BATMAN ETERNAL #1 (REVIEW)

Batman Eternal #1

Writer: Scott Snyder
           James Tynion IV
           Ray Fawkes
           John Layman
           Tim Seeley

Artist: Jason Fabok

Cover: Jason Fabok
          Tomeu Morey



The Rundown:
The story begins where it is set to end. Batman beaten and battered, tied to a broken Bat-signal, as the city burns around him. Flash forward to the present where Harvey Bullock is picking up a new recruit who was heavily sought after by Jim Gordon himself, Jason Bard, from the train station. Elsewhere, Gordon is in the middle of a gun fight with Pyg and his henchmen, protecting some children while waiting for Batman to make his entrance. Which he does just in time to save Jim and the kids from Pyg's gun totting airplane. Batman and Gordon pursue Pyg and his men, with Gordon taking the stray and Batman focuses on apprehending Pyg. Jim Gordon follows the man onto the subway tracks and has him cornered while ordering the perp to drop his weapon. After a count of three, Gordon fires a shot, but it passes through the man, hitting an electrical box behind him. This causes an explosion and a fire to start on the tracks, quickly followed by the derailment of the approaching subway train. Batman is able to save Jim Gordon, and warn Bullock and other officers who arrived at the scene.
The damage is massive, and the death toll will be enormous. Acting quickly, Hady calls for the arrest of Commissioner James Gordon. An act that is carried out by a hesitant Jason Bard who's on his first night on the job. But, is put at ease after Jim gives him his blessing to place him under arrest. Flashback to the "end" of the story, where we once again see a bound, broken Batman with a voice asking him if he can see the grand design in it all.

The Review:
An extremely well done initial issue for the new weekly Batman series. The story felt like it was the beginning of something huge and eventful. It left us with tons of questions and of course anticipating the next issue and how all of this plays out. From page one we are left wondering who was able to get the drop on Batman and engulf Gotham City in flames. Is it a new villain? A returning villain coming back in a huge way? Even the events involving Commissioner James Gordon left us with quite a few questions. Is Jim losing his mind? If not, then who is working him this way? And even with Jason Bard, are we about to watch Jim Gordon groom his future replacement? Or is he a part of what is happening? The appearance is given, but even Bard's backstory is very similar to that of Gordon.
The art work was top notch from start to finish. With almost every single panel telling the story nicely and being visually appealing. With it being a weekly title there runs the risk of having to speed through the work, here is hoping that upcoming weeks are just as good as this one was.
Overall, it was an amazing issue, with a team of writers (although three of them are consultants) that big it is expected that the story would be up to par, and in this case went above and beyond that. As did the art, and they complimented each other nicely. What is even better, is that we won't have to wait a month to see what happens next!

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GREEN LANTERN #30 (REVIEW)

Green Lantern #30

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Martin Coccolo

Cover: Billy Tan
          Alex Sinclair





The Rundown:
Hal Jordan is admiring the peaceful view upon Mogo, when he is summoned to the gathering at the new Green Lantern Corps crypt. There Hal holds a ceremony to honor the memory of the Lanterns who have fallen, most notably Kyle Rayner, who gave his life so that they could all carry on. Afterwards, he holds court with his little council of advisers (Kilowog, Salaak, and Two-Six) before they head of to Sector 0571 to talk with the Emissary's of Port Oasis Bay. Hal takes them there to talk about the war between Lanterns and the rest of the universe, at the forefront of that group is the Khund. Who are also present for this meeting. Emissary Preegus decides that Hal Jordan and Captain Khu will fight each other. If Hal wins, he gets control of the Khund Warship, Drokkun. If he loses, then the Khunds will be given control the Green Lantern Corps. And the only weapon allowed is the Khund Throat Knife.
Before the battle, Hal and company take seat in a bar having some drinks. He invites Captain Khu and his men to join them, for which he gains a touch of Khu's respect. While sharing some Khund Ale they exchange their point of views on their pending war between each other that will follow after this battle. Flash ahead to the fight, and Khu is mainly getting the upper hand on Hal Jordan. Pummeling him, and nearly skewing him with his blade. With both skill and some luck, Hal is able to defeat Khu with his own weapon. Bleeding out on the ground, Hal tries to get Khu to the infirmary for help when he is stopped by the other Khund warriors, who finish the job and strip their former captain of his belongings. They then tell Hal and others that they can dispose of the body as they wish. Striking a nerve with Hal who see's this as disrespectful, the other Khund tell him that it is he who has disrespected them by looking at their ways, and their traditions as he does. They also tell Hal to take their ship, but that they will be coming to take it back soon enough.
Back on Mogo, the shape shifting traitor amongst the Corps is weak and losing both power and shape. He is confronted by Green Lantern Mukmuk (giant fish), who fries the traitor with a blast from his ring. Mukmuk also lies to another Lantern when explaining what happened. Ending the story with a devious look.


