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.

For more Reviews, News and More! Be sure to check out The Non-Geeky Nerd for Comic Books, Movies, TV Shows, Games and Wrestling! Until next time...

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.

Stay Nerdy!

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!

FOREVER EVIL #6 (REVIEW)

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!