Battle for the Cowl: Gotham Gazette – Batman Alive?
DC Comics / $2.99
Long title aside, this issue focuses on the aftermath of the Battle for the Cowl mini series, and moves the characters into position for their new titles/directions. It’s not exactly an essential purchase, but Guillem March’s Vicki Vale story was very easy on the eyes.
Batman #687
DC Comics / $3.99 (cuz it’s 40 pages)
The much-maligned Judd Winick returns to Batman with Ed Benes handling the art. I don’t understand all the Winick hate. I’ve enjoyed damn near everything of his that I’ve read, including his previous run on Batman.
This issue backs up a little bit and shows us some moments Dick and Alfred went through since Bruce’s “death”. From Superman asking about Bruce’s contingency plan to Dick’s request that Batman’s death be kept a secret from the world in order for his legacy of fear to leave on, we’re treated to some good character bits.
I’m glad this title will focus less on Damian (the new Robin). That kid’s just a pain in the ass. He’s already shaping up to be a character I’d like to see the Joker beat to a bloody pulp with a crowbar (a la Jason Todd). I doubt that will happen, though. Even if it did, I’m sure someone would bring him back.
By the end of the book, we’re given a new Batman that’s a little more confident, and is just beginning to get comfortable in the suit. I can’t wait for the next issue. Very recommended.
Red Robin #1
DC Comics / $2.99
I think I was looking forward to this series the most, and I’m not exactly sure why.
It’s a good book. I particularly liked the flashbacks that give us glimpses of Tim’s breakdown. You can tell being replaced as Robin, and left fatherless is taking its toll on him. He’s becoming grimmer, and even a little reckless.
Ramon Bachs’ art is adequately shadowy for this type of book, but I think I would’ve preferred someone slightly more dynamic. Hell, forget about Adventure Comics, get Francis Manapul on this book! Still, I gotta recommend this book to Bat-fans.
Green Lantern Corps #37
DC Comics / $2.99
Last issue, Sodam Yat unleashed the Ion power in the middle of Daxam’s red sun, and in this issue we see the results. The energy turns the red sun into a yellow sun, giving all of the Daxamites powers like Superman. (I’m not exactly up on the Daxam-Krypton connection, so I’ll have to look into it.) What this does is set up a large group of resistance fighters that can attempt to overthrow Mongul and his Sinestro Corps, who has claimed Daxam as their home planet.
Meanwhile, on Oa, the Green Lantern Corps continues to try to contain the recent jailbreak, with moderate success until the black-eyed Oan unleashes the dead power of the Black Lantern book.
I like this book, and I plan to continue reading it at least through Blackest Night. I wonder if Sodam Yat will come back or who the next recipient of the Ion power will be.
R.E.B.E.L.S. #5
DC Comics / $2.99
I like the art – the line work is thin and slightly broken, but no less effective. I’ll give this a couple more issues. I at least want to see what Bedard plans on doing with this Death Dealer-esque Starro villain.
