Showing posts with label Andy Kubert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andy Kubert. Show all posts

Thursday, February 26, 2026

I Reads You Juniors: February 2026 - UPDATE #27

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

TREATS - From AnotherCookie:  There is a new online cookie retailer. It is called "AnotherCookie?" and the cookies are delicious.

NEWS:

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Kyle Starks talks about his new Vertigo Comics series, "End of Life," which is drawn by Steve Pugh.

IMAGE COMICS - From THRRobert Kirkman, the creator of the comic book, "Invincible" (now a Prime Video animated series), is returning to superhero comic books with "Terminal."  Kirkman will co-write the series with Joe Casey and the series will feature the work of artists Andy Kubert, David Finch, and Arthur Adams.  The first issue will debut July 22nd from Image Comics/Skybound.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCool:  Cartoonist Joe Sacco ("Palestine") and journalist-author, Chris Hedges, will unite on "Requiem for Gaza," which is due from Fantagraphics Book in October 2026.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  "Newsarama" has a first look at "X-Men Annual #1" from writer Ryan Stegman and artists Steve Skroce and Sanford Greene. This comic book is due March 4, 2026.

EN MEMORIAM - From ComicsBeat:  Beloved comic book artist, Sal Buscema, has died at the age of 89, Friday, January 23, 2026.  Buscema is best known for his 10-year run as the artist of Marvel's "The Incredible Hulk" and his eight-year run as artists on Marvel's "The Spectacular Spider-Man."  He also drew several issues of Marvel's "The Avengers" over a period from 1969 to 1983.  Although his best known work was for Marvel Comics, Buscema also worked for DC Comics, mainly in the 1990s. Sal was also the younger brother of the late Marvel Comics legend, John Buscema (1927 to 2002).

DC STUDIOS - From EWDC Studios' co-CEO James Gunn reveals a close-up look at actor Jason Momao as "Lobo" in the latest teaser trailer for the upcoming film, "Supergirl."  The film is due in U.S. theaters June 26, 2026.

From ComicBookMovie:  Rumor says that Christina Hodson will write DC Studios' "Batman: The Brave and the Bold." Hodson wrote "Birds of Prey" (2020) and "The Flash" (2023).

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  The site has a look at colored pages from "X-Men Elsewhen by John Byrne Volume 1."  The book, one of three volumes, is due to be released June 23, 2026 by Abrams MarvelArts.

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JANUARY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Abrams Books for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Clover Press for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal Magazine for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ignition Press for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  The Lab Press for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Panick Entertainment for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  TwoMorrows Publishing for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for January 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2026

FEBRUARY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AMP Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Universe" titles for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" titles for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rekcah Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  SHP Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for February 2026+
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2026

MARCH 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Hermes Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Ignition Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Energon Universe" for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' " Spawn Universe" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  The Lab for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Armageddon" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Death Spiral" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Midnight Factory titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press "Absolute Archie Comics" titles for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Prana for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  SHP Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2026
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2026

APRIL 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Superman" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  HarperCollins for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Spider-Man" and "Venom" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' "Energon" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Invader Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Prana for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2026
From BleedingCool:  Warrant Publishing Company for April 2026

MAY 2026 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2026
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2026


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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: UNCANNY X-MEN #1

UNCANNY X-MEN #1 (2024)

COVER: David Marquez with Matthew Wilson
EDITOR: Tom Brevoort
40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated T+

X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“Red Wave”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team.  The team was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1 (cover dated:  September 1963).  The X-Men are “mutants,” and Marvel's mutants are humans born with a genetic trait called the “X-gene,” which naturally grants them superhuman abilities.  Being different from normal humans makes mutants the subject of prejudice, discrimination, and violence from humans.  Founded by Professor Charles Xavier a.k.a. “Professor X,” the X-Men fight to protect Earth for both humans and mutants, often battling various “evil mutants” and otherworldly threats.

Over the decades, especially over the last four, there have been countless comic book publications featuring the X-Men.  The X-Men flagship comic book was entitled “The X-Men” beginning with Issue #1 lasting through Issue #141.  With Issue #142, the title official became “Uncanny X-Men.?  Over the last decade Uncanny X-Men has been relaunched a few times, each news series beginning with a new Issue #1.

The latest relaunch began last year (2024) during the late summer.  The 2024 iteration of Uncanny X-Men is written by Gail Simone; drawn by David Marquez; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by VC's Clayton Cowles.  The new series takes place in the wake of the “From the Ashes” crossover publishing event and finds the X-Men without a home and without Professor X.

Uncanny X-Men #1 opens in Westchester County, New York, specifically at the former “Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.”  Diabolical forces have taken over the campus and are making plans to transform it from a school into some kind of detention center or prison.

Since the fall of the island-nation slash mutant paradise of Krakoa, mutants have been left adrift across the globe.  Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine are in Mexico, specifically Teotihuacan, where they will face a dragon.  Next up is “the University of Mississippi Medical Center,” where they engage in a mission of mercy for Nightcrawler and a low-level, dying mutant boy named “Harvey X.”  Before long, the quartet will encounter what may be some new mutants, but is Rogue willing to become the new leader of the X-Men?  Should the X-Men even continue to be a thing? 

