman Incorporated. The ease in which they’re influencing the world and turning so many people against Batman and his allies is shocking. People around the world are denouncing Batman and blaming the Bat-family for the rises in crime. Gotham City shuts down all cooperation with Batman and legally forbids him from operating within the city. There’s a brilliant three-panel moment where Harvey Bullock gestures to Commissioner Gordon to hide the Batman communicator on his collar. At least I think it’s a communicator. I can’t keep track of all this Bat-nonsense.

Heretic is a truly terrifying villain, especially now that his power seems to be going to his head and even Talia is losing control of him. As scary as Talia and Leviathan is, Heretic is much scarier, especially considering his origin and what he truly is.

Morrison continues to excel at writing the Dark Knight, but I’ll reserve my final judgment for when his run ends soon. This may be unfair of me, but I’m always weary when writers jump on titles and do something big like this, like they’re just trying to stir things up and make their mark rather than putting the story first.

Aquaman #18 Review

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May 052013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Aquaman

Issue #18

Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Paul Pelletier

Published: May 2013

Aquaman is far from the most popular DC hero. His ability to talk to fish has been the butt of many jokes, and if he’s put in the hands of incapable writer, he can come off as a joke himself. Fortunately, Geoff Johns is not one of those writers.

Arthur Curry is once again the King of Atlantis, despite some objection. His first order of business is to find out who on the surface has been stealing Atlantean weapons, weapons that are being used in various crimes. There’s a lot of hostility towards humans amongst the Atlanteans and trying to keep that peace is difficult, especially when humans are stealing from the Atlanteans. It doesn’t help that some believe Arthur shouldn’t be sitting on the throne.

Meanwhile, the cranky old Atlantean from last issue returns, breaking through the Antarctic surface in a spectacular debut. His identity is unknown, but his intimidating presence is undeniable, and I’m more than curious to find out who he is and what he wants. Will he be the one to unite Atlantis, when they rise against him? I think it’s very likely that whoever he is, some Atlanteans will rejoice at his return, namely those that oppose Arthur.

Geoff Johns writes a handful of DC titles and he regularly proves his mastery as a scribe. There was a time where I wanted nothing to do with Aquaman and would maybe make a rare exception if it was the one-handed, bearded Arthur Curry. Johns has made the character interesting again, in no small part by making Atlantis interesting again. I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes both the mystery Atlantean and this confrontation with Scavenger, the man who’s been stealing the weapons.

Batman #18 Review

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Apr 092013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Batman

Issue #18

Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Andy Kubert

Published: May 2013

In case I haven’t made it clear in previous reviews, Scott Snyder’s current take on the Dark Knight may be my favorite run of anything ever. Batman’s my favorite superhero of all time and Snyder has been hitting it out of the park with his portrayal. That’s why issue #18 pains me so. I hope that what’s unfolding isn’t going to a permanent thing and I’ll tell you why.

Damien Wayne just died. The current Robin and Bruce Wayne’s only child was killed during a fight. Batman is in something of a tailspin. He hasn’t slept, he hasn’t shaven, and his grieving process involves being unnecessarily violent with small-time crooks. This is where Harper comes in. We met Harper a while back. She’s something of a technical whiz and uses her skills to track down Batman to talk some sense into him. Their dynamic feels very similar, because it feels very much like Batman and Robin.

Robin just died and, in a sense, he’s already been replaced. Like I said, this might not be a permanent thing, and I certainly hope it isn’t. We don’t even get one issue of Batman feeling alone, because another kid sidekick is shoved into his life. It’s not a bad story on its own. Harper is a semi-interesting character and having her take it upon herself to seek out and give Batman a pep-talk is kind of cool, but I can’t get around how repetitive it feels. Leave it alone for one issue and let me get a little bit of the solo, loner Batman that I fell in love with. It was pretty cool seeing Batman on the edge and I wouldn’t enjoyed a few issues of him crossing the line, but no, there’s always a kid to muck things up.

