New Beginnings - Batman #34

by Matt Puddy

OK, I know, I know, Batman isn’t exactly a new character seeing as he has just celebrated his 75th birthday. It’s not a new writer seeing as it is still Scott Snyder driving this issue forward (with Gerry Duggan) and there are no new twists, villains or characters entering the fray. So why this issue?

Well to be honest this is a new beginning. Zero Year has (finally) finished and now Batman is back in present day Gotham, returning to the New 52 status quo. This is also bringing the main Batman book in line with the current weekly title, Batman Eternal. However, instead of jumping straight into a new arc. this issue is more stand alone, giving the reader a reprieve from the pace of recent issues and relentless schedules.

Issue #34 is a small story simply called The Meek. Rather than focussing on the big villains that Gotham and Arkham hold, Snyder and Duggan take notice of the little folk and the ones that hunt them. Even with all the hustle and bustle of the city life, Batman still manages to notice that a number of lost and homeless people are going missing. All of them patients of the same Doctor Thompkins. So, doing as Bruce always does, he has the urge to step in and protect the residents no matter who they are. What he finds though is a quiet killer, one who wants to murder and then disappear into obscurity again. A nameless face from the shadows who doesn’t want to be known.

This is a completely self-contained issue that Snyder has planned, and acts as a bridge in between arcs. As I mentioned before there are no huge plot twists or major characters, but that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t put a lot into it. Developing a story from nothing and following it through in just one issue, is not an easy feat but he pulls it off. He even manages to have Batman cracking a joke with one of the men from the Asylum, as well as putting a very nice twist on a punishment for him by locking him up in the Joker’s cell where everyone will see him.

What also does is that instead of leaving with a happy ending, there is a much more sinister feel to it with the immense realisation of the depths to which this has gone, and for how long is immense. That Batman is fallible - as this could have been caught quicker - and there is no way to know how far this actually went.

Artistically, Matteo Scalera (Black Science) is the main man on this issue, with Lee Loughridge working the colours. What I’ve liked is that the art has at no time given any sort of positive vibe to the story. It feels quiet, dialled down and in some cases totally bleak, which is how it should feel. Part of this is also down to there being a very big tonal shift on different pages. These again are muted and fit the scene with the exception of the blood red washes over the last pages.

This is not an issue that will drive any of the story for Batman forward, but then again it’s not meant to be. What it is though is a great jump on point for new readers or fans who are coming back to a Batman title after a break.

A good little issue which gets you ready for the next big thing.

Matt Puddy is looking forward to the Endgame.

New Beginnings - Robin Rises Omega #1

by Matt Puddy

Being Batman's protege is not an easy task. For a start, there are at least five in the New 52 continuity, without then counting Earth 2 counterparts or other variations. Secondly there are times when the life of a Robin is specifically endangered, such as the well renowned Death in the Family story.

A prime example of this is Damian Wayne, the most recent Robin who polarised fans and last year died at the hand of Heretic (who happened to be a clone of himself).

Whilst every Robin has had their own effect on Bruce, the death of Damian hit harder than that of say Jason Todd. Bruce literally fought his way back through time to be reunited his son and become the father figure he missed in his own youth, only to have that taken away from him by Leviathan.

In the past few months the Batman & Robin title has taken a different path to explore Batman’s loss, including him lashing out at people who care about him. Working through his grief, he had almost reached a point where he'd come to terms with the death of Damian, but then Bruce’s world is thrown into turmoil once again when Ra’s Al Ghul steals the boy's body - as he feels is his right as his Grandfather. Almost managing the feat through various Lazarus Pool attempts, Bruce triumphs in liberating Robin's corpse and is leaving Nanda Parbat when things go awry again.

This is where the Robin Rises Omega one-shot opens. The departure with Damian’s body would have been fine, except for the Boomtube opening bringing a select band of residents from Apokolips. These servants of Darkseid re searching for the Chaos Shard that Ra’s Al Ghul conveniently used in the sarcophagus to support Damian’s body.

Faced with insurmountable odds on his own, a fragile partnership is formed. The combination of the League of Shadows, Batman and his combined associates are enough to hold the Apokolips forces back, culminating in Batman finding the Shard, but the fight isn’t over. Glinting visions of things he shouldn’t see leaves Batman open to a shot from Glorious Godfrey, allowing him to take the shard back.

Things could have been worse but the arrival of the newly Luthor-led Justice League appear, starting another fracas. It’s not as productive as they wanted though, as Godfrey escapes with the sarcophagus and thus the Shard, but more importantly Damian as well.

Bruce is left once again without Damian, but instead a burning passion to head to Apokolips to get him back, putting him at odds with the League.

Peter Tomasi is a writing favourite of mine, so I was looking forward to this one shot. In essence this is a very good bridging issue between arcs, designed to entice new readers into the story as it sets up the new storyline for issues of Batman & Robin to come. As always the writing was strong, although parts of the story retcon felt a little over the top (even if it is for the benefit of anyone using the issue as a jump on point as DC hope).  It does have a certain amount of possibilities that it opens as well; some will obviously be followed up in issues to come, though some that may be dead ends or red herrings.

The legendary artist Andy Kubert also returns to the Damian character on this issue, making it an all star line up on the production. There is a neat distinction between the catch up and the present story within the colouring and inking which makes for a really nice touch.

This is a cracking issue with a great amount of talent working on it. What is there not to like? For seasoned fans or new readers stepping into the breach with Batman you are spoilt for choice, but this is one that's worthy of a space on your shelf.

Matt Puddy rises every morning. Wink wink.