THE LOWDOWN:  I am not on any kind of comp list that provides me with review copies – PDF or otherwise – of Marvel Comics publications.  That leaves me free to say what I want without feeling that a bad review could get me excommunicated.  [Despite what the marketing people at publishers say, a slip-up of any kind can get a reviewer removed from a comp list.]

By the time I read this new Uncanny X-Men #1 and began to write the review, this series' first trade collection, Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1: Red Wave, had been in stores for a week and a half.  I am still not going to post detailed spoilers, and I suspect there is a lot to spoil over the entire arc.  I like the vibe that Gail Simone brings to the series.  It is part traditional X-Men, but with an offbeat wild vibe that is similar to what readers found in New X-Men #114 (cover dated:  July 2001).  I don't know how new and original the new mutants presented in this issue are, but Simone seems to be aiming for a new direction in this first issue of her run on this venerable series.  I think she is the first woman to be the regular series writer on Uncanny X-Men, which is disgraceful that it took decades for that to happen.

As for the art by David Marquez:  his work has looked better and the storytelling has been much more potent.  His graphical style was simpler and cleaner in the classic Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (cover dated: July 2014).  Now, Marquez is more stylish and impressionistic that he has ever been, but the storytelling here substitutes flash action for meaningful drama.  The great Matthew Wilson makes the art pop off the page with his rich, earthy hues.  As usual, letterer Clayton Cowles is solid, but his lettering does not get in the way of the way of the story's action.

So I don't know if I will seek out the trade for this first arc of the new Uncanny X-Men.  This first chapter of “Red Wave” is somewhat intriguing, but I feel like Simone put off too much of the narrative in order to focus on Rogue's melodrama.  I assume the best is yet to come, so I will recommend that X-Men fans give this series a try.

Yes.  You can describe me as ambivalent about this first issue.  I am still curious about X-Men comic books, but my passion for them has cooled over the years.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of X-Men comic books will always want to see what's going on with the Uncanny X-Men.

[By Marvel's legacy numbering, Uncanny X-Men #1 (2024) is also Issue No. 701.]

B+
★★★½ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The first trade collection, "Uncanny X-Men by Gail Simone Vol. 1: Red Wave" is now available at Amazon.


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The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, April 7, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: ROBIN #1

ROBIN #1 (2021)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Joshua Williamson
ART: Gleb Melnikov
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
EDITOR: Paul Kaminski
COVER: Gleb Malnikov
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Gleb Melnikov; Riccardo Federici; Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; Jeehyung Lee
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2021)

Rating: Age 13+

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson

“Versus the World!”


One of the most famous sidekicks in pop culture, Robin is a DC Comics superhero character.  The original Robin's civilian identity was Dick Grayson, the ward of millionaire Bruce Wayne and therefore the sidekick of Wayne's superhero alter ego, Batman.  Robin/Dick Grayson was originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson and first appeared in Detective Comics #38 (cover date:  April 1940).  Eventually, Dick Grayson became a new superhero, Nightwing, and over the last 30 years, there have been other Robins.

Damian Wayne is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and thus, is also the grandson of Batman villain, Ra's al Ghul, Talia's father.  An unnamed male infant credited as Batman and Talia's child first appeared in the original graphic novel, Batman: Son of the Demon (1987).  Other writers would later compose speculative stories about the child's life.  In Batman #655 (cover dated: September 2006), writer Grant Morrison reinterpreted that child as Damian Wayne, the centerpiece of the story arc, “Batman and Son,” in which he became the fifth character to assume the role of Robin.

As part of DC Comics' “Infinite Frontier” initiative, Damian Wayne is the star of a new ongoing comic book series, simply entitled Robin.  It is written by Joshua Williamson, drawn and colored by Gleb Melnikov; and lettered by Troy Peteri.  In this new series, Damian wants to prove that he is the greatest fighter in the world (DC Universe).

Robin #1 opens with the search for Damian Wayne.  Batman, Nightwing, Tim Drake/Robin, Orphan, Stephanie Brown, and Oracle can't find him.  It seems Damian is as “off the grid” as a person can be.  Elsewhere, Damian is taking on Sir Edmund Dorrance a.k.a. “The King Snake,” who, like Damian, is searching for the “League of Lazarus.”  It is this league that holds the “League of Lazarus Tournament.”  Held every 100 years, this secretive tournament gathers the best fighters in the world.

That is where Damian thinks he can prove that he is the best fighter in the world, but first, he will have to find the secret island where it is held.  That means he will need to win a special marker, and The King Snake wants that marker, too.

THE LOWDOWN:  It seems that if Damian Wayne a.k.a. “Robin” is going to have an ongoing comic book series, it should not simply be another entry in the “Batman family” of titles.  Damian needs a goal or a mission.  His quest to be the best by taking on the world's most deadly combatants sounds like a good idea.  What is even better is that Damian's hubris and his lack of knowledge of those that he will face present obstacles and conflicts that are comic book narrative gold.  So, in this first issue, writer Joshua Williamson offers a good set-up slash introductory chapter that will keep readers interested – at least for a few issues.