The Review:
It was an okay story, felt more like a filler story despite their being a casualty. Although it is hard to really say what is a filler, when the titles New 52 history has been almost none stop grand events. There were some nice points that were brought to attention, with how some species/people have different traditions and ways of life, that may appear as illegal or wrong to the Green Lanterns, it isn't viewed that way by others. Something Hal and his crew will have to take into consideration trying to police the universe without those all-knowing Guardians who may or may not have taken certain things into consideration.
The art wasn't too bad, story was told well, and didn't require anything over the top as the story didn't really call for any. Would have been nice to see some constructs in the battle to the death, but again, story didn't call for it, but the art gave us the idea of how Hal pulled it off nicely. The landscape upon Mogo was done very well also, the crypt even looked like a calm, peaceful place as opposed to the traditional dark, creepy type crypts. White tombstones upon green foliage was factor in that I think.
Overall, it was an okay issue. Again, it felt more like a filler story, but filled with some key content as mentioned with Hal needing to learn how the rest of the universe works before he and his fellow Lanterns can truly be the authority. I also found myself curious as to where Saint Walker is during the issue, as his journey has been quite intriguing so far being the fading blue light amongst the sea of green. Looking forward to seeing where this "traitor amongst them" storyline goes. Now that the initial traitor is dead, who is this new one? Possessed Lantern maybe? Always been a spy? If so, how long has this been going on? Again, looking forward to seeing how all this plays out in the upcoming issues.

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DETECTIVE COMICS #30 (REVIEW)

Detective Comics #30

Writer: Francis Manapul
           Brian Buccellato

Artist: Francis Manapul

Cover: Francis Manapul





The Rundown:
Story begins with two females on the pier as we read "Welcome to Gotham City. This place has the potential to be great...for both of us." Batman is prowling the rooftops at night. In pursuit of a group of thugs using children to deal their drugs. He is able to save the kids, but one of the thugs gets away ironically with the gang that he recently stole drugs from. Batman pursues them, but is unable to catch them.
At an Extreme Motorcross event, Bruce Wayne talks business with the woman from the pier, Miss Elena Aquila. Her daughter, Annie, is a four time champion and is participating in the event. Elena pitches her proposal of Bruce and his company joining her in re-developing Gotham City's East End Waterfront. She gets him to agree as it is an attempt to restore hope to a decaying part of the city he loves. As news of the venture spreads, it appears that it will receive some corrupt political pressure. Down at the Waterfront, Mr. Squid, is dealing with the thug that stole from him and escaped Batman earlier. We get an idea of his namesake as he hoists his victims by the chain around their neck using a crane and then drops them into a tank with what appears to be a man-eating squid.
Back at the Batcave, Bruce is working on Damian's motorbike as he converses with Alfred. Discussing how he misses his late son, and how much Damian loved his bike. The alarms begin to sound as an intruder makes their way onto the grounds of Wayne Manor. As Bruce rushes to face to assailant, he discovers that it is Elena Aquila. She is engulfed in flames, and falls into his arms to the ground.

The Review:
Detective Comics has a new creative team, and after this issue, they are a welcomed addition. The first part of the story arc "Icarus" was a very nice beginning, taking things back to a detective based story. Which of course leaves questions to be answered. What is this new drug hitting the streets of Gotham? Who is this Mr. Squid character? Is he a main player or just another pawn? And what of the Aquila Family? Is Elena dead, critically injured or is it all a rouse? Some of you may even wonder if we were witnessing the beginnings of a future Bat-Family member. With what has been presented in this issue, Annie Aquila is in a very similar situation as Batman and some of the other Bat-Family characters. All of these questions will likely be answered in the upcoming issues, but it is definitely a sign of good writing.
The art, although usually not fan of that style, was done well and added to the required tone of the story. It also added to some of the mystery with only giving us a small glimpse of Mr. Squid's killer pet. How large and grotesque is this thing, we will have to wait and see, but am intrigued. Usually I would mention how it told the story well, and it did, however that is almost expected when the artist is also the co-writer. A skill in itself, but who better to translate your words to pictures?
Overall, it was a really good issue. The new detective focused direction is nice to see happen, given the title and all. Hopefully, fans of The Flash were given equal talent to follow the work of Detective Comics new creative team. As although only an issue into their run, things are looking to be really good. With it being the Year Of The Batman, that is another thing that is nice to see happening.