Batman Incorporated #8 Review

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Mar 272013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Batman Incorporated

Issue #8

Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Chris Burnham

Published: April 2013

If you haven’t read Batman Incorporated #8, don’t read past this first paragraph. Here’s my spoiler-free review: it’s good. Grant Morrison is at his best when he’s writing the caped crusader and he’s still going strong. Issue #8 is a game changer. In comics, there’s always the question of how long it will be before the game changes back. I can’t answer that, but the events of this issue change things in a big way and that change will be felt throughout the entire Bat-family, if not the entire DC universe. This is a thumbs up.
Spoilers ahead.
So that happened. Damian Wayne has only been around since 2006 (if you don’t count Batman’s unnamed infant child who appeared in a 1987 story), and just as Grant Morrison brought him into this world, with Batman Incorporated #8, he takes him out. Damian went out swinging, just as everyone would expect. If that’s not sad enough, he was killed by an aged clone of himself, the Heretic. Even worse, his own mother had a hand in it. The Batman mythos is no stranger to tragedy and Grant Morrison just added what is possibly the saddest chapter to the Dark Knight’s story.
It’ll no doubt be interesting to see how Batman deals with this tragedy. He’s a character who’s notoriously good at burying his emotion deep down and not letting it show, but this might be the biggest blow yet. And it’s not just Batman who will be grieving, as the Bat-family is bigger than ever. This is a dark time in this particular universe and hopefully it will lead to some truly deep, compelling comic books.
Alright, let’s starting taking bets on when Damian is coming to back. Oh, did you forget that this is the world of comic books.

Justice League of America #1 Review

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Mar 172013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Justice League of America

Issue #1

Written by Geoff Johns, Art by David Finch

Published: April 2013

I mostly read Marvel, so while I’m familiar with Yost, Brubaker, Bendis, Fraction, Remender, etc, I don’t know a lot about DC’s current stable of writers. That’s why I was happy to see that Justice League of America was written by DC mainstay (and CCO since 2010) Geoff Johns. And while I don’t know if his name is pronounced “Jeff” or “Gee-off” (probably the former), I do know that Johns knows how to weave a hell of a tale and he apparently hasn’t lost his touch.

Becoming increasingly weary of the Justice League – Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and the like – America is looking to create a new Justice League of America, one that can defend the country from the original League, if need be. Amanda Waller asks Colonel Steve Trevor, former head of A.R.G.U.S., to head up the new team.

This debut issue takes place primarily in Waller reveals to Trevor the heroes she wants to recruit for the new JLA. There’s plenty of hostile back and forth as Trevor shoots down each and every one of her ideas as unlikely recruits; not that he has any say in the matter. The issue’s action is confined to flashes of the heroes in question, as well as an unfolding story as the Justice League chases after a masked man running through a forest. His identity is a mystery, but it’s revealed by the issue’s end.

Justice League of America #1 serves to wet your whistle and get you sufficiently pumped for what’s to come and it does that job well. There are a few really cool characters involved with the new JLA, as well as a few I’m not too familiar with, and I’m excited to see what sort of train wreck transpires when they all try to work together.

Nightwing #17 Review

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Mar 112013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Nightwing

Issue #17

Written by Kyle Higgins, Art by Juan Jose Ryp

Published: April 2013

As I mentioned in my review of Batman #17, I’ve been more excited about the fallout from Death of the Family than I was the actual conclusion. Issues like Nightwing #17 are why. While not an amazing issues, it’s fun to see the usual calm and collected Nightwing trying to hold it together in the aftermath of the Joker’s rampage. Nightwing was possibly hit the hardest, losing some close friends from the circus, and it’s hard not to take satisfaction in the way he manhandles criminals in this issue.

