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...
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Batman: The Dark Knight #28
Writer: Greg Hurwitz
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
Cover: Ethan Van Sciver
The Rundown:
Jim Gordon and the G.C.P.D. are investigating a homicide where once again victims were drained of their blood. Batman gets samples from Gordon and immediately heads after Dr. Kirk Langstrom, who informs him that the tests Batman will run will show he wasn't responsible, believing him Batman leaves. We are introduced to Abraham Langstrom, top man at Patriarch Pharmaceuticals and Kirk Langstrom's father. He steel nerved, immoral business man who has bought up every drop of the Man-Bat serum across the globe, and has become addicted to the effects after having become Man-Bat himself.
At the Batcave, Alfred points out how Man-Bat is Batman's opposite in both name and characteristics, when the tests complete, revealing to them the identity of the new Man-Bat, Abraham Langstrom as we learned previously. We learn from Abe's point of view how it feels to be Man-Bat as he feeds on another victim, and how primal instincts take over, which is to hunt and feed. Bruce goes to Lucius Fox for assistance in developing an antidote, who explains the family history between the Wayne's and Langstrom's. Abraham was Thomas Wayne's rival in all aspects from business to philantropy, but despite that, Abe seemed to have an admiration for Bruce as a child.
Kirk confronts his father as he returns from his hunt, who in turn begins to belittle Kirk as he points out how he has made a superior serum, and how he's always been an embarrassment to him, wishing he was more like Bruce Wayne. He even reveals to Kirk that he isn't above killing his own son if he gets in his way, before going to rest (while hanging upside down from a bar). Alfred reaffirms Abe's words while detailing more about the families history, explaining also that despite all of Bruce and Abe's similarities, it is Bruce's moral compass that sets him apart. Bruce heads out to face Man-Bat, antidote in hand. Upon confronting him whilst in the air, he points out how Abe's version is far superior in size, strength, as well as a thicker skin/hide than previous Man-Bats/She-Bats, which causes him to break the needle, then begin to fall from the sky to the streets below as the story concludes.
The Review:
Another issue that I wasn't "looking forward" to reading upon seeing that it was another Man-Bat story. Having had at least two that I can think of already since the relaunch, which were well done mind you, it was just time to cover another character. However, I quickly had those feelings taken away after reading which could be (see how it ends) the best one of them yet. Hurwitz added not only to Man-Bat/Kirk Langstrom's history, but also added some of that depth to Batman/Bruce Wayne's also. And, despite them borderline saturating the character of Man-Bat (Kirks, She-Bat, Abe's, Talia's Army and the citizens in DC#700) he has delivered this story very nicely so far.
In some spots I wasn't too sure about the art, a continued issue from previous issues but overall this time it was done well. It told the story as it is meant to do, and the frames and panels with Abraham Langstrom's Man-Bat were top notch, and actually "looks" like the alpha Man-Bat, but in the good way, not an over-the-top cheesy way. I would like to see some "crisper" lines or a style similar to the work done on the Man-Bat parts, as again they were really good, but stood out more because the rest wasn't "as good". Just my opinion of course, it still did as it was meant to, and that's deliver the story that can't fit in word bubbles, and Ethan did that well.
Overall, this was a really good issue. The series at times has had a few "misses", but seems to be going out like a champ with good "silent" issues, and now a really good addition to the Man-Bat and Wayne Family histories the series almost feels like it shouldn't be coming to an end. For those unaware, this title along with Nightwing are coming to an end at issue #30, but do not fret, somewhat going away to make room for the upcoming weekly Batman: Eternal.
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Batman And Robin Two-Face #28
Writer: Peter Tomasi
Artist: Patrick Gleason
Mick Gray
Cover: Patrick Gleason
Mick Gray
The Rundown:
Story begins with Batman and Erin McKillen (handcuffed) in the Batmobile racing across town to save Harvey Dent from his captors as they broadcast his "execuation" on television sets across Gotham City. We see panels of various villains tuning in to watch the events on fold (The Penguin, Killer Croc, and Man-Bat). Erin tells Batman that Harvey is being held captive at a courthouse. She appears to be telling the truth as we see Two-Face being put on the witness stand as his enemies set it ablaze. Batman quickly realizes that McKillen has been lying about Harvey's location and has taken him across town in the wrong direction. He ejects her seat from the Batmobile and she lands atop a police cruiser as cops drawn their guns and move in for the arrest. Like a typical mobster, she immediately asks for her lawyer.
Batman discovers that Harvey is being held at an old abandoned Gotham studio across the city. When he arrives the studio is engulfed in flames, and as he gets to him, quickly reminds Two-Face that rescuing him is becoming a habit. To which Dent fires back a comment on Batman failing to capture McKillen after she snuffed out Gilda and created Two-Face. We see The Penguin is pumped up watching from his television. Apparently, Harvey knows that Batman is Bruce Wayne. Calls Batman "Bruce" as he grills him further for his part in all of this, even for being the one who pushed Harvey to go after the District Attorney position in the first place. Two-Face also exclaims that "Harvey Dent" has been dead and gone for awhile now. Batman replies with a deep speech about how Harvey's coin actually has three sides. With the edge, where both sides (good and bad) meet being the third in perfect unification. Two-Face gets a hold of the flamethrower that his captors were using, and begins to use it on them looking to return the favor. Luckily there is a water silo up above, which Batman uses to put out the flames burning the bad guys bodies.
