Red Hood and the Outlaws

 Scott Lobdell, Kenneth Rocafort

 

After all the hype, I was really looking forward to finally reading this.  The characters are definitely interesting, but once again, the good stuff was over-shadowed by over-the-top sexuality.  Besides that, there wasn't much plot going on, because it's kind of a set-up issue.  The highlights: the first seven pages (an amazing prison battle) and Essence.  Essence is a new character as far as I know, and she seems like a really interesting person, so I hope we get to see more of her.  I also hope this series gets a little more kid-friendly, because all the components are there for a great story.  Plus, the art is beautiful!

 

Bottom line: 2.5/5

Birds of Prey

Duane Swierczynski, Jesus Saiz

 

This one was interesting, and yet slightly disappointing.  I'm unfamiliar with Starling, I don't like Black Canary's new costume, and I found the whole issue just a little boring, I guess.  I hope the series gets better,, and more exciting, which I think it probably will.  Also, some additions to the team would help, and more members are definitely on the way.  This is sort of a wait-and-see thing.

 

Bottom line: 2.5/5

Team 7 #0

 

I was looking forward to this issue for two reasons.  First, I love top-secret, undercover teams.  Second, I also love Amanda Waller.  (I've been a fan of hers ever since I watched those old JLU cartoons.  I was a little surprised and disappointed when I first saw her in the New 52, because she looked so different, but she's still very cool.)

I really liked this issue, but I had a hard time knowing which person was which.  There were a lot of team members, which is good, but hopefully in the future we'll get to know each one a little better.  So far I like all of them, but I'm not sure how well Deathstroke and Grifter are going to get along.

Overall, I liked it, but I'm not jumping out of my seat.  However, I think it will be a fun read, and I might pick it up in graphic novel form sometime.

Bottom line: 3.5/5

Green Lantern #0

Green Lantern #0

There has been so much hype about this issue that I almost felt like it was set up to disappoint.  I mean, doesn't Earth already have enough Green Lanterns?  And won't it be harder to relate to an Arab-American?  And why does he need a gun if he has a Green Lantern ring?

I was SO wrong.  Baz is a very likable, very relatable, cool character.  His origin story is compelling, and I loved it.  I shouldn't be surprised, because really, has Geoff Johns written anything lately that hasn't been awesome?  Anyway, I'm really excited about this title now.  I've only read a few Zero Issues so far, but this has been the best by far.

Bottom line: 4.5/5

Tell me what you think!  Is this the best Zero Issue so far?

#0 Excitement!

I'm getting ready to buy some zero issues tomorrow, and I want to know which ones you've read and which are your favorites.  I think I might have to ask for the omnibus for Christmas, how about you?

Batman: Earth One

Batman: Earth One

Geoff Johns, Gary Frank

This is a really cool, brand-new take on Batman's origin story.  Although it's technically set in a different dimension, even casual fans will know most of the characters, and be able to follow the story easily.  That being said, I want to warn parents that this book isn't meant for kids.  There are several curse words and sexual insinuations used, and the entire story is set in a very violent, dark Gotham City.  That darkness lends well to the story, because this book is all about the war between good and evil in Gotham.  The way the different characters cope with or fight the darkness is what makes this story cool.

Specifically, we get to follow Bruce through his first years as Batman, and see how he deals with all his problems (he has more than you might expect).  We also get to see Geoff Johns' take on several popular Gotham-based characters, including James and Barbara Gordon.  I love how the history of Gotham was interwoven with the Arkhams and the Waynes too, because it made the whole story fit together.  I'd definitely recommend this book to casual and die-hard Batman fans.  Because it's a fresh take on the origin story, it doesn't matter if you've been following Batman forever or if you're just hopping on the bandwagon.

Bottom line: 4/5

Nightwing #1

Nightwing #1

Kyle Higgins, Eddy Burrows, J.P. Mayer

The goal of this issue seemed to be getting us up  to speed with Nightwing.  I'm so glad he went back to his old identity, because I was never really comfortable with him as Batman.  This issue kind of settled everything back into its rightful place.  This new villain is cool, too (although he's totally a rip-off of Wolverine).  The bonus: Nightwing's new red and black costume.

Bottom line: 3.5/5

Calling all readers!  I'd like to know the name of Nightwing's Wolverine-villain; can anybody help me?