Batman and Robin #18 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Eden Zacarias

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Patrick Gleason
Colorist: John Kalisz
Inker: Mick Gray
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $3.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

Grumpy, cocky and undeniably talented, Damian Wayne was a lot of things but the role that helped shape him into something other than a failed instrument of destruction that Talia al Ghul meant him to be was as Robin. So it was fitting that the Bruce Wayne’s offspring met his fate by the hand of the terror group led by his mother as the Boy Wonder in the pages of Batman Incorporated.

The loss of not one but two Robins (see the “Death in the Family” story arc) is painful, indeed, but this is different. This is the loss of a child that Bruce Wayne had taken under his wing to become a better man that would inherit the Wayne name and do it justice. Together, both men began to change as Batman’s family expanded for the better.

What would have become of Bruce Wayne with more time spent with Damian? Well, we’ll never know now but it becomes clear in Batman and Robin #18 that the impact of the loss of Damian Wayne suddenly hits Bruce hard enough that it is felt by anyone who picks up this unforgettable and touching issue.

Before I begin to describe the story, I must mention that there is not one caption or word balloon to be found in this issue. The only real words found throughout the pages of this issue come in the end in the form of a letter that Damian left behind for his father to find. However, words aren’t really needed to convey the emotional impact and this is thanks to artist Patrick Gleason who – along with Mick Gray and John Kalisz – manages to display more than enough emotion to make you pick up a box of Kleenex.

In the darkness of his mansion, Bruce Wayne finds himself numb and obviously not still mentally taking in the absence of a youthful presence that has become a big part of his life. In another room in the mansion, Alfred breaks down at the sight of an unfinished portrait of the Bat Family. Meanwhile, Bruce encounters Damian’s sketchbook showcasing a talent he kept to himself.

Then the shock that comes with the realization that a loved one is no longer among the living sets in as Bruce sees Damian everywhere whether it’s zipping down the pole that leads straight down to the Bat Cave or inside the Batmobile. The only way to quiet this ghost is to go out at the Dark Knight and he does exactly that as he hits the streets of Gotham.

And Batman hits the streets of Gotham in a way that truly brings terror into the eyes of the criminal element that also includes familiar Bat foes. He strikes hard and without mercy and as the night comes to an end we can see that the rage building up inside him exploded in an unusually violent manner.

In the end, back in the Bat Cave, that rage is replaced by something else as Bruce finds a letter that Damian had written before he set out that fateful day to meet his end at the hands of Leviathan. The words are so beautiful and touching that – I swear – it will have you shedding tears again. This is the moment that will change Bruce Wayne forever.

Whatever your opinion of Damian Wayne was you have to admit that he made a very interesting Robin and, in this reviewer’s opinion, was one of the better Boy Wonders whether he was fighting crime alongside Dick Grayson or his own father. He will be missed and it is already showing in the pages of other Bat titles but how it will affect this particular title remains to be seen.

Batman and Robin #18 is a brilliant and emotional issue that, without even a word of dialogue, displays the psychological impact of the loss of a family member. Bruce Wayne goes through a number of emotions in one night whether it’s disbelief, rage and finally acceptance in a way that makes this such a powerful issue. Tomasi and Gleason have given us a masterpiece and an issue of Batman and Robin you need to pick up right away.
COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
In the wake of the violent death of his son, Damian Wayne, Bruce finds himself dealing with the loss the only way he knows how … assuming the role of the Dark Knight and taking out Gotham’s trash in the most brutal way possible.

ART: A
In an issue that is told entirely through visual means, Patrick Gleason’s pencils masterfully convey emotion in a way that will utterly break your heart with nearly every panel. With the help of John Kalisz and Mick Gray, you will not help but find yourself pleased by the artwork.

OVERALL: A+
No words are uttered in Batman and Robin #18 and none is needed as it so easily speaks volumes of what Damian Wayne really meant to the man the Boy Wonder had come to call Father. Without a doubt, this issue should have come with tissue paper because it is guaranteed to break your heart and make you shed a tear or two. Damian Wayne, you will be missed.
Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Batman #17 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Eden Zacarias

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Colorist: FCO Plascencia
Inker: Jonathan Glapion
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $3.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

Without spoiling the surprises or the “big reveal” that the conclusion of a decent story arc helmed, of course, by the brilliant Scott Snyder and talented artist Greg Capullo, I’ll go into the reasons why the Death in the Family is an enjoyable albeit not a game-changing story arc. With Batman #17, the story closes in a deliciously twisted and entertaining manner that only a villain like the Joker could bring to table in the Death of the Family storyline.

Even before The New 52 event, Batman and the Joker have had a long history that has seen these two opponents clashing in a battle that is both physical and psychological. The relationship between them runs deeper than any wound inflicted by their confrontations. However, this time might seem a little different as the Joker has turned his attention on the ones that the Dark Knight has come to see as his “family.” We all know that when the Clown Prince of Crime sets his sights on his latest victims he goes to great lengths to make sure the punchline of his twisted joke kills.

So what happens in Batman #17 is the outcome of the Joker’s killer joke as he unveils to Batman his psychotic version of a family dinner. Tied back in their seats with bloody bandages covering their faces are Bruce‘s extended Bat-family who had fallen prey to the Joker who tells Batman that if he got out of his seat it would trigger an incendiary trap that would prove fatal to the dinner guests who have been doused with gasoline.

