#IReadsYou Review: SECOND SIGHT #1

SECOND SIGHT No. 1
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David Hine
ARTIST: Alberto Ponticelli
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Jimmy Betancourt
COVER: Alberto Ponticelli with John Kalisz
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2016)

For mature readers

Second Sight created by David Hine

Chapter 1: “Vision in Red”

Second Sight is a new comic book series created and written by David Hine and drawn by Alberto Ponticelli.  The series focuses on a man who once became a celebrity because of his ability to see through the eyes of psychotic killers... before he was eventually accused of being a killer.

Second Sight #1 (“Vision in Red”) introduces Ray Palmer, owner of “The Bibliomaniac,” a bookstore that focuses on antiquarian and rare second-hand books.  Of late, he is plagued by bad dreams, and now two journalists, interested in his past, have added to Palmer's woes.

Once upon a time, Palmer was renowned psychic, Ray Pilgrim.  Now, that past has returned because of Ray's daughter, Toni.  She is using her blog to dig into a sex scandal involving The Wednesday Club, a rumored, secret club for the powerful.  Something else has also returned, threatening to reopen the darkest period in Ray's life.

I have read very little of David Hine's work, but what I have read I have found to be highly-imaginative and also inventive in a way most mainstream comic books are not.  In 2008, I read his original English language (OEL) manga, Poison Candy (TOKYOPOP), and was quite impressed.  Because of that American manga, I thought that Hine had the potential to be the next “great” British comic book writer in America.

After reading this first issue of Second Sight, I still believe that Hine's potential is largely untapped.  I think Hine's imagination will show itself in this series with stomach-turning aplomb.  Secret societies, child murders, pedophilia, sadism, masochism, serial killers, and some family dysfunction to cleanse the palette – it's almost more than I can digest... almost.

Alberto Ponticelli's twisty drawing style, edgy compositions, and darkly sweet storytelling is perfect for Hine's sweetly dark story.  I don't think that I can wait an entire month for #2...

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: BASKETFUL OF HEADS #1

BASKETFUL OF HEADS #1
DC COMICS/DC Black Label – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Joe Hill
ART: Leomacs
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITORS: Mark Doyle and Amedeo Turturro
COVER: Reiko Murakami
VARIANT COVER: Joshua Middleton
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2019)

“Ages 17+”

Basketful of Heads created by Joe Hill

Bestselling dark fantasy and horror novelist, Joe Hill, and DC Comics have launched a new “pop-up line” of horror comics entitled “Hill House Comics.”  The initial offerings from Hill House consist of five comic book limited series:  The Dollhouse Family, written by Mike Carey and illustrated by Peter Gross; The Low, Low Woods, written by Carmen Maria Machado and illustrated by Dani; Daphne Byrne, written by Laura Marks and illustrated by Kelley Jones.

Hill is writing the other two – Plunge, which will be illustrated by Stuart Immonen, and Basketful of Heads, the first Hill House release and the subject of this review.  Basketful of Heads is drawn by Leomacs; colored by Dave Stewart; and lettered by Deron Bennett.  The series will feature a young woman and an ax that has the supernatural power to lop off a human head in a single stroke.  But the lopped-off heads keep talking!

Basketful of Heads #1 opens on Brody Island, Maine in September 1983.  There, we meet a young couple staying on the island for the summer.  They are vivacious party girl, June, and Liam Ellsworth, who is working as a temp officer with the Brody Island Police Department.  They are enjoying a day in Liam's “dune buggy” police car when they get a call from Brody Island Police Chief Wade Clausen.

It seems that some prisoners have managed to escape from “Shawshank Prison” (a reference to a fictional state prison that appears in the work of Joe Hill's father, legendary novelist, Stephen King).  The escape leads to June and Liam inadvertently house-sitting, which is when the story really begins.

Basketful of Heads #1 is mostly an introduction to the series' setting.  Eighteen of the twenty-two pages of this first issue walk us through the world of Brody Island and introduce the main characters, while hinting at what will be June and Liam's first deadly dilemma.  The narrative really does not begin until the twenty-first and twenty-second pages of this issue – the last two pages.

Hill does a good, but not great job with this first issue, and I find the characters and the setting only mildly interesting.  But the last two pages make me think that I will be more than mildly interested when the proverbial shit hits the fan – hopeful in issue two.

