Batman Incorporated #9 Review

Rating: 5/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Pencils: Chris Burnham/Jason Masters
Number of Pages: 32 pgs.
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
The fallout from last month’s shocking turn of events has Batman on the run!

• Is The Dark Knight a murderer?

Reviewer’s Comments:
Like Jason Todd was at a turning point a few issues back in Red Hood, Bruce is at a crossroads. As he carries the tomb of his fourth son, he battles his son’s killer in a time before. Finally, Dick is knocked out ending the battle.

After the funeral, Alfred tries to console Bruce but he will have nothing of it sending Alfred on “a vacation.” Bruce is declaring vengeful war on Talia, Chris Burnham and Jason Master’s pages make that clear. Talia takes issue with the way Damian was dealt with, and the mayor of Gotham then declares Batman INC to be banned from the streets, Bruce to make himself available to authorities and Batman himself outlawed from Gotham. While Bat Cow gives Bruce temporary peace, he has a moment of angry silence as the issue comes to a close.

Grant Morrison plays with the ramifications of what has come to past. He plays the whole issue as a requiem really for what has just transpired. It is both shocking and saddening to read at the same time. He continues the mystery of it all by not revealing anything that will come next.

Chris Burnham and Jason Masters do some find work here. When Bruce stands in the rain and his eyes are closed in the clouds is some of the best work I have seen from the art team on the book. They play every scene out to its full potential, and leave you wanting more when the issue ends.

At the end of this issue, I am left baffled and anxious about what will happen next.

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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Teen Titans #18 Review

Rating: 4/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Eddy Barrows
Number of Pages: 32 pgs.
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:

• Unknown to the Teen Titans, Red Robin’s condition is worsening after the events of “DEATH OF THE FAMILY.” And now Red Robin must face an even greater tragedy!

• The new Dr. Light is coming for Solstice!

• Guest-starring the Suicide Squad!

Reviewer’s Comments:
Tim Drake and Damian Wayne never saw eye to eye on anything really. It is perhaps one of the saddest points of the Bat family that they never really accepted one another. Worst yet, the two men never got to say good bye to each other or have a “last moment” like Dick and Damian had. Damian’s ghost visits Tim, and they have a moment where they finally accept one another as the book opens.

Tim’s eyes are pouring out in grief as Alfred comes into remind him he is not alone in this. Tim never being one to be alone (except when he thought Bruce was still alive while others didn’t) gladly accepts the love and kindness from Alfred. Superboy arrives to not much of a welcome reception. The team wants to keep their anonymity, and Superboy’s arrival kind of defeats the purpose of their boat. However, he is welcomed with open arms by Red Robin. They all meet in his bunker on the boat to discuss their plans to rescue a teenage superhuman from Belle Reve prison. While they battle Waller’s Suicide Squad, writer Scott Lobdell does another 360 with Tim Drake making it clear the Red Robin speaking to her is not the same from the beginning of the book. This continues to raise more questions for me as to when he is Tim Drake and the Trigon possessed Red Robin. Unless Trigon is living through the emotional moments of losing Damian which I find unrealistic but I tend to think the Red Robin suit is possessed. However, I am not certain. All I know is we will some answers next issue hopefully especially with the last page.

Scott Lobdell is finally focusing on the story he wants to tell without having to worry about stupid editorial mandated crossovers. The result is a much better focused story, and something he has left me hanging on a bit with questions. I am so glad to see him back on the straight laced path but hopefully, he will let me in on the secret of Trigon/Tim Drake.

Eddy Barrows is the king of this book. His art elevates every page of this book with each panel, the splashes and spreads. He is one of the best working in the business, and makes this book necessary on every reader’s pull list for the art alone.

These two are shooting on all cylinders, and the result is something impossible to ignore.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Red Hood and the Outlaws #18 Review

Rating: 5/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Tyler Kirkham
Number of Pages: 32 pgs.
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
Jason Todd suffered terribly at the hands of The Joker in “DEATH OF THE FAMILY,” and now he’s changing the Outlaws’ mission!