We flashback to the end of their college years, as Bruce is throwing a Grad Party (even though he didn't) at Wayne Manor. We see that Bruce and Harvey's friendship even goes back that far, as well as that it was Bruce who introduced and set-up Harvey Dent with Gilda Gold. Harvey and Gilda hit it off immediately, with a kiss happening within moments of being alone (Bruce went off to break up a fight between the McKillen twins). Back to the present we see Jim Gordon joining the action approaching the entrance. He is attacked from behind by Two-Face. Jim tells Harvey that he was the best of them, to which Harvey replies that it was in fact Jim who was the only one deserving of those words. Because of that, Harvey gives Gordon the choice to take him in or let him go. Of course there isn't a choice for Jim, and the decision goes to the "coin". Coin flipped, but he misses the catch. Ironically it lands on its edge, which infuriates Two-Face because of what Batman said earlier. He opts to shoot Gordon, but a batarang stops that, but Harvey escapes while Batman tends to an injured Jim Gordon.
We see McKillen in prison attempting to inspire other inmates, and seems to be embracing the new ways of Gothams underworld, with her scar courtesy of Dent. We catch up with Two-Face as he is getting himself cleaned up and dressed. He's talking to a picture of Gilda as he spins his coin in front of it. He then loads his gun and says "Feels like my lucky day Gilda" as he points it to his temple. We see blood spatter on to the picture as the coin falls to the ground spinning once again and lands on....black out panel. We're taken to GCPD as Batman is delivering and installing a new Bat-Signal on the roof. He tells Gordon how there has been no leads on Harvey and appears to have gone deep underground. Switch flipped. Story ends.
The Review:
Wow. Did we just see Harvey Dent aka Two-Face just commit or attempt suicide? Or did he possibly shoot someone else who we simply didn't see in the panels? Both are possible. Perhaps DC Comics was seeing if anyone would say a peep if it was a man in the situation and not a female like it was with just a hint in Harley Quinn's monthly titles. More likely it was him shooting someone they didn't reveal, presented like in a similar way as The Joker "exiting" at the end of "Death Of The Family". Is he dead? Is he alive?
It was a good ending to the arc that was happening the last few issues of "Batman And Robin". I really liked seeing Harvey Dent's updated origin story, and thought the addition to that in this issue was a nice touch as we see how he and Gilda came to be, and that Bruce was the one who set it all up. I may have missed it mind you, but when did Two-Face join the list of people who know Batman's secret identity? It is possible that Bruce was finding this out at the same time we were (based on his expression somewhat), but thought there would be a little more revealed about that story. Did Bruce tell him? Was it figured out by Harvey on his own? Accidentally discovered? Perhaps when Two-Face makes his return (dead or not, this is comics remember), we will learn more about this. Other than that small detail, the writing has been up to par and possibly the reason this title survived being merged into the upcoming "Batman Eternal" weekly title (Batman: The Dark Knight is done soon).
In the art department, although it did its job, just wasn't feeling it (just my opinion). It feels as though it is lacking something, can't put my finger on it though. Perhaps it is the coloring more than the drawing. Not sure. But like I said this is just my opinion and clearly the artist is good (they're doing it, I'm not). And more importantly, it did the job in telling the story to the point where I only find my issues when analyzing the work instead of getting lost into it.
Overall it was a pretty decent issue, nice job ending what was a good story arc the last few issues. Definitely left wondering what is to become of Two-Face. And of course looking forward to what is coming next as it is back to searching for Damian. I am on the "bring him back" bus by the way.
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Harley Quinn #3
Writer: Amanda Conner
Jim Palmiotti
Artist: Chad Harden
Cover: Amanda Conner
Dave Johnson
The Rundown:
We begin issue number three, with what initially appears to be Harley Quinn watching a horror movie with zombies and gore, which reminds HQ of her puddin' The Joker and that it is Valentine's Day. When a shotgun blasting assassin (who loos like Moloch from "Watchmen" fame) comes in a takes a shot at Harley. Missing her of course, and she then turns the tables on him, and kills him with his own shotgun. Turns out she was actually on a horror tour, and she informs the employee he has a "mess" to clean up inside the ride.
On her walk home she can't help but be put off by all the "love" around her, even telling a kissing couple to get a room. When she arrives at her recently acquired apartment, she see's Big Tony sitting with a bouquet of flowers, and assumes are for her. He gives them to her, even though they were meant for Queenie who was on a date with someone else. While taking a bath and still feeling down on love while missing Mr. J there is even Superman and Wonder Woman kissing on the television. Her talking Beaver, Bernie, tells her she needs to get out and meet someone new. Harley notices that one of the plants Poison Ivy left after her visit (see last issue for Ivy and Harley's reunion) has started to sprout berries. Which of course she decides to ingest one without knowing if they are even safe to eat. Other than they smell better then they taste, she notices nothing out of the ordinary. She receives a phone call saying that she got a job at as a therapist at an old age home and decides to throw on a new dress and head out to celebrate.