Artist Leomacs' graphical style seems just right for a horror, thriller, or crime comic book, and Dave Stewart's coloring establishes a sense of foreboding.  Deron Bennett's lettering does most of the heavy lifting in giving this story a sense of rhythm and the feeling that it is actually going somewhere and is not just introducing some people who live on a tourist-trap island.  Basketful of Heads #1 is good enough to make me want to check out another issue.

“Sea Dogs” Part One: “Boarding Party”
STORY: Joe Hill
ART: Dan McDaid
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Wes Abbott
EDITORS: Mark Doyle and Maggie Howell

“Sea Dogs” is a comics serial that will run in four-page increments at the back of every issue of Hill House Comics (apparently in the initial run of series).  “Sea Dogs” will tell the tale of how werewolves helped the Thirteen American Colonies and its Continental army win their war against Great Britain.

The first chapter, “Boarding Party,” opens in May 1780, at a secret rebel stronghold in upstate New York.  The mysterious Mr. Bolton meets a trio of men, who can transform into werewolves.  He wants to recruit the men and their special abilities in order to help the American rebels.  Their target is the powerful British Navy, which is destroying the Continental navy and other colonial ships by the hundreds and is also creating a blockade that has left the Continental army half-starved and poorly equipped.

The art by Dan McDaid and colors by John Kalisz recall the comic book art of classic DC Comics horror titles of the late 1960s and 1970s like House of Mystery and Ghosts.  Letterer Wes Abbott's fonts are delightfully old school, and I must admit that I am quite intrigued by Joe Hill's concept here.  Plus, I also love werewolves!

[This comic book also contains an essay by Joe Hill.]

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DASTARDLY & MUTTLEY #1

DASTARDLY & MUTTLEY No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ART: Mauricet
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVER: Mauricet
VARIANT COVER: Liam Sharp
32pp, Color, $1.99 U.S. (November 2017)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Chapter 1: “And I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues”

“Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines” was a Saturday morning cartoon series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions for CBS.  The series originally aired from September 13, 1969 to January 3, 1970.  “Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines” focused on Dick Dastardly, a pilot and a villain, and his canine sidekick, Muttley, who were part of the Vulture Squadron.  Each episode depicted an attempt by Dastardly and the squadron to catch Yankee Doodle Pigeon, a carrier pigeon who carried secret messages.

DC Comics has been reinventing and re-imagining classic Hanna-Barbera Saturday morning cartoons in new comic book series since early 2016, which has yielded The Flintstones with an edgy twist and “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” with an apocalyptic twist, Scooby Apocalypse.  “Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines” get the DC Comics reboot treatment with the new DC Comics miniseries, Dastardly and Muttley.  It is written by Garth Ennis; drawn by Mauricet; colored by John Kalisz; and lettered by Rob Steen.

Dastardly and Muttley #1 (“And I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues”) opens with seeming nuclear apocalypse in the country of Unliklistan via the rare element, “Unstabilium 239.”  Five days later, a United States Air Force reconnaissance flight is over Unliklistan.  Lt. Col. R. Atcherly and Capt. D. Muller expect the unexpected, but sometimes the unexpected is absolutely unimaginable.

Dastardly and Muttley #1 is merely a first issue, but as first issues go, it is surreal and instantly grabbing.  Considering Garth Ennis' imagination and inventiveness, we never know what to expect even when we think we do know what to expect.  Artist Mauricet is up to the task of balancing the realism with the wacky, cartoonish surrealism that we can certainly expect.

I don't have to say much because Ennis is always worth a second look, and the anticipation of the art and graphics Mauricet will offer makes the second issue of Dastardly and Muttley a must-have.

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.

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Review: JIMMY'S BASTARDS #2

JIMMY'S BASTARDS No. 2
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Russ Braun
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVER: Dave Johnson
22pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Mature Readers

Created by Garth Ennis and Russ Braun

“Ninety-Nine Percent”

Jimmy's Bastards is a new comic book series created by writer Garth Ennis and artist Russ Braun.  Ennis is known for the seminal DC Comics/Vertigo title, Preacher, and for his work on such titles as The Punisher and his controversial creator-owned title, The Boys.  Braun is known for his work on Vertigo titles like Fables, Fairest, and Jack of Fables.  John Kalisz as colorist and Rob Steen as letterer are Ennis and Braun's collaborators on this series.

