Graphic Novel Reviews: Li'l Gotham 002

The Story

In the first story Batman and Nightwing stop Mr Freeze from kidnapping a children's choir. In the second story Catwoman vows to turn over a new leaf for the new year. But a surprise visit from Harley and Ivy test her resolution.

The Review
The first thing that strikes me about this print version of the digital first Li'l Gotham is how well the pages are put together. In the digital release half a page of the printed edition is a full page in the digital chapters. I was afraid it wouldn't go well together when put into a full page, that there would be a clear line through the middle of each page. Fortunately the folks at DC are in fact professional picture people and know how to make this book look good.

Graphic Novel Reviews: The Dark Knight 020

The Story

Batman investigates the murders while Natalya is kidnapped by the Mad Hatter. Despite his conviction that she was perfect, after Natalya leaves a large scar on his face he decides she is not his Alice and must be disposed of. Batman realizes that Natalya has been taken and races to find her. But he is too late and the Mad Hatter throws her out a helicopter to die on the bat signal.

The Review
I could be very, very sarcastic during this review. In fact last week that was my gut reaction. Since then I've had time to cool down, realize there were more important things in life than bad comic books. But, I imagine as I get back into the books coming out this week I'll find a couple of stinkers to ruin my mood.

I don't think anyone is surprised at Natalya's death. People that haven't read any Batman books before couldn't possibly be surprised by her ultimate fate. Batman has kept his secret identity for a long time, that doesn't happen when every girl he ever revealed his secret to managed to survive their respective story.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman Li'l Gotham 001

The Story
In the first story Batman explains halloween to Damian. The two run into the rogue's gallery enjoying a holiday meal at a restaurant. And in respect of the holiday Batman lets them finish their meals before the police storm the restaurant.

In the second story the Penguin attacks a thanksgiving parade, protesting against the wholesale consumption of turkeys during the holidays. Batman and Robin take him down and then return to Wayne manor to enjoy thanksgiving dinner with the rest of the family.

The Review
I often have trouble reviewing books that I like. Generally I end up saying a long winded version of, "Yeah, it was good." But every once in a while there comes a series that while I initially don't have much to say, as each new chapter comes out I find myself with more and more to say. One such series is Batman Li'l Gotham. This newish series by Dusting Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs has been coming out as a digital first with new chapters being published as they coincide with major holidays.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman 020

The Story

Clayface throws Bruce into a trash compactor, where he is keeping Lucius Fox. The two break out of the compactor with a familiar looking prototype suit. Batman sets a trap for Clayface, who has been going on a rampage. But he is overpowered by the villain, who touches him and reveals that Bruce Wayne is Batman. But once Clayface is captured, Batman reveals that he had a thin membrane with Bruce Wayne's DNA over his mouth. Clayface taunts Batman about how Wayne ignored his son, to which Batman reacts violently. Back in the Bat Cave Batman tells Alfred that he won't lose himself like he did when Jason died, but he isn't ready to let Damian go just yet. Alfred joins him in watching the footage from the cowl.

The Review

I've been putting this review off for the past few days. Not because it's bad and I'm trying to find a way to word my disappointment in a way that won't get me kicked out of Batman fandom. But because it's good. Really, really good. And I can't think of anything interesting to say!

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman and Red Hood 020

The Story

Carrie Kelley confronts Bruce about Damian's disappearance. He tells her that Damian is studying overseas. Later, Batman takes Red Hood to Africa to attack a compound of international assassins, some of whose members answered Talia's hit on Damian's head. When he takes Red Hood to the where the Joker beat Jason to death, Red Hood flips and the two fight. Jason leaves, his trust in Bruce shattered again. Elsewhere, Two Face, gun in hand, flips a coin, but seems discontent with the result it gives him. 

The Review

I really enjoyed seeing Bruce and Jason make up in Red Hood and the Outlaws. Out of the whole disaster of Death of the Family this was the one relationship that was salvaged. Too bad it didn't last very long. I hope that it doesn't take several years again to patch it all back up, but this certainly does explain why Jason decided to have his memories erased in last month's issue of his own book.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Detective Comics 020

The Story
Batman discovers that Ogilvy has been behind everything and goes to face him. But the mutagen enhanced Ogilvy makes short work of Batman. Thanks to a rescue by Penguin, Batman is given a chance at a rematch and he takes the crime boss down. In Blackgate Ogilvy takes out "The Boss" and further enhances his reputation.

