So we begin.
Batman & Robin #4
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Philip Tan and Jonathan Glapion
Cover by Frank Quitely
Variant cover by Philip Tan
Frank Quitely's speed as an artist means, frankly, he can't keep up on a monthly book. So, smartly, this title has been designed to change artists from arc to arc in order to maintain the schedule. Why don't more companies/editors/titles see the smarts in this? I'm not advocating replacing artists on mini-series or special events, but how about a little planning and forethought, guys?
Anyway, I'm quite fond of this title. This current run with former Robin Dick Grayson replacing the presumed dead Bruce Wayne, with Wayne's illegitimate son, Damian, as Robin (and that's the last time I'm recapping that in this blog) has been working wonderfully. This is especially true with Frank Morrison's writing. I was never very happy with Morrison's take on Bruce Wayne, which seemed way too odd, flat-out insane at time. However, this new tone with Dick behind the cowl is working just fine. I'm excited to see what Philip Tan will do with it.
Batman: Streets of Gotham #4
Written by Paul Dini
Co-feature written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
Co-feature art by Jeremy Haun
Cover by Dustin Nguyen
I love Paul Dini. One need only play the recently released Batman: Arkham Asylum video game to see that the man has an extremely firm grasp on The Batman and his world. He's a master storyteller. However, unlike Morrison, I feel like Dini is far more comfortable with Bruce Wayne behind the cowl. Dini's work since the presumed death of Wayne, in this title and Gotham City Sirens, has been less focused and sharp. I don't think he could write a bad story, but I think we're not seeing the best he can be right now. I don't think I'd drop this title, but the $3.99 price tag doesn't help matters.
Blackest Night #3 (of 8)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert
Variant cover by Ethan Van Sciver
I love Geoff John's work. He's clearly become a favorite over at DC editorial, and he's earned their respect and trust with sharp, economic tales that are packed with lots of widescreen action. This particular "event" mini-series has been building for a long, long time in the Green Lantern titles, and while the general tenor and content of the event is not surprising, I have to say, I, personally, am a little underwhelmed. It's a great book, good writing, good art, well paced, but, essentially it's a huge intergalactic zombie invasion story. I, unfortunately, have never been a fan of zombie stories in any form. That's MY block, and I fully admit it's a great series, just not my cup of tea.
Brave and Bold #27
Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art and cover by Jesus Saiz
Ah, now this is old-school comics. An old-fashioned team-up book. This will be the first issue with writer J. Michael Straczynski, who's announced his intention to use the most obscure DC charaters he can find in this book. Starting here with "Dial H for H-E-R-O," I won't even try to explain. Really looking forward to "Brother Power the Geek" in two months. Series like this often don't last long, as there is not ongoing character to be a draw month-to-month. (That's why Batman was a permanent co-star in the 80's version of Brave and Bold) I have every issue of this run, and while it's not always perfect, I usually enjoy something about each issue.
Wednesday Comics #11 (of 12)
Various Writers and Artists
My feeling remain unchanged on this series. You can read what I've written in the past. However, I am REALLY looking forward to this run ending, and not having a weekly book to buy. It's quite a drain. Before this, I religiously bought and read Trinity, DC's prior weekly book, but between 52 issues of that, and 12 of this...I could use a break.
Captain America: Reborn #3 (of 5)
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Bryan Hitch and Jackson Guice
Cover by Bryan Hitch
Ahh, well DC is bringing the Barry Allen Flash back to life, or has. So, Marvel is bringing back the Steve Rogers Captain America, y'know, the guy they made such a big fuss about killing about 2 years ago? That doesn't bother me, really, it's comic books. What does bother me, slightly, is the way it's being done. Ed Brubaker's Captain America run has been one of big, but generally realistic stories. The focus has been with over-the-top spy action, not unlike a James Bond movie or the old Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D comic series. To have Steve Rogers "unstuck in time," and reliving events of his past seems...a little too sci-fi for what we've seen before. I admit, I have no idea how Brubaker will wrap this up, so he may address that concern.
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