Jimmy's Bastards focuses on James “Jimmy” Regent, Great Britain's number one super-spy.  He has all the intrigue and adventure he can handle, and he has a license to shoot whomever he likes.  Jimmy has a veritable legion of beautiful and willing women, but his new partner, Nancy McEwan, isn't sold on his charms, though.  Their is also a new threat mounting against Jimmy.

Jimmy's Bastards #2 (“Ninety-Nine Percent”) is enjoying a round of golf with Sir X of MI6 and not-so-much enjoying a round of golf with X's son, Rupert.  Suddenly, there is an attack from Jerry Fokker's crew, but there is something strange about this racist group this time around.  Nancy thinks there is a larger conspiracy.  Maybe, they are both missing the big picture.

After reading the first issue, I thought that the central premise of Jimmy's Bastards was ripe with possibilities.  However, I did not like Jimmy Regent the character, although I think that he is supposed to be a likable unlikable rogue.  Still, he barely registered to me as a character, but he registers, now.

After reading Jimmy's Bastards #2, I find everything about this series more likable.  I think that Jimmy and the conspirators who want to kill him are a lot of cads and clowns, but they will yield comedy gold.  I expect Nancy McEwan to play the straight woman to this mess of idiots.  Now, I am having fun reading this comic book and can't wait for the third issue.

I heartily recommend Jimmy's Bastards to Garth Ennis fans.  I think that he is going to deliver his usual bucket of blood, and artist Russ Braun seems like the perfect artist (this time around) to bring that bucket to comic book life.

7.5 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.

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Review: JIMMY'S BASTARDS #1

JIMMY'S BASTARDS No. 1
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Russ Braun
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVERS: Dave Johnson (A); Russ Braun with John Kalisz (B)
VARIANT COVERS: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson; Cully Hamner; Andrew Robinson; Mike Booth with Elizabeth Torque
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Mature Readers

Created by Garth Ennis and Russ Braun

“Get Daddy”

Jimmy's Bastards is a new comic book series from writer Garth Ennis and artist Russ Braun.  Ennis is known for the seminal DC Comics/Vertigo title, Preacher, and for his work on such titles as The Punisher and his controversial creator-owned title, The Boys.  Braun is known for his work on Vertigo titles like Fables, Fairest, and Jack of Fables.  On Jimmy's Bastards, John Kalisz is colorist and Rob Steen is letterer.

Jimmy's Bastards #1 (“Get Daddy”) introduces James “Jimmy” Regent, who is Great Britain's number one super-spy.  He has all the intrigue and adventure he can handle, and he has a license to shoot whomever he likes.  Jimmy can also perform whatever sexual acts he wishes on a veritable legion of beautiful and willing women.  His new partner, Nancy McEwan, isn't sold on his charms, though.  It turns out that she isn't the only one not so impressed with Jimmy.  Their is a new threat mounting against him and it is more personal than he can imagine.

I think that the central premise of Jimmy's Bastards is ripe with possibilities, but I don't like Jimmy Regent.  I think that he is supposed to be unlikable, but to me, he barely registers as a character.  Obviously, we will learn more about Jimmy in future issues (I hope).  I think that Nancy McEwan has more potential than Jimmy, but there will probably be some violence done to her in the end, ruining her full development.

I recommend Jimmy's Bastards to Garth Ennis fans, especially because I think the adversaries in this series will yield great fun.  Obviously, the second issue will reveal even more about this narrative than the first issue does.

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of Unholy Grail by Cullen Bunn and Miriko Colak.]

6.5 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.

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Review: DREAMING EAGLES #6

DREAMING EAGLES No. 6 (OF 6)
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Simon Coleby
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVER: Francesco Francavilla
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2016)

For mature readers

Dreaming Eagles created by Garth Ennis

Chapter 6: “A Stone of Hope”

Dreaming Eagles was a comic book miniseries created and written by Garth Ennis.  Published from late 2015 and into 2016, the series was drawn by Simon Coleby; colored by John Kalisz; lettered by Rob Steen, with Francesco Francavilla as the main cover artist.

Published in six issues, Dreaming Eagles tells the story of the first African-American fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force during World War II.  The narrative connects the pilots' stories with the 1960s Civil Rights movement through two characters, WWII veteran and USAAF pilot, Lt. Reggie Atkinson, and his son, Lee, a Civil Rights activist.  Lt. Atkinson recounts his experiences as a Black pilot in WWII, including his stint as a member of the “Red Tails,” to Lee.

