Batman #29
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Danny Miki
Cover: Greg Capullo
The Rundown:
The story returns back to the Zero Year story arc, after a single issue preview of Batman: Eternal. Things begin with a flashback sequence, with Thomas and Martha Wayne picking up a young Bruce from the GCPD headquarters, after being picked up after sneaking off to see the Zorro film. Thomas teases his son a little bit after Bruce was asked his thoughts on the movie (a favorite of Thomas') and said that is was "dumb". Thomas says that they must see the movie again, and it must be now, ditching the fundraiser they were pulled away from.
Back to the "present", where we see Batman breaking free of his burial beneath a ton of human skeletons. He immediately contacts Jim Gordon, who is currently assisting in evacuating the city because of the Super storm that has hit. Batman tells Jim of Nygma's plans and that Jim needs to take Nygma down at Wayne Tower where he is located, but to also stop the city from turning the power back on as it will give Nygma what he needs to control Gotham. Commissioner Loeb and others are above the city in a blimp looking to take down Nygma and Batman, who he still believes are working together, when something catches the attention of everyone outside. We see a variety of panel showing people looking up in the sky as the Bat Blimp emerges from the clouds. Batman is searching for Nygma's weather balloon where there is a way to shut down his plans. Jim tries to convince Officer Corrigan to not turn the power to the city back on, but despite Gordon's pleas, Corrigan informs him that not only is the power going to be turned back on, Loeb is transferring him back to Chicago. Back on the Bat Blimp, Batman is trying to push the blimp higher and higher into the storm despite things malfunctioning and exploding. He sees the weather balloon, and is forced to make a suicidal leap and barely grapple onto the balloon. Upon his arrival he is greeted by Scar, who plans to show him how unwelcome Batman is.
At Wayne Tower, Jim confronts Nygma, who is sitting at a desk and a string wrapped around his finger. It is quickly revealed the string is attached to a bunch of pulleys all of which are holding a five ton boulder above Jim's head. The trap is unleashed, although narrowly misses Gordon, it crashes through the floor causing Jim to fall behind it. On the weather balloon, Batman and Scar are battling it out as Batman attempts to convince Scar to let him stop Nygma and his plans to kill thousands of people. It goes unwarranted as it was Nygma who helped Scar after he was fired from Wayne Enterprises, both financially and convincing him he was doing things for the greater good. Scar knocks the jammer Batman was going to use from his hands, and stops him from recovering it as it plummets off the edge. Batman kicks into gear and proceeds to break Scars bones in a variety of places, leaving him a mangled heap on the floor. Scar proclaims is change in theories after his sons life was taken so easily during a routine mission in the military, as Batman attempts a new method in shutting down Nygma's device. Scar is also snapping his bones back into place as he is talking and is able to sneak up on Batman who is focused on the device. Scar gets a few shots in before what Batman was doing explodes, engulfing Scars body with shrapnel. Batman pleads for him to remove them before his bone healing ability works against him and kills him with the shrapnel still lodged in his body. Scar refuses, asking only that Batman carry on his story, before perishing in the manner Batman said he would.
Back in the city, Corrigan and others attempt to turn the power to the city back on, but the only thing to light up was a question mark on the grid map before them. Out on the streets, Nygma is standing amongst the people leaving the city, holding the device/briefcase. He then pushes a button on his briefcase initiating and achieving control of Gotham as well as his others plans. Which at the moment consist of blowing up the retaining walls, beginning to flood the city, as well as taking control of the blimp Loeb is in, causing it to and other blimps to crash and explode. Enraged, Batman begins to pummel the device before him as we get a mix of this, the chaos amongst the city including the weather balloon beginning to fall from the sky. As well as, some flash backs to the Wayne family exiting the movie that they had set off to see earlier, including the moments when Thomas and Martha's lives were taken in front of Bruce, leaving him helpless screaming out for help.