• Something is bound to break with all that’s happened…will it be Jason’s soul

Reviewer’s Comments:
Red Hood and the Outlaws #18 marks a historic turn for Jason Todd. He has been through a lot but nothing prepared him (or me really) for what would transpire in this issue.

Jason is in a sort of coma since what happened when he put his helmet back on. The Joker placed acid in it, and if Bruce had not saved him, he might have never survived. Writer Scott Lobdell plays with everything he has written for the character from the beginning of the series up until now. Ducra returns making herself known to Jason in his head. As he battles to maintain control, Ducra makes some comparisons of Jason to the Joker, and this upsets him greatly. He is already reminiscing about what he was in his mind, and he doesn’t need a spirit telling him of what he is or was. He is confronted with his demons here, what he never wanted to be and the hatred people have for him. He is mentally able to overcome it when Bruce saves him in his mind, and then the story transitions to the end of his time as Wingman. Jason is broken up about failing Bruce again (probably for not being able to save Damien), and things change in a great way from here. Lobdell goes for the reader’s heart, and upon first read, one will definitely cry if not upon multiple reads. This is one of the penultimate moments in Jason Todd’s life, and for any Todd fans, this is required reading from now on.

From a crime epic to a space epic to a biography of a man’s life, Lobdell has been able to move the plots forward with character driven stories into places as different as Gotham City and Tamaran. He should not only be commended for his brave writing but also his strong choices in character turns for the Outlaws Trio. It is bitter sweet that Lobdell ends here but hopefully James Tynion IV lives up to the example Lobdell has set on the series.

Tyler Kirkham fills in for this issue, and does a spectacular job. He easily transitions from the mental scenes Jason finds himself in to the scenes where he is in bed with Bruce and Alfred waiting in the wings for his recovery. This is definitely some of his best work, and it makes me wonder why he did not take over the book earlier.

With that, I cannot say anything else but that readers will be quite surprised at what happens from beginning to end…. Mico Suayan’s gorgeous cover is definitely a mislead.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Batman Beyond Unlimited #14 Review

Rating: 5/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Adam Beechen/JT Krul/Derek Fridolfs
Pencils: Peter Nguyen/Howard Porter/Jorge Corona
Number of Pages: 48 pgs.
Price: 3.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:

• All-new digital adventures in print for the first time!

• Following the events of “Flashdrive,” the new-look Justice League encounters an old ally!

• As the Trillians and Mangals prepare for battle, Superman is forced to choose sides!

• Plus: Don’t miss the shocking revelations in BATMAN BEYOND that are sure to impact Terry and Dana’s relationship forever!

Reviewer’s Comments:
Batman Beyond Unlimited #14 marks one of the biggest changes in Terry McGinnis’ life, complication in what Superman thought of the Trillian situation he finds himself in and a whole new threat about to be unleashed on the future Justice League. The real question is: what does this mean for the future of the title?

The epilogue to the recent “10,000 Clowns” finds itself in the form
of “Legends of the Dark Knight: Dana”. Writer Adam Beechen picks a very appropriate time to shed the spotlight on Dana given all she has actually been through in the recent issues of the series. She has lost a brother and nearly her father, and it seems appropriate that the finish would focus on her because the whole arc was really about her, wasn’t it? Or was it about Terry? Thinking back, I really see it as a two pronged approach that was taken to both characters. When I interviewed Mr. Beechen back in November, he told me things would change but I didn’t nearly expect what he was going to do here.

The story’s opening finds Dana dancing as she has often been seen with her time on the television screen when the animated series used to run. She was always dancing but why exactly? That question was never exactly answered, and it was just supposed she was a teenager. However, it is made clear here there is a reason for what she does. She is able to block out the rest of the world, and focus on getting some time to herself. It is quite unfortunate she goes to these lengths but with all the mess her brother caused she and her family, she does not have much other choice especially with Terry being weirdly absent all the time. Beechen sheds light on how life was for Dana growing up and how she was with her brother. She feels she might have failed him as a sister, not been there enough for him. That is extremely sad, and given what transpired, it definitely makes one reflect on their difficult times with their families. Dana eventually takes Terry away from the situation to see her father, and then confront Bruce Wayne. What transpires next is something I never saw coming….. I am rarely surprised in comics these days, and this was one of two moments last week where I was surprised. Beechen’s decision to place that as the ending was genius, and while I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, it completely changes the dynamic for future ‘Beyond’ stories.