As Dreaming Eagles #6 (“A Stone of Hope”) opens, Reggie moves the story to his last mission as a member of the Three Thirty-Second Fight Group (the Red Tails), as he and his fellow Black pilots escort U.S. Bombers on a raid into Berlin, Germany.  However, Lt. Atkinson and his friend and fellow pilot, “Fats,” return to the United States and find out that some people still don't consider Black people, even those who have defended the country, to be “Americans.”

Personal issues and sell-outs at the “local” comic book shops delayed me finishing Dreaming Eagles.  I ended up buying issues #3 and #6 on eBay.  Honestly, I did not want Dreaming Eagles to end, but the truth is that the story of the Black pilots and the Red Tails in WWII is a finite one.  As history, however, the story lives on simply because people dedicated to giving Black servicemen and servicewomen who served in WWII their due have been reviving such stories for the past few decades via various media, including books, TV and film documentaries, journalism, research, and fictional movies (such as George Lucas' Red Tails film).

I am not the only one who thinks that people who were born and who lived outside of the United States often see the truth about America's troubled race relations and race issues in a way that is clearer.  Sometimes, non-American see race in America in broader ways than citizens born and raised in the good old U.S. of A.

If Dreaming Eagles has an over-arching theme, it is that the struggle for Black people in America is an ongoing one and that progress isn't a process that ends.  One can't go just so far and then stop when the adversaries of equality and justice seem to make the struggle too hard to continue.  “Just so far” is not enough; the struggle means moving forward.  How far?  Will we know when we get there?  The answer to those questions is to fight as long as there is inequality and injustice.

The progress of the Black pilots in Dreaming Eagles epitomizes that.  Keep soaring, past the boundaries set by those who attempt to hold you back.  Thank you, Mr. Ennis and Mr. Coleby, for reminding us, not just of the WWII Black pilots' stories, but also that “just so far” isn't really far at all.

A+

[This comic book includes a four-page preview of the comic book , “Captain Kid,” by Mark Waid, Tom Peyer, and Wilfredo Torres.  There is also a two-page Q&A between Mike Marts and Ray Fawkes.]

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.

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Review: SUPERMAN #1

SUPERMAN No. 1 (2016)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Peter J. Tomasi
PENCILS: Patrick Gleason
INKS: Mick Gray
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Leigh
COVER: Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray with John Kalisz
VARIANT COVER: Kenneth Rocafort
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

“Son of Superman” Part One

The last time I reviewed an issue of Superman it was to express my opinion on Superman: Rebirth, of which I had mixed feelings.  Because of DC Comics' current publishing event-slash-initiative, Rebirth, there is a new first issue of Superman, and while I planned on reading this relaunch, I had no plans on reviewing it.  I finally stop putting off reading...

Superman #1 (“Son of Superman” Part One) is written by Peter J. Tomasi; drawn by Patrick Gleason (pencils) and Mick Gray (inks); colored by John Kalisz; and lettered by Rob Leigh.  It focuses on the GenX, post-Crisis/pre-New 52 Superman/Clark Kent.  Clark lives with his wife Lois Lane and their son, Jonathan, on “The Smith Farm” in Hamilton County, which is 300 miles north of Metropolis.

Yes, the Kents go by the name Smith, as they try to have a normal life, although Kent has taken on the mantle of this world's Superman (a long story).  Meanwhile, Jonathan is starting to chafe at all the secrecy, and young Kent's anxiety gets worse when surprising guests visit the Smiths, including Kathy Branden, the daughter of their new neighbors.

I was surprised by how much I liked Superman #1 (2016).  Since Clark Kent is a bit reticent or perhaps introspective about being Superman again, the Man of Steel has an air of foreboding and mystery about him.  When he does let his hero flag or, in this case, cape fly, there is a sense of majesty about him.  For the time being, writer Peter J. Tomasi is bringing a sense of wonder to Superman – something the title has lacked in recent years, but should always have.

Artists Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray are delivering quality work that reminds me of Steve Rude's work on Superman (and Batman) in the 1990 World Finest miniseries (written by Dave Gibbons).  I think Gleason and Gray's work on the recent Robin: Son of Batman was sharper, but I like what they are doing here.  I think this new Superman series has great potential.

