Batman #93 Review

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Guillem March + Javier Fernandez

Rating: 6 of 8

Batman #93

Some say the past is but prelude to a greater story, yet to begin. That definitely applies to Batman. Fighting mobsters was but prelude to fighting unhinged killers and that was just prelude to gods and monsters. There's always something dark and cruel waiting around the corner and here, that something is all too familiar.

You could say Their Dark Designs was just setting things up for what's to come and maybe that is true. But despite that, it did well in giving us a feel for Tynion's Batman, one which manages to respect what came before, while using the recent - and not so recent - past to propel it forward. Here, the Designer's identity is revealed, one which I started to suspect only recently. It does make me wonder how this worked, given what's revealed, but maybe that'll be explained in a future issue.

 

Early into the issue, Batman asks the Designer to tell him how his designs for 4 of Gotham's greatest villains would've been if they'd been enacted all those years ago, so early into the Knight's career. Most of it makes sense, though I do think Riddler's design's a bit unbelievable, as I don't think the GCPD would've been willing to kill a fellow cop, or work for a deranged super-villain. 

I do like how Catwoman's design linked nicely to Penguin's, which I thought made sense, while also being pretty cool. Speaking of Catwoman, here she has to stop her boyfriend from losing his fortune, which reveals some interesting truths about him I didn't really expect. There's also a decent fight between Harley Quinn and Punchline - and though the fight's not as impressive as some earlier in the story, it does reveal the latter's mindset regarding Harley ad Joker, which I appreciate given how new she is.

Throughout, March and Fernandez do a good job in bringing Batman's macabre world to life, particularly with some rather disturbing depictions of the Clown Prince and the Designer. It would be remiss of me if I didn't mention Clayton Cowles' lettering, which is especially on point towards the end. It's a good indication there'll be some solid lettering come Joker War, which is definitely good to see.

Overall, despite a couple of flaws, this is another pretty good issue from Tynion, which definitely leaves me intrigued and excited for Joker War. If this opening arc's anything to go by, we're in for a treat.

Young Justice #15 Review

Writers: Brian Bendis and David Walker

Artists: John Timms + Scott Godlewski

Rating: 6 of 8

Young Justice #15

One of the most important things with any read is that it never feels like a drag to read - and that's certainly the case with Young Justice. It's something that Bendis has retained on most comics he's written, especially Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers. If you're like me, you'll likely enjoy it so much you'll speed through it.

Bendis and Walker's frenetic storytelling's very much aided by both artists, who add a colourful, cartoonish bent to the various superheroes on display. While the heroes look facially similar, it's not so much so that they're all carbon copies of one another. If there's one thing I'd criticize, it's that at times the team's a bit too bunched up together and I would've liked if they were spread out a bit more.

Though, to be fair, that does make sense, given the circumstances, those being an attempt to both rescue a friend and subdue an enemy, one that's been free longer than they should've been. Although the issue's mainly focused on youthful speedster Bart/Impulse explaining just why the universe doesn't seem to remember their team, the exposition is never overwhelming, or a chore to read, something I really appreciate.

Although it's great getting big, explosive action scenes, something we got in spades last issue, it's also nice getting smaller character moments, which we definitely get this issue. Whether it's something as nice as Tim/Drake and Stephanie/Spoiler sharing a passionate kiss, or as simple as Cassie/Wonder Girl and Cissie/Arrowette smiling at one another, the whole team really know how to deliver simple, yet satisfying character beats.

Overall, this is a pretty good issue, that just flies by - which is fitting, given one of it's central characters. It leaves on an enticing cliffhanger that should be interesting to see followed up next issue. I'd happily recommend it, both to old and new fans alike. 

Batman: Secret Files #3 Review

Writers: Phillip Johnson, Dan Watters, Mariko Tomaki + more

Artists: Riley Rossmo, John Leon, Sumit Kumar + more

Rating: 7 of 8

Batman

Secret Files #3

 

That's what I love about a box of chocolates - you never really know what you're gonna get. That's the great appeal of any anthology, such as this. You get a world and characters you're familiar with, with new takes on the familiar.