The best part of the issue is Robin. I’ve only gotten back into Batman comics just recently, but it seems like in the ever growing Bat-family – Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Robin, and, to a lesser extent, Red Hood – Robin doesn’t get as much attention as the rest of them. In a way it makes sense, as he is a kid, but Damian Wayne is wise far beyond his years. He is the son of Bruce Wayne, after all. In Nightwing #17 he really shows off what he has to offer, giving Nightwing some pretty solid advice in a way that only a kid could. Robin and Nightwing make a pretty good duo and I wouldn’t mind seeing them team up for some real action some time in the future.

I only hope that the impact Death of the Family had on everyone doesn’t vanish completely in the coming issues. I’m sure it won’t be as prominent as it was in this issue, but I hope it’s still there, lingering the background, threating to crack the family even more. The end of this issue teases an exciting new arc, and while I’m eager to check it out, I hope that Dick Grayson is still a little rough around the edges.

Batman #17 Review

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Mar 092013
 

by Dylan Duarte, CMRO Contributing Writer

Batman

Issue #17

Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Greg Capullo

Published: April 2013

Batman is one of my all-time favorite comic book characters. As someone who’s read plenty of Batman comics in his life, I think Scott Snyder writes the character better than anyone has in years. His debut arc, The Court of Owls, was utterly fantastic and one of my favorite Batman stories of all time. With Batman 17, he wraps up his second story arc, Death of the Family, which sees the return of the Joker. After how good Snyder’s writing has been, Death of the Family turned out to be a little lackluster.

By no stretch of the imagination am I claiming that it was bad. It wasn’t. It was good. Very, very good. Snyder made his mark on the Batman mythos and on the never ending relationship between The Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime. Snyder doesn’t just understand Batman, he understands the Joker, too. Most importantly, he understands their relationship in ways that few writers have and he manages to add even more depth to it.

I feel like this might be a “can’t see the forest for the trees” situation. Right now, having just wrapped up Death of the Family, I don’t feel as if the finale was as epic as it felt it was going to be in the issues leading up to it. Then again, maybe that’s the joke. Maybe the Joker accomplished exactly what he set out to and we’re going to see that fallout unfold in all of the Bat-family titles in the coming months. Time will tell just how big of an impact Death of the Family will have, but don’t mistake my hesitation for displeasure. Death of the Family was wonderful, a worthy follow-up to The Court of Owls and honestly, I applaud Snyder for taking the easy way out.

Worlds’ Finest #1 Review

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May 152012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Worlds’ Finest

Issue #1

Written by Paul Levitz, Art by George Perez

Published: July 2012

Anything with Huntress in it draws my attention immediately, and World’s Finest #1 proves, thankfully, to be just as likeable as I hoped it would be. The team up of Huntress and Power Girl is a neat attraction of opposites, straight down to their physical appearances and costuming. Despite that, they have some really fun chemistry and a compelling history together. Both characters bounce off each other charmingly. It’s a pairing I want to see more of as they bop around having adventures and kicking ass, trying to get home.

The art is impressive too. There’s a good variety of action, a real sense of motion, and character expressions are fairly lively. The colouring is solid, and it’s a nice-looking issue on all counts.

This issue is a lot of set-up, but it moves along at a good speed. It succeeded in getting me invested in the story in a fairly short amount of pages. While at times it feels a little overwhelming–it might be difficult to start with this issue for a newcomer to both characters–it’s not too inaccessible. I haven’t been following all the storylines leading up to this point, but the flashback involving the girls coming to their new Earth was enough to get me invested and intrigued by where they (and the series) were going. In terms of a first issue, it seems to have accomplished many of its goals.

World’s Finest #1 jets along at a nice, quick pace, and the storyline drops just enough hints to intrigue. While it’s obviously hampered by having to set up so much premise, it gives itself a lot of room to grow and progress. I’m excited about it, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a ton of fun and definitely worth picking up for the characters alone.