Oh yeah, there’s also a diabolically twisted version of Alfred Pennyworth who was affected by a new kind of toxin the Joker has discovered and – to his maniacal glee – has used to transform the Wayne Estate’s butler into a freaky man-servant for the Joker. Leave it to Greg Capullo to turn Alfred into a demented-looking and menacing version of the kindly father-figure.

As I said in the beginning of the review, I will not spoil what happens but I will say that Batman manages to break free and chase the Joker in the confines of the Bat Cave only to come face-to-face with his old foe. Yes, physical blows are given and taken but the real damage comes in a psychological manner that finds the Joker facing the truth about not only himself but Batman as well.

The result is a fascinating verbal exchange that Scott Snyder conceives that makes this issue worth picking up alone. Sure, it doesn’t reveal anything too shocking and those expecting Batman to expose the Joker’s true identity will be disappointed. The words spoken here does reveal something even more important, which leads up to an even more intriguing final bit that Bruce mentions to Alfred.

I should also say that Snyder’s Joker is absolutely sick and twisted and we get that with this story as well as this final issue.

As a fan of Scott Snyder’s work, I found the last issue of this story arc to simply entertain without doing anything that will leave Batman fans completely surprised. I didn’t expect anyone to die, of course, but I wish there was more to the ending than what the epilogue exposes. How could it all lead up to a confrontation we have seen many times before in other Batman titles?

Of course, it’s hard to complain when the best parts of the story are complimented by Greg Capullo’s pencils. Without a doubt, he easily makes every page a visual delight that will have you staring at each panel, especially the scenes during the dinner that involve a freaky kitten and the Joker’s new toxin. Even the Joker’s gruesome face-mask is awesome. We tend to praise Capullo’s work often on this site and if you pick up this book you will see exactly why he’s such a fan favorite.

Batman #17 is a truly entertaining and the verbal sparring by Batman and the Joker is worth the price of admission alone. Will the finale of this story blow you away with a game-changing event or even end with a horrific death? No, but what it will do is give Batman fans yet another story arc that has Batman and the Joker redefining the relationship between them and why the Caped Crusader can’t come to kill his foe. It’s a good story well worth picking up.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
In this final chapter of a most interesting saga, the Joker reveals his utterly twisted final plan in the form of a not-so-inviting family dinner with all the players in great danger. However, it is Batman who turns the tables on the Clown Prince of Crime in an unforgettable confrontation that speaks volumes of their relationship.

ART: A+
Batman fans rejoiced the fact that Greg Capullo is working on this title and the result is a Batman book that is easily the most spectacular-looking visuals. With flawless coloring by Plascencia and perfect inking by Glapion and we have a book you won’t stop staring at from start to finish.

OVERALL: B+
An engaging conclusion to the Death of the Family event, Batman #17 says a lot about the relationship between a hero and his family as well as the villain whose connection to said hero is a deep one. While a part of me wishes the story ended differently, it’s hard to complain when the rest of the story is this compelling and way too much fun despite not doing anything too dramatic. Batman fans, you do not want to miss this story arc.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Green Arrow #17 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Emma Coverdale

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Colorist: Andrea Sorrentino and Hi-Fi
Inker: Andrea Sorrentino
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

Admittedly, I have been looking forward to The New 52 version of Green Arrow. In fact, I was optimistic that he would finally get a series that showcases his strengths and weaknesses in a way that would breathe new life to this familiar hero. We’re talking a series with a fresh new start worthy of DC Comic’s crime fighting archer and member of the Justice League.

Sadly, Green Arrow’s new beginning fell short in many ways but devoted fans (like myself) held on in hopes that the series would eventually get better. Then came the announcement that the series would get a new creative team that would finally turn things around for the better and this was good news indeed. With  “Sweet Tooth” author Jeff Lemire penning the story and Andrea Sorrentino handling the art, this new team takes aim but does it hit the target?

Before I answer that question, let’s get to Green Arrow #17’s actual story that begins in a scorching wasteland. A lone figure comes into frame and it is clear it is none other than Oliver Queen who informs us that he has lost everything. We fast-forward three weeks earlier as Oliver pushes his way into Queen Industries’ main offices looking for Emerson … than man who currently runs Queen’s family business.

As it turns out, Queen Industries has been sold to a rival corporation and Ollie is obviously angry with Emerson who allowed this to happen. Emerson has been expecting Oliver to show up and points to the fact that Ollie is nothing more than a man-child who needs to realize his true potential. In fact, he seems to know something else … something that points to Oliver Queen’s real destiny.

However, before Emerson can go into details, he is brought down by an arrow that seems to be familiar to Oliver. Suddenly, Emerson goes flinging out the window as security officers enter to find Oliver Queen standing over said window. This looks suspicious and Oliver knows it as he has no choice but to fight his way out of the building. His only real choice is to get to Q-Core to get to his gear and costume only for the unthinkable to happen to the only two friends he has left.

Thankfully, he is able to turn to a safe house where he not only manages to get to his gear but is also confronted by a mystery attacker who seems to know who he is as well as his secret identity. As a twist of fate, the attacker also happens to be a talented archer who happens to possess all of the Green Arrow’s various arrow attachments and his bow.

Introduced as Komodo, the villain archer is a worthy adversary who is a step ahead of the Green Arrow and is far more skilled in combat than Ollie. The battle quickly turns one-sided but when things are about to go really sour for our hero a mystery man jumps into the battle. This newcomer also seems to know the Green Arrow as well as the truth of Oliver Queen’s real destiny.