New Beginnings - Grayson #1

by Matt Puddy

“You think you know Nightwing... you don’t know Dick” 

A very bold statement used in the advertising for the new series starring former Robin, former Nightwing and former Forever Evil captive, Dick Grayson. Putting the risqué pun aside, will this in your face approach live up to its own hype?

Tim Seeley’s story opens like a spy film – on top of a moving train – complete with acrobatics and gunshots, whilst a black clad operative looks on. For readers of Stormwatch, you’ll immediately recognise Midnighter and wonder why he’s there too.

Grayson meanwhile works his way onto the train and it’s clear that he has a target in mind. He's also not alone. A female accomplice is also on the train helping to clear the way for him to extract Ninel Dubov, a seemingly low level trafficker. Once exfiltrated from the train though, things begin to clarify. A drugged Ninel is quite compliant with Grayson, but once Midnighter steps in and raises the stakes Dubov’s true colours show. He hides away power inside him. Not in the classical sense, but actual power and is being used as a smuggler. Once pushed though, he uses it to save Grayson before collapsing and being removed from the scene. 

Back at Spyral HQ we are finally introduced to the man behind it all, Mr Minos, whose face is obscured even to his agents by the implants that also protect their identities. An extra layer of mystery added to what transpires to be an even shadier organisation. With the equivalent of “he’s gone to a farm up north where he has plenty of space to run around,” it appears that Grayson has been diverted away from the truth - Ninel has been harvested and in reality Minos is tracking down and trying to create transparency of all the supers.

I feel a little let down by the story if honest and it came across to me as a mish-mash of older ideas and toned down individuals. Midnighter, for example, the man who can see a million moves ahead in a fight - so much so that he’s won it before it even starts - is matched by Grayson without too much trouble. There are hints of the Superhuman Registration Act ideology that Marvel hinged their Civil War arc on. It’s also sat firmly on top of a James Bond-styled story too, which felt very beneath Dick Grayson. This is a man who became Batman for a while after all.

Artistically speaking it’s not a bad looking comic. Between Janin’s artwork and Cox’s colouring you are given a bright and vibrant issue. The cover is stylish and bold – although I still prefer the look of Nightwing to the current Grayson visage – and it really creates an impact, but it’s one that the comic itself somewhat fails to live up to.

You may have gotten the slight hint that I was underwhelmed by this issue and I don’t really enjoy giving bad reviews but in this case I can’t help it. The promise of what this could of been was so much more than what was given. The cynic in me doesn’t believe that all is as it should be with Grayson working for Spyral, and there are certainly hints that he is an inside man for Batman Inc. that will hopefully lead to him breaking it apart. I’m hoping that there are significantly interesting twists to come in the next couple of issues, as otherwise this could be another New 52 casualty.

Matt Puddy is gutted that Kingsman: The Secret Service has been delayed until next year.

New Beginnings - Batman ’66 meets the Green Hornet #1

by Matt Puddy

Kevin Smith is known for a variety of things - indie film making, being Silent Bob, comic book writing, podcasting and general geekery to name few. One of his partners-in-crime from the SModcast is Ralph Garman and together they have taken us back to the past for this review title.

Batman ’66 meets the Green Hornet is exactly how it sounds. Set in the era of Adam West and Burt Ward, the story opens in a typical scene from the TV series. A mundane moment for the Dynamic Duo sees them relaxing and Dick getting ready for a date with the daughter of the Mayor. Things are going well until the special telephone in the study rings.

As with many of the old TV episodes the premise of the Sixties' Batman series was quite simple. A gentle opening followed by an almost random piece of information or situation leading to some kind of conveniently linked escapade over several episodes. Much in the same way, this first part of a six issue series uses the same mechanics. In this instance the scene setter is the fact that a valuable – and yet undisclosed – artefact is being shipped out of Gotham and is believed to be the target of the criminal element. 

So off our valiant Caped Crusader goes sporting the non-disguise of Bruce Wayne to accompany the transit on the Gotham Express. In an unusual twist, the Boy Wonder is given the evening off and allowed to go on his date, but later this becomes an apparent ruse to be used when things go awry, to allow Batman to officially enter the scene complete with hammed up third party self references to continue the pretence of dual identities. 

Whilst aboard the train Bruce meets Signore Bollo – the overseer of the artefact  - and then finally Britt Reid and his man servant, a duo who suffer a similar fate to Wayne and Grayson in that they both have secret identities – The Green Hornet and Kato.

Green Hornet and Batman have crossed paths in the past, coincidentally over the villain in the shadows here too, and the camaraderie/competitive nature of their relationship comes out. A fledgling argument between them both is stopped when the train comes to a halt all due to a strange super adhesive on the tracks. On reboarding the train the villain and his cronies are revealed – General Gumm.

No Sixties Batman episode would be complete without the obligatory cliffhanger which this issue delivers with aplomb, seeing not only the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder, but also the Green Hornet and Kato, all glued to the train roof with a low tunnel not far away. 

Ty Templeton provides the artwork for the issue and has a strange job to do. On one hand there is a change to put his own style on the issue, but on the other it is deliberately drawn to showcase Adam West et al accurately – which he does. Fans of the old TV series will easily recognise all the regulars from the show complete even with trademark looks and glances. He’s done a great job of that in fact.

This is an issue, and series, that fans of the original series will love. It has all of the components that made up the original stories and flow of episodes all the way down to hammy acting and – at times – cringeworthy dialogue. It doesn’t try to be a new take on Batman or expose him to a new threat or different angle. The depiction of Green Hornet is nothing new either and even their personas from the original show are also represented well. For a standalone story arc it’s not for my liking or to my tastes, as I used to get frustrated with the spoonfed nature of the show, however for what this comic is trying to be, an homage to the show and it’s values, it does a great job. 

Matt Puddy wil be back again soon, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.