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FUTURE QUEST #5

FUTURE QUEST No. 5
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTIST: Evan “Doc” Shaner; Craig Rousseau
COLORS: Hi-Fi; Jeremy Lawson
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc”Shaner
VARIANT COVER: Steve Rude with John Kalisz
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“The Wheel of History” Part 5

Future Quest is a comic book series that re-imagines and re-interprets the classic sci-fi and superhero television series created by American animation studio, Hanna-Barbera.  Published by DC Comics, Future Quest brings together the stars of the TV programs “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; colored by Hi-Fi; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Evan “Doc” Shaner is the series' lead artist, with other artists stepping in for particular chapters and side stories, such as artist Craig Rousseau for this issue.  Future Quest centers on the cast of “Jonny Quest” (referred to as “Team Quest”), as they lead a struggle against the universal and time-line threat, Omnikron, and a plot by Quest adversary, Dr. Zin, to use the entity.

In Future Quest #5 (“The Wheel of History”), Team Quest and company try to figure out the meaning of a set of ancient cliff paintings.  They encounter agents of F.E.A.R. and also an old Quest adversary.  Plus, dinosaurs stampede and a hero is reborn.  Also, meet “The Impossibles” in the story “Code Name: Cobalt.”  Learn about their origin and meet someone who wants to be their newest member.

Future Quest #5 starts with what may be the best 12-issue set of pages that I have read all year.  “The Wheel of History” highlights why writer Jeff Parker and artist Evan Shaner are the heart and soul of Future Quest.  Other artists have shone well, but when Parker and Shaner are together, it's magic, man – at least for me.  It is not even close; Parker-Shaner is DC Comics' best creative team.

Parker and Craig Rousseau are also good on The Impossibles story, which is a nice read.  But when I recommend Future Quest, I'm pimping Parker-Shaner, the dynamic duo of DC's best comic book.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: ALL-STAR SECTION 8 #1

ALL STAR SECTION 8 #1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ART: John McCrea
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Pat Brosseau
COVER: Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts
VARIANT COVER: John McCrea with Hi-Fi
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2015)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“I Often Wonder What the Vinters Buy”

One of the miniseries to come out of DC Comics' “DCYou” initiative is All Star Section 8.  This series focuses on a band of misfits that is called the “greatest superheroes of all time,” at least by the leader.  Apparently, this group was last seen in DC's 1990s action-crime series, Hitman.   All Star Section 8 is written by Garth Ennis and drawn by John McCrea, the creative team behind Hitman.  John Kalisz colors and Pat Brosseau letters All Star Section 8.

Stephen Speck is a bon vivant and art critc at the beginning of All Star Section 8 #1 (“I Often Wonder What the Vinters Buy”).  But alcohol reveals the truth; Stephen is befuddled hero, Sixpack, leader of the all-star team known as “Section Eight.”  Speck is desperate to rebuild Section Eight in order to face a deadly threat. He gathers old friends:  Bueno Excellente, Baytor and the seemingly reborn Dogwelder, and adds new members:  The Grapplah, Guts, and Powertool.  Still, Sixpack needs an eighth member.  Along comes the Dark Knight.

I read Hitman for about two years back in the 1990s, and I don't remember Section Eight.  I can't say I am interested in getting to know them, now.  I like Garth Ennis, but I think Hitman is the only comic book by the Ennis-McCrea team that I actually liked.  Most of the time, their mix of explicit violence and gritty, gross, grunge does nothing for me.

I don't get Ennis-McCrea's brand of humor, although I did find the Batman bits here to be funny.  However, I like Ennis enough to try another issue of All Star Section 8.

C

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: ROBIN: Son of Batman #1

ROBIN: SON OF BATMAN #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY/PENCILS: Patrick Gleason
INKS: Mick Gray
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: Patrick Gleason with John Kalisz
VARIANT COVER: Robbi Rodriguez
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2015)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“Year of Blood” Part One

Damian Wayne is the (illegitimate) son of Batman/Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, and thus, 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.  Other writers would later compose speculative stories about the child's life.  In Batman #655, writer Grant Morrison reinterpreted that child as Damian Wayne, the centerpiece of the story arc, “Batman and Son.”

