“The Million Dollar Return of Batgirl!”
I’m going to start by saying that I’ve always liked the character, especially the Barbara Gordon version. Actually, I guess you could say that I also liked Cassandra Cain a lot too. I collected all the issues of the last Batgirl book. A book, which I might add, was very good for the first couple of years before it went downhill at the end of the run. I even picked up the last mini-series that just got released not that long ago. Even with all that, I have to ask: “Do we really need another Bat-related title right now with all the other new ones that have come out?”
It doesn’t help that that the Spoiler is starting this issue as the new Batgirl. To begin with, I have never really felt anything for the Stephanie Brown character. It’s not that I dislike her, so much as I don’t care about her. That hurts the book for me right away.
It was nice to see so many guest stars and both of the former Batgirls. I also liked the way that they tried to tie this title in with the rest of the Batman titles. I thought the story writing was ok and the art did its job in serving the writing.
I will go on record to say that if they keep Miss Brown as the new Batgirl and don’t do something radically different with this book, it wont make it for more than 12 issues.
1.5 out 5
All of the Bat titles are struggling to find their footing in a world without Bruce Wayne and this title seems to be more lost than the others.
Writer Judd Winick is just not hitting a stride with this storyline. There are pieces that never come together nor hold our attention. War is raging between Two-Face and the Penguin and the greatest causality is us, the reader who bought this crap. Dick Grayson’s internal monologues are ridiculously monotonous. The plot is not much better.
Mark Bagley’s pencils are as inconsonant as the plotting. The hyper action panels fail to provide subtle details to refine the characters. Batman looks like he’s jacked up on Botox, incapable of cracking a frown or smile.
This issue ends with yet another “Batman” demanding of Grayson “Where’s the real Batman?” I am wondering that myself because this Batman is a bore.
1.5 out of 5
After enjoying Batwoman’s reappearance last issue, I am now disappointed. In this issue, Batwoman squares off against the new leader of the Religion of Crime, who is nuts, and the story falls flat. Very flat.
Author Greg Rucka’s writing skills are not evident. As a talented writer, I hoped for more. This entire issue is a boring brawl with nothing memorable. J.H. Williams III returns to lend his penciling skills. Unfortunately, it’s not a strong as last issue. The drug induced haze panels are creatively structured. There are monets of strong art, but I felt cheated because of the sharp drop in quality from last issue. Were we just being baited into sticking with Detective Comics? I think that might be the case.
I am no fool. I am seriously considering dropping this until Batman returns. Kill Batwoman again, please.
1.5 out of 5
With the reshuffling of all Bat-titles, Tim Drake, no longer a sidekick, is on his own with an attitude and Red Robin tights. Drake is in Paris, searching for proof that Bruce Wayne is alive. He successfully dodges an assassination attempt and learns who is behind it. He discovers that a foe from Batman’s past is also convinced that the Caped Crusader is not dead.
Author Chris Yost falls into the trap of writing cheesy dialogue and predictable plot points. His attempt to make Drake a badass is laughable. His interior monologues are sadly moronic – if that’s really what’s going on inside his head, poor Bruce Wayne will never be found! Please Chris, keep Tim’s thoughts to himself. His “torrid” relationship with the Spoiler is comic book writing at its worst!
Ramon Bachs delivers stronger pencils than Yost’s writing. The two- page panel of Red Robin swinging into a villain on a Parisian rooftop is pretty cool. There are weak moments in some of the smaller panels, but overall, the art is good.
At the end of this issue, Red Robin gets a lead and it holds some promise for a more exciting future. After two issues, Tim is proving to be a better sidekick and than solo hero.
2 out of 5
With Grant Morrison taking the new flagship of “Batman and Robin,” writer Judd Winick fills in some gaps with this issue. Focusing more on the new Batman, Winick gives us his take on the Dick Grayson’s growing pains.
I found the dialogue to be adolescent and trite. How many more times is Dick going to complain about having to wear a cape? Dick and Alfred going on about the cape’s weight being too heavy and it not being conducive to Dick’s fighting style was putting me to sleep; since when was Grayson such a bitch? I really wish Alfred slapped him- bitch slapped him.
This issue jumps around to fill in some Gotham gaps. The war between Penguin and Two-Face is finally getting some attention, although it wasn’t very exciting. As Batman changes, so does Commissioner Gordon, trying to adjust to this new crime-fighting pal. There were some nice little character moments throughout the issue, but nothing stellar.
Mark Bagley is drawing some dazzling pages. The opening page’s battle-wounded Batman is masterful and rich. I am particularly impressed that you can actually see Dick Grayson’s feature under the cowl. The pages of Commissioner Gordon are subtle and refined, a combination of strong inking and smart coloring. Batman’s muscular physic was a little overkill for my taste, but still nicely drawn.
Bagley’s art helps to save this issue’s bland story. Nothing of real consequence happens; “Batman” is definitely playing second fiddle to “Batman and Robin.”
2.5 out of 5
After a highly lauded first issue, Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely continue to deliver a charmingly fresh Batman and Robin. Dick and Damien throw down with members of the freaky Circus of the Strange as they try to gain Commissioner Gordon’s respect.