All Star Superman #1 Review

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May 102012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

All-Star Superman

Issue #1

Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Frank Quitely

Published: January 2006

What I like about the art and layout of this issue is that it seems to take broad strokes. The panels are large and few as opposed to small and many. The colouring from scene to scene seems to take on certain themes, combining certain colours together that really pop. One man wears a coat full of gradient colours. Superman’s blue suit is juxtaposed by the bright yellows of the burning sun. It’s one of the more unique-looking Superman titles I’ve read, and while the lineart itself isn’t what I’m usually into, I can’t help appreciating it here. It’s just a ton of fun to look at, forget about reading the actual story!

But the story itself isn’t bad either. Superman saving a bunch of scientists from a sun-related disaster orchestrated by Lex Luthor? What’s not to like! The unexpected effects it has on Superman’s biology makes up a pretty clever scheme, too, and it begs several (good!) questions about what it will mean for humanity, and for Superman himself. Without giving too much away, the issue quickly and effectively sets up a really compelling drama, and it’s to the issue’s credit that it feels so short, but conveys as much of a punch as it does.

While Superman is pretty unemotional about things on the surface, Luthor is his perfect foil. He grins and threatens, and seems more determined than ever to put an end to Superman in the most insidious way possible. The motivation they give him for ‘amping up his game,’ so to speak, is a really clever one. Not only does it comment on the enduring rivalry between the two, but it says something about Superman too, in how his invulnerability can occasionally be a target and a weakness to his enemies.

I was unexpectedly drawn in by this issue. I enjoy Superman, but rarely am I truly intrigued by him. This first issue seems to promise a great and compelling story.

Green Lantern Rebirth #1 Reivew

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May 092012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Green Lantern Rebirth

Issue #1

Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Ethan van Sciver

Published: December 2004

Green Lantern Rebirth has a lot of exposition stuffed into its panels, and it’s not particularly bad exposition, but it’s enough to make me think they were concerned about new fans picking this issue up and having it serve as their introduction to the character. Green Lantern has always struck me as a title with tons and tons of history, and it’s arguably less accessible than something like Batman or Spiderman. To some degree I think all comics worry about alienating new fans (no pun intended), and I can’t say that I think this is a great introduction for a new fan, but in terms of someone decently familiar with Green Lantern’s history? I think it’s alright.

The art is nice and atmospheric, it’s fairly expressive, and it has a good variety of angles and colours. It’s got a decent sense of motion to it, and a couple unique and memorable images (the green lantern ring on the tip of an arrow, for example).

The premise of Hal Jordan being taken over by a vengeful entity with a sick sense of humour is pretty interesting, and there’s an emotional weight to the issue that rings true. The issue deftly gets across a sense that something big has just happened, and people are still recovering from it. The details of the spectre’s motivations and his hold on Hal are also interesting, and it’s poised to make for decent drama in the future.

The story itself seems to be mostly recapping previous events from another series, which is why I can’t call it a great starting point for a new fan. Again, though, for fans who have followed Hal Jordan thus far, and for fans who know enough about the character’s history to jump in feet-first, I think it’s an effective set-up issue.

Detective Comics #854 Review (Elegy)

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Apr 302012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Detective Comics #854

Issue #3

Written by Greg Ruka, Art by J.H. Williams III

Published: August 2009

I admit to not reading tons of Batman comics, but since I was given this issue at a convention, I figured I’d give it a shot. Turns out it’s a visually stunning issue with heaps and heaps of gritty, gothic atmosphere, exactly what I like when I do pick up the odd Batman storyline on occasion. The colouring is just fantastic- lots of stark shades, very dark in tone but brightened up by select bits of bright, bright red in Batwoman’s hair and costume.

I love this artwork. There’s subtlety to the movements of the characters, their expressions and body language. The panels are laid out in interesting ways, and there’s a nice variety of angles. Important, too, is that the women are drawn in such a way that highlights their ridiculous proportions or objectifying poses. More than that, the character designs are fairly diverse and interesting, especially when a new villain introduces herself later on.