Jeff Lemire opens up new possibilities that point to a new direction that actually works despite the hero-loses-all-to-discover-his-true-potential-to-regain-what-he-lost theme. It’s been done before and in the pages of a Green Arrow book to boot but Lemire has always been the kind of writer who never fails to surprise his readers. His talents clearly make this issue an interesting read that gives Green Arrow fans hope that things can only get better with Lemire at the helm.

As far as the artwork is concerned, Andrea Sorrentino (whose work in “I, Vampire” gave it its exceptional visual style) finally makes Oliver Queen and his alter ego look natural. Sure, I miss the moustache but at least he doesn’t look like a macho version of Justin Beiber like in the first issue. Sorrentino’s artistic style is both unique and gorgeous with perfect coloring and realistic expressions on the faces of the characters. Whatever happens, Sorrentino should officially stay on as Green Arrow’s main artist.

In my opinion, Green Arrow #17 is the series’ actual new beginning as the new team of Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino aim high and hits the target just right. While the theme has been done before, knowing Jeff Lemire we can come to expect exciting developments with each new issue and adding Sorrentino’s artwork we have ourselves a Green Arrow book we should have gotten in the first place. This is a real Must Have for any Green Arrow fans.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
Without a moment’s notice, Oliver Queen’s life is about to take a most interesting yet disastrous turn as a mysterious attacker targets Queen and his alter ego, the Green Arrow. As he loses everything and those he had called allies, the Green Arrow comes face-to-face with a new foe who seems to know all about him.

ART: A
Andrea Sorrentino’s art is expressive, unique and brings us a Green Arrow who is fit for the modern age  and whose physical presence feels far more real than past versions. Without a doubt, Sorrentino’s talents will not go unnoticed by Green Arrow fans and comic book collectors everywhere.

OVERALL: B+
With Jeff Lemire handling the story and Andrea Sorrentino bringing his distinctive visuals to this book, Green Arrow is just starting to get  interesting and – as we can see from this 17^th issue – push our hero into familiar if not promising territory. For those who lost faith in this series, rejoice, this new direction is shaping out to be exactly what the Green Arrow deserves.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Justice League #3 – Comic Book Review

 

Reviewed By: Emma Coverdale

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Inker: Scott Williams
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $3.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

Leave it to Geoff Johns to keep us intrigued as he slowly peels off the layers of a mystery foe while even more slowly bringing a band of heroes closer together to become the legendary team known as the Justice League. As we can see from Justice League #3, more members of the team meet for the first time and another is finally born as the real story has yet to begin. All we know right now is that The New 52 is really looking to be the best thing to happen to the Justice League in a long time.

As it was hinted in the last issue, the United States government and its military has become aware of another superhuman only this one has come from a mysterious island the government would like to find. Instead, what the world gets is a young and spirited young woman named Diana whose comes from the mythical race known as the Amazons. Not knowing quite what to make of her, the military has kept her in a base trying to understand why this young woman eagerly wants to fight for justice with a swing of her sword and her magical lasso.

We find out that the rest of the world knows about her now thanks to her attacks on criminals out in public. She has gotten so much exposure that the media has dubbed her Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, not everyone has embraced Wonder Woman’s existence since everyone from concerned citizens to religious fanatics sees her as something of a threat.

Still, this does not stop Wonder Woman from leaving the compound to fight evil as her liaison of this world, Colonel Trevor, finds out that she smashed her way out of the building to look for the creature reported to be attacking innocent civilians. Out in the street, people fear and loathe her … except for a child whose innocent wonder in the Amazonian reveals Wonder Woman’s own astonishment of this world. Everything from ice cream to rock and roll seem delightful and new to her.

As fate would have it, though, Wonder Woman does encounter the winged creature she head about in the news back in the military compound. It doesn’t turn out to be what she thought but judging by the sight of it we can see that it is actually another of the alien invaders showing up throughout the world.

Meanwhile, the Green Lantern, Batman, Superman and The Flash find themselves fighting off the wave of enemy invaders that suddenly appeared. It is The Flash who hears that similar attacks are going on around the world and there are reports that the invaders are taking humans with them. The four do a great job of fighting off the invaders together as we catch a glimpse of their future using teamwork in battle.

Not too far away, Doctor Stone is cradling the badly injured body of his son who has suffered a direct blast that has left his son incredibly disfigured. Realizing that the blast is eating away the flesh, the Doctor convinces his only surviving staff to help carry his son into a room with untested experimental nanite technology. While everyone else protests using said untested technology, the good doctor does not want to lose his only son and begins the procedure that would transform a young high school student into something else. What happens next is something you really must see for yourself.

While watching Victor Stone’s transformation is nail-bitingly intense, the biggest fan moment just so happens to be Wonder Woman joining in the fray involving the other heroes. Better yet is The Flash and The Green Lantern’s reaction to Wonder Woman. Just seeing the five heroes fighting side-by-side simply makes up for the slightly slower and less action-packed pace. We are also given a tease of the next hero that will cross their paths as well.

As I said before, Geoff Johns just keeps us intrigued and wanting more and this is no different. Add the continued brilliant visuals brought to us by Jim Lee as well as colorist Alex Sinclair and inker Scott Williams as we continue to have a great looking series. This Wonder Woman, by the way, looks absolutely stunning.