The art by Gleb Melnikov is stylistically appropriate for this series, but Melnikov's compositions are wild, untamed, and untrained.  He isn't anywhere near being called a draftsman, and his illustrative techniques … well, he is weak on the techniques of graphical storytelling.  I don't mean to say that he cannot tell a story using the medium of the comic book; the storytelling is clear, while the drawing is a bit chaotic.  On the other hand, his Robin #1 cover art is beautiful, and I have seen some of Melnikov's cover art and single-page illustrations, and they are also visually and/or graphically striking.

Melnikov's influences show, and to be honest, every page and some times every panel shows a new influence.  I see Art Adams and early Joe Madureira.  There is some early Tony S. Daniel – think the Tony Daniels of The Tenth (Image Comics).  There is some Jim Lee and a little Rob Liefeld.  I think Gleb Melnikov has the potential to become a superstar artist, and the process of doing a monthly comic book title may bring that out.  Right now, as I've already stated, his drawing is raw, but, at the same time, I must admit that he is already a sharp colorist.

Troy Peteri's lettering also provides a nice balance to the tone of the story.  He creates a steady rhythm that heightens the intensity of the violent, Mortal Kombat-like battles.  So, this new Robin comic book is definitely worth another look or two.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Damian Wayne will want to read Robin.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, February 15, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: BATMAN: The Detective #1

BATMAN: THE DETECTIVE #1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS

STORY: Tom Taylor
ART: Andy Kubert
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITOR: Ben Abernathy
COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; Riccardo Federici
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2021)

Rated: Age 13+

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“Batman The Detective” Part One


Batman: The Detective is a new six-issue comic book miniseries.  It is written by Tom Taylor; drawn by Andy Kubert; colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Clem Robins.  This miniseries takes Batman on a harrowing, action-packed European adventure, in which he will meet new allies … and new enemies.

Batman: The Detective #1 opens 36,000 feet above Lancashire, England aboard Wayne Airlines, Flight 89.  It is flying from Gotham City to London with 147 passengers when tragedy strikes – and it is all Batman's fault.  This very personal and deadly message draws Batman out of Gotham to investigate, but waiting for him is an old ghost and also a name – “Equilibrium.”  This story guest-stars Knight (Beryl Hutchinson) and introduces the new Squire (Amina).

THE LOWDOWN:  Many acclaimed artists have drawn a Batman comic book or comic book series.  My favorites tend to be artists who left their mark on Batman during the last three and a half decades of the twentieth-century:  Carmine Infantino, Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, Frank Miller, and David Mazzuchelli.  The twenty-first century has offered an entire new roster of Batman artists for me to love, including an artist who has been drawing some of the most beautiful Batman comic book art for the last 15 years, Andy Kubert.

I bought a copy of Batman: The Detective #1 so that my imagination could enjoy some gorgeous Andy Kubert Batman art, and I am still thumbing through the pages of this comic book.  Kubert's aquiline and muscular Batman/Bruce Wayne is like a coiled big cat.  My favorite Kubert Batman pages are those splash pages and partial splash pages in which Kubert fills those pages with a larger-than-life Batman or a larger-than-life character, sometimes wearing a Batman-like costume.  [Early in Kubert's run as the artist of the ongoing Batman comic book series, he drew a massive Bane in a Batman costume.  Wow!]

As for the story, Tom Taylor offers a clever gimmick and hook.  Still, I think Batman: The Detective #1 is mostly flat until the second half of the story.  There is, however, potential here, but not enough for me to spend $19.95 U.S. plus tax to read the remaining five issues.  Andy Kubert is the reason that I am giving this comic book a high grade.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Andy Kubert's Batman art will want to try Batman: The Detective.

B+
7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: The Golden Child #1

DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: THE GOLDEN CHILD No. 1
DC COMICS/Black Label

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Frank Miller
ART: Rafael Grampá
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: John Workman and Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Mark Doyle
COVER: Rafael Grampa with Pedro Cobiaco
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair; Joelle Jones with Dave McCaig; Rafael Grampa with Pedro Cobiaco; Paul Pope with Jose Villarrubia
32pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (February 2020)

Ages 17+

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger


Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (also known as DKR) was a four-issue comic book miniseries starring Batman.  Published by DC Comics in 1986, this prestige-format comic book was written by Frank Miller; drawn by Miller (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Lynn Varley; and lettered by John Costanza, with the book covers drawn by Miller and Varley.

DKR told the tale of a 50-year-old Bruce Wayne, long retired as Batman, who dons the cape and cowl again to take on a new crime wave in Gotham City.  When an institutionalized Joker discovers that Batman has returned, he revives himself and begins a new crime wave of craziness.  Batman also battles Superman who is trying to force Batman back into retirement.