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HARLEY QUINN #4 (REVIEW)

Harley Quinn #4

Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti
           Amanda Conner

Artist: Stephanie Roux

Cover: Amanda Conner





The Rundown:
Story begins with Harley covering her bleached white skin with some flesh toned make-up while getting ready for her new job at the nursing home. On her way out she bumps into Tony and they work out a deal where he builds something for Harley, she will let him live rent free for four months. At the nursing home, Harley is having a session with a lady named Mrs Rubenstein, who is telling Harls about how her family never comes visit her. Ever the softy, Harley is choked up a bit by the story. Harley has her next appointments rescheduled to later tonight and proceeds to leave the nursing home.
At a home in the suburbs, a young boy is playing video games and his father is in the basement playing with his train set, while the wife and mother is holding a "Pleasure Party" showing off various "toys" to her female companions. Harley Quinn crashes the party, through the wall riding a bulldozer, and then proceeds to roughly bind the family. She then throws them in the trunk of a car before driving off. While making a stop at a diner to grab herself a meal, Harley is confronted by yet another assassin looking to cash in on the bounty of HQ's head. Before stabbing him in the heart with her fork, she learns that is "Bubba" who set this all up because of her botching a job she was hired to do for him.

Later on, Harley arrives to the the roller derby late, missing her teams game. After asking how she could make it up to her teammates, one sarcastically says crippling the team that beat them would do the trick, HQ takes her seriously and proceeds to run the other team down with her car before driving off. The thumping noise reminds her of the "junk in the trunk". While at the end of a pier, Harley proceeds to tell the family about what Mrs. Rubenstein told her, as she proceeds to kick the son and wife of the edge. She allows the husband to speak and he informs her that they do visit his mother and it is due to her Alzheimer's that she doesn't remember the visits. Harley quickly realizes her mistake, having forgotten to read her patients files. She unties the man, who attempts to save his family from drowning, diving head first of the edge. Turns out it was low tide, and the family is on the beach below safe and sound.
Back at the nursing home, Harley's rescheduled appointment shows up, a man named Sy Borgman. Who informs her that he knows who she really is and how she got the job here. He also tells her about his younger days when he was named Syborg and worked for the Government. He and the country needs her help to finally finish his mission. Harley Quinn agrees to help the old man out as the story ends.


The Review:
Another issue keeping with Harley being a light amongst a dark DC Comics universe. She may be a villain, she is still a bubbly, big heart gal who just happens to be crazy as hell, and has a definite mean streak if provoked. Jimmy and Amanda delivered exactly that, and the innuendos were quite funny and well done. As really, only adults reading the "Pleasure Party" panels really had an idea of what was for sale. Very much like 60's Batman television show was. It may have been just me, but also keeping with the origin of Harley and how gullible she is with her patients and their stories, and seemed to be a reference to her relationship with The Joker. I am hoping this "Bubba" character turns out to be either a bigger named villain or if it is a new character, then someone who is displayed as one and not some throwaway bad guy. Series is only five issues deep, but would like to see Harley develop her own little section within DC Comics. Her own villains for sure. I did like the swerve involving her "killing" the family when she dumps them off the end of the pier. I get more than I prefer in the "child killing" depictions in AMC's The Walking Dead.
The art wasn't great, but it was extremely far from being bad. The story didn't really depict the need for more dramatic panels, and did okay with what action there was. I did like the roller skate being the only thing we see from Harley's retribution for missing the game. I also liked the "Pleasure Party" panels art wise also, as Roux could have went other places in the "toy" department. It was again very much like how things were with 60's Batman television.
Overall, it was a good issue. It has set-up the next issue nicely, with my being a bit intrigued by the retro-cyborg, Syborg. Really like how even Harley's bad girl moments come across as more funny and lighter toned, as people are right, DCU is a dark place, which I like, but comic books like this make for a great break from it. Although it is nice to see her on her own and it is still early, there needs to be more characters either making appearances like they did with Ivy so far.

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BATMAN #29 (REVIEW)

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...