But, with different creators, different artists, it makes sense you'd get a bit of a mixed bag. For example, Vita Ayala's story is good, but doesn't do anything to make it stand out. Though it's refreshing seeing Batman try to reach an enemy and try to take them off the path they're on, given this is a more seasoned Dark Knight, it felt oddly naive. It also didn't make sense for him to do this while fighting, as at that point, there's a more important matter at hand.

Johnson's, though a simple tale, is definitely better. It's inked beautifully, which really fits both Gotham and the night itself. There's also an early shot where we see a small, dim moon in the background, which cast a beautiful light on the two heroes. It was also nice seeing Green Arrow giving advice to Batman something I don't see often. It's him that brings up a pretty good point about Bruce's cape, something I don't think I've seen brought up before, at least with Batman. Johnson also creates some fantastic moments between the Knight and Merlyn, which fits the Dark Knight perfectly. 

Tomaki's tale is definitely the weakest, largely due to Rossmo's art, which I'm not a fan of. I didn't like the panels being laid out in such a haphazard way and didn't like how simply Rossmo drew the Caped Crusader. I did like how Mr Teeth was revealed, which was pretty clever. Watter's story's definitely my favourite. Like Tomaki's, it's centered around a newer Bat-foe in Gunsmith, someone who can turn anything into a gun. Though perhaps not as impressive as Bullseye, who can turn anything into a weapon, he does work along a similar line.

Despite this, his mentality interests me, as well as what he thinks Batman's actually afraid of, so I wouldn't be against seeing more of him. Batman's monologue to a kid who's deadly afraid of him was brilliant and really helps explain his stance against guns, beyond the night his parents were killed. 

Last but not least is James Tynion IV's Deathstroke tale, which feeds in nicely both to his opening Batman arc and what comes after, which is pretty brilliant. For anyone interested in Punchline, Joker's new sidekick, this is good place to look, though she definitely gets more of a chance to shine in this week's Batman. I loved how, in a short amount of time, Tynion gave us an insight into the Joker's current mentality, one which I found intriguing. He also has a good handle on Deathstroke's character, which he shows expertly through both action and dialogue.

Overall, despite some weaker stories, this was a very good issue. For those wanting an insight on a newer character like Gunsmith, an older one like Deathstroke, or just those looking for a good read, this is definitely a good place to look.

Batman/Superman #9 Review

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Clayton Henry

Rating 6 of 8

Batman/Superman #9

Batman and Superman are two of the most iconic characters around, so it only makes sense DC would unite them in their own, monthly comic. Though they're both superheroes, each provides a stark contrast to the other, with Batman being more solemn, while Superman's more optimistic. It's interesting to see how well the former's able to keep up with the latter, given their vast array of superpowers.

The last couple of issues did well in utilizing not only major enemies of the heroes, but also in incorporating certain elements of their mythologies. Here, Williamson's moreso focused on Gotham, while utilizing the Man of Steel's enemies. Most of it zeroes in on lesser known Superman enemy-turned-ally Atomic Skull, someone I haven't seen in comics since 2009. We get a hint as to what's going on with him, but I don't think we'll find out exactly what's going on until the next issue and I'll be intrigued to see it further explained.

One thing I've gotta compliment is Henry's art, which is clear and concise throughout. He delivers some really bright and vibrant scenes, largely thanks to Atomic Skull, a naturally bright character. There's also some dynamic action thanks to the script and art.

I did find it odd that reporters/photographers are still hounding Lois and Clark over him recently revealing his identity. I understand it's a massive story and it did only happen recently at this point, but I don't see what more they're going to learn from them right now, especially when they're both trying to spend some time together. Early on, we get to hear Batman's reasoning as to why people don't just leave Gotham due to numerous attacks happening there over the years, which I did appreciate. I wouldn't mind seeing a story delving more into it, honestly.

Overall, this was a pretty good issue. Not as good as some Superman or Batman comics I've read, but a solid read nevertheless.