DRK was a smash hit, and from the time of its publication, it became a hugely influential comic book, especially on the editorial mindset of DC Comics.  There have been sequels to DKR, as well as other comic books set in its “universe.”  The most recent DKR comic book is Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child.  It written by Frank Miller, drawn by Rafael Grampá; colored by Jordie Bellaire; and lettered by John Workman and Deron BennettThe Golden Child finds the heirs to the legacy of the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel taking on adversaries of their predecessors.

Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child #1 opens three years after the events depicted in the nine-issue miniseries, Dark Knight III: The Master Race (2015-2017).  Lara, the daughter of Wonder Woman (Diana) and her consort, Superman, has spent that time learning to be more human.  After spending her life with the Amazons of Paradise Island, however, Lara has a great disdain for humans.  Carrie Kelley, the former Robin, has been growing into her new role as The Batwoman, after Bruce Wayne/Batman finally retired.

The Batwoman has been battling the Joker and his gang of Joker clones, who are in full rage as the day of the U.S. presidential election approaches.  [Although he is not named, President Donald Trump's image and presence are prominent throughout this comic book].  But Joker has found a new partner in a terrifying evil that has come to Gotham – Darkseid.  Now, Lara and Carrie must team-up to stop two evils, but their secret weapon, young Jonathan, “the golden child” (Lara's brother and Diana and Superman's son) is also the object of Darkseid's murderous desire.

I really like Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child, but not because of Frank Miller's story.  It is a hot mess of sound and fury signifying nothing.  It is like someone's incorrect idea that the sound of Jack Kirby is not big (in relation to Darkseid, a character he created), but is histrionics.  Miller does offer a few good ideas, and he is one of the few mainstream comic book creators that could get away with not only casting Donald Trump in a DC Comics title, but also portraying him in an unflattering light.  Teaming-up Joker and Darkseid is not one of Miller's good ideas, and Miller's portrayal of Lara and Jonathan is a mixed bag.  But I can tell that Miller really loves Carrie Kelley, a character he created in DKR.  She is glorious as The Batwoman.

No, I don't love Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child because of Frank Miller.  I love it because of Rafael Grampa, the Brazilian film director and comic book artist.  Grampa's style in Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child is a mixture of Frank Miller's graphic style in both Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and in his Sin City series of miniseries and one-shot comic books and also of Scottish comic book artist Frank Quitely's graphic style.

Grampa's gorgeous illustrations and compositions look even better under Jordie Bellaire's inventive coloring and varietal of hues.  But even all that pretty art can't create superb graphical storytelling from Frank Miller's mish-mash of a story, except in a few places – the Batwoman sections of course.  Carrie Kelley is absolutely spectacular in the double-caped, leathery Bat-suit, which also looks like an actual man-sized bat.

Well, you can't get everything, although John Workman and Deron Bennett also deliver some fine-looking lettering.  So I'll be satisfied with Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child #1 being one of the beautifully drawn and illustrated comic book one-shots that I have ever read.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------


Thursday, June 27, 2019

Review: NEW CHALLENGERS #1

NEW CHALLENGERS No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Rebecca Taylor
COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (July 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

Challengers of the Unknown created by Jack Kirby

Part 1

DC Comics has launched a new superhero comic book initiative, “The New Age of DC Heroes,” coming out of its Dark Nights: Metal event miniseries.  This line of comic books will consist of eight new comic book series:  The Curse of Brimstone, Damage, The Immortal Men, Sideways, The Silencer, The Terrifics, The Unexpected, and the subject of this review, New Challengers.

New Challengers is the seventh release (with only The Unexpected still due).  The series is written by Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie; drawn by Andy Kubert (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Deron Bennett.  New Challengers is a reboot of the Jack Kirby creation, Challengers of the Unknown.  This feature focused on group of adventurers that first appeared in Showcase #6 (cover dated: February 1957) and appeared off-and-on in various forms and in comic books over the next six decades.

New Challengers #1 takes place during the events depicted in Dark Nights: MetalTrina Alvarez, Robert Brink, Moses Barber, and a man who insists on being called “Krunch” are dead.  Their first post-mortem stop is Challengers Mountain, and now it is time for them to meet the mysterious “Professor,” or as he calls himself, “The Prof.”  He is giving these “misfit strangers” a second chance at life, but only if they obey the orders of the Prof and execute deadly missions in the most unexplored corners of the multiverse.  And before the first mission even begins, one them dies!

I can say that I am intrigued by New Challengers.  I am a fan of artist Andy Kubert and have been for almost three decades, so I tend to want to read any comic book that he draws.  However, although Kubert's pencil art is inked by the great Klaus Janson, this is far from being close to Kubert's best work  The page design is impressive, but the storytelling does not aspire to be anything more than professionally polished.  Brad Anderson covers Kubert-Janson's compositions in his shimmering, evocative colors.  Deron Bennett wrangles the Challengers Mountain worth of dialogue in this first issue with sterling lettering and graphic design.  So that does make things, from a graphical storytelling point of view, a little better.

Writers Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie tease as much as they leave things about this story vague.  I thought too much about this first issue was coy.  Would it have killed DC Comics to make all first issues of “New Age” titles double-sized?  New Challengers #1 definitely needs to be at least regular-size and a half.  Twenty pages is a joke; 30 pages would have made this a better first issue.  Honestly, as it is, New Challengers #1 is only a little above average, but I will try the second issue.