The Review:
Another amazing issue by all talent involved in this one, as well as the Zero Year story arc which has delivered with every issue so far. Scott Snyder once again show why he was chosen to take on the writing for Batman for the relaunch and going forward. He was able to take a much over played event in Batman's history and made it feel fresh and unique, yet staying true to form with events surrounding Thomas & Martha Wayne's death. It has me intrigued as to how he has chosen to write out the rest of Bruce's traumatic moment, which was also slightly intrigued by a panel that just reminded me of The Joker. I had to go check my stash to see how long "Zero Year" has been taking place. and that is is about the same length as "Forever Evil". The difference between the two, is "Zero Year" hasn't felt that long, and leaves us wanting more of Snyder's vision of a modern aged Batman. Although there is another chapter of "Zero Year" to come, I couldn't think of what this is all building up to. Then I remembered it wasn't long ago a certain someone took a plunge in a specific vat at a known location. Just what I think, but then again I have a preference for the clowns in comics. Also, with the upcoming "Batman: Eternal" being a weekly title and dealing with the "now", it is possible "Zero Year" could be a very long ways from being done. And as long as Snyder can keep this up and have itching for the next issue, we're okay with that.
Capullo along with Miki, delivered again on the art side of things. Almost every panel was top notch, with the detail being good, even down to the water bouncing off the streets. Keeping in line with Snyder, they took a slightly overused panel, a Batman silhouette in front of a bolt of lightning, and gave it a fresh interesting look. The flashback panels were nicely done having a soft tone to them, however the panels involving Thomas and Martha's death, were intense yet subtle. Again giving it an original feel to them. Of course Capullo and Miki delivered in translating Snyder's words, telling us this great installment on the visual end of things.
Overall? Quite obvious. Great story that is a part of a great story arc, that again is just as long as "Forever Evil" yet hasn't felt that it needs to finally end. Other than the villain I mentioned above, curious to see if any other members of Batman's rogues gallery will appear within this origin based arc. That includes both new and old characters. Feel free to weigh-in with your opinions in the box below, either here or the posting that you found this. Until then...
Stay Nerdy!
Forever Evil #6
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Jaime Mendoza
Scott Eaton
Cover: Jason Fabok
The Rundown:
Bane has returned to Blackgate after his previous battle while dawning the mantle of Batman, and after being bloodied and wounded, he allows himself a moment to heal. The Talon known as William Cobb is seeing to the other Talons who are also recovering from their last battle as well (see Forever Evil: Arkham War #5). Suddenly, Blackgate Penitentiary is invaded by a group of juiced up and jacked up, Arkhamites who begin to attack Bane's men and Talons. The Scarecrow is leading the way with the likes of Poison Ivy, Man-Bat, Black Mask, Mad Hatter, Mr. Freeze, Killer Croc, and others. Cobb is trying to thwart them but is engulfed into Clayface as we learn that they have enhanced their size and strength with Bane's favorite drug, Venom. Bane makes his entrance into the battle, striking from above smashing his fist into Clayface's "skull", freeing Cobb. Scarecrow informs Bane that he was able to synthsize Venom from a sample of Bane's own blood, and that they were here for a basic "snatch and grab" as Man-Bat swoops in and lifts Bane away. The Arkhamites are "ordered" by Scarecrow to kill them all as they begin to attack some more.
Bane does not struggle as Man-Bat carries him to his destination, wanting to finally have the final battle for Gotham City. Man-Bat poetically (Bane's words) delivers Bane to the front door of Arkham Asylum as the Scarecrow and his comrades arrive via helicopters. Bane opts to attack the m head on all at once, and holds his own pretty well until a blow right on the chin from Killer Croc puts an end to that. It even caused Bane's mask to lift up away from his mouth. Bane, ever the warrior, doesn't quit and continues to keep fighting. Bane begins to take them each down as he knew would happen once the Venom in their systems began to wear off and take their tolls on their bodies from the withdrawal. Something Bane knows all to well, but reminds them that he had the power and strength to push through and over-come the pain.
As Bane finishes up with the Arkhamites, The Penguin aka Oswald Cobblepot, and his goons arrive bearing a gift. A supply cache for Bane to take care of his men/soldiers with. Cobblepot also offers his help and experience in exchange for the villains that Bane has recently beaten down. He agrees to the deal with The Penguin, with one exception, that a certain Arkhamite remain with him. Oswald gladly agrees. The story closes out with Bane discussing how his plans have changed now that he has the Talon's at his disposal, but regardless, it is finally his. Gotham City belongs to Bane.