Justice League #3 wins big points for an interesting re-introduction to Wonder Woman to a world where heroes are not embraced as automatic saviors. Again, the pacing is slow but hardly a turn off seeing as Geoff Johns excels in keeping us intrigued and – let’s face it – excited by the potential of his story and what we could expect from future issues. This one still has us just as jazzed as the monumental first issue.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
As reports come from all around the world about invaders attacking major cities, a younger and more powerful Amazonian warrior the public calls Wonder Woman sets out to defend her new home. Eager for a fight, Wonder Woman happens to come across another band of familiar heroes fighting nearby. Meanwhile, Doctor Stone turns to an untested technology to save Victor’s life.

ART: A+
Jim Lee keeps outdoing himself with every issue of Justice League as we can clearly see from this third issue. Once again, the action looks hot but it’s Lee’s version of a younger and feistier Wonder Woman that steals the show. Well, that and the surprise at the end of the story.

OVERALL: B+
While Green Lantern and Batman’s new companions continue to take on the alien invaders, Justice League #3 will be best remembered as the best re-introduction of Wonder Woman to the Justice League roster. While the introduction slows the action down, it is the new Wonder Woman and the procedure that will transform Vic Stone into Cyborg that makes this issue a Must Have.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Justice League #2 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Emma Coverdale

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jim Lee
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Inker: Scott Williams
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $4.99 USA (Digital Copy included)
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

It’s official … The New 52 was not only a success in terms of sales but also as a major turning point for the entire DC Universe and its iconic list of characters. Among all of the impressive titles that were given a reboot, it is the Justice League series that must assemble the big guns that include Superman and Wonder Woman in a new beginning that started off interesting enough. Justice League #2 re-introduces us to a familiar hero who is not very happy to meet the Dark Knight and his new friend called the Green Lantern.

The entire DC Universe has changed in a dramatic way that in the first issue of Justice League, the Green Lantern wasn’t even sure if Batman was real. As the Green Lantern finds Batman, he’s in the middle of pursing an alien intruder while evading the bullets of Gotham City’s finest who do not see him as a hero. Banding together to face off against the alien in the sewers, it perishes during the confrontation leaving only a mystery in the form of a strange cube and a name … Darkseid.

Figuring the only person who might know anything about alien business is an alien who made the city of Metropolis his home, the Green Lantern and Batman head to the City of Tomorrow only to find that the Man of Steel is in no mood for visitors. In fact, he attacks them the minute they step foot in Metropolis. Meanwhile, not too far away, a rising football star named Vic Stone is disappointed that his father didn’t make it to one of the biggest games of his life.

As we can see from Justice League #2, though, Batman and the Green Lantern have their hands full with an enraged Superman who will not even listen to reason. Batman has already used just about every device on his utility belt to calm him down while the Green Lantern was sent flying after being hit by Superman. It seems that Superman was attacked by a similar alien. On top of that, both heroes are carrying around a similar cube so the Man of Steel assumes they are with the aliens.

Seeing no other choice, Hal Jordan dials a very familiar face from Central City to lend a hand. It’s very clear – judging by their lively banter – that both Hal and Barry Allen (better know to us as The Flash) having not just met in person but has developed a friendship. Barry still works in the crime lab and is good at what he does but – with the entire crime lab unit focusing its attention on The Flash – he feels that the department is losing track of what is actually more important. Since super humans are still considered a threat, the Green Lantern made Central City aware of The Flash’s existence.

The Flash’s arrival on the scene turns the tables on the one-sided fight as he zips around Superman but it’s certainly not enough. However, they finally manage to calm Superman down enough that the Man of Steel is comfortable enough to take them to his base of operation that isn’t what it seems. As they wonder what to do about the alien cube it activates.

Meanwhile, Vic Stone, having visited his father in his lab, is given a not so warm reception from his father who purposely did not show up at his son’s game. Despite the fact that he knows his father thinks football is a waste of time, he wanted his father there for obvious reasons but Doctor Stone is not one to win Father of the Year. Then, something happens that will change everything for Vic Stone. For those who have been wondering how he will be transformed into our favorite Cyborg, baby, this is but the beginning.

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee continues to make the story flow flawlessly whether it’s Lee’s gorgeous artwork of Johns’ great storytelling style. I love the friendly camaraderie between Hal Jordan and Barry Allen … both who recognize that Bruce Wayne is a tool and Superman is actually something of a jerk who has yet to know his true role.

Justice League #2 takes its time building up the formation of a team of heroes but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a great story that just keeps getting better. With Superman and The Flash finally joining Batman and The Green Lantern, this story is just getting started and you can bet we will definitely keep an eye on even more so when this issue hints at the existence of Wonder Woman.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A-
The Green Lantern and Batman finally find Superman but the Man of Steel is enraged after a visit from the alien invaders and attacks both heroes. Seeing no other choice but to call for back-up, the Green Lantern calls none other than The Flash to help them out. Meanwhile, Vic Stone visits his father in the lab when the alien cubes Doctor Stone was studying changes his son’s life forever.

ART: A+
Once again, Jim Lee does not fail to make his work stand out and – thanks to Alex Sinclair and Scott Williams – each panel look awesome. The cover for this second issue is definitive proof of that. The Sketchbook section at the end is also a wonderful addition, especially since this is a new beginning with updated costumes.

