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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BATMAN AND ROBIN #29 (REVIEW)

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 (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.

Stay Nerdy!

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...

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!

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #28 (REVIEW)

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 #28 (REVIEW)

Batman #28
Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Greg Capullo
          Danny Miki

Cover: Greg Capullo






The Rundown:
Taking a break from the really good story arc "Zero Year", we're given a glimpse into the upcoming weekly Bat-title, "Batman: Eternal".
Story begins with Harper Row out on the streets being confronted by a group of police officers (dressed in riot gear) claiming she has broken the 8pm curfew that is in effect. They give her a ten second countdown to either clear the streets or suffer a beating at their hands. Harper gets lippy as they approach, saying first that she wished that they knew who her mother was, and then uttering, "Midnight In Gotham Is The Bee's Knees" which stops them from cracking her over the head. They blindfold her and take her to apparently the only nightclub left in Gotham City called "The Egyptian" (a large luxurious place, giant gold Egyptian cat statues). Harper says that she is there to see "the boss" for help for her infected brother, who is at "Ground Zero". She is taken to a backroom where there are a group of armed men and a giant man with a dead eye and scars on his face around both eyes who informs her that her "password" given earlier was an old one and now they were to hurt her. Harper remotely turns out the lights, when she turns them back on we see Batman standing over the group of men now unconscious on the ground. Batman receives information he needs to locate a vault within the club from someone at the Batcave (only see them from behind, Carrie Kelly?), then informs Harper to get dressed so they can continue their mission. 

After an explosive entrance back into the main floor of the nightclub, we're given a full page panel of Batman and Bluebird (Harper Row), who looks like a female cross between Nightwing and Red Hood, armed with some very large firearms. Batman notices that Bluebird holds her own while clearing the room of thugs and has been training to which she tells him to blame his sidekicks. She then proceeds to do a back flip off of a bad guy, throwing a grapple line, then hooking onto it with a clip on her boot, ready to fire. Which she does, firing an electrical charge and disabling a small group of thugs below her. Things come to a halt when we are introduced to the "boss", who turns out to be Selina Kyle. During a conversation between Batman and Selina, we learn that he's lost the police, his friends and the city. Where Selina claimed top spot and rebuilt Gotham City's underworld. Selina brings Batman to his knees whipping her whip around his neck, and informs him that the mask wearing Catwoman of old died when he left her for dead. She was possibly close to killing him when Bluebird reminds them of her presence via pointing her gun at Selina. Batman pleads with Selina to give him the "key" to reclaiming and saving the city, all he had to do was ask, and she leads them to her vault and its contents. The contents of the safe is a person who is the only one who knows how to stop whats coming. That person is Stephanie Brown aka Spoiler.

Story ends with Stephanie tied up with in the vault, dressed in her Spoiler costume, and then we're given a few pages of previewing Scott Snyder's "American Vampire".



The Review:
They may have to wait until April 9th, 2014 before they get more of her, but Stephanie Brown fans everywhere must be as happy as can be with finally seeing her in the New 52. Whether or not they will be happy with how the former Batgirl and Robin is presented is yet to be determined of course, but she's somewhat getting the red carpet treatment with her full debut being in Batman's new weekly title, "Batman: Eternal", as well as already being revealed to be a big part of what is made out to be a massive event in Gotham City. Speaking of which, Scott Snyder and company have gotten me quite intrigued with what is to come during this break from the current major Batman story arc, "Zero Year". When I had first heard that this would be a "spoiler" issue (as Snyder put it), I was a bit unsure of what I would be reading, luckily I was quite impressed. 
Although showing us the near future, there were a number of things that will definitely need to be answered. Love or hate her, Harper Row is now a member of the Bat-Family now known as, Bluebird, and she showed she is quite capable. Be interesting to see how they brought her from a smart yet  "punk" kid from the narrows, to this cross between Nightwing and Red Hood, and "Kick-Ass" character, Hitgirl (visually speaking). Who was Batman talking to in the Batcave? I may have been right in the "Rundown" above in saying it is Carrie Kelly, but may also be Harper's brother. Again, they only show the person from behind and they have short slightly spiky hair. And then of course there is apparent crisis that has hit Gotham City. By the sounds of it there was some sort of outbreak, and people are dying from it. Batman himself seems to be kind of starting a new in regards to his relationship with the police department, what caused that to happen? Where's Jim Gordon? Infected? Batman has also lost some friends. Did things get worse between him and the other members of the Bat-Family? Did someone else die?

Clearly the writing is top notch as it has been really since the relaunch, lot of large story arcs, but well written. The art is right up there with the writing. Snyder and Capullo are a winning team in my humble opinion. Again with Bluebirds visuals, although it looked like a blend, it fit well into the traditional "look" of a Bat-Family member, as well as looked good. Even the nightclub, "The Egyptian", looked really good especially the statues which were in hindsight a giveaway as to who was the "boss" of the establishment. Visually interesting to see what unfolds in "new" Gotham and all the possible changes and events that occur.
Overall, it was yet another great issue of "Batman". The break from the slightly origin based "Zero Year" heavily surpassed my low expectations going in, and has me eager to pick up the first issue of "Batman: Eternal" in April, and of course refreshed to be hyped about tuning in next month at the same Bat-time and same Bat-channel for "Batman #29".

Stay Nerdy!

BATMAN AND ROBIN (TWO-FACE) #28 (REVIEW)

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!