Damian Wayne was eventually killed off and then resurrected.  He is now the star of a new comic book, Robin: Son of Batman, which is part of the “DCYou” publishing initiative.  It is written and penciled by Patrick Gleason, inked by Mick Gray, colored by John Kalisz, and lettered by Tom Napolitano.

Robin: Son of Batman #1 (“Year of Blood” Part One) opens in Bialya, where Damian/Robin is confronting Abush.  The self-proclaimed king is holding Goliath (“Don't call him a man-bat”) prisoner.  There will be bigger threats for Damian to face.  The first is the revenge seeking daughter of Morgan Ducard a.k.a. “Nobody,” whom Damian apparently killed.  Secondly, Damian will have to face his legacy as an al Ghul in the “Year of Blood.”

I am definitely adding Robin: Son of Batman to my reading list.  Next to the Bat-Mite miniseries, Robin is, thus far, one of the “DCYou” titles that I have enjoyed reading the most.  Writer-artist Patrick Gleason has created a story that reminds me of the international adventure that was a big part of Robin, the 1991 five-issue miniseries.  I am intrigued and pleased that Gleason seems willing to dig into the darkness that is part of Damian Wayne the way Batman writers have obsessed over depicting the darkness within Bruce Wayne, especially over the last four decades

Even as a longtime comic book reviewer I have been reluctant to heartily recommend a superhero comic book title to all of my readers, even the ones who do not read superhero comics.  Well, I heartily recommend Robin: Son of Batman to all of you – superhero, alt-comix, indie, and manga readers alike.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: "Batman Eternal #52" Offers a Great End to a Great Series

BATMAN ETERNAL #52

STORY: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV (with Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins, Tim Seeley)
SCRIPT: James Tynion IV
ART: Eduardo Pansica and Julio Ferreira; Robson Rocha and Guillermo Ortego; David Lafuente; Tim Seeley; Ray Fawkes
COLORS: Allen Passalaqua; Gabe Eltaeb; John Kalisz; John Rauch
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Jae Lee with June Chung
VARIANT COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

SPOILER ALERT

The conclusion of the weekly Batman epic, Batman Eternal, is here.  First, shout out to all the creative people who played a part in bringing us this year-long adventure.  Batman Eternal #52 is one of those inspiring stories that makes you remember why you're a Batman fan.

This is a story about heroes, both super and everyday.  Batman is brought to the lowest point that we have seen him.  He is tortured and beat-down to within an inch of his life.  He is a beaten man, deprived of all his technology.  What saves him is the inspiration of others.

In a wonderful piece of writing, the writers have Jim Gordon make an impassioned speech to the people of Gotham to come to Batman's rescue.  Then, we truly see that Batman is eternal.  Even if he would have died at the moment, his legacy would have lived on.  It never comes to this because all the people who Batman has inspired come to his rescue.

This is the aspect of Batman that sets him apart from other superheroes.  Batman is an inspiration to others to find the strength to fight against unimaginable odds for the greater good.  The admirable thing about the story is it concluded with action and put the happy ending stuff all in one issue.  I hate to waste my money on an issues that are all happy endings.

Overall, this is a good ending to 52 weeks of DC's greatest character, giving us mystery, intrigue, and action in epic proportions.  This team of writers needs to take that deep breath and do whatever they do to reward themselves when they accomplish the monumental task.

There are so many artists on the Batman Eternal creative team; some deserve praise; some don't.  I'll leave it to the beholder to decide for themselves.

I rate Batman Eternal #52 Buy Your Own Copy (#2 on the Al-o-Meter)

The text is copyright © 2015 Albert Avilla. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: Batman #28

BATMAN #28
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITER: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
PENCILS: Dustin Nguyen
INKS: Derek Fridolfs
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano
COVER: Dustin Nguyen
VARIANT COVER: Howard Chaykin and Jesus Aburto
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2014)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. have begun the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the debut of Batman (in Detective Comics: cover dated May 1939).  Part of DC Comics’ year-long celebration is the launch of the new, year-long, weekly comic book series, Batman Eternal.  The series launches on April 9, 2014 and will apparently consist of 60 issues.

Batman Eternal will feature Batman, his allies, and Gotham City, and will be written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, Kyle Higgins, and Tim Seeley.  Writer John Layman was originally scheduled to write for Batman Eternal.  Although he is no longer associated with the project, the work he finished before departing will apparently still be seen in the first 12 issues.  Batman Eternal will work in tandem with the ongoing, regular Batman comic book series, which is written by Scott Snyder.