Shipping delays on Batman, Justice League Dark and Red Lanterns

Sorry folks, we've just had some bad news from Diamond UK concerning a few comics expected this week:

Due to a problem at the printers the following DC titles will not be shipping this week as originally scheduled:

MAR140212 - BATMAN #31 (ZERO YEAR)

MAR140213 - BATMAN #31 VAR ED (ZERO YEAR)

MAR140237 - RED LANTERNS #31

MAR140178 - JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #31

MAR140179 - JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #31 VAR ED

These titles will be in deliveries next week.

Regards,

Diamond Comic Distributors UK

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Ben Fardon wishes this happened less often.

New Beginnings - Batman Eternal #1-3

by Matt Puddy

Who is the scourge of the night, the world’s greatest detective, 75 years old this year and appearing in a new weekly ongoing title from Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV and more?

OK, well the title of this week’s review does give it away a little, but it's Batman.

The series has gotten off to quite a good start by turning things on their head from the very beginning. Opening immediately with a fire-strewn foreshadowing of things to come, we are greeted by the sight of a de-costumed Bruce strapped to a destroyed Bat-Signal in front of a crumbling and destroyed Gotham. Things are not looking good. However, this downfall had to start somewhere and we immediately step back to see how.

These initial issues revolve around an incident that no one would have expected, the arrest of Commissioner Jim Gordon for the deaths of a large number of Gothamites. While trying to apprehend a suspect - concurrent with Batman is taking down Professor Pyg - things aren’t what they seem. Is there a gun or not? Is he armed or is there something not right here? Why won’t he give himself up? Gordon is faced with all of this and more, leading to him making the decision to disarm the man, but in the process the bullet hits a fuse box, creating a brutal train crash that no-one can stop. What a way for a rookie, Bard - handpicked by Gordon himself - to start his first day too with the arrest of the man who brought him into the fold.

The next two issues up the ante even more, with the return of a major player as well. After addressing the Mayor and setting several other events in motion, the resurgence of Carmine Falcone shakes the city to its core and starts a gang war - aided by a corrupt interim commissioner - that Gotham has not seen the likes of before.

It’s hard to really be objective on the writing and artwork when you look at the line up emblazoned on the cover. Snyder, Tynion IV, Fawkes, Layman, Seeley and Fabok. All of these have more than established themselves at DC, and the level of work on the Batman family of titles alone is very high. Snyder for instance has quickly become a firm favourite of mine some years ago and I will happily read his stories any time. Tynion’s work is also one I like, and as he has co-written these first scripts, it can’t be a bad thing. 

The artwork is all from Jason Fabok which although not my preferred style normally, it is something I like on Batman. Throughout all these issues there is very little light. This is taking Batman back to the night and into the dingy streets of a dangerous Gotham. It’s also bringing what’s left of the family back together too after the Joker tore them asunder.

Fabok has put a slightly new twist on the Batmobile (issue #3 cover) - Bruce apparently has more versions of his cars than Tony Stark has suits. I’m not sure I’m completely taken by it but time will tell. What will be interesting is how the rest of the known villains will come in and be seen. The series is promising to look at how Batman interacts with a huge range of his allies and enemies.

With almost the first month under its belt Batman Eternal has kicked off with a bang. If you’re a Batman fan and not already on this title then I would wonder why not? If you simply like Batman and want a title that will immerse you in the mythos of the character then this would also be a good title to read, but not necessarily for the younger reader as it comes across at a teen level, and being a weekly book it will quickly get a bit expensive!

I’m hoping that the writing team are able to keep up the pace on this and I’m keen to see how far it goes.

Matt Puddy has seen some great progress on the latest piece.

New Beginnings - Harley Quinn #1

by Matt Puddy

A couple of months ago, DC unveiled a fairly unique zero issue into the world. Featuring none other than the slightly deranged persona that pheonixed out of Dr Harleen Quinzel, Harley Quinn #0 was different in more ways than one. Firstly, instead of having a specific artist the issue was created with a plethora of talent, changing with every page or double spread to highlight her varying looks and style since her creation and inception. In some ways it's also representative of the various identities she has also displayed over time.

The other main difference was that as a character, Harley Quinn did something that very few (if any to my knowledge) DC characters have ever done. She broke the fourth wall by speaking to - and of - those outside of the comic. In true Harley Quinn fashion she didn’t just break it, she smashed it. Whereas the slightly unhinged Deadpool makes occasional wise cracks and comments to those outside of the comic (holding the final issue of Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe to one side that is), Harley holds an open dialogue with the creative teams who are putting effort into making the issue. Name checking them as well as casting references, she works through the book to firstly showcase all of the talent but secondly explain who she was, who she is now, and what she may become. For some readers it will be reminiscent of John Byrne's Sensational She-Hulk. This all culminates in the news that she has been left a building by a former patient, thus opening the door wide for Harley Quinn #1.

I can’t really comment on all of different artists, but as a stand alone issue it works OK but is very choppy, although that seems to very much be the point. It doesn’t really fit with the new ongoing series, but also isn’t that incongruous with it either. If you’re planning to get the series on the whole then this one may be worth picking up to get further insight into the girl behind the make up and the approach taken by the writers behind this and the ongoing series, Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. Conner also provides the beautiful covers for this new series.

Harley Quinn #1 re-unites the two writers with Chad Hardin, who produced a few pages during the aforementioned zero issue. We find Harley packing up her remaining possessions and heading for Coney Island and her new abode, all on the back of a motorbike with her trusty stuffed beaver strapped to the front.