OVERALL: A-
While the series has yet to kick into high gear, Justice League #2 still continues to make the introduction and formation of the Justice League just as enticing as the first issue. So Superman and Batman don’t come off as too likeable, Geoff Johns does make them interesting enough to gives us a very different beginning to what will surely be a Justice League worth watching.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #1 of 5 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Emma Coverdale

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Artist: Szymon Kudranski
Colorist: John Kalisz
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

Gotham City … you just have to love a city so far from grace that it needs a man dressed up like a bat to save it from a collection of freaks and criminally insane foes. Among the number of Gotham’s Most Wanted is the Penguin yet what do we really know about him or his past? Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #1 is a character study of a very dangerous man who – up until now – reveals a troubled childhood that is but the tip of the iceberg.

Born into the world as Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot to a mother who so affectionately calls him a beautiful boy despite the fact that the physicians that helped deliver the infant see the obvious physical abnormalities, the only real warmth came from the infant’s mother. While the mother only sees the beauty in her child, the father is another story altogether as one look at his son has him dropping the baby! Oswald’s father doesn’t even want his infant son on his bed, coldly pushing the baby aside to be intimate with his wife.

Unfortunately, after that, Oswald’s early childhood is something of a nightmare for a boy born with an unusual beak-like nose and short stature. He was isolated by his “normal” brothers who did not want to play with him and all his classmates seem to consider him a disgusting freak. Naturally, he was bullied in the most awful of ways as he eventually grew angry and vengeful. How could he not when friends and family would do unpleasant things to him?

It is through these quick peeks into his early childhood that we come to understand how Oswald Cobblepot grew up to become the Penguin. When we see him, it is the Penguin we all know as he has put together a party for an unknown investor. The Penguin immediately recognizes that people respect him out of fear. He is indeed a mean-looking man who is now use to getting what he wants with the snap of a finger or simply just a glance in the right direction.

He’s the type of man who lives in both his business worlds at the same time. Sure, he sets up cool events, one of which will feature a certain Irish rock band. However, the way he gets this famous rock band to attend is dirty. During the party, he takes care of his criminal endeavors.

Oh, he is indeed a man to fear as we can see when a young man bumps into him and quickly insults Oswald without even turning around to see who he bumped into. When the young man realizes who he had offended, the Penguin very calmly and casually has said young man come back up to his office just so he could tell him all the nasty things he had his thugs do to the young man’s family. Oh yeah, money brings the power to do things like this as the Penguin thinks.

On top of that, we get a glance at the Penguin’s relationship with his mother now as he has a group of thugs violently take a rare necklace from an heiress just so he could give it to his mother. He’s clearly very affectionate towards his mother, taking care of her himself in such a delicate that should have been endearing but is just creepy. In the end, the Penguin gets a visit from the Dark Knight himself.

Gregg Hurwitz pens an excellent first issue to this short series and keeps our interest as he paints a picture of painful memories that haunt a man who has turned to wealth and power to create a person you must fear and respect. Then there’s Szymon Kudranski’s art that stands out beautifully just like the cover itself.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #1 is a revealing and intriguing look at a character we thought we knew well through all the Batman titles. While this is but the first issue in this five-part series, it already reveals a troubled past that has led Oswald Cobblepot down a criminal road. We just can’t wait to see more of his past in the next issues of this well-told story.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
A glance into the birth and childhood of Oswald Cobblepot shows us that life dealt him a very bad hand since his appearance has alienated him from friends and family. It is because of this that he has become the Penguin, a man with money who is vicious enough to ruin a man’s life just for giving him the wrong glance. He is a man who cares for his elderly mother and willing to give her an heirloom taken from the corpse of a known Gotham socialite.

ART: A
Szymon Kudranski’s artwork and John Kalisz’ coloring compliment each another to the point of making this a comic that looks really damn good and the cover is simply stunning. The Penguin never looked this good or menacing.

OVERALL: B+
Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #1 is the start of a fascinating and beautifully crafted character study and this is just the first issue of this five-part series. As we get a deeper look at Oswald Cobblepot’s birth and upbringing, we come to understand what led him to become one of Batman’s most interesting foes. We wish all the other Batman villains got the same treatment in the near future.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Wonder Woman #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Frosty McKenzie

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Cliff Chiang
Colorist: Matthew Wilson
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

We have seen Wonder Woman in a number of unusual predicaments and thanks to a certain blockbuster summer comic book event we have seen her in a very unlikely role but a new beginning is something else altogether. As it turns out, though, Wonder Woman #1 is a new beginning that is every bit as epic as her fantastic beginning so long ago. Wonder Woman fans, you really do need to pick this one up no matter what.

On the top floor of a penthouse building in Singapore, a mysterious man of obvious wealth and power who tells three striking human girls that he considers himself the rightful heir to a throne that should be his despite the fact that his father has other children since the king does get around. The trouble is that the mystery man’s father is missing and he intends on find them using his power that transforms the three women into some form of all-seeing oracles.

Meanwhile, in a farm in Virginia, a mysterious figure slices the heads off a pair of horses as something grows out of the bloody stumps. On the other side of the farm, a young woman named Zola is holding a shotgun on a very unusual home intruder. This mystery man seems to know Zola by name and tells her that assassins are after her. Unfortunately, it’s too late because centaur assassins suddenly appear and injures the mystery messenger who has come to help Zola.

It is then that Zola obtains a special key from the one who tried to warn her and said key instantly whisks the young woman to a bedroom in London, England where she awakens a statuesque beauty who just so happens to be Princess Diana … better known to the world as Wonder Woman. It is our favorite Amazonian who takes it upon herself to see what went down back in Virginia clad in her new costume (more on that later). Obviously, the key is magical and belongs to a world more familiar to Princess Diana.