6 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------


Saturday, April 6, 2019

Review: THE CURSE OF BRIMSTONE #1

THE CURSE OF BRIMSTONE No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Philip Tan & Justin Jordan
SCRIPT: Justin Jordan
ART: Philip Tan
COLORS: Rain Beredo
LETTERS: Wes Abbott
COVER: Philip Tan with Rain Beredo
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

The Curse of Brimstone created by Justin Jordan and Philip Tan

“Inferno” Part 1

DC Comics has launched a new superhero comics initiative, “The New Age of DC Heroes,” coming out of its Dark Nights: Metal event miniseries.  This line of comic books will consist of eight new comic book series:  Damage, The Immortal Men, New Challengers, Sideways, The Silencer, The Terrifics, The Unexpected, and the subject of this review, The Curse of Brimstone.

The Curse of Brimstone is created by writer Justin Jordan and artist Philip Tan.  The series is colored by Rain Beredo; and lettered by Wes Abbott.  The series focuses on a young man who would do anything to save his small town, even make a deal with the devil.

The Curse of Brimstone #1 opens in the small, forgotten rural town of York Hills.  Once it was a coal mining town.  Then, it was a factory town.  Now, it is neither.  Schools and businesses have closed, and many of its citizens have moved away.  Joe Chamberlain is trapped here in this no-nothing town, and he has no prospects of getting out.  He is too poor to move, and he cannot afford school.  However, Joe is determined that his sister, Annie, who is smart, not get trapped in York Hills.

Enter the mysterious Mr. Salesman.  He has an offer to make Joe Chamberlain, one that is supposed to save York Hills and give Joe a really good job... and the curse of Brimstone.

The Curse of Brimstone #1 is mostly set-up with some teasing, but what Justin Jordan and Philip Tan are offering with this first issue is quite intriguing.  I really know what is going on here.  I honestly cannot wait for the second issue, which I cannot say about all the “New Age of Heroes” titles.

Graphically, The Curse of Brimstone #1 looks like a Vertigo comic book and has more than a passing resemblance to the art of Steve Bissette, John Totleben, and Tatjana Wood for the 1980s iteration of Swamp Thing written by Alan Moore.  The last four pages of The Curse of Brimstone #1 are visually and graphically explosive and fiery, and they cast a spell on me.  I feel cursed to return for at least a few more issues.

7.5 out of 10

[This comic book contains a preview of New Challengers #1 by Scott Snyder, Aaron Gillespie, Andy Kubert, Klaus Janson, Brad Anderson, and Deron Bennett.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------


Monday, September 3, 2018

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 5, 2018

DC COMICS

JUL180621    ADVENTURES OF THE SUPER SONS #2 (OF 12)    $3.99
JUL180624    BATMAN #54    $3.99
JUL180625    BATMAN #54 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR180338    BATMAN BY JEPH LOEB AND TIM SALE OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
FEB180296    BATMAN BY SCOTT SNYDER & GREG CAPULLO BOX SET 3    $59.99
JUN180572    BATMAN CATWOMAN THE WEDDING ALBUM DELUXE ED HC    $17.99
JUN180566    BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS TP VOL 07 BATMAN ETERNAL    $16.99
MAY189860    BATMAN LIL GOTHAM BATMAN DAY 2018 #1 SPECIAL ED    $PI
JUN180560    BATMAN PRELUDE TO KNIGHTFALL TP    $19.99
JUN180571    BATMAN PRELUDES TO THE WEDDING TP    $16.99
JUN180569    BATMAN THE COURT OF OWLS SAGA ESSENTIAL EDITION TP    $24.99
JUL180716    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT BATMAN DAY 2018 #1 SPECIAL ED    $0.25
JUL180599    BORDER TOWN #1 (MR)    $3.99
JUL180600    BORDER TOWN #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL180601    COVER #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JUL180603    COVER #1 (OF 6) BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL180602    COVER #1 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL180633    CURSE OF BRIMSTONE #6    $2.99
JUN180575    DARK KNIGHT III THE MASTER RACE TP    $24.99
JUL180635    DEATHSTROKE #35    $3.99
JUL180636    DEATHSTROKE #35 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL180606    DREAMING #1 (MR)    $3.99
JUL180608    DREAMING #1 BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL180607    DREAMING #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL180645    GREEN ARROW #44    $3.99
JUL180646    GREEN ARROW #44 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL180647    GREEN LANTERNS #54    $3.99
JUL180648    GREEN LANTERNS #54 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL180651    HARLEY QUINN #49    $3.99
JUL180652    HARLEY QUINN #49 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL180658    INJUSTICE 2 #33    $2.99
JUL180772    JINXWORLD SAMPLER #1    $1.00
JUL180661    JUSTICE LEAGUE #7    $3.99
JUL180663    JUSTICE LEAGUE #7 JIM LEE PENCIL VAR ED    $PI
JUL180662    JUSTICE LEAGUE #7 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL180675    NIGHTWING #48    $3.99
JUL180676    NIGHTWING #48 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL180703    UNEXPECTED #4    $2.99
JUL180611    UNITED STATES VS MURDER INC #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JUL180613    UNITED STATES VS MURDER INC #1 (OF 6) BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL180612    UNITED STATES VS MURDER INC #1 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99