One of the most endearing features of Harley for me is that if you look at her she is not really an evil person. If anything she is a girl who loves a lot of things, an awful lot. So much so that it’s a little surprising that when looking for deputies at the end of Blackest Night the Star Sapphires didn't conscript her. So when she sees even a tiny injustice on her travels - this one concerning with a small unloved dog - all hell breaks loose. The following ride - complete with new canine companion - is garnished with a biker hitman. It appears that there is a price on Harley’s head set by an unknown bidder (with my guess being a twisted love letter from Mister J himself or the Suicide Squad trying to tie-up a loose end) The scene also gives us another one of Harley’s loves… her trusty mallet.

Upon finding her new home, which she thinks is incredibly fitting, the sheen and shine wears off when she realises that even though it’s a perfect opportunity for her, there are strings attached. Big hefty financial ones, but being a resourceful girl she has interviews quickly lined up. First one features a very vanilla-looking Harley going back into the medical profession, but her real character really shines in the second - a roller derby interview where she gets to let loose.

Harley Quinn #2 is out this week!

At the end of a tough day she gets to relax on her own private roof area where another assassin attempts to kill her off. Things aren’t perfect but they’re good. She has a place to live, a fun, rag-tag group of new friends including a new dog and potentially two jobs. OK, so there is a hit out on her as well but in her eyes is this really a problem?

It’s a really enjoyable story but does it make her a little too domesticated? Last time I read anything which was solely her, it was the terrible one shot for Villains' Month. My major problem is that from this first issue you can’t really see any deeper development on the horizon, except for finding out who wants her dead and why, although it does add a potentially interesting new supporting cast. If anything this is the sort of thing in today’s comics that becomes a minor subplot for most characters as there’s always someone somewhere who wants them dead.

Visually it’s a good looking comic which hits the mark often, but outside of that I am struggling a little to see what it offers. I want to like this comic a lot as it develops a fan favourite character, but I am struggling to really attach to it. I can only hope it gets a lot better in the coming issues.

Matt Puddy was wondering what had happened to this one - anyone would think Ben had a lot on his plate!

Rescuing Strays - Batman/Superman #1-4

Jack Meldrum introduces a new column, looking at recent comic book stories you may have overlooked or missed out on. We kick off this first instalment with a look at the New 52 Batman/Superman title.

Right now, the Grek Pak-penned Batman/Superman is kicking off a... difficult-looking arc with art by the contentious Brett Booth, but I'm sticking through it. My reasoning? The first four issues (with art from Jae Lee, Yildiray Cinar and Ben Oliver) are sublime.

It's no secret that Pak is a ludicrously talented writer - the man who brought us the near-flawless Planet Hulk - and one who generally goes about kicking bottom. He's a smart, stylish writer and Batman/Superman's début arc demonstrates that with style and flair to spare. It's just perfect comics, and the thing that gives it strength is the setting – B/S spends four issues in the past of the New 52 and most of that time on Earth-2, which lets Pak and the art team go hog-wild with big, nutty ideas.

If the New 52 has failed to tap into anything, it's the five years between Superman's origin and the present, and it's there that Pak and company kick off. This is a tale of the hotheaded t-shirt Superman and a grungy, paranoid Batman; it constantly emphasises both their differences and their shared youth. They're strong personalities, especially when backed by Jae Lee's elegant, eloquent art, which flawlessly uses lines of sight and motion with innovative layouts (including several pieces designed to create the heroes logos, which never failed to get me smiling) to draw out Clark Kent's raw heroic angst and Bruce Wayne's cold detachment.

It's the central premise, though, that makes these first four issues (plus a kind of coda in the very weird but enjoyable Villain's Month Darkseid issue) a treat – the brash youthful heroes paired up with and against their older, stronger selves from Earth-2. Lee handles most of these sequences with a fantastic eye for design, backed by June Chung's peerless colours. The characters are never indistinguishable, with differences not just in costume but word choice, body language and the tones and highlights of their colours. Pak's refreshing tweak on the archetypal butting-heads that new teammates have (where Clark and Bruce-Prime are at odds with each other, then in alliance with their doubles, then allied against them as their youth and impudence clashes with the smoother older heroes) is just the right kind of stuff. It's big fun.

No, really, it's so much fun. Wonder Woman slices a plane in half while riding a pegasus. I'm not kidding when I say that's my favourite comics moment of 2013, because it's the kind of ballsy action that works perfectly in the medium. And I would be remiss to not mention the deliciously entertaining Kaiyo, the ostensible villain of the piece. She's a fantastic creation, apparently an addition to the New Gods, and she's terrific – a moody, snarky teenager who serves as a living Boom Tube. Good times.

Batman/Superman #1-4 is a cracking story with a lot to offer. Seek it out in floppies or trade – it's well worth it. Wonder Woman slices a plane in half while riding a pegasus!

Jack Meldrum is still really excited by Wonder Woman slicing a plane in half while riding a pegasus, and he wants you all to know.

Proud Lion's Christmas Gift Guide, part two - Batman & his super friends!

The Proud Lion Christmas Gift Guide continues, and today we are moving on from the living dead and heading to Gotham City for a look at some of the best Batman - and other DC superheroes - gifts available this holiday season.

BATMAN VOL 03 DEATH OF THE FAMILY HC - £19

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's work on the Caped Crusader has been sublime - possibly the best thing in the New 52 (other than Green Lantern and the new Batman/Superman) - but the Death of the Family is arguably the storyline their run will be remembered for above all else. Featuring the return of the Joker, sporting a horrific new look. This decaying, strapped on, and stapled into place visage is immortalised on the front cover of this limited edition hardcover collection, thanks to an acetate dust jacket of his face which peels of to reveal the bare flesh underneath. When these are gone, they are gone, with DC pledging that any subsequent print run will feature a more mundane glossy paper cover rather than this deluxe acetate rendition. A truly gruesome and unique collectors item that will make an excellent gift.