The problem is that Zola also grabs a hold of Wonder Woman as they are both teleported back to Zola’s farm only to find the centaur assassins still there. It is Wonder Woman who identifies the unusual man that tried warning Zola as none other than Hermes himself. It is Hermes that brings Wonder Woman up to speed and tells her the reason she has come to warn Zola. I won’t reveal what it is because this surprise is a big one.

Meanwhile, Wonder Woman deals with the centaurs that will stop at nothing to slay Zola and it’s quite an exciting fight. This leads us to the end that is but just the beginning to what is already shaping out to be something quite extraordinary. Brian Azzarello certainly knows how to tell an interesting story and he manages to capture our attention immediately with this story so we are certainly looking forward to what he has in store for us in future installments.

Then there’s the art by Cliff Chiang whose original artwork is perfect for the series. He manages to take Wonder Woman’s new costume and make it even better and yes, she looks amazing in battle. Adding Matthew Wilson’s coloring to the artwork definitely makes for a book that is easily a great-looking one for a first issue.

Without a doubt, Wonder Woman #1 is a stellar first issue that doesn’t fail to surprise and live up to the expectations that fans of the series have been anticipating since the announcement of this intriguing “reboot.” Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang make a brilliant team and, as a result, the book ends up being everything you can want in a Wonder Woman series. I am definitely considering myself a new fan and will most definitely keep my eye on this woman of wonder.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
A mystery man sets the wheels in motion as he looks into his future to discover the identity of the person who can stop him from becoming king. Meanwhile, a pair of centaur assassins is sent to kill a young woman named Zola who is carrying an important child. By way of a magic key, Zola is transported to London where she finds Wonder Woman who defends her against their attackers.

ART: A
We’ve been in love with Cliff Chiang’s artwork for a long time now and is definitely the right choice to kick off this series. Even the cover is unique and easy on the eyes.

OVERALL: A+
A surprising and monumental first issue, Wonder Woman deserves a title that is as impressive as her Wonder Woman #1 is just that title to live up to the hype. Magnificently executed by both Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang, this is already turning out to be a series that all Wonder Woman fans new and returning should pick up right away.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Detective Comics #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Frosty McKenzie

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tony Salvador Daniel
Artist: Tony Salvador Daniel
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Inker: Ryan Winn
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

The New 52 titles will certainly have no shortage of Batman titles and for fans of the Dark Knight this is actually very good news but all eyes are on Detective Comics #1 where our favorite Caped Crusader was first introduced to us in Detective Comics #27 so many years back. Now, the DC Universe has experienced something akin to a new beginning where things have changed in major ways. As we can see from Detective Comics #1, some things have definitely changed while others – well – they never do.

What hasn’t changed is the fact that Batman is still waging a one-on-one war against the Joker who continues to be that one stain in the Dark Knight’s record. He’s tangled with this murdering lunatic many times and the Clown Prince of Crime continues to elude him as he leaves a trail of corpses along the way. So, in Detective Comics #1, Batman is in hot pursuit of his deadliest nemesis.

Something has changed, though, as Batman is more than just determined to stop the Joker. There’s a sense of urgency in Batman’s need to catch up to him … more so than in past instances. Meanwhile, the Joker is in the middle of strangling a most unusual man in surgeon scrubs who just so happens to be wearing a mask made out of human skin. The Joker is clearly not happy to see this man as he not only rips the man’s throat open but he stabs him repeatedly despite the fact that his victim made it clear that he was a fan of his.

Batman does manage to reach the Joker but not after the fiend detonates a bomb that slows Batman down. Unfortunately, he’s not able to pursue his foe thanks to a little girl who happened to be in the room. On top of that, Gotham’s finest arrive as well but there’s no warm welcome for the hero. In fact, taking a page from up upcoming Dark Knight movie, the police are determined to stop Batman. In fact, they try to shoot him down to the point that Batman has to escape before he is forced to really hurt them.

It becomes clear that the Mayor is the one who wants Batman gone and will stop at nothing to put an end to the vigilante. Just about the only friend Batman does have is a younger Jim Gordon who is still Commissioner and the only one who sees Batman’s presence in a city that is falling apart as a blessing, although the issue seems to point that Gordon is still not sure what to really make of a man in a bat suit.

Still, when Gordon mentions that the little girl he rescued overheard the Joker mention the location of his hideout in his conversation with his latest victim, Batman smells a trap. After all, he knows the Joker better than anyone so he shows … along with Gotham PD only to find that it was a trap. However, Batman sees the Joker rush into a train where he finally confronts his old enemy in a vicious fight.

Oh, but the outcome of the battle leads up to something actually quite surprising as we realize that somebody has been waiting for the Joker. A person with a scalpel who carries out the Joker’s most heinous plan yet and believe me when I say that this cliffhanger ending is shocking to the point that you will not want to turn the page. It’s definitely gruesome stuff for a comic rated T.

Tony Salvador Daniel tells a good story and gets back to a darker Batman tale that feels like a nod to Frank Miller’s work on the Dark Knight. In fact, even his artwork is a reflection of Miller’s influence. It’s great to see Joker at his most homicidal and crazy in the scene where he murders a mystery man and then attacks Batman in the end of the book. However, the dialogue is simply too amateurish at times such as the “I am Gotham” line. Then again, he does a good job setting up memorable scenes such as Batman’s conversation with Commissioner Gordon and then Bruce’s chat with Alfred who mentions that he should start dating normal girls instead of a certain sexy feline.