Monday, February 19, 2018

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 21, 2018

DC COMICS

NOV170386    AMERICAN WAY THOSE ABOVE AND BELOW #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
DEC170246    AQUAMAN #33    $3.99
DEC170247    AQUAMAN #33 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170256    BATMAN #41    $2.99
DEC170257    BATMAN #41 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170264    BATMAN AND THE SIGNAL #2 (OF 3) (RES)    $3.99
DEC170236    BATMAN SINS OF THE FATHER #1 (OF 6)    $2.99
DEC170237    BATMAN SINS OF THE FATHER #1 (OF 6) VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170258    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC170259    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #4 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170267    BATWOMAN #12    $3.99
DEC170268    BATWOMAN #12 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170273    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #12    $2.99
DEC170238    BRAVE & THE BOLD BATMAN & WONDER WOMAN #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC170228    CAVE CARSON SWAMP THING SPECIAL #1    $4.99
DEC178229    DAMAGE #1 2ND PTG    $2.99
DEC170223    DAMAGE #2 (RES)    $2.99
NOV170366    DC UNIVERSE BY NEIL GAIMAN TP    $19.99
DEC170406    DEATHBED #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
NOV170368    FLASHPOINT UNWRAPPED HC    $29.99
DEC170361    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #7    $3.99
DEC170362    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #7 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170292    GREEN LANTERNS #41    $2.99
DEC170293    GREEN LANTERNS #41 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170300    HARLEY QUINN #38    $2.99
DEC170301    HARLEY QUINN #38 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170307    INJUSTICE 2 #20    $2.99
DEC170310    JUSTICE LEAGUE #39    $2.99
DEC170311    JUSTICE LEAGUE #39 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170372    MAD MAGAZINE #550    $5.99
NOV170338    MOTHER PANIC TP VOL 02 UNDER HER SKIN (MR)    $16.99
AUG170339    NEW TEEN TITANS OMNIBUS HC VOL 02 NEW ED    $75.00
DEC170321    NIGHTWING #39    $2.99
DEC170322    NIGHTWING #39 VAR ED    $2.99
AUG170341    ROBIN YEAR ONE DELUXE EDITION HC    $34.99
DEC170329    SUPER SONS #13    $3.99
DEC170330    SUPER SONS #13 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170337    SUPERMAN #41    $2.99
DEC170338    SUPERMAN #41 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV170374    SUPERMAN PRESIDENT LUTHOR TP NEW ED    $29.99
DEC170371    TEEN TITANS GO #26    $2.99
DEC170327    TRINITY #18    $3.99
DEC170328    TRINITY #18 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170349    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC170351    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #6 (OF 6) LOPRESTI VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170350    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #6 (OF 6) REIS VAR ED    $3.99
NOV170377    YOUNG JUSTICE TP BOOK 02    $29.99

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Review: DARK NIGHTS: Metal #2

DARK NIGHTS: METAL No. 2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Jonathan Glapion
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion with FCO Plascencia
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2017)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Dark Nights: Metal is the current comic book event miniseries from DC Comics.  The series will run for six issues, and will include at least 19 individual tie-in issues.  Some tie-ins will be original one-shots and others will be issues of currently ongoing comic book series (such as Teen Titans and Suicide Squad, to name two).  Two of the tie-ins have already been published, Dark Days: The Forge and Dark Days: The Casting.  The first “Metal” title was published on June 14, 2017 (The Forge) and the final entry in the event (Dark Nights: Metal #6) is scheduled to be published February 14, 2017.

Dark Nights: Metal introduces the “Dark Multiverse,” and is written by Scott Snyder and drawn (pencil art) by Greg Capullo, the creative team behind The New 52 relaunch of the Batman ongoing title.  The rest of the creative team includes inker Jonathan Glapion; colorist FCO Plascencia; and letterer Steve Wands.

Dark Nights: Metal #2 finds the Justice LeagueSuperman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Flash, and Cyborg – in hot pursuit of their teammate, Batman.  The Dark Knight Detective, however, is determined to address his crisis on his own and to protect his teammates from the really bad thing that is coming to Earth.  Thus, conflict is born and the League battles Batman.  From the Amazon rain forests to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, friend fights friend.  Can the Batman and Justice League stop what is coming... what may be destined?

I was not enjoying Dark Nights: Metal #2 quite as much as I did the first issue; then, baby Darkseid shows up, and how can I not love that? Then, there is the killer ending and... the arrival.  I must say that I find the inclusion of Neil Gaiman's Sandman (Daniel? or Morpheus?) to be contrived, but the other guest cameos (Green Arrow, Gorilla City) are quite nice.