The Review:
As a Bat-Fan this sub-story from the main events of Forever Evil has been quite nice. Add that come issue number thirty, "Batman: The Dark Knight" comes to an end, and was a title that was more focused on Batman's rogues gallery. So, these jam packed issues have been quite nice in those regards. Usually when something is "loaded" like this, the writing seems to take a break or the easy routes with the stories. Not the case with this one, continuing on from great work within "Batman And Robin", Tomasi delivered with his writing. I am big Joker fan, but even I couldn't think of a better person to be the "Villain-Batman", than Bane. He's one of, if not the most "militant" of Batman's enemies, which is how Bats tends to approach things and his family being his "soldiers". Even having Bane acknowledge in the beginning of this issue that he and Batman are the same in that they are "only human". Usually I prefer them spread out like he did in the early issues of "Batman And Robin", but I enjoyed having different villains using Venom. I also really liked how that even by using Venom they were still unable to defeat Bane, as the drug may be his person PE, it isn't what "makes" him. Similar to baseball of today, if you don't have the skills to hit a curve ball, then steroids which make you stronger and faster, do not give one the ability to hit a curve ball. Did I just make a sports reference? Time to move onto the art I think.
Not sure who drew what, or if one was the pencils and ink, while the other was the colorist. I do know, that they delivered an artistically fantastic issue, that wasn't over the top even though the option was there to do so. There wasn't much slack showing in the "less important" panels, keeping it with the flow of the rest, and made very good use of the double-page and single full-page panels. The two-page spread of "Venomized" Arkhamites was poster worthy. Jason Fabok did the cover work, which was okay, but not "great" to where I would have a different artist do it instead of the people who did the work within it. If that is all I am complaining about then it is another notch in the win department.
Overall, it was a good addition to the mini-series. It did seem almost like more of an ending issue more than a build up to the final installment though. Will have to see if this is a good thing or a disappointment come next issue, as perhaps there is an ending not needing of any sort of build up. Likely not the case, and the treat in all of this was simply having Batman's rogues gallery as the focus as a group instead of their individual battles with the goddamn Batman. Which isn't too bad, as it doesn't happen on such a large scale that often. And it also offered a slight break from the main events of "Forever Evil". It all ends come next issue. Until then...
Stay Nerdy!
Forever Evil #6
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Richard Friend
David Finch
Cover: David Finch
The Rundown:
Lex Luthor, Batman, Catwoman, Bizarro, Deathstroke, Black Adam, Captain Cold, and Black Manta are tracking down their target. Lex can't help but push Batman's buttons based on how easy he finds it. Ultraman and the rest of the remaining members of the Crime Syndicate are both mourning and looking at the giant tear in the sky from "him", while the ring of the fallen member, Power Ring, has found a new bearer. As long as "he" doesn't attempt to attack again, Deathstorm says he should be able to mend it. The Outsider aka tells Owlman that he should return immedietly to see what Grid has done to the captive Nightwing. Batman and the others arrive at their destination and are able to sneak in undetected. Luthor sends the others after the two Syndicate members within the stronghold, while he, Catwoman and Bizarro follow Batman, who has gone off in his own direction. Upon arriving at his destination, Batman and the others come upon Nightwing aka Richard Grayson entrapped in a device known as The Murder Machine. As the alarm goes off, Grid informs Outsider they've been infiltrated and summons the other members to return. Owlman orders "his" Alfred to protect Grayson, to which he disobeys his master and heads for "the prisoner", looking to end him before he is able to escape, and kill Owlman. Whilst approaching "the prisoner" he is stabbed in the back by Black Manta as he arrives with Captain Cold. Manta stabs The Outsider a few more times, before leaving him in a bloody heap on the ground.
Lex and the others are now trapt in the room containing Nightwing, which was designed to hold Doomsday, and what is now revealed to also contain a bomb hooked up to Richards heart. A five minute countdown begins on the bomb. Sinestro, Deathstroke and Black Adam are first to great the arriving Crime Syndicate as they make their smashing entrance. Ultraman immediately goes after Sinestro who fires of a shot from his ring as Black Adam swoops the other world Man Of Steel outside looking to return the favor from their previous encounter. Owlman quickly separates himself from the action going off on his own. Captain Cold and Black Manta remove "the prisoner's" hood, revealing a bearded man with tape over his mouth. As they remove the tape, Atomica and Johnny Quick make their way into the room discovering Outsider's body. Nightwing tries to convince Batman to save himself and the others, to which Batman quickly refuses before getting shot in the back by Lex Luthor. Catwoman takes offense before Bizarro holds her off as Lex puts his hand over Grayson's mouth and nose saying "I'm sorry, Mr Grayson".