Meanwhile, JT Krul is putting Kal Kent through the political ringer. Superman has found himself in a situation caused from his own hand, and Krul’s genius is in there bringing Superman back to see the repercussions of his actions. Superman easily escapes with the help of some Mangals but he is not too happy with their decision to fight the Trillians. Superman has gained sympathy for those he caused so much harm to; at least, he thinks that. He sees the Trillians having been treated terribly by the Mangals who were able to seize power. Krul is able to place Superman back in as the mediating force to solve the crisis which is quite smart. However if Kent made a bad decision before, what is preventing him from making another bad one again? That’s the question ringing through readers minds right now especially when Superman gives the Mangals sometime to explain what has been going on with them, and he learns that maybe he was wrong in thinking the Trillians are so pure in the first place.

Derek Fridolfs brings the Justice League nearly to the breaking point against Mindslide, a new villain with some mysterious connections. He singlehandedly is able to take down the League unfortunately, and it is up to the new Flash to take him down. What’s interesting which Fridolfs does here is he has the voices of all the previous Flashes (including Wally for those worried) speaking to her about what she should do, where she should do it, etc. It is quite an interesting dynamic and take on the speed force I have not really encountered before with a Flash character, and it is cool to see something fresh become present here. It just creates more ideas for me about how this Flash character became what she was. Finally, Superman recruits her into the League as a part of what Fridolfs’ goal in opening up the ranks. It will be interesting as he explores this world further to see who else he recruits, and certainly the ending is something I will not spoil but definitely leaves the doors open possibly to another huge arc as what came before.

Adam Beechen handles these ‘Legends’ stories quite well, and he always makes them important to the overall depth and meaning behind the stories he tells. This one is no different with Dana. I haven’t been as nearly excited for this comic (given the consistency in quality) as I have been since I put this story down. What comes next for Dana and Terry is really going to be interesting, and what’s next with Max is anything but clear. So much has been left unsaid, and it creates nothing but a good mystery.

Peter Nguyen gives Norm Breyfogle a break this issue. Nguyen delivers some fantastic art, quite reminiscent of Dustin Nguyen’s style. He maintains the quality present in the series, and delivers some fantastic and unique stuff. If BB needs a fill in artist ever, he should be at the top of the call list.

JT Krul continues to keep the political situation interesting by flipping the tables this issue. He adds more depth to the dialogue going on between Superman and the two groups, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as to what will come next. Regardless, it creates for a fascinating situation with Howard Porter continuing to deliver top notch art along with inker John Livesay. This is a team that keeps you glued to the book each time.
Derek Fridolfs delivers a satisfying conclusion to his quick two part story. He adds more and more to this new Flash character which makes her quite different setting her a part from the different Flashes that have come before. The villain is quite interesting even though we only saw him for two issues. It will be interesting to see where things go for here with what comes to pass at the end.

Jorge Corona does some nice work here again keeping true to the animated series style but also putting his own spin on it. What is unclear is where Dustin Nguyen has been…. Maybe, he is leaving the series or perhaps, he took two issues off. Perhaps, we will find out soon.

Regardless, I cannot complain about anything. I have been a lifelong ‘Beyond’ fan, and am always glad to spend $3.99 on this book.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Teen Titans #17 Review

Rating: 4/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Lobdell/Fabian Nicieza
Pencils: Eddy Barrows
Number of Pages: 32 pgs.
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
Welcome aboard the new art team of EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA!

• The team is finally reunited in the wake of “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”—but something is very wrong with Red Robin! What did The Joker do?

Reviewer’s Comments:
Teen Titans is back for its next major storyline. It seems the book is back in line with its previous quality, and it is very welcomed.