Dark Nights: Metal is big, but not bloated, which is what I found Marvel Comics' Secret Empire to be.  Secret Empire has so much stuff going on, more than I wanted to follow, so I didn't read it past the zero issue.  On the other hand, Metal is so is like a streamlined rocket racing in a straight line past omens and portents to the big, freakin' dark arrival.

I think the other thing that is in Metal's favor is that its creative team was The New 52 Batman creative team for the better part of four years.  Thus, Metal actually seems like a continuation of something concrete in the DC Universe, something will not be re-birthed and rebooted away – Snyder and Capullo's Batman.  Metal validates that Batman comic book series, and Batman is the anchor for this big event which might mean something important to the DCU for some time to come.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Monday, September 11, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 13, 2017

DC COMICS

JUL170324    ACTION COMICS #987 (OZ EFFECT)    $2.99
JUL170323    ACTION COMICS #987 LENTICULAR ED (OZ EFFECT)    $3.99
JUL170325    ACTION COMICS #987 VAR ED (OZ EFFECT)    $2.99
JUL170336    BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY #14    $3.99
JUL170337    BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY #14 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN170391    BATMAN DARK KNIGHT MASTER RACE COVERS DLX ED HC    $24.99
JUN170398    BATMAN HIS GREATEST ADVENTURES TP    $9.99
JUL170300    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUL170301    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6) KUBERT VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170302    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6) LEE VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170303    DARK NIGHTS METAL #2 (OF 6) ROMITA VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170381    DC DESIGNER SER BATMAN BY ANDY KUBERT MINI STATUE    $80.00
MAR170454    DC ICONS NIGHTWING AF    $28.00
MAR170456    DC ICONS ROBIN & SUPERBOY AF 2 PACK    $60.00
MAR170455    DC ICONS SUPERGIRL AF    $28.00
APR170411    DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH OMNIBUS EXPANDED EDITION HC    $99.99
JUL170352    DETECTIVE COMICS #964    $2.99
JUL170353    DETECTIVE COMICS #964 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170356    FLASH #30    $2.99
JUL170357    FLASH #30 VAR ED    $2.99
JUN170382    GREEN LANTERNS TP VOL 03 POLARITY (REBIRTH)    $16.99
JUL170368    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #28    $2.99
JUL170369    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #28 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170413    HARLEY QUINN 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1    $4.99
JUL170415    HARLEY QUINN 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 DODSON VAR ED    $4.99
JUL170414    HARLEY QUINN 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 LEE VAR ED    $4.99
JUN170384    HARLEY QUINN REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 01    $34.99
JUN170383    HARLEY QUINN TP VOL 03 RED MEAT (REBIRTH)    $16.99
JUN170419    HELLBLAZER TP VOL 17 OUT OF SEASON (MR)    $29.99
JUL170382    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #14    $2.99
JUL170383    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #14 VAR ED    $2.99
MAY170339    LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT JIM APARO HC VOL 03    $49.99
JUL178215    MISTER MIRACLE #1 (OF 12) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
JUL170429    MISTER MIRACLE #2 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.99
JUL170430    MISTER MIRACLE #2 (OF 12) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUL170386    NEW SUPER MAN #15    $3.99
JUL170387    NEW SUPER MAN #15 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170388    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #14    $3.99
JUL170389    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #14 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170435    SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #17    $3.99
JUL170436    SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #17 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170439    SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #85    $2.99
JUL170315    SUICIDE SQUAD #25    $3.99
JUL170316    SUICIDE SQUAD #25 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170390    SUPERGIRL #13    $3.99
JUL170391    SUPERGIRL #13 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN170387    SUPERMAN REBORN HC (REBIRTH)    $24.99
JUL170398    SUPERWOMAN #14    $3.99
JUL170399    SUPERWOMAN #14 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170317    TEEN TITANS #12 (METAL)    $3.99
JUL170318    TEEN TITANS #12 VAR ED (METAL)    $3.99
JUL170400    TITANS #15    $3.99
JUL170401    TITANS #15 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170404    WONDER WOMAN #30    $2.99
JUL170405    WONDER WOMAN #30 VAR ED    $2.99

Friday, September 8, 2017

Review: Dark Nights: METAL #1

DARK NIGHTS: METAL No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Jonathan Glapion
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion with FCO Plascencia
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson; John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“Metal”

Dark Nights: Metal is the new comic book event miniseries from DC Comics.  The series will run for six issues, and will include at least 19 individual tie-in issues.  Some tie-ins will be original one-shots and others will be issues of currently ongoing comic book series (such as Teen Titans and Suicide Squad, to name two).  Two of the tie-ins have already been published, Dark Days: The Forge and Dark Days: The Casting.  The first “Metal” title was published on June 14, 2017 (The Forge) and the final comic book (Dark Nights: Metal #6) is scheduled to be published February 14, 2017.

Dark Nights: Metal introduces the “Dark Multiverse,” and this miniseries is written by Scott Snyder and drawn (pencil art) by Greg Capullo, the creative team behind The New 52 relaunch of the Batman ongoing title.  The rest of the creative team includes inker Jonathan Glapion; colorist FCO Plascencia; and letterer Steve Wands.