Atomica is micro-sized and searching for a way to enter Manta's suit to enter his bloodstream to no avail. Johnny Quick grabs hold of Captain Cold while telling him about killing the Captain Cold from his world, and is corrected when he refers to Colds gun as a "freeze gun" and not the "cold gun" that it is. Cold also shows him how it is voice activated, "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells", flash freezing Quick's leg before shattering and severing the limb with a kick. Lex is still smothering Grayson as Batman and Catwoman fight through Bizarro. Batman is able to him out with a ring loaded punch, but is too late to stop Lex as the heart monitor sounds off with 0:03 remaining on the clock. With a grin, "the prisoner" tells Atomica how Johnny will never run again, which causes her be fearful that he isn't gagged anymore, saying they need Ultraman. Whom is outside battling it out with Black Adam in a lightning storm, as "the prisoner" screams "MAZAHS!!!" unleashing a "dark lightning bolt" from the sky above down to his body. The prisoner is free, and snaps Quick's neck as he was crawling to Atomica, and absorbs his powers. In the last full page panel "the prisoner" is revealed to be Alexander Luthor who proclaims, that he is going to kill them all before becoming the greatest hero this world has ever seen.
The Review:
Wow. When I heard rumors as to what would appear within this issue of "Forever Evil", I was thinking that I would have to really try hard to find some positives to write about. I thought wrong. This issue was really well done on all ends in the creative department. Although it may have been a long story arc, which we should've known it would be the moment Geoff Johns name was mentioned in all this, it all seems to be ending nicely. Even the rumored "Death Of Nightwing" which was the rumor, was handled nicely. How so? Yes, he is technically dead right now, but even Lex lets us know that it isn't too late to save him. Heck, how many times have we seen Batman's heart stop? But even in that, it is still left open ended until next issue. Will they leave him dead as is? Will he be brought back only to be killed off? Or will he left unscathed in the "I died and came back" department. Hopefully. Now, I am not sure if this was intended, but they gave me villains that I "hate" more than the bad guys of this world, which helps me kind of enjoy this "Injustice League" team as well as watching members of the Crime Syndicate getting taken out. Namely Johnny Quick, who I just did not like when he appeared when this all started, and was I ever pleased with how they took him out. The added touch of Captain Cold referencing a "mutual respect" with The Flash made that scene extra good. I am liking the intro of Alexander Luthor, this is my comic book introduction to the character, but his build up and grand appearance has me intrigued.
The art was done very well and put Geoff's words into perfect "frozen" action, living up to its end in telling the story. That was also a slight pun, because I really enjoyed the work done on the dismembering of Johnny Quick, which the art also added to my not liking the character. He even looks like he would be smart mouthed idiot. I do wonder if Friend and Finch find these issues to be a curse or a blessing. A curse in the sense that there aren't any "faceless background people" to either speed through or to help make the main characters standout more. The blessing in that usually when you draw for a title, you are limited to the characters that fall within that titles usual range, with occasional guess appearances from those outside of it. In this situation it is an all-star line-up of the top heroes and villains within the new DC Universe. Safe to assume they put issues like this in the portfolio for future "title shots".
Overall "Forever Evil #6" was a top notch issue both alone and as part of the current story arc with the same name. The blood was bit much, but needed to remind us that the "good guys" are still villains after all. Geoff Johns seems to be able to work with anyone, or has been lucky to have such talented artists at his side, because although I agree with many that this has been a long cross-over, or at least seems to have been it is winter after all. Even greatness can get tiresome, however, issues like this help rekindle the fire as things come to an end. Which I am looking forward to for a whole different reason now.
Stay Nerdy!
Justice League #28
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis
Joe Prado
Cover: Dan Panosian
The Rundown:
Things start off with the newly rebuilt, Cyborg, asking Dr. Will Magnus for his help in the battle against his former "cybernetic-self" Grid and the Crime Syndicate. Magnus reveals that although Cyborg was the first "cyborg" created, but Grid isn't the first "A.I" (artificle intelligence) ever made, but it is the Metal Men who were the first to be created. Victor is then informed that they wouldn't be able to help him, and would in fact make things worse.