The Review
Well, this was a disappointment. I'd been enjoying the Emperor Penguin story quite a bit, he had the makings of being a long term antagonist for Batman. But instead of that happening, Ogilvy is taken out in a single issue, and his final plan isn't even close to interesting.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Talon 007

The Story
Calvin manages to escape from the court, while at the same time Casey traps Sebastian and escapes with her daughter. While Calvin is trying to make it back to their safe house, he is intercepted by Batman. He manages to escape, but when he confronts Sebastian, the old man not only confirms that he was the one who selected Calvin to be the Talon, he is also working together with Bane. Bane grabs Calvin by the neck and snaps it with one hand.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman - The Dark Knight 019

The Story
The Mad Hatter spies Batman dropping off his current girlfriend, and realizes that she is perfect to play the role of Alice. He runs his slaves through the reenactment of that perfect date, and after the rehearsal is over he murders them all and dumps them in a lake for Batman and Gordon to find. In the meanwhile, Bruce wonders if what he's feeling for expendable #1 is in fact love.

The Review
I apologize in advance for sounding like a lunatic in this review.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman 019

The Story
The issue starts with Bullock and Gordon facing off against an unknown bank robber. As the criminal comes out with a hostage he is revealed to be Bruce Wayne. Gordon tries to stop him, but is shot by Wayne. Right as Wayne is escaping, Gordon sees that he is wearing his Batman armor under his suit.

Cut to six days ago, where Batman stops the villain Reaper from attacking a funeral service with poisoned flowers. Batman stops the van, and Robin enters, commenting about the ludicrousness of Reaper's plan. The scene shifts to the Bat Cave, where it is revealed that Batman has been watching recordings of old cases. Alfred reveals that Wade, an associate of Bruce Wayne's had committed suicide. Batman decides to investigate, after determining that there was no reason for Wade to commit suicide.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Detective Comics 019

The Story
In its most simple form, Batman fights to stop the contagion of Man-Bat virus. With the help of Doctor Kirk Langstrom the outbreak is brought under control. In the side stories we learn that Emperor Penguin has been using the outbreak as a cover for multiple robberies. In the other side stories we get to see the aftermath from the point of view of several different characters. We even get a story of Bane's failed attack on Gotham, with the promise of future developments in that storyline.

The Review
Good gosh this thing is massive! First of all, for those confused by the multiple stories shown in the table of contents, the first story (after the prologue that is) is a direct continuation of the main Detective Comics storyline. The other stories are all side stories that are connected to events in the main storyline, but through alternate perspectives.

Graphic Novel Reviews: The Dark Knight 018

The Story

Batman tracks down Mad Hatter's operation, but is overpowered. He runs into Catwoman, who has stolen his hubcap to try and get his attention. We get another flashback of Mad Hatter's, where we learn the source of his insanity was a dangerous testosterone pill he took as a child. And then Batman reveals who he is to his current F.R.I. (Forced Romantic Interest, thanks to ERod).

The Review
Whooo boy, and we were doing so well with this story. Where do I even begin? Perhaps with what I liked. I like the way Van Sciver draws Batman's cape. It's a bit odd, but the way it's put together makes it look like proper bat wings when the air catches it.

I like the fact that Catwoman made a random appearance, even though it basically affirms that we're back to the early stage of their relationship. I liked where it had gone before the New 52, so going back to square one is annoying. And confusing, considering they did the nasty in Catwoman 001.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Talon 006

The Story

Calvin escapes from the O'Malley Talons, but is recaptured. While Casey digs deeper into Sebastian's secrets, Calvin confronts the Grand Master of the Court of Owls. Both discover that Sebastian was the former Grand Master of the Court, and the one that recruited Calvin.

The Review
I actually called the twist last month, though since I don't think I documented that anywhere I can't claim credit. Then again, I don't really feel like claiming credit. After all, there's always a traitor, so the simple act of calling it isn't that impressive. If someone other than Sebastian had been the traitor, then I would have been surprised.

My powers of plot aside, what does this mean for the book? Well, as a reader I tend to be quite forgiving. And my calling a plot twist ahead of time is hardly an indication that the book itself is no good. Granted it would be better had the reveal been more surprising, but what we got was good enough for me.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Catwoman 018

The Story

Batman confronts Catwoman about the stolen paintings, which he apparently cares about. No reason why he should though. Selina steals them back at the end of the book. In the middle there's some stuff about sneaking into the police headquarters.

The Review
Confession time, I'm very invested in Batman and Catwoman's relationship. I dislike shipping, but sometimes I can't help myself, and I've liked these characters for quite some time. So any chance to have them actually interact is a lot of fun. But is it just me, or does it feel like Nocenti has been told, "You have to write Batman and Catwoman as a fated romance" but she doesn't actually believe in it? How else could we get clumsy moments like Trip commenting on how Catwoman has Batman, and doesn't need him (by the way, there goes by "Trip is Batman" theory)?

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman and Robin 018

The Story
ALL OF THE FEELS!!!

The Review
I've once again allowed myself to get backed up in my reading list, so I've got a few books to talk about and I'll be keeping the next few reviews fairly short. Well, shorter than I normally do.