BATMAN VOL 01 THE COURT OF OWLS

BOOK AND MASK SET - £19

For anyone who missed out on the start of Snyder and Capullo's run on Batman, this is the perfect introduction! This box set collects the graphic novel of that first story arc, introducing the Court Of Owls - a secret society that have moulded Gotham from the shadows for over a century and can no longer ignore the interference of Batman and Bruce Wayne. They unleash their assassins - known as Talons - to hunt down the billionaire vigilante as the city Bruce calls home reveals a dark heritage that had hitherto remained a mystery to the World's Greatest Detective. Accompanying the graphic novel, is a replica of the Court Of Owls mask as worn by all of the members and even their children, a chilling sight to behold. Another superb collectors piece and a great gift for the Batman fan in your family.

GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE TP - £11

From one billionaire vigilante to another! With the Arrow TV series capturing the imaginations of many of my customers - myself included! - here's the perfect gift for fans of the new small screen adventures of Oliver Queen. This self-contained graphic novel is illustrated by Jock and written by Andy Diggle, for whom the character of John Diggle was named in the TV series itself. Retelling the origin of the Green Arrow, from his ordeals on the island through to his return to society, the book also features recognisable villains such as China White, but it's still very much it's own story. Arrow's writers credit the book as a major source of inspiration for the tone of the show. Suffice to say, if you only buy one Green Arrow graphic novel this year, make it this one!

WE CAN BE HEROES JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION FIGURES 7 PACK BOX SET - £100

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg - the Justice League of the New 52. Seven DC super hero figures - normal RRP £23 each - in one beautiful box set for over 50 quid less than the combined price of all seven figures if purchased individually? In the words of Kevin Bacon, that's a no brainer! But it's better than that! 10% of the RRP of this box set is donated by DC Collectibles to DC's We Can Be Heroes giving campaign designed to increase awareness and raise funds to provide relief for the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa. 

DC NEW 52 SUPER HEROES VS SUPER VILLAINS 7 PACK AF BOX SET - £100

Another no brainer, seven figure box set from DC Collectibles, this heroes vs villains set is a grudge match that can barely be contained by the very box they're in! This set includes Aquaman, The Flash, Batman, Catwoman, The Joker, Captain Cold, and Black Manta, many of which feature all new redecos, or in the case of Aquaman a whole new head sculpt. On top of that, the Catwoman is a brand new figure, unique to this box set.

Watch this space with more wonderful Christmas gift ideas!

The Mane Event: Batman Zero Year tie-ins, Detective Comics #25 and Action Comics #25

At the time of writing this review I have to say that I have only very recently completed Batman Arkham Origins, so my mindset for Gotham and it’s inhabitants is set in an appropriate timeframe for the Zero Year, with a very early Batman and an equally younger Jim Gordon.

The reason I mention this is twofold. Firstly the Zero Year tie-in issues are set in the past in the wake of an enigmatic new villain for Batman, The Riddler, who has effectively blacked out Gotham. Secondly Detective Comics #25 is based around Lieutenant Gordon in a precarious situation.

Gotham is in ruin and somehow still descending. The aftermath of the Red Hood Gang has opened the door to a variety of masked criminals coming out of the woodwork and to make matters worse a growing number of police officers are being paid off by the better off crooks. The cancer goes deeper than many suspected as well with Roman Sionis even having members of Internal Affairs within his grasp. Realising that Gordon was better off dead, arrangements were made for him to be thrown off the  New Trigate Bridge so that it looked like suicide. But somehow he survived...going back to the station armed with enough evidence to clean up the force. In one short issue he becomes the driven and focussed officer of the law we all know, complete with a new association.

What I’ve really liked about John Layman’s story is that it’s not excessive and over the top, or trying the blighted New 52 formula of attempting to recreate a character the readers know well. Instead we are given a solid foundation to the motivations that drive the man. All this without really pushing the Dark Knight on the reader as well. Jim Gordon is very much the star of the issue and carries it well. OK, so Batman does come swooping in at one point, but it’s a thought the reader has well before so he doesn’t steal much of the limelight at all.

Jason Fabok has provided the artwork for the issue and it’s great. He’s previously provided artwork for Detective Comics and it is very similar in style to another favourite of mine, Tony S. Daniel. Full of detail, full of action and often windswept and rain lashed. It’s an involved, yet dark depressing cityscape but very nice to let your eyes wander around.

As an issue exploring someone other than the Caped Crusader, this works well and is definitely worth a read.

Moving from the dark and into the light Action Comics #25 focuses firmly around a youthful Superman as well. Set back in the time first redefined by Grant Morrison and Rags Morales when the New 52 launched, it's a phase where the fledgling Superman isn't really sure of his full powers and boundaries.

Finding himself enjoying being able to use his power and needing a further outlet for it, Clark decides that he is going to head to Gotham to attempt to prevent the incoming storm. Running almost parallel to this, and very briefly retconned at the beginning, is Lana Lang also caught in the storm. 

Ultimately this is a story about wanting to do the right thing, but not really knowing quite what that really is and not necessarily going about it the right way. In Clark’s case it is also about learning about himself and understanding his personal boundaries, especially where the forces of nature are concerned!

It’s also the strangest comic book appearance of a whale I have seen in quite a while too! It seems that no matter what Clark wants to do, if someone is in trouble and he can help, he will help.