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DETECTIVE COMICS #29 (REVIEW)

Detective Comics #29

Writer: John Layman

Artist: Art Thibert
          Aaron Lopresti

Cover: Guillem March





The Rundown:

The story begins showing "Gothtopia", a bright and sunny Gotham City, filled with happy and content citizens, while Batman reminds us all that this is not Gotham, this is all a lie. A lie that belongs to the Scarecrow, and a lie he must play along with. Batman is pretending to be under the control of Scarecrow, thanks to his new formulated fear toxin, and must play along in order to maintain his cover. Scarecrow aka Jonathan Crane, is showing off his accomplishment to his villainous cohorts, Mr. Freeze, Pyg, Merry-Maker and Harley Quinn. And informs them that they are free to kill Batman if they suspect he isn't under Crane's control, as Batman will be accompanying them while they venture out to perform their experiments. We see flashbacks to last issue where Batman was teaming with Poison Ivy to take Crane down when they were confronted by Batman's allies, all under Crane's control. Needing to gain Crane's trust, Batman incapacitates Ivy, before being hit with a whiff of Crane's fear gas. Batman breaks down the effects for us, telling us how it begins with either hot or cold sensations, followed by the feeling of insects crawling all over your body, finished with a flood of the persons deepest fears at an intensified level. Batman's of course, was the death of his parents. 

Back to the present, again not wanting to break cover, Batman plays along with Crane's cohorts as they hit the town in search of test subjects. Batman even takes the lead in performing the test using the gas on the victim and then gathering a sample for Crane. We find out that the samples are used to create new toxins within Crane's current formula, which he also plans to cover the entire state with via blimps. Batman reveals to us that he purposely led Merry-Maker and Pyg to the homes of criminals to perform the tests, criminals who will now suffer possibly permanent nightmares of Batman, and hopefully think twice before breaking the law. As for the samples, Batman had slipped in an antidote, that when mixed into the original formulas causes a chemical reaction triggering an explosion, and unleashing the new antidote-laced fear toxin, reversing the original effects. Batman's allies regain themselves, and begin to take down Freeze, Harley, and others. Just as Batman is about to apprehend Scarecrow, Crane uses his claws to stab Batman in the chest, killing him, and reclaiming Gotham. 
We then see Crane wearing a straightjacket hallucinating in a padded cell at Arkham Asylum as Batman, Jim Gordon and Dr. Arkham look on discussing the situation. Jim points out the Ivy wasn't accounted for to which Batman plays dumb, revealing to us that for helping him save Gotham, he gave Ivy a pass this time. Upon a rooftop, Batman is confronted by Catwoman, who was looking to discuss the events in the previous issues, and how they were together. Batman pushes her away, despite knowing they have feelings for each other, and receives a message from Alfred reporting multiple situations. Story closes with full page panel of Batman taking on Clayface.



The Review:
Was a pretty good ending to the "Gothtopia" story arc, and was written quite well. It was also a good example of how to give fans a really good story, but not drag it out too long (see Forever Evil). I wasn't a fan however of how Harley Quinn was used, nor Freeze, but with Harley it was a complete filler role, and conflicts with the events of her current solo title. As much as I love Harley and I know stories rarely line-up time wise, they should've used another character though with how small it was. Merry-Maker and Pyg got more face time and lines. I did really like the slight twist ending, with Scarecrow apparently killing Batman. Initial reaction was, "this is continuing on?" but was pleased with the "oh ya, the antidote" follow-up thought as I turned the page. Layman's run was decent one, although at times sidetracked by other events taking place in Batman's universe. Will be interesting to see what direction the new writer (come next issue) take the Dark Knight in DC Comics' namesake title.
 Art and Aaron really performed very well in the art department. The visuals both told the story very nicely, but also delivered an even quality in almost every panel. Another thing with Harley being used, they could have also perhaps kept with her more current look, if again she had to be used. However, I am also not really a fan of the "Suicide Squad" look as I call it. Compared to the overall art though, this is a very small complaint. The inks and colors were spot on as well, helping make the pictures pop off the page when needed.

Overall this was a really good issue. The art as mentioned was really good, and this was a well done, classic Batman ending to a story arc. The creative team went out on a definite high point as things switch up come next issue. With "Gothtopia" being quite interesting and very well done, the new crew will have some big shoes to fill. Until then...

Stay Nerdy!