The artwork is also quite stunning at times, which is only amplified by great coloring and inking but also making the action look awesome. As I mentioned, Daniel tips his hat to Miller in the way this Batman looks and it works beautifully.

Detective Comics #1 pushes an even darker Dark Knight into the spotlight and this makes for a great start to a series that certainly lives up to the Detective Comics label. It’s also great to see Batman and the Joker get into a vicious fight and an ending that will have Batman fans talking about it until the next issue arrives. Oh yeah, you will be looking forward to the next issue and if Daniel keeps it up we will have ourselves a Batman title that is a welcome addition.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: B+
Batman is hot on the trail of his most dangerous adversary, the Joker, who is killing his known associates that includes a most unusual man. Meanwhile, the Dark Knight of Gotham isn’t exactly embraced by the city’s law enforcement or the Mayor who wants Batman stopped. Then a tip leads Batman and Commissioner Gordon’s men to a trap set by the Joker that will lead to a shocking conclusion.

ART: A
We’ve always admired Tony S. Daniel’s artwork in the past and this issue isn’t any different except for the visual nods to Frank Miller’s style when he did amazing work for his Batman stories. His artwork comes together beautifully with Tomeu Morey’s coloring and Ryan Winn’s flawless inking. This Gotham City looks amazing but the cover choice could have been better considering this is a first issue of Detective Comics.

OVERALL: B+
A few weak spots aside, Detective Comics #1 is an appropriately dark, gritty and doesn’t waste any time jumping into a story where the Joker is back in the streets of Gotham with a plan that is going to turn out to be surprising. While the dialogue is far from perfect, Daniel tells a solid story with a cliffhanger ending that not fail to drop some jaws. This is one series you will definitely want to keep both eyes on.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Action Comics #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Emma Coverdale

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Rags Morales
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Inker: Rick Bryant
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $3.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

It was Action Comics that introduced the world to a very unique hero who has become an iconic figure throughout the years. A lot has happened to Superman and much of it has dropped some jaws but it was the Flashpoint event that helped pave the way for new Superman titles that will change the way we look at the Man of Steel. Action Comics #1 is groundbreaking, epic and one of the best Superman stories you will read this year.

Forget about everything you know about Superman because Grant Morrison and Rags Morales give us a more youthful, slightly angrier yet still heroic Superman in a Metropolis that still so badly needs a hero. When we see our favorite Kryptonian, he leaps into the top of skyscraper that just so happens to belong to a man named Glenmorgan. As we can see, he still has his red cape but this Superman is the kind who sports a blue t-shirt with the S-emblem as well as blue jeans and work boots.

As it turns out, Superman has come for Glenmorgan, tossing the businessman’s henchmen around as if they were rag dolls. It is Glenmorgan’s crooked partner that leaves in time to point Metropolis PD to Superman who is standing on the edge of the building with Glenmorgan dangling above the Man of Steel. Oh yeah, it’s clear that the police don’t see Superman as a hero and more so when he hits the ground after leaping off said building. Clearly, this Superman hasn’t tried flying yet … or maybe he doesn’t know he could.

What is clear is that Superman’s sense of justice is still intact as he gives the big shot businessman a warning that he is watching Metropolis and that his type of corruption will no longer be tolerated in this city. He then takes off, not wanting to hurt Detective Blake’s trigger-happy officers. Meanwhile, in a command center, General Lane – Lois Lane’s father – has secured one Lex Luthor as a consultant. Lex, much like the military, believe that Superman is akin to a creature taken from one environment and placed in another only to cause that ecosystem to be destroyed. In short, Superman’s presence on Earth is a danger to humanity in Luthor’s opinion and must be dealt with immediately.

However, Superman does what he does best and that is save lives as he does when he helps the residents of an apartment building being bulldozed. That’s nothing new, of course, but what is new is Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent. This Clark is nothing like the one we’ve known. In fact, he’s the perfect secret identity that nobody would even link to Superman.

Oh, there’s another big change as we realize, through a conversation with Jimmy Olsen, that this Clark Kent is still a journalist but not what who we think. Through Jimmy we also learn that he and Lois Lane are trailing Gus Grundig who is connected to Glenmorgan aboard a train. It suddenly dawns on Clark that that is not a good thing for them so he heads out to their rescue.

The result of stopping the train is something we don’t see coming but it goes to show that this Lex Luthor is just as cunning as the Lex we’ve always known. It’s also great to see Lois Lane is still the same as well, which brings us to just about the only character who didn’t return the same. This Superman doesn’t sound like a 1950’s hero, rather, he talks just like a Kansas farm boy. Sure, Superman comes from another planet but he was raised in Smallville, Kansas so wouldn’t it make sense if both he and his alter ego spoke like a Kansas native?

Then there’s the artwork by Rags Morales who, not surprisingly, makes Superman look hot as well as downright cool. His visuals are nothing short of stunning, as you can see from the cover, and surprising as well as he makes Clark Kent look like he’s could get beat up by a little girl. Along with great coloring by Brad Anderson and inking by Rick Bryant, this comic is absolute eye candy.

Action Comics #1 will change the way you look at Superman to the point that this book will be on your mind way after you put it down. The New 52 is about changing the game and this one does it so easily that it will remind you why Grant Morrison is still a fan favorite. This is, by far, one of my favorite Superman books and if it keeps it up it will remain that way for a long time to come. Whatever you do, DC Comics fans, do not miss this issue.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
Taken on one of Metropolis’ richest as well as most corrupt businessmen, a newer and rougher Man of Steel appears in the city as a self-appointed guardian of Metropolis. However, the military – aided by one Lex Luthor – sees this new alien menace as a threat to the world and together they set out to capture this being by setting up a trap that will put the lives of Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen in danger in the process.