Now personally, I am not a huge Superman fan but when it comes to Greg Pak’s work I will happily give anything a read through at least once, especially after his opening story on the new Batman/Superman comic demonstrated he could make the inexperienced Man Of Steel more interesting than others writers have managed. I'm glad to say this one did indeed pique my interest as well. My one reservation is that this does really feel that the Zero Year connection has been really shoe horned in to this one. These are events that really could have happened anywhere. It predates Supes discovering he could fly, meaning that catching a lift on a plane’s fuselage is necessary. Things did seem rather convenient, especially when the ship in peril towards the end contains none other than Lana as well. That said Pak has written another good story but then I would expect nothing less.

The artwork on the other hand wasn’t massively impressive. It conveyed everything you could want or need, but it didn’t overwhelm me. Aaron Kuder’s work was good when it came to mechanical items or the raging waves and swell of the sea, but when it came to depictions of people I found it rather minimal and basic. For me it took away some of the emotions from the characters, although you still get the overall feel but I feel this is more through the narrative as opposed to the artwork on its own.

As a Zero Year comic I’m not sure this really works as it really is a rather tenuous link to the events in Gotham City, with no real ties to any of its inhabitants. As an issue showing Clark’s personal development and growth then this is far stronger. Fans of the New 52 Action Comics who are seeking a return to its roots will not be disappointed, but this is one to avoid if your only interest is the Zero Year angle.

Matt Puddy is keen to get the latest issue of Batman in his hands.

New Beginnings - Damian, Son of Batman #1

In his day before Batman, Bruce Wayne met a fascinating enigma called Talia Al Ghul. Their tryst ended badly, but the fruit of their union was young Damian Wayne. Upon his initial introduction in Batman & Son, he was a pain in the ass. But over time he became a fan favourite and embraced his father's path and became the latest Robin.

Until he was killed.

Life moved on, people mourned in their own ways and the audience are currently taking in the Batman and Robin title with a variety of counterparts, instead of the Caped Crusader's trusty ward.

In the vein of “What If” or the now defunct "Elseworlds" imprint, veteran artist and (arguably) the co-creator of Damian, Andy Kubert gives us a peek at what may have happened if Damian had lived.

Twice before during Grant Morrison's run on Batman, we were treated to the sight of Damian as future Batman and both times it was wonderfully compelling. In these issues he made a great Dark Knight, edgier and yet still honouring legacy of the Bat, albeit in his own unique way! This new four issue miniseries serves as the origin for that new guardian of Gotham as he steps into his father's shoes.

Opening the story at the scene of a massacre, Batman and Robin are hunting for clues amongst the carnage. After searching for some time Robin chances upon a clue pointing directly at the Joker, a strange Jokerised fish, with the added bonus of a bomb beneath it. Caught in the blast, Batman is fatally wounded. 

The horrific event and the subsequent funeral wreaks such an emotional wound upon young Damian that he finds himself doing something you would never expect of him. He visits his mother and grandfather for help.

Due to the choices that Damian made in the past they have no choice but to turn him down, which only makes matters worse and directs him down an even darker path. All of the villains he previously handed over for justice are soon found murdered; a final solution to ensure they could no longer commit any sort of crime. The young vigilante heads further away from the principles that Bruce tried to instill in him. Even the counselling of the church and Alfred are not enough to stop him. It’s only the surprising sight of Bruce storming back onto the scene (accompanied by a strange cat) that stops Damian in his tracks.

Kubert is well known for his artwork which is why I was slightly surprised at the opening page. There is just something very wrong with Robin in the very first image. To make things even more ridiculous, Batman simply looks furious at the ill advised facial expression on his son!

Thankfully the situation improves through the rest of the issue (although some frames do stray as well) giving a good overall set of artwork. I found the Joker fish oddly fascinating as well. Batman is portrayed as the standard strong brooding type, but this is shaken with slightly stilted dialogue such as - “Focus on the mission, young man!” - which to me felt out of character especially considering that this story is supposed to be set ten years in Batman's future.

As a four part miniseries, I think that this is worth checking out, whereas I'd have more reservation if this had been announced as an ongoing title. I am left wondering where the story is going since there have been two fairly large revelations about Damian’s path already. I do hope that the small inconsistencies in writer/penciller Andy Kubert’s storytelling do tighten up and that this expands into a deeper story than just misguided rage and confused decisions. The mystery of Bruce's return will entice me to pick up the next issue.

Matt Puddy thinks that the new Robin should be Alfred...

New Beginnings - Batman/Superman #1

10 years ago Jeph Loeb launched a new DC series called Superman/Batman, which played host to a veritable who’s who of creative talent (Abnett & Lanning, Michel Turner, Joe Kelly and Cullen Bunn as quick examples) for 87 issues and five annuals, before it's cancellation prior to the New 52 in 2011. Now we have the new version of the concept from Greg Pak and Jae Lee.

In the past I have really enjoyed Pak’s work - in particular I loved Planet Hulk - so as a Batman fan I was looking forward to this title.

In true New 52 fashion, there is a reboot afoot and the story steps back to Bruce and Clark’s younger days before they met in their heroic identities. Treading lightly in Gotham, Clark encounters Bruce after what appears to be an eventful night, although at this point he is unaware of his other identity. It’s all a little overwhelming for him in the big dark city and his hometown roots do show a little.

As first meetings go it is certainly a tense one, with each of them sizing up the other. It also leaves them both with questions.

The story then moves slightly forward in time and over to Metropolis where Catwoman of all people seems to be attacking Wayne Enterprises staff members. Taking an obvious interest brings the Caped Crusader into the fray, however it also brings another youthful, almost naive, cape as well. Once again we see them assessing each other with some startling issues in the difference in their powers too.

Set against the backdrop of Catwoman stepping up her criminal activity, we see Batman trying to stop her and Superman getting most of it all wrong. All of this allows the real culprit - an ethereal being who is possessing bodies - to run rings around them both, culminating in the possession of Clark. Taking a joyride in a godlike being has enticed this individual further, although there is an emotional element that appears to take an overriding factor too. It’s only when Pa Kent is around, after a strange teleportation back to Smallville, that things once again take another turn.

