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?

Catwoman #1

Catwoman #1

Judd Winick, Guillem March

After playing Arkham City non-stop for a few weeks, I've come to really like Catwoman.  But I have to say, the Catwoman in Arkham City is not a lot like the Catwoman in this series.  I always think of Selina as a strong woman who can take care of herself (or maybe sell an issue without taking her clothes off).  But this issue doesn't really represent her that well.

In fact, this issue pretty much stunk.  There was very little plot, and the entire issue seemed to revolve around glimpses of Selina's body.  This issue is NOT for children, or, frankly, for adults.

Bottom line: 0.5/5

Batgirl #1

 

Batgirl #1

Gail Simone, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes

 

Obviously, I'm a little obssessed with Batgirl, and after hearing that Barbara Gordon was returning as Batgirl and seeing the fantastic cover art, I had high expectations for this issue.  Although it didn't blow me out of the water, I was impressed, and I really enjoyed it.  Barbara is a really interesting character: carefree and yet totally serious.  I liked how she wasn't immediately back to her old self, but had some insecurities and problems that came with "un-retiring."  In my opinion, this title could be really good.  I hope it is!

 

Bottom line: 4/5

 

For those of you who have been keeping up with this title, can you tell me if the more recent issues have been good?

Batman and Robin #1

August 23, 2012

Batman and Robin #1
Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray

At first, I hated the idea of Damian becoming Robin, but he's winning me over now.  The dynamics between Batman and Damian are interesting; they have such different styles and attitudes.  It's clear that Damian, although he may hate Talia, has learned a lot from her and has picked up on a lot of her attitudes.  Other pluses for this issue: an exciting new villain, and good illustrations.
Lastly, isn't it convenient how all the foreign "Batmen" are dying except for Batwing?

Bottom line: 3.5/5

Batman: The Dark Knight

August 23, 2012

Batman: The Dark Knight

David Finch, Paul Jenkins, Richard Friend

I liked this issue.  It starts out a little slow, but I got the impression that the writers have some good stuff planned.  I like the way they switch from the sophistication of the upper class of Gotham to the violence of Arkham Asylum - it's an interesting, dramatic contrast.  Overall, not my favorite Batman title (how can you beat Batman?), but I still think it will be pretty good.

Bottom line: 4/5

Batwoman #1

August 22, 2012

Batwoman #1
J.H. Williams III, W. Haden Blackman

I'm about to upset a lot of people, but I didn't like this issue very much at all.  Some of the art is striking (in a good way), and some of it is just plain weird.  The entire story seems to revolve around Kate and Bette Kane changing their clothes, and I'm sick of Kate's homosexuality constantly being forced into my conciousness.  She is a really cool character, and her writers don't need to rely on her sexuality to sell comics.  They've turned her into a one-trick pony, and I'm not into it.

Bottom line: 1/5