ART: A
Rags Morales is one of our favorite artists and with good reason so it makes perfect sense to have him work on the first issue of this iconic comic and hero. His art, along with Brad Anderson and Rick Bryant make this book look good. On an interesting side note, if you’ve been following the Flashpoint series, a certain hooded character makes an appearance in the background (as well as showing up in other titles of The New 52 books).

OVERALL: A+
Without a doubt, Action Comics #1 definitely deserves a place in your collection and will certainly make you see the Man of Steel in a new light that makes this one of the best Superman titles yet. The words “game-changer” certainly applies to this book and believe me when I say that it’s definitely one of the reasons the New 52 titles keep selling out.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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Swamp Thing #1 – Comic Book Review

Reviewed By: Eden Zacarias

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Colorist: Nathan Fairbairn
Genre: Comic Book
MSRP: $2.99 USA
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

When DC Comics announced that Swamp Thing would be joining their list of “New 52” titles that will get a major reboot I was excited to see how the big green monster would change in a new DC Universe. Then the talented writer behind American Vampire was tapped to write the story and – if that wasn’t enough – Yanick Paquette is handling the artwork making Swamp Thing #1 the best thing to happen to our favorite swamp hero.

The DC Universe as we know it has gone through a dramatic change that started out with a major event where the heroes we once knew became something different. Now the ripples of said event changed the universe as familiar characters’ lives have taken a alternate turn into new territory. One of these heroes is Superman who, as Clark Kent, witnesses a freak occurrence as thousands of dead birds simply fall from the sky. This phenomenon isn’t just happening in Metropolis as we witness the same thing happening to the aquatic life and, in Gotham City, Batman is witness to the gruesome demise of bats.

Meanwhile, in Louisiana, a man is overlooking a construction site as foreman when a worker thanks him for his advice using cabbage for therapeutic purposes. It’s clear that this man isn’t your average construction worker since he waxes philosophically to himself about plant life seeing as he was a botanist. This man, it turns out, is Doctor Alec Holland. Yes, the same Doctor Holland who was transformed into the monster we know as the Swamp Thing. Yet here he stands as a human with fragmented memories of having once been the creature.

Suddenly, Superman appears before the good Doctor and Holland knows exactly why he’s here looking for him. It’s clear that the Man of Steel is worried about the unusual phenomenon and there’s no other man more qualified to give his opinion about the occurrence. Holland has a very interesting theory that speaks volumes of the warning signs we are experiencing in real life as well as how violent plant life can really be within the ecosystem.

Doctor Holland is also quick to point out that he’s obviously not in tune with nature since he’s no longer tied to the monster. Superman, on the other hand, still thinks Alec Holland can still play a big role in helping since he is the man who conceived the very formula that transformed him and – in a surprising twist – we learn that the Doctor has not completely left the formula alone either.

Meanwhile, in a paleontology dig site in northwestern Arizona where the exposed remains of what looked like a wooly mammoth is suddenly ripped out of the earth. When the men in charge of the dig site return and find the remains gone, they quickly come to the conclusion that their rivals have swiped their find. Unfortunately for them, this would have been a better alternative since a strange force of nature involving bees turns ugly really fast as the men start dying in horrific ways that introduce us to a terrifying earth-bound entity.

Speaking of earth-bound entities, another one shows up in the end that will pretty much leave you wishing the second issue were already available. It’s clear that the world of the Swamp Thing has changed and things are even more interesting now that the mystery has yet to be unraveled. Best yet is that the memory of the past haunts Alex Holland and Superman himself makes a comment about the disoriented feeling of “coming back.”

Scott Snyder definitely has us intrigued as he pens a story still so full of mystery that you can’t help but want to keep following it. Alec’s thoughts on the violent world of plants are actually fascinating and the threat introduced shows a lot of promise. Then there’s Yanick Paquette whose artwork has always been stellar just makes this series look really good.

Swamp Thing #1 is a compelling and fascinating first step in a direction that is already starting to look even better than the original series. If that sounds like too bold a statement then all you have to do is pick this one up and see just how good this story begins. Whether you’re new to the series or a fan from way back, this is a new beginning that you seriously should not miss. Once again, Scott Snyder proves that he’s one of the best things to happen to comics in a long time.

COMIC REVOLUTION RATING BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
An unusual phenomenon is occurring throughout the world and the Man of Steel himself is worried what it might mean to the planet. He turns to the only man capable of truly understanding nature – Doctor Alec Holland. However, just as the universe of superheroes has changed so has the good Doctor as Superman finds out. Meanwhile, an unusual force attacks a group of paleontologists at a dig site.

ART: A
The art in this issue is simply spectacular but if you know Yanick Paquette’s art then you probably already know that from his impressive body of work. Also, Paquette makes Superman – in his new suit, no less – look really good.

OVERALL: A+
Without a doubt one of the strongest entries in the “The New 52” lineup, Swamp Thing #1 is a deeply absorbing and meaningful first issue that will not fail to grab your attention from beginning to shocking end. Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette will not only wow you but also make you a fan of the Swamp Thing all over again. This is definite a Must Have comic book.

Review copy provided by DC Comics

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