There is also an extra element in the storytelling, showcasing the dichotomy of light and dark that our two protagonists portray. The first main depiction of this is in the writing, with the obvious soft and ruthless tones in their dialogue with one another. Furthermore fans of the previous Superman/Batman series will recognise the familiar touch of conflicting internal monologues from the two protagonists - each of them which is depicted in either bright blue and white text boxes or grey and black. This factor is highlighted more when the spectral being speaks both internally and externally in red lettering. It's a good touch.

Jae Lee is the primary artist on the issue and his work is great. To compliment the story and script, there is a clear and distinctive stylistic change between the set pieces, depending on whether they flow around Batman or Superman. Even the characters themselves almost exude different lights.

en Oliver created the artwork for the final six pages, and whilst I didn’t feel it was as strong, I can completely understand the shift in tone as the narrative moved to Smallville. Clark's hometown brings a  comforting brightness to the story that is juxtaposed with the two dark and shifty cities. The final aspect which is worth mentioning is the colouring. The duty is split the same way as the artwork between June Chung and also Daniel Brown and really adds to it all. The colouring helps set the tone and also the difference between the heroes of the comic.

Not being a massive Superman fan, I did fear this comic wouldn't quite live up to the sum of its other parts, however this incarnation has brought me around a little. Pak and Lee's past works are exceptional and this collaboration is a comic that DC fans, Batman fans and Superman fans alike should all be grabbing a copy of.

Matt Puddy is able to turn his hand over, which is a huge victory on the road to recovery.

The Watcher - BFI IMAX London: The Dark Knight trilogy all nighter!

I was recently lucky enough to take the fmaily to the BFI IMAX at Waterloo to (finally) see Star Trek Into Darkness. Don't worry though, this is not a belated review of JJ Abram's second foray into the final frontier.

Instead, this is simply a short notice to tell you all about an awesome upcoming event the BFI IMAX is hosting that some of you may want to travel to the capital for!

At a minute to midnight on Saturday 8th June, you can watch all three of Chris Nolan's Batman films back-to-back through the night and into Sunday morning.

The event's approximate running order is as follows:

The Dark Knight Trilogy 

23:59 - Batman Begins: IMAX 15/70mm

02:19- Intermission

02:50- The Dark Knight: IMAX 15/70mm

05:22- Intermission

05:50- The Dark Knight Rises: IMAX 15/70mm

08:30- Finish

The BFI IMAX is now administered by Odeon. You can order tickets online here.

Ben Fardon enjoyed his trip to London, but was glad to get home to the cat.

New Beginnings - Batman Li’l Gotham #1

Every now and then the review piece that I have is easily considered to be from leftfield, and this week is exactly that. Li’l Gotham is a brand new comic aimed very much at an incredibly young audience. It’s one of the first comics that I have seen in a while that carries an E rating for Everyone, which is a change from the increasingly adult content in comics.

Dustin Nguyen is the writer on the issue alongside Derek Fridolfs, who have both worked before on the previous Batman Li’l Gotham shorts that appeared in the back of DC's Batman Annuals in 2009. It's surprising to me that the concept has been revived after a period of about four years.

The issue contains two stories for the reader. The first revolves around Halloween, with Batman trying to teach Robin (still Damian) the meaning behind the annual festive evening. It’s also a chance for both of them to try and find the childhoods that never were. Through the crowds and being forced to Trick or Treat properly, Robin can almost taste the spoils before Batman decided a meal is in order. By luck this is the one place in Gotham where all of his adversaries are eating on that fateful evening...

Now normally the Dark Knight would swoop into dynamic action, but instead he buys them dinner (the restaurant seems to accept his word for his credit) and calls the cops. A very family friendly way to deal justice out which seems consummate with the audience.

The second tale is much in the same vein, but taking on the American holiday of Thanksgiving. This time the story revolves around the Penguin menacing the Gotham City parade with his marching army of turkeys. Once again the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder save the day in a very placid way, leaving poor old Oswald heading for jail. Whether it is Blackgate or Arkham you’re not sure as when he is there it’s all smiles and happy faces around a dinner for themselves too.

Add caption

In both stories the artwork, also by Nguyen, is not his normal. Obviously the characters are all portrayed in a very childlike manner with Damian, ironically, not changing much at all. On the whole every character is easily recognisable from cover to close.

The style of the artwork is similar to a very soft version of the baby covers we are seeing from Skottie Young on the Marvel Now variant covers, yet more like a water colour. The emphasis is very much towards having easily viewed and enjoyed stories with plenty of smiling faces and very little negative emotions coming through.

This is very clearly designed to be an easy read comic and looks like it is trying to be a vehicle to introduce very young children to comics. That said the language usage is not the equivalent to the artwork in this sense which does create a certain difference within the issue.

Personally, I found this a very hard issue to read and review as it didn’t strike a chord with me. It was far too cutesy and soft as a story and to look at so didn’t hit home with me, but if I had young children that I wanted to share my love of comics with - or wanted to give them something new to look at - then this would be the ideal comic to pick up.

Matt Puddy is not really a miserable old cynic, he just sounds like one in this article!

Batman & Robin retitled (contains spoilers for Batman Incorporated #8)

DC ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES TITLE UPDATES FOR UPCOMING BATMAN AND ROBIN ISSUES

In light of SPOILER, BATMAN AND ROBIN #19 and 20 will arrive in stores with adjusted titles.

the death of Robin

•    BATMAN AND ROBIN #19 (FEB130150) will arrive in stores with the title BATMAN AND RED ROBIN.  This issue is on FOC on March 18 and is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 10.