GREEN LANTERN #29 (REVIEW)

Green Lantern #29

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Billy Tan


Cover: Billy Tan





The Rundown:
Things start off with an aquatic looking member of the Green Lantern Corps (a fish), scanning Mogo's surface for any abnormalities and comes across what looks like a box containing vials of something. On earth, Hal Jordan is visiting his brother and his family. It is a very quick visit as he explains the current situation to his brother. How he is going off to fight a war far in space, how the Red Lantern Corps is now controlling Sector 2814, but that the only remaining Green Lantern allowed on earth, Simon Baz, would be overlooking them for him while he was away. His brother of course, wished the situation was different, but nothing he could do about it.
Back in space, Mogo is speeding through the galaxy while conversing with Saint Walker as he watches Mogo's sun fade off into the distance. With their destination being a war zone, the remaining Blue Lantern finds it hard to remain optimistic like his celestial friend. What little "hope" that remains within Saint Walker is diminishing further as he says that he is a Saint no more, and only Walker as drifts off into the darkness. Inside their headquarter, Salaak and Kilowog are examining the bomb discovered by the Green Lantern member earlier, appears to be a more refined version of Relic's light draining weaponry. Although they think that it was planted by the Durlan still hiding amongst them, but not the one who built it. Hal enters the room saying he may know who did as he holds a small meeting with fellow Corps members Kilowog, Salaak and Two-Six. Jordan asks them for their help to run the Corps. Not only with things like strategy, but also with the morale of the Green Lanterns. The trio agrees to help their fearless leader, and then decide to attack the Khund Military on Gwottle head on by placing Mogo right in the middle of things.

On Gwottle, in Sector 0487, the Khunds are overseeing the six-armed Gwottlens and their production of light draining weapons. Hal and a group of Lanterns begin their attack, but quickly discover that the Khund didn't invade and capture Gwottle, they were invited and are working with together to stop the Green Lanterns. The Corps is looked at as dictators after the Durlan impersonated Hal (in a previous issue) broadcasting a message skewing the Green Lanterns "public" perception. They are attacked by Khund and Gwottlens alike, attempting to secure the light-draining weapons with a construct, but failing as the grapple like barbs break through. Hal is able to remove the remote from the enemies hands, but learns that it is encrypted and must be unlocked first. Green Lantern Gorin-Sunn removes his ring, and becomes liquid splashing down onto the remote control. The attacking barbs begin to malfunction and fall from the air as Gorin-Sunn retakes shape explaining that he is living energy and simply merged with the electronic device with quite ease. After capturing the Khund and Gwottlens, Hal decides to let the Gwottlens go after realizing that they were simply pawns reacting to the words from the Durlans broadcast, and that they needed to release them in an attempt to garner any amount of their "public" image back.
The issue closes with the Durlan on Mogo's surface discovering that some of his items are missing, and will have to remain hidden amongst the Corps even longer, but that time was running out with them clearly being aware someone is up to something. We also see that Lantern Voth may be the imposter amongst the Corps.


The Review:
I am liking the aftermath of the last story arc with Relic. I like how it somewhat mirrors reality in some cases, with the police doing what they can to help protect people, but still being looked at as the enemy. In some cases it is warranted, but in most cases no. Regardless of that, it is nice to see how it is played out in the current arc, and is making for a somewhat good story. I am curious as to how they basically left the events of last issue (find review for issue #28 here), other than the brief explaination to Hal's brother. It will obviously be covered in Red Lanterns and Supergirl, but at least a mention of the key event would have made sense. I am curious about two things in regards to Saint Walker and the Blue Lanterns. I know he is now the only remaining member, but there isn't anyone in the universe that has enough hope within them to garner a membership to the Blue Lantern Corps? Perhaps they work different, and it was explained elsewhere, but should cover it at some point. I do like the Saint Walker, now known simply as Walker, situation. Will he be replaced? Will he rekindle the hope within, and of course what will cause that? His name slight name change has me thinking he is about to have some sort of "spiritual walk" and rediscover himself. Hopefully they don't drag his part in all of this out too much.
The art was okay. I do not know if it was in the original pencil work or if it is from the inking, but seems almost "smudgy" in parts, and complete lack of detail in some panels. But, that is only when I am forced to sit and analyze the work. It told the story very well, which is the purpose, so it is hard to knock it. I did like how Simon Baz was drawn, although it looked a tad blurry, that may have been intended to make him look like he was glowing, so it worked out well.
Overall, it was a decent issue. Nothing over the top, and I guess is a needed break from major events, which the Green Lanterns have been apart of for years now. I am intrigued in how things play out for both the Greens and the Blues. Would like to see at least one more venture (one issue) to dwell back into the Red Lanterns current situation, not looking for a giant cross-over, just feel it should have at least been referenced in this issue, and that their involvement in the current situation is a small part of that story.

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FOREVER EVIL: ARKHAM WAR #6 (REVIEW)

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!