Welcome back to another edition of Gonzogeek's "New 52" reviews. Yes, the #2 issues started to roll into shops and onto digital platforms earlier this week. But that doesn't mean we can't give you the heads-up on whether these books are worth following.
In this edition, I wrap up a look on those books featuring either Batman or some member of his extended family of sidekicks and allies. Eleven of the 52 titles -- or, roughly 20 percent for you non-math majors -- feature something Bat-related. At least that's what DC's publicity on the New 52 claims. Personally, I don't see how Birds Of Prey should be Bat-connected since the only tie -- Barbara Gordon -- now has her own title.
Before diving in, let's recap the titles I've reviewed thus far.
I'M IN...
Wonder Woman, Batman, Nightwing, Demon Knights and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. stand out as my favorite titles so far.
I've seen enough that I like to follow Justice League at least through the initial story arc. I've also decided to give Batwoman another try after catching the preview of issue #2. The art is still impressive, and it remains one of the few titles that takes advantage of its medium to use visuals as a storytelling device. It also helps that the credits page includes a brief recap of the back story of Batwoman, something that would have been handy to see... oh, I don't know... at some point during issue #1.
ONE MORE MONTH ...
I've not downloaded Detective Comics #2 but I plan on it to see what happens after the gut-churning cliff-hangar.
WAITING FOR THE TRADES ...
Looks like
Green Arrow will become a casualty of my limited budget. I didn't see enough in the debut issue to grab me, compared to those I've read so far, so the exploits of the re-booted Oliver Queen will have to wait until the price goes down or a TPB gets released. This book also has already experienced a change in writers, which may not bode well.
PASS ...
Mister Terrific and
Justice League Dark just didn't hold my attention.
And now, here's the new reviews.
BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT
Back in my younger days—and I’m talking about the early 90’s here—I subscribed to four of DC’s Batman titles. And the thing I loved about those days was that each book offered something different. Batman and Detective Comics were the straight-forward, “meat and potatoes” Bat titles, with the Caped Crusader doing his thing against the usual collection of bad guys. Legend of the Dark Knight took a look into Batman’s past, focusing on some of his exploits early in his costumed career. Shadow of the Bat was the oddball of the bunch. That was where you’d find the more offbeat stories and character-driven material. Each book also had its own unique artistic style.
The art’s different in all four of the rebooted Bat titles, but the tone remains very much the same. Dark Knight’s #1 title barely differs from Batman #1, except in quality.
Batman #1 featured an attempted breakout at Arkham, followed by Bruce Wayne making a speech. Dark Knight has Bruce making a speech, then… are you ready for this? … puts the breakout at Arkham AFTER the speech. Such innovation!
It didn’t help that the art by David Finch, who also co-writes, was my least favorite of the four Bat titles. This book, supposedly, is going to cover Batman’s more supernatural cases. If that means more stuff like the depiction of Two-Face, who looks like he’s been busy eating a diet concocted by Bane and Barry Bonds, then no thanks.
Verdict: Pass
BATMAN & ROBIN
As mentioned earlier, the uniformity of tone is a problem in these four Batman books. What sets Batman & Robin apart, however, is the dynamic between the two title characters. Before the reboot, this Robin—Damien Wayne, the fourth to don the brightly colored costume—was working with Dick Grayson as Batman. Now, father and son are teaming together for the first time as Bruce Wayne is back in the cape and cowl.
This new partnership does not get off to the best start. Robin gets on the bad side of his dear old dad multiple times during the debut issue. What goes on around them is pretty much paint-by-numbers stuff –bad guys pull a heist, Batman and Robin appear from nowhere, fisticuffs ensue, Batman saves the day—but it’s the obvious tension and friction between father and son that interested me and has me coming back for at least a few more issues.
Verdict: I’m In
BATGIRL
There’s been plenty of controversy in some of these early Bat-family issues—whether it be the gory climax of Detective Comics #1, the graphic sex at the end of Catwoman #1 or outcry over the characterization of Starfire in Red Hood and the Outlaws #1. Batgirl has its own fair share of sturm und drang, with Barbara Gordon going back into the costume.
Here’s where the reboot becomes confusing from a continuity perspective. Batgirl still got paralyzed by the Joker, albeit just three years ago, until “a miracle happened” and she regained the ability to walk. Someone must’ve told Babs about that Deus Ex Machina Vaccine that’s been making the rounds, hmmm?
Anyway, that issue aside, what is here is very good. Writer Gail Simone does a good job introducing us to this new Batgirl (same as the old Batgirl) and emphasizes that this is a hero with flaws. She’s out of practice as a crime fighter, and suffering from some mental hang-ups as well—as evidenced by what happens the first time she gets a gun pointed at her. There’s lots of potential for future stories here, and I’m particularly interested to see what happens when she inevitably runs across the Joker again.
Verdict: I’m In
BIRDS OF PREY
I never read the original run of this title, but I know our fearless leader, Bruce, likes it. And, the debut issue of the reboot received some solid reviews from people I know who read a lot of comics.
I came away pretty disappointed with the result, however. Like the first issue of Justice League, we only meet a couple members of the would-be team. We see Black Canary and her new sidekick, Starling, who seems to be an extreme risk-taker for the sake of taking… um… extreme risks. Katana, who’s featured on the cover, appears only in a photograph during a brief cameo by Barbara Gordon. Poison Ivy, who’s also on the cover, appears nowhere. That was a disappointment since I was intrigued to see how one of DC’s legit supervillainesses would fit into this team.
Unlike Justice League, I’m left with no real motivation to keep reading. The artistic style of Jesus Saiz didn’t do much for me, either.
I understand it’s tough to introduce a whole team in one issue—the only book to pull it off successfully was Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., and that’s more regarding a supporting cast for the title character. Still, this was the first title I’ve read so far where I felt I didn’t get my 3 dollars’ worth. Buyer beware.
Verdict: Pass