Batman #34 Review

The first issue in a post in a post-Zero Year world brings self-contained tale without Greg Capullo and only a dash of Scott Snyder. I know, I know, I did the same, “aww man, gosh darn it, and that’s whack” when I heard the news as well. However, it turns out that absence of elite talent brings about the inclusion of some great creativity. Continue reading “Batman #34 Review” →

Superman Dishes Out Some Injustice

Gods Among Us Year 2 chronicles Superman’s tyrannical reign while the remaining forces of good plot from the shadows to overthrow the once christened Earth’s greatest hero. Year one highlighted the Man of Steel’s thirst for power as personal tragedy pushed him to the breaking point. Now that he’s obtained power through his own brand of law and order, we get to see how he keeps it all intact.

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Batwoman #24 Review

Batwoman #24 serves as the series’ swan song for W. Haden Blackman and J.H. Williams III. Despite all of the great stories that has come out of these remarkable pages, it is fitting that the duo gives us the one thing they’ve been teasing for twenty four issues: The showdown between Batwoman and Batman.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us #3 and #4 Review

Tom Taylor hasn’t pulled a single punch in this video game prequel. In Fact, in this issue, he has thrown an armada of over hand rights to the jaw with the latest developments building towards a world of injustice. Lex Luther is usually the guilty party trying to destroy Superman through physical means with various LexCorp gadgets. The Joker, on the other hand, plays a different game and test the mettle of the Man of Steel like never before.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us #2 Review

The events in the last issue and in this one are pushing Superman towards a fall from grace in the worst possible way. Friends are dying, loved ones are in peril and The Joker is holding all of the cards.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us #1 Review

Injustice: Gods Among Us is one of the most anticipated video games of 2013. The game’s plot centers on a superhero versus superhero saga in the midst of a new world order. This weekly digital release is a prequel that takes place five years before the events in the game.

Normally, I’m not a fan of promotional comics, but Tom Taylor takes the gloves off with an emotionally charged narrative that would not be allowed in regular continuity. All is right with the world, and Superman has never been happier. Of course, Gotham City’s finest villains come to Metropolis and begin setting things in motion that lead down a path even they will not see coming.

If you have read this column in the past, you know I’m a big Superman guy. Taylor’s direction with the Man of Steel is reminiscent of the big blue Boy Scout we all grew up on with his new school costume.

According to the trailers and other promotional material released so far, Superman goes rogue in some way, shape, or form. His current “New 52” character is kind of an asshole, so becoming a bad guy wouldn’t give you that “oh my God” moment.

If the guy who stands for truth, justice and the American way turns to the dark side, then that is a plot point you can sink your teeth into. For 0.99¢ an issue, this comic is a deal you don’t want to miss.

Grade: A-

The Joker’s Mind Games in Batman #15

Batman #15 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion | Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics

The “Death of the Family” story arc rolls on, and The Joker has the entire Bat Family on edge. Scott Snyder’s writing has done a wonderful job of accentuating the fear of our clown-faced villain. Every superhero has an arch nemesis, or ten, and despite the trials and tribulations, they are confident they will win the day.

Batman is probably the most intelligent and savvy crime fighter in the game today. This would make you assume he, too, is confident that he will stop The Joker. However, he’s not confident at all. In fact, he is so unsure of the final result that he keeps his cards close to his chest.

Speaking of cards, one card in particular has brought to light a shocking revelation regarding The Joker’s potential intrusion into the Batcave many years ago. Dick, Jason, Barbara, and Damien are beyond upset this was kept from them and are convinced The Joker knows their secret identity.

Bruce believes he doesn’t know their identities and is just playing mind games. Dick notices that Bruce doesn’t sound so sure of himself, and this leads to a four-on-one tension-filled argument that is almost uncomfortable to watch, in a good way, of course.

The backup story written by Talon scribe James Tynion IV spotlights The Riddler, who makes his “New 52” debut. Instead of the dangerous riddles we are accustomed to, Tynion brings his intelligence to the forefront.

Not being rattled, in the slightest by The Joker’s antics while locked up in Arkham Asylum paints the green menace in treacherous light and he will no doubt; bring The Dark Knight some serious problems in the future.

Grade: A

Batman #14 Review

Batman #14 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion |Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics

Have you ever heard the term thrown for a loop? If you have, be prepared to be thrown for several loops if you read this book. “Death of the Family” rolls on as The Joker ups his game to sinister proportions.

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Is it time to Reboot the WWE?

WWE Television is currently a stale product. Professional wrestling always has its down time before another boom period arrives. In order for the boom to take place, however, a new star needs to emerge. This person needs to be a bonafide superstar the caliber of Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock. Simply being a wrestling star such as John Cena, CM Punk, and Randy Orton will not move the needle in the required direction. When this boom period finally occurs, it’s usually a wrestler who was waiting in the wings for their big break. These days, Dolph Ziggler is the usual suspect. He is a good worker but can he be the box office smash that brings the business to Attitude Era heights?

On October 1, 2012, Monday Night Raw drew its lowest rating in 15 years. The company improved its rating by having its 67-year-old chairman wrestle the WWE champion. While it was certainly an attention grabber, it was only a short-term solution since Vince can’t wrestle every week. While Raw moving back to two hours would be a move in the right direction, it doesn’t address the larger problem at hand. The process of booking by committee dilutes what storylines ultimately end up on television. If the big three can’t do any more than they already have and there is no legitimate heir apparent on the horizon; what else can be done?

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Penguin: Pain and Prejudice Review

These days, when you think of Batman’s rogue gallery, names such as Ra’s al Ghul, Bane, and The Joker come to mind. Catwoman flip-flops back and forth from good to bad, but there is a cornucopia of evildoers that have been lost in the shuffle over the last ten years. One who comes to mind is The Penguin, and the creative minds of Gregg Hurwitz and Szymon Kudranski have put the spotlight back on this criminal genius.

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