The storyline itself in this issue is also a nice mix of crimefighting and personal drama, and neither feels melodramatic. In fact, I found the real life portions of Kate’s life–her failed dating life, her struggling with past battle wounds–to be just as atmospheric as the dark, shadowy action scenes that frame it.

It’s a transitional chapter in a lot of ways, but if the aim of this issue was to intrigue me into following the Batwoman series, it really was an effective hook. While there’s not much to say yet about the story, I’m in love with the artwork and the subtlety in the dialogue and character interactions. I’m more than surprised at just how much I enjoyed it. For the art alone, it’s worth checking out. Everything else isn’t too shabby either.

Superman: The Sunday Comics Collection Review

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Apr 272012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Superman: The Sunday Comics Collection 1939-1943

Issue #1

By Jerry Sigel and Joe Shuster

Published: May 2006

This is an interesting collection. Like the title suggests, it compiles around 200 of the first Superman comic strips. Formatted for syndication in newspapers, most of the strips are only a few panels long, with basic colours, cheesy dialogue and simple storylines. It’s a fascinating look at the origin of comics, and just how far the medium has come since then.

There’s really not a whole lot of continuity, and anybody buying this as an introduction to Superman is probably going to get only a very narrow, basic view of him. The strips, by their very nature, are far more simplistic than the books we’re used to seeing. There’s a certain charm in that, admittedly, but it’s also very much a product of its time.

It’s interesting, too, to see just what a jerk Superman started out as. He hurls people around willy-nilly, uncaring for their safety. The character has gone through several personality changes over the years, as expected from a character in print since 1939, and this Superman is, by comparison, a far simpler guy.

One thing that’s really frustrating about the book is the shape of it. It’s one of those books that are longer width-wise than height-wise, and it sticks out of my bookshelf really awkwardly. It’s too long to fit by rotating it, too. No matter what I do, it barely fits on my bookshelf. I understand that for sequential comic strips like this it’s difficult to print them in a regular-sized book, but it’s still an annoyance. It also makes the book prone to falling apart, and sure enough, my copy (which I’ve had for a few years) has almost completely come apart at the spine.

A neat book, but ultimately I’d call it a must-have only for the serious fan, or nostalgia junkies.

Batman #608 Review (Hush)

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Apr 212012
 

by Lindsay Young, CMRO Contributing Writer

Batman

Issue #608

Written by Jeph Loeb, Art by Jim Lee

Published: December 2002

The first “chapter” of what would later be compiled into the Batman Hush graphic novel immediately impresses me with its artwork. It’s just gorgeous, with a bleak colour scheme, as well as lots of interesting angles and POV shots from Batman himself. When Batman and Catwoman are flying through the city, it takes a turn for stunning.

I like Batman’s “voice” here, too. It’s contemplative and sombre, but not pretentiously so. His inner dialogue flows fairly effortlessly between making the reader aware of his tactical mind, but also sparing time to let his thoughts wander to places that give us a greater idea of who he is. It feels distinctly like Batman, not just any old wacko in a suit.

Despite this, there’s really not a whole lot to say about the story here. It seems to be mostly set-up, and to be fair, it does introduce several characters in engaging ways. There’s even a cute moment with a little boy moving from being frightened by Batman to being excited that he’s being rescued by Batman, and the issue uses that to explore the differences between Bruce Wayne and someone like Superman. Despite the fact that the story itself really isn’t anything that immediately grabs me, it still uses its time well, and the quick pacing is nothing to complain about.

While I’m not hugely intrigued by the plot just yet, the book does offer us a range of characters who grab my attention. It also offers great artwork and a really affecting, gothic atmosphere that I think is necessary for any good Batman series. There’s some grit and melancholy to it. This feels like a wounded, damaged, broken man in a wounded, damaged, broken city, and I’m more than willing to read on for these points alone.

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