I've said in the past that I consider comics a visual medium that is only weighed down by excessive prose. Or if I haven't said specifically that, then I've said at least shared that basic sentiment before. I can't stand when comics use too many words. I don't mind reading, and in the hands of the right writer a wordy comic can be incredibly fun. However, it is not a trend that I want every comics writer to emulate. Nor am I "lazy" in my reading, I read Lord of the Rings back when I was ten, so I can handle walls of text. My main reason for complaining about excessive text in comics is the fact that I feel the pictures can often tell a much better story than the words could. Especially when writers are under the impression than they need to explain what we can plainly see in the images.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Batman 018

The Story
Batman's reaction to Damian's death is told from the point of view of Harper Row, who since her last encounter with Batman has been training to be able to follow and help him when necessary. And with Batman driving himself to exhaustion, to the point where even regular criminals are getting close to getting the better of him. Harper helps Batman during a crucial moment, but is scolded for helping where she is unwanted.

After meeting with Bruce Wayne, to set up a display in Wayne Towers meant to motivate Batman, Harper and Batman are somewhat reconciled.

The Review
I have three problems with this issue. The first being that while Scott Snyder's wordiness usually doesn't bother me, in this case I felt that the excessive description throughout the issue was to the detriment of the story being told. Part of me wonders if Snyder is begrudging Morrison for stealing the spotlight from him.

Episode 040 - March 18, 2013 - How Batman Improves Any And All Manga | Toriko Vol. 2

Episode 040

Welcome to Manga^3, your one stop for manga news and commentary, for the week of March 18, 2013. This week we discuss a topic that is more than a little silly. What would certain popular manga be like if Batman were a character in them? If you have an opinion on that topic, discuss away! We also take a look at the second volume of Toriko.

Listen to Old Episodes Here!

Buy Toriko, Vol. 2 Here!

Graphic Novel Reviews: Throne of Atlantis - Aquaman 014-017 | Justice League 15-17

The Story

An accidental attack by United States Forces on Atlantis provokes an attack upon the surface by Orm and the forces of Atlantis. Aquaman and the Justice League try to both fight him off and reason with him, but they are captured and imprisoned in the trench where the flesh eating creatures from the beginning of Aquaman were trapped. There they discover that the creatures have been freed.

On the surface, the backup members of the Justice League fight of Atlantis, but it is the arrival of the main body of the Justice League that turns the tides. Aquaman sides with the surface, against his brother, and together the team manages to defeat Orm, and discover the true cause of the attack.

In the aftermath of the attack, Aquaman tries to keep control of Atlantis as its king, but both his own soldiers, and the people of the surface have no trust for him.

Graphic Novel Reviews: Detective Comics 014-018

The Story
Batman confronts Poison Ivy, and discovers that she enthralled Clayface into doing her bidding. After dealing with this threat Batman is able to deal with the fallout of Joker's presence on the mentally ill of Gotham and the criminal. He confronts the League of Smiles and their leader the Merrymaker. Meanwhile, in the background, Ogilvy is using the chaos to make his move and take over the Penguin's empire, establishing himself as the Emperor Penguin.

The Review
While I think Emperor Penguin is a surprising level of camp for the much more serious tone that Batman books have taken in the past several decades, I have to confess that I am really invested in his story. The way it is woven through the entire book, taking advantage of the events of Death of the Family works really well.

Graphic Novel Reviews: The Dark Knight 014-017

The Story
After Batman breaks free from the Scarecrow's trap, the Scarecrow turns to the final phase of his plan—gassing Gotham city with his new fear toxin. From a zeppelin. The entire city becomes a disaster area, and while Batman is trying to contain the chaos he discovers that he is immune to the new formula. Figuring that his blood has the necessary antibodies to create an antidote, unfortunately it would take days to create an antidote. With no time left, Batman decides to spray his own blood over the city to counteract the toxin. It almost kills him, but he succeeds.

In the story beginning with issue sixteen, the Mad Hatter has been kidnapping people and casting them in parts from Alice in Wonderland. Batman tracks the kidnappings, trying to find where the Mad Hatter is, but as of the latest issue he has not found him. In the meanwhile, Bruce and his girlfriend Natalya break up.

Cartoon Reviews: Young Justice

The Story
After being spurned by the Justice League, young sidekicks Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash form their own team. After discovering a clone of Superman in a secret genetics lab, they are formed into a Justice League sanctioned team. From there they are sent on covert missions by the league.

Over the course of the story they discover the existence of a league of villains only known as The Light. They deal with the aftermath of the many layered plots of this society, only to find themselves struggling to keep up before The Light can enter their endgame.

The majority of the episodes are standalone episodic, with an intertwining story connecting them. The format of each individual episode is the traditional format where each episode wraps up the important plot elements for that particular episode. This allows the viewer to be engaged in the series while also getting a complete experience every episode.