Batman And Robin Aquaman #29
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Mick Gray
Patrick Gleason
Cover: Mick Gray
Patrick Gleason
The Rundown:
The story begins with Batman and Alfred referencing the events in the past few issues (find out what happened...HERE) as Batman is underwater looking for Ra's al Ghul and the bodies of Talia and Damian based on the coordinates Damian had left them. On the way, the chained corpses of Damian's former teachers from his time with his mother are swaying in the water. Then, Batman is confronted by fellow Justice League member, Arthur Curry aka Aquaman, who has been following the screams of marine life coming from the same location. Ra's al Ghul is aware of their presence and disperses his men to attack them under the waters surface, and begins moving the bodies of Talia and Damian now that the Dark Knight has shown up ahead of schedule. Bruce and Arthur fight through, storming the beach and taking down a group of assassins and Man-Bat's. Aquaman locates the source of the screams, sperm whales that Ra's is using to create super-soldiers in the manner Talia had done before her death.
Ra's has the computers and all their contents wiped and destroyed as Bruce and Arthur infiltrate the base. They are soon confronted by an assortment of mutated, failed clones of Damian. Batman quickly overcomes the initial shock and asks Arthur to use his powers to control them. A task he is willing and capable of doing with them being half aquatic since being born within the whales. Aquaman has them march into the ocean where they are swallowed up by a massive whale being commanded by Arthur. Batman fights his way to al Ghul's jet as it takes off into the air. While on the outside looking in, he sees the sucoficises of Talia and Damian. Ra's informs his minion that they are enroute to Paradise Island, home of the Amazons. Still outside the jet, Batman makes his way to the front window and demands Ra's give back his son. To which Ra's reminds Bruce, that Damian is also of his blood and he will do no such thing before tilting the jet causing the dark knight to begin to plummet from the sky. Aquaman is able to catch him before he crashes into the rocks on the ground. Bruce promises to make Ra's pay, to which Arthur has no doubt. Aquaman informs him that the clones are still alive and kept at Atlantis for safe keeping as the two part ways.
The story ends in London, England with Batman locating Wonder Woman who is in the guise of her secret identity. Bruce asks if the glasses were Clark's idea before then asking for help getting to her homeland, Paradise Island. The hunt for Robin has begun!
The Review:
I really liked how they at least referenced Two-Face after the events of last issue (rundown and review found...HERE). It wasn't just pushed to the side as if it didn't just happen, and quickly forgotten. I admit, that I wasn't looking forward to Aquaman being in this issue, as I couldn't think of "why" he would be. Tomasi not only made me like that Arthur was in there, but he made it work and make sense. Didn't dawn on me before that the method used by Talia and now Ra's would cross a line with the character. He also made for a good "storage space" as other than killing them all off, what else would one do with the mutated Damian clones? The obvious answer would've been to have them just begin to breakdown and die, but liked that they didn't go that route, and again, made sense. Of course, it would've been nice if he was around when D' was getting killed by the initial "whale baby" clone.
The art was okay. It told the story very well and I liked that there weren't too many panels needed to do so. I really liked the various mutated Damian clones. Wasn't too sure what a fetus would do in a fight, but it is a "super-solider" clone so I guess it could do something. If anything it added to the weirdness effect of the group. Of course the full-page panel with the massive whale swallowing them up too. It gave Aquaman his classic "look what I can do" moment.
Overall, the issue was good, but as a starting point for a bigger story it was very good. I was hoping that the Damian clones would have thrown Batman off his game for more than a single panel, but understood that with how they looked and his awareness that they aren't him made it easier for him. Also, I am thinking that there will likely be more clones to come, and with at least one being a spot on carbon copy. One that will truly mess with Bruce's mind. Personally, I hope they bring him back at the end of this. My argument is that his being half an al Ghul gave him that pass the moment he arrived. But, I am also on the fence as to whether his come back is a tad early yet.
Stay Nerdy!
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.
Stay Nerdy!
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Detective Comics #29
Writer: John Layman
Artist: Art Thibert
Aaron Lopresti
Cover: Guillem March
The Rundown:
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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...
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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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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.
Stay Nerdy!
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.
Stay Nerdy!
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.
Stay Nerdy!
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!