Morrison achieves a good balance between action and character work. Dick Grayson is learning that being Batman is tough when your Robin is a bratty 10-year- old who doesn’t want a new daddy. Can a kid that young can actually fight? Aren’t their child labor laws? Batman and Robin did not gel very well during this skirmish. Morrison captures their squabbling with humor and skill. Dick also feels the wight of needing to gain Commissioner Gordon’s approval. This becomes even more difficult with the brat wonder not giving a shit.
This should be called “Frank Quitely ‘s Batman and Robin.” His art is so astutely detailed and warm that he is in a league of his own. The first page is a full panel of Dick and Alfred with the “R” from Robin’s uniform laying on the floor by Dick’s feet. In one page, Quitely sets the defeated tone, foreshadows the book’s end, and makes the reader simply admire his mad skills. Look at how fricking cool the capes look!
While the plot is not racing at breakneck speed, this is a good issue. The Pig is a creepy villain who should be a sufficient challenge for the dysfunctional duo.
4 out of 5
These big red boots were made for kicking the shit out of Gotham’s villains as Batwoman takes the reigns of Detective Comics with this issue. Writer Greg Rucka delivers a solid first issue for the new bitch in town. The Religion of Crime, an old nemesis for our heroine, is crowning a new leader and Gotham must be prepared for a fight. Why they are interested in Batwoman adds a nice spice of mystery to this read and future issues.
J.H. Williams III’s art is the hands down star of this issue. The pages of Batwoman in action are stylized with a superb and refined finish. They are panels and pages that are worthy of purchase for a collection. Dave Stewart’s colors provide a dramatic touch to an already polished work. There is a sensual quality to this book from her glossy lips to her black spandex. It’s too bad she’s batting for the other team. Yes, she’s gay and the necessary conversation with a troubled flame had to be included. It did fit into establishing deep to the character so I didn’t mind too much. I wasn’t a fan of the art depicting the “normal” moments for life. However, the two distinct art forms serve as an appropriate contrast between the mundane and heroic.
I liked the fact that Rucka let the art take center stage of this issue. Not many word balloons, but great action. The tradeoff was a weak plot for an opening issue. The addition feature “The Question” was a big waste; get rid of it and let me save a dollar.
3.5 out of 5
Three of DC’s most notorious bad girls unite forces to survive the means streets of Gotham. Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn headline this new monthly series written by Paul Dini.
While first impressions are neither totally accurate nor definitive, this book made a bad one because of the art. Guillem March’s work seemed rushed and sloppy. There are some glaring inconsistencies between characters from panel to panel. Sometimes these gorgeous vixens look more mannish than pretty – not cool at all. The poor art gives the impression that this title is not as important as the other Bat-titles. It probably isn’t, but the quality shouldn’t suffer.
Paul Dini’s writing is the book’s saving grace. He delivers some brilliantly funny moments between these bad girls while maintaining urgency to their concerns. The end reveal makes me want to keep reading just to see how things pan out.
In the end, this issue felt flat. With three great characters in a rare alliance, I hoped for much more. Enough happens to bring me back, but I’m hoping for more next time.
2 out of 5
Left with an urgent mission from Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth as their surrogate father, the Outsiders are taking on a potent faction of immortals as the team is still trying to gel.
This story arc has depth and originality. The villains the Outsiders are facing have gravity to them; they are smart, powerful, organized, resourceful and determined. Lurking the shadows is a growing threat and converging of some DC bad-asses. Peter J. Tomasi is writing a tightly structured story and has effectively captured his teams’ personalities.
Pencillers Fernando Pasarin and Jeremy Haun have produced a gritty and detailed book. I really enjoyed the collateral damage on the streets during the scrap with Deathstroke. The gore was not overdone, yet suitable for the Outsider, who are the darker arm of Batman.
The Outsiders are actually important and this arc is shaping up to have some major ramifications for the DC universe. I hope this series keeps delivering.
3.5 out of 5
Writer Judd Winick takes the reins of the Batman flagship with a new hero wearing the cape and cowl. With last week’s fantastic first issue of “Batman and Robin”, I wasn’t expecting much form this one. What could be done with this title that would be relevant?
Glad to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. It fits more naturally between “Battle for the Cowl” and “Batman and Robin” #1. Dick Grayson gives his reasons for abandoning the Batcave for a new base of operations. Winick provides the context for Alfred and Dick Grayson to mourn Bruce and prepare for the future. The emotions were natural and unforced in their honesty. The humanity behind the tights and capes was authentic and tragic, yet didn’t linger too long with the tissues.
Ed Benes draws a sharp Batman book. With a number of panels needing to convey raw emotion, Benes is up for the task. Of particular note are the faces of Alfred and Dick as they share their feelings about each other and Bruce. He captures a powerful moment when Dick’s reflection merges with Batman’s cowl. It makes you want to clap or cheer.
Batman’s main title is in good hands with this creative team. The final panel is a true work of art, Batman poised ready to protect and serve – and scare the shit out of the bad guys.
4 out of 5