Batman #28 offers a preview of Batman Eternal.  It contains a 24-page story entitled “Gotham Eternal.”  The story opens in a near-future Gotham, where a mysterious young female infiltrates The Egyptian, “the only nightclub left in New Gotham.”  She runs afoul of a group of heavies who seem to run the club.  How do Batman and Selina Kyle fit into this scenario, and what does the young female need so badly that she would risk her life to enter this club?

I’m intrigued by Batman Eternal.  Why, you ask?  Well, I’ve been a life-long Batman fan, and I am excited about the 75th anniversary.  And although I have never bought very many of them, I am always curious about weekly comic book series.  Batman #28 hints at a dark, dystopian-lite future that finds Batman imperiled.  So, what the heck?  I’m in.

Batman #28 includes a six-page preview of American Vampire: Second Cycle – WRITER: Scott Snyder; ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque; COLORS: Dave McCaig; and LETTERS: Steve Wands

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman and Robin #0

Batman and Robin #0
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Script: Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils: Patrick Gleason
Inks: Mick Gray
Colors: John Kalisz
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual

I like my origin stories to give me insight into a character. The insight that I got from this story is that Damian is a bad little mother-shut-my-mouth. His being scientifically engineered explains why a toddler can kill tigers and great white sharks and why Batman takes him on missions to subdue lunatic villains. Most kids his age can't wipe their butts effectively. What a nurturing mother… Happy birthday, Damian… let’s have a battle to the death. I can understand why the kid is rebellious.

The story takes place during the birthday battle in which Damian earns the right to know who his father is, with flashbacks to other moments that impacted Damian's character. The action is fast moving with gratuitous violence to keep any fanboy satisfied. That little mother-shut-my-mouth is taking out ninjas and Man-Bats from beginning to end. Mama al Ghul even gets to feel the bottom of Damian's size – I don't know 3 or 2? What size does a little bastard wear?

This Robin shatters the mold of what past Robins were. Years from now, when other creators are trying their hand at the Damian character and changing certain aspects of Damian, we'll think back to what Tomasi (@PeterJTomasi) has done and say "they are f’ing up a good character." Tomasi has left his imprint on this character for ages to come. Thank you, Mr. Tomasi, for giving us this little hyperactive, death-dealing monster of a Robin. I'm looking forward to what a Junior Justice League led by this Robin is going to be like. In this age of the multi-issue story arc, it's good to read a good one issue story.

The art helps tell the story. A good comic book story doesn't just come from what text there is. The action scenes are impressive. The art team does a good job of making the little tike look murderous without making it comedic. Talia has just enough of that psychotic gleam in her eyes to make you cover up the old family jewels.

I rate Batman and Robin #0 Recommend It to a Friend.

The New 52 Review: BATMAN AND ROBIN #1

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Peter J. Tomasi
PENCILS: Patrick Gleason
INKS: Mick Gray
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Patrick Brosseau
32pp, Color, $2.99

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Remember that Batman and Robin comic book that had the original Robin, Dick (Richard) Grayson, as Batman and Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne, as the latest Robin? Of course, you do; it was only launched two years ago to great fanfare – as the Batman comic book line was then being revamped… again.

With DC Comics’ re-launch of its superhero comic book line, “The New 52,” Batman and Robin is also re-launched, with Bruce Wayne back as Batman and Damian back as Robin. The team that produced the “Tree of Blood” storyline in the 2009 Batman and Robin, writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason, is the creative team of The New 52 Batman and Robin.

Batman and Robin #1 (“Born to Kill”) opens in Moscow where one of the Batmen of Batman Incorporated gets Bat-manhandled. Meanwhile, Batman/Bruce Wayne is ready to reconcile and to put a defining moment in his life behind him, so he takes his bratty son to Crime Alley. But the irascible new Boy Wonder is more interested in stomping some bad guy ass than being kind of sentimental.

After reading the first issue of 2009 Batman and Robin by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, I was very impressed. It was a start reminiscent of their opening storyline for New X-Men (“E is for Extinction”). Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s own first Batman and Robin issue is close to being as good as Morrison/Quitely, and I’m equally impressed. I so want to share with you the fun I had reading it, but I’d unleash too many spoilers. What I’ll say is that this is one of “The New 52” you should keep reading past the first issue.

A