The story opens with the introduction of a certain ‘light’ based character that has been experimented upon, and has turned into something hideous. In the meantime, the team is all together, minus Superboy, and move to their new headquarters which is a giant boat. It is said to protect the common people from their enemies, and the team can be attacked themselves. After Tim shows them his new computer system, Bunker discovers the problems of being the roommate of Kid Flash’s. Next, Tim reflects on the events of late, and ends up having a romantic moment with Kiran. While the previous doesn’t make much sense because there was never much of any romance between the two, Wonder Girl and Tim finally have their moment. However, Raven is watching over all this as things go on between the two. What happens is at the end and proves the most problematic for me…..

Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nicieza have been working well together, and obviously taking some of the work off his back. However, the two put together a great introduction to the next story, and hopefully, it continues this way. But, I am a bit concerned with the last page in their decision to make their starring character a possible villain.

Eddy Barrows does a fantastic job with the art. I have been missing his work on Nightwing but it is great to have him on the book after the on and off again Brett Booth. I am hoping he stays on Nightwing while Barrows sticks on Titans.

I am certainly hoping these books do not have fill ins.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Batman Incorporated #8 Review

Rating: 5/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Pencils: Chris Burnham/Jason Masters
Number of Pages: 32 pgs.
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
Everything Grant Morrison has been planning since the start of BATMAN, INCORPORATED leads to this stunning issue!

• You must not miss this one!

Reviewer’s Comments:
Most everyone has heard the outcome of Batman Incorporated #8. Many found it shocking, many saw it coming and many were indecisive. For my money, I was a bit unsure whether or not Morrison would kill off Damian after keeping him around longer. It seemed to me his old quote about wanting to kill him off became invalid at that point but after #8, it certainly seems this is the end of Damian’s era in Bat-comics unfortunately.

Damian returns in a flash flying above the crowd where Nightwing is fighting. Bruce is still trapped by Talia, and is being tortured verbally by her. The action moves to Tim Drake down at the main Wayne building where he is protecting a woman named Ellie until Damian swoops in. Dick saves Damian from being shot. Next comes one of the best scenes between the old dynamic duo, and it is quite exciting to see the two bounce back into action to try to take down the Damian clone. However after a battle trying to stop him, the inevitable comes with Bruce and Dick unable to save him from his fate.

Grant Morrison went for the gut with this issue, and certainly made it bleed. Damian’s place in the Batman franchise has come to a close unfortunately, and the timeline is back to what it was prior. That being said, Damian’s place will never be forgotten.

Chris Burnham with friend Jason Masters illustrates it nicely. What you usually expect from Burnham is there with a little help from Masters. It is beautiful and sad when the inevitable comes. Everything is paced well, and the story moves quite nicely.

What comes in #9 is only yet to be seen………
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Nightwing 17 Review

Rating: 3/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Pencils: Juan Jose Ryp
Number of Pages: 32 pgs
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
Dick Grayson’s life lies in ruins in the wake of the events surrounding “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”!

• Is his career as Nightwing over? Where will he go now?

• Will the voice of reason come from Damian Wayne?

Reviewer’s Comments:
Dick Grayson is on the warpath. The Joker changed him, and he’s making that known to all of the Bat family.

In the opening sequence, Alfred is the first to remind Dick it’s not his fault for what happened. However, that doesn’t stop him from going to investigate further what happened to Raya. He runs into Gordon who offers his condolences and help if need be but again, Dick won’t accept anything but the criminal side. He runs into many of the former circus members who speak with him, and some tell him they will never help him again. At the funeral for Raya, he bumps into Sonia Zucco who wants to comfort him but cannot because of the strangeness of their relationship. Barbara Gordon even tries to reach out but Dick continues to say he will be okay. It’s only Damian who finally stops him; the little brother he never had. While he realigns Dick back to optimism, some things are going on beneath the surface…..

Kyle Higgins writes one of the best issues of the series. Everything since the beginning of the series comes to a standstill with this issue, and it hurts the reader to see everything someone has built torn down.

While Higgins is great as usual, Juan Jose Ryp’s art really doesn’t fit this book. Some of his art seems to deform the faces of the characters, and it makes me miss the much formed faces Eddy Barrows did.