While out on the town, we see that there are fumes or an aroma coming from her. Her scent reaches the nostrils of a bus driver and causes him to crash his bus. Which contained criminals en route to prison, who then escaped from the bus. They too "smell" her, and we see it's effects, which is to cause them to become infatuated with her. The baddies begin to chase Harley down, who runs into a hardware store and convinces the now "intoxicated" clerk to fend off the guys chasing her. Naturally he agrees and attempts to take them on by himself, quickly being overwhelmed and has his neck snapped by one of them. Enter, "Hardware Harley", equipped with a variety of tools from a weed whacker to a nail gun, as well as a welders helmet. She proceeds to take them out with what she's equipped with as well as some classic corny one-liners. Finishing the last one off with a monkey wrench. While exiting the hardware store, she is confronted by a female officer who then proceeds to plant a kiss on Harley. Both are a bit shocked, the officer stating she didn't know what happened as she was about to arrest her, but couldn't resist because of how good Harley's scent was. It is then that HQ realizes that whatever is happening must be from the berry she ate earlier.
Rushing home all eyes are on Harley as everyone catches a whiff of her. Once she arrives back at home, the scent wears off and she sling shots the plant out the window and into a seal den at the zoo. Big Tony comes in and asks if he could get those flowers back as he's decided to fight for Queenie. Harley agrees but also gives him a leftover berry from the plant to "help" him out with his "mission". It ends with Harley sharing her thoughts on Valentine's Day and how it is "sad if you're alone, debt inducing if you're not". The final panel shows Big Tony being "molested" by a man and woman who caught his new scent.
The Review:
I have been loving this series so far. I wasn't sure how she would hold up on her own, as she is a great character, but is even better as a co-star or part of the squad (pun intended). But, those worries have been put to rest so far with pretty good writing. The lighter tone is an added plus in an otherwise dark DC Universe. Hopefully this isn't lost down the road, or if it is, only briefly. The innuendos through out make laugh and of course think of the Batman television series back in the 60's as well as Harley's corny one-liners. So far it has been a nice even blend, another thing I hope continues and doesn't just become a book of one-liners, as her character does have a lot of depth. Speaking of innuendos, Bernie the talking Beaver. When he was first introduced I wasn't sure what to make of him, he is after all Harley's stuffed beaver *ahem*. But, he has made a good "side-kick" for HQ in the verbal department.
As for the art? Also something which has been pretty good, and continued in this issue. Was a bit worried about who they would choose after a group of them were on display in "Harley Quinn #0", but very pleased with their choice. Although there have been scenes where she's in a bathtub, or getting dressed, but hasn't been "sexual" art wise like female titles tend to be, which is also a nice change.
Over-all a decent issue. Even though Valentine's Day is not high on the list of favorite holidays, I am a sucker for "holiday themed" things for all holidays (okay the more commercial ones) like they do with television shows. And they did a good job at not making it too corny, despite how easy it is on Valentine's Day. And looking forward to next issue even though this one wasn't leading up to anything, which says something about the title and everyone involved.
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Batman: The Dark Knight #27
Writer: Greg Hurwitz
Artist: Alberto Ponticelli
Cover: Chris Burnham
The Rundown:
Another "silent" issue with no words, hence the title of the concluding story, "Voiceless". We begin with Batman locked up in a cage, on what appears to be a airfield. Naturally Batman escapes his restraints and cage, then proceeds to take down all of the thugs and goons. Finishing up by locking them all in the cage that they had previously used to imprison him.
The Penguin is clearly not pleased when he discovers what the Bat had done. Continuing on from last issue, Batman is able to reunite the small child with her mother, so that they can finally begin to live free in America. Batman then proceeds to hunt down and take out the rest of The Penguin's hired hands. Leaving just Oswald Cobblepot alone to feel the wrath of the Batman.
The mother and daughter were able to gain citizenship with some help from Wayne Enterprises, who also give her a job within their company, and Bruce Wayne see's her when he is there. The Penguin is locked up in his prison cell, when a person comes to get him and leads him to a room full of lawyers, likely meaning he will be out sooner than later.
The story comes to an end with Batman prowling the night and stopping by the window to check on the mother and daughter whom he recently helped. They are safe and happy. And upon the top of their Christmas tree is a Batman Angel.
The Review:
I've somewhat enjoyed these "silent" issues as of late. Although I find the artwork a touch gritty at times, it did its job really well telling the story. Most like;y a perfect combination of both a talented writer and an artist who can translate the words into pictures very well. I like how The Penguin remains the Mobster amongst the Freaks in Batman's rogues gallery. Appearance and bird fetish aside, he is more the villain that Gotham was built on. Perfect example is when they show him and his team of lawyers, The Joker is lucky to find one lawyer let alone a team of them brave enough to sit in the room with him.
With the series slated to end with issue #30 in March, and how well these last few issues have been, it will be interesting to see how these guys take this title out. I like to think of it like this, the title is simply being renamed "Batman Eternal", and published on a weekly basis, which is what this and some other titles are making room for I think.
Stay Nerdy!