We're taken back to when Magnus was working with the Department Of Defense, trying to create a group of search and rescue robots. A rep from the Department Of Defense is trying to check in on his progress, to which he is denied access by Magnus, who is described as being the stereotypical genius type, reclusive and a tad bit "weird", but his upbringing wasn't very favorable, with his parents making him hack bank accounts for them and then letting him take the blame in end. For which he spent time in juvenile detention. He's developed a slight disinterest in human beings viewing them as unreliable, where with Robots that is not the case. Dr. Morrow even thinks of him as a "foolish dreamer". We then get an explanation as to how the Metal Men were created by Magnus. Then all six members of the Metal Men come online and operational. Will is appears to be shocked that he was able to do it, create artificial intelligence. Members are; Gold (who is loaded with self awareness and confidence, also anoints self team leader), Tin (seems eager to prove himself and please others), Lead (walks slow, talks slow, thinks slow), Iron (the "jock" of the group, confident and eager to go), Mercury (only "liquid" member of team, seems like a bit of a hothead), and Platinum (lone female of the team, kind heart). After being in awe of his achievement, Dr. Will Magnus realizes he needs to test other things to ensure they fully work, and proceeds to order them to "line up". Will quickly learns that the team is free willed and also have emotions and feelings. Suddenly, a rep from the Department Of Defense blows open the door (Lead forms a shield to protect Magnus), is also in awe over discovering the Metal Men (who took a more generic form when he entered the room). This is when Will finds out that his work wasn't just for search and rescue, but any mission the department requires them to do, such as being assassins. Upon hearing this, the Metal Men retake their initial forms, refuse to do such things, and then proceed to escape. They appear to think Will is involved in all of this.
While the army searched for the team, Magnus did his own search so that he could fix them, their only problem is "too much independent thought". He explains to Cyborg that while he was away, someone stole his Metal Men prototype responsometers and then threw it into a vat of toxic waste to create a "new" type of Metal Men. When Magnus returned to his apartment, he discovers that his Metal Men were in his home all along, taking shape of various objects through out his place (Tin was a waste basket). He explains to them how he can "fix" them, and that he doesn't want them to be used for killing, and that they aren't the problem, it is humans who are flawed. The toxic waste version of the Metal Men, shows up after its creator sends it after Magnus. The teams initial programming kicks in (rescue those in danger) and help people in it's path. It is their only "instinct", having no regard for themselves to achieve their goal. The Metal Men's second function is to neutralize the threat, with again no regard for themselves even to the point of sacrificing themselves. Which they do by fusing themselves to the toxic waste version, which causes a chemical reaction blowing them all up.
Flash back to present, Will tells Cyborg that it wasn't because they wanted to destroy humanity, but because they wanted to become apart of humanity and be like them, and this is why he and they can't help him. After sensing their responsometers, Cyborg points out that the Metal Men's hearts and minds are still intact and that it is Magnus' fear of losing them causing him to not help Cyborg. He then convinces the doctor to do what the Metal Men would "want" him to do. Metal Men responsometers, activated.
The Review:
To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to this issue at all really. Wasn't a fan of the Metal Men from my limited exposure to them, and although "Forever Evil" has been pretty good, I'm ready for the ending. That being said, Geoff Johns turned the tables on me and I actually really enjoyed the issue, as well as my little lesson on the Metal Men as well as Dr. Will Magnus. I actually enjoyed their origin story, I have no idea if any of the scientific stuff to create them is accurate at all, but I enjoyed it none the less, and am a bit interested in how they will develop now that they are about to be "reborn". As well as how they affect the events within "Forever Evil". I liked how their character traits are reflections of their metal type (Mercury is liquid, and hot tempered. Gold knows gold is valuable and acts as such, Lead is slow, etc). I guess we will have to see how "Forever Evil" plays out before we have an idea of where they take this team of characters even in a "title" sense. Will they get their own? Will they appear in others? Johns did his job as a writer I guess, if these are questions being asked. Although it is being slightly over used, but then again this is a reflection of reality so can't blame them I guess, I did enjoy the "typical" government approach to the Metal Men. They were created for safety, but immediately are wanted to be used as weapons.
The art was good as "Justice League" seems to always be (not complaining). Even though I'd have liked to see more of the Metal Men, it was compensated with good visuals when they battle their toxic waste counterpart (missed the explosion though) especially the two-page panel, as well as Dr. Will Magnus' lab where he created them. Even the toxic waste formed Metal Man (didn't catch a name, but am sure already exists as I've seen it before in DCUOnline) was done pretty well. Like with their story, also looking forward to seeing more of the Metal Men, and what forms they take with their shape shifting abilities. Thinking it will make for a nice break from the Green Lanterns and company with their "see through" constructs. Hopefully they don't limit the team to simply spikes, walls and puddles.
Overall it was a really good issue. It provided a small break from the events of "Forever Evil", while setting the stage for the next issue and Cyborgs plan to stop Grid and his Crime Syndicate comrades.
Stay Nerdy!