I am looking forward to having Brett Booth who will bring back the normal sensibilities to the book on the art side.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Red Hood and the Outlaws #17 Review

Rating: 5/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Ardian Syaf, Robson Rocha, Ken Lashley
Number of Pages: 32 pgs.
Price: 2.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
In the wake of “DEATH OF THE FAMILY,” Bruce Wayne confronts Jason Todd!

• You DO NOT want to miss this!

Reviewer’s Comments:
Everyone’s happy to see Jason except for those not happy to see him which includes most members of the Bat family.

The issue opens with Jason trying to reach out to Damian. He doesn’t care but Jason sure does because he sees himself in the kid a little bit. He remembers when they fought side by side as Wingman and Red Bird but they were only allowed to be themselves then instead of now. Upon Starfire whisking Jason away in excitement, Arsenal and Damian go at it. However, that doesn’t mean Dick Grayson won’t be having a word with Jason. He is concerned Jason looks out for Kori, and the two go at it verbally until Grayson departs. Jason’s next goodbye is to Bruce himself who makes clear to Jason he was never created by the Joker even though he may think that. Finally, Alfred tries to get Jason to stay but he won’t have it albeit wanting too. However, he puts on the Red Hood, and something mysterious happens to him.

Scott Lobdell writes the best issue of his run. He nails all the various relationships, and writes some real deep scenes between Jason and his various cohorts. They are touching, and really sad given what happens at the end and with Damian’s impending doom.

On the art side, Lobdell assembles a team of some of DC’s greatest artists including Ardian Syaf, Robson Rocha and Ken Lashley. Even though their styles are different, their differences create a beautiful diversity to read against Lobdell’s words.

Lobdell’s last issue is next, and it will certainly be a bitter sweet one given how awesome his run has been.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!

Batman #17 Review

Rating: 4/5
Publisher Name: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Number of Pages: 40
Price: 3.99
Color: Color
Safety Content Label: T+ TEENS AND UP – Appropriate for most readers 13 and up, parents are advised that they might want to read before or with younger children.

Publisher’s Blurb:
This is it: The stunning conclusion to “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”!

• Who lives? Who dies? Who laughs last? Find out as Batman and The Joker face off one last time!

Reviewer’s Comments:
In the latest edition of Batman, Batman is strapped to a chair, and his fellow crime fighters have their faces taped. What is actually going is only revealed later on.

The Dark Knight is in dire straits. He needs to find a way to stop Joker but the madman provides him an opportune moment when he blows up the table in front of the entire Bat family only after revealing that he cut off the entire faces of each Bat member. This leads to a fight of Batman versus the Joker until the latter gets away. With the blessing of the rest of the family, he goes off stopping Joker while the Joker’s dog explodes releasing a bomb of Joker gas hidden within it. This causes the entire Bat family to fight until they regain consciousness.

The issue ends on a somewhat somber note. None of the Bat family will really speak directly to Bruce about what happens. Furthermore, the only person who will is Dick Grayson, and even he leaves. What’s interesting is they don’t all seem as though they are abandoning Bruce but just merely taking a breather. Many commentators have said otherwise but I didn’t get that impression.

Regardless, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo delivered a satisfying ending. Snyder definitely understands Batman, and delivers a powerhouse ending on their conflict but the response from the Bat family could have been stronger if you were trying to emphasize distrust between Batman and the others. There was a similar falling out between Bruce and Dick during ‘Night of the Owls’ but all became better pretty quickly after that. Unless Snyder makes Batman go solo for a while, I don’t foresee any real ramifications. Meanwhile, Capullo does an amazing job with creating some of the most disturbing scenes seen in the Bat comics since Grant Morrison’s run.

We will have to wait and see further how this so-called ‘distrust’ plays out.
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Tommy Zimmer is an upcoming writer of short stories, comic books, journalism/media reviews, screenplays, and anything related to writing. On zimmert101.wordpress.com, you can view his latest work, and see what exciting things he is currently doing!!