Dark Nights: Metal #1 finds the Justice LeagueSuperman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Flash, and Cyborg – prisoners of Mongul.  He controls the superheroes via special armor and forces the Justice League to entertain him and a stadium full of Braalians by fighting as gladiators.  Thus far, the League has defeated its opponents, but Mongul is about to introduce newer and more powerful creatures.  The team needs to escape because there is trouble on Earth:  an attack on Gotham City and an ages-old secret on Blackhawk Island – a secret that will shake the foundations of the Multiverse now and forever.

Of course, dear readers, you remember the 2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises, the third film in Christopher Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY.  [I think Warner Bros. requires that it be written all in caps.]  Every scene and sequence in that film seemed to build to some crescendo – a crescendo that never happened.  Hans Zimmer's score kept pounding and director Chris Nolan kept building his self-important cinematic “masterpiece” until its contrived ending arrives without ever delivering that crescendo.  That movie was like one long, massive, elaborate chicken-choking session without the explosive payoff.

Luckily, Scott Snyder knows how to build his Bat-crescendo, but he does not build towards one big climax.  Dark Nights: Metal is a mystery, thriller, and horror story that uses scenes and sequences to create anticipation – some are loud and big and others are simply tense.  Snyder offers clues and secrets; and the prize is not necessarily a crescendo.  Maybe, Metal finishes with a series of big reveals, and/or maybe, in the end, it adds something new to the DC Comics Universe.

As for artist Greg Capullo, well, we finally get our Capullo-drawn Justice League comic book.  I like that Metal is more like a Justice League comic book than it is like Crisis on Infinite Earths-style event.  Capullo's storytelling feels immediate, tense, and tight like a particularly good Justice League comic book and, once again, less like one of those loud, bloated, out of control company-wide event comic books (say, Marvel's Secret Empire.)

So let's say that Dark Nights: Metal #1 gets it right by creating anticipation rather than exploding in our hands after only three strokes... I mean, three pages.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Review: Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9

DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE No. 9
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS:  Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Andy Kubert and Frank Miller with Brad Anderson; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Greg Capullo; Klaus Janson with Alex Sinclair; Frank Quitely; Mikel Janin; Chip Kidd
40pp (plus 16-page insert), Color, $5.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

A nine-issue comic book publishing event, Dark Knight III: The Master Race (also known as DKIII) is the second sequel to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (also known simply as The Dark Knight Returns or DKR).  DKR is the now-legendary 1986 four-issue comic book miniseries written by Frank Miller and drawn by Miller (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks).  DKR focuses on a 50-year-old Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to resume fighting crime as Batman.

DKIII is written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller; drawn by Andy Kubert (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Clem Robins.  In DKIII, Batman unites with Superman to stop a murderous group of people from Superman's home planet, Krypton, from taking over the Earth.  Meanwhile, Superman's daughter with Wonder Woman, Lara, has joined with the murderous Kryptonians, and Carrie Kelley, the former Robin, begins to evolve into the new Batgirl.

As Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9 opens, the “master race” of Kryptonians from the Bottled City of Kandor and their leader, Quar, prepare to make the Earth unlivable in order to punish humanity for not worshiping them.  Enter Green Lantern and the Atom.  Batman has a surprise for Quar and company, but Superman may have the biggest surprise of all.

If I remember correctly, when it announced that DKIII was being extended to nine issues, DC Comics said there was more story to tell (or something like that).  After reading DKIII #9, I don't know if this is so much “more story” as it is an extended action sequence, all of which could have been wrapped up in a double-sized DKIII #8.

After much criticism and complaining about DKIII (with only scattered praise), I had to admit that I thought that DKIII #8 was not only the best issue of the series, but was also a truly good comic book.  DKIII #7 and #8 moved the narrative forward more powerfully than a locomotive, and #9 is nice finale slash coda coming after those two issues.

I think that DKIII #9 also came into existence to prepare the way for more comics set in the world of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.  Rumor has it that DC may have outlines all the way to an eighth miniseries, and I'll probably read them all.  For all the series' unevenness, DKIII #9 has some surprises, like The Atom's pivotal moment and the last page, with its graphic homage to an iconic graphic from DKR.  Plus, I can't resist the eight-page gallery of Adam Kubert and Klaus Janson's art in black and white.  So in the end, I'll recommend Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9.

Dark Knight Universe Presents: Action Comics #1 (Insert comic book)
STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Frank Miller
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Frank Miller and Klaus Janson with Alex Sinclair

I have not really enjoyed these mini-comics inserted into the center of each issue of DKIII, but I did like DKIII #7's“Strange Adventures” and #8's “Detective Comics.”  In “Action Comics #1,” Batman provides a narration as we look in on heroes like Aquaman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, and The Atom.  Also, Lara and Carrie Kelley/Batgirl take the next steps in their lives (with Carrie's evolution alluded to at the end of the main story).  “Action Comics #1” is also a nice coda slash prelude to the probable “DKIV” or “DK4.”

B+
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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