•    BATMAN AND ROBIN #20 (MAR130200) will arrive in stores with the title BATMAN AND RED HOOD.  This issue is solicited in the March Previews and is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 8.

Upcoming issues will be listed as follows in solicitations:

•    BATMAN AND BATGIRL #21

•    BATMAN AND CATWOMAN #22

•    BATMAN AND NIGHTWING #23

Cover to Batman & Robin #18

New Beginnings - Batman #13

Now this blog is called New Beginnings and Batman is a thoroughly established character in the DC universe so this week’s blog is slightly different. This week we are not looking at the new beginning of a hero or saviour, this is the return and rebirth of something far darker, deranged and sinister.

Batman #13 welcomes home the quintessential adversary of the caped crusader, the Joker.

For any fans who read Tony Daniels' Detective Comics #1, you would have seen that The Clown Prince of Crime had his face removed by The Dollmaker before disappearing.

The final page of Detective Comics #1

Now, a year later, he is marking is return in Scott Snyder’s Batman kicking off the new arc, Death Of The Family. This in itself is a little unsurprising as the Joker was pivotal to the A Death In The Family storyline in the late Eighties.

Snyder’s story opens on a dark and stormy, rain-filled night, with Commissioner Gordon trying to assess how the press are going to use the “omens” that seem to be coming up. Ironically this is also when a psychopath walks in out of the rain with a joke.

The ensuing massacre brings Batman to the scene and with an almost hysterical Jim Gordon confirming it was the Joker, meaning that all the old files are opened and the Bat Family put on high alert. Admittedly this is not how Bruce wants it but he also has no choice too.

With Bruce’s attention firmly grabbed the Joker ups the ante by publicly announcing that Mayor Hady will die, but it’s through astute detective work that the real direction of the Joker is deduced and a showdown at the ACE Chemical plant is arranged.

For a man with no real or apparent plan the Joker certainly has thought things through as Snyder opens the world up to Harley Quinn and Alfred bringing them into the fray as well.

Although there is no clear motive, the Joker is most definitely back. Add to that the loaded connotations of the play on words with the main title, well you know something is going to happen. It’s not clear at all whether this is simply splitting the Bat Family up, or if we will see another death, but this is now wide open for the reader.

After a break for issue #12, Greg Capullo returns to provide us with the artwork and the new look Joker. It’s typical to his style and fits in well with Snyder's work. However, there are some cracking extras in the issue.

Take the cover for example. All of the opening issues for this major arc have a gatefold depicting the main character being masked by the Joker’s staple-riddled face. The back cover provides a list of all the crossover issues for you keep track of them.

Even better is the mini story at the back of the issue, which contains “Tease”, the story behind Harley’s interaction with the returning Joker. Without spoiling anything, it is a short but interesting backstory which is beautifully drawn. The final page artistically trumped the rest of the issue for me.

Snyder is one of my favourite writers right now, so not liking this issue would be a hard thing for me.

Although it is the return of possibly the most significant villain in Batman’s world, there isn’t much more given to where this arc is really going so far. Even so this is a great issue and any Batman fan should be so eager to get their hands on it. If it lives up to it's similarly named predecessor then this will be a run to remember.

Matt Puddy is looking forward to seeing how this one pans out...

New Beginnings - Talon #0

As part of the third wave of DC titles we have a “true” Zero edition. This title is a new story spinning a character out of a recent arc.

For Batman fans the recent Scott Snyder storyline of Night of the Owls was met with both praise and criticism. Even so the idea of an elusive organisation that works from the shadows to exert control and direction over a city is not a new one. The DC twist of course being the theme based around owls (a natural predator of bats) and the apparently almost immortal assassins known as Talon.

With any such organisation there will be operatives who excel in their work - driven with an unquestioning will. And then there will also be those who on occasion find that their path isn’t always so clear or perhaps subject to a higher authority. This is the case with Calvin Rose.

The issue, written by James Tynion IV to a collaborative plot with Scott Snyder, documents very quickly the rise of Rose from childhood through to servitude as a Talon. From the moment his father locked him in a kennel and threw away the key, through his induction into the talent camp for the Owls that was Haly's Circus and ultimately his entry into the service of the Court; the idea that he was always running is maintained. This is ultimately to become the drive behind this character and will continue through the ongoing title.

The sole aim of this issue is to rapidly introduce a completely new character to you, giving him a fleshed out backstory complete with motivation and personality. This isn’t a two dimensional character who has been set in stone. Casey has changed his ideas and feelings over time. What hasn’t changed is the motivations behind it all; as with so many heroes or anti-heroes there has to be some painful quirk in the past.

The artwork is provided by Guillem March and is rough and quite dark, much like Casey. March is a forefront artist and spends a lot of time concentrating on the main characters in the frames giving much more detail than some of the backgrounds. This focuses the reader on Rose a lot which is exactly what is needed for this issue.

As I mentioned before this issue achieves exactly what it needs to. The reader is quickly involved but the story isn’t too deep. The basic premise is a simple one that Rose is a highly skilled fighter who is now on the run from a sinister organisation whilst helping people on the way. It’s kind of like crossing the A-Team with The Littlest Hobo. Whilst I can see it will be easy to have a common running theme with multiple sub stories I am wondering how much you can get out of this story without it being repetitive. I am also expecting a run in with Batman at some point in the future also being inevitable.

New title, new character, new fan base? I think it would only be fair to see where this goes before making a definitive judgement on it all but it is certainly a little different. And definitely the best of latest wave of DC's New 52!

Matt Puddy is gearing up for some hardcore SNIKT! action!