3. Legends of The Dark Knight #4
Written By: T.J. Fixman, Andrew Dabb, and Jonathan Larsen
Art By: Christopher Mitten, Giorgio Pontrelli, and Tan Eng Huat
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| Legends of The Dark Knight #4 (DC) |
Sometimes when I go to the comic book store and see a book for $3.99, I tend to think that it's not worth it. But Legends of the Dark Knight gives you three stories for the price of one and I'm ok with that.
A Game to Die For: This was the first story, and in my opinion, the best. A man who calls himself the Praetorian has captured the Joker and wants to prove to Batman that he can be the next Robin. The Joker, being the sadistic person he is, reveals that he knows not only the Praetorian's real name, but his kids' names, and even that he has a specific tattoo on his arm. Clearly upset, the Praetorian asks for answers and boy, does he get them. The ending had a good twist that I did not see coming. Once I was done with this whole issue, I went back and reread A Game to Die For. It actually was better the second time around. The story, written by T.J. Fixman was fresh and creative. But the real star was the art, drawn by Christopher Mitten. What at first came off to me as sloppy, made perfect sense in the end, given the tone of the story.
Batman: The Movie: We got another Joker story here, but it wasn't nearly as good as A Game to Die For. A movie about Batman is being made, and the the Joker, along with Harley Quinn, decide to crash the set and make a movie of their own: The Death of Batman. As you can probably guess, that didn't happen. The writing and art on this story, done by Andrew Dabb and Giorgio Pontrelli, respectively, wasn't bad, it was just kind of filler for me between the first and third stories.
Together: This was my second favorite story out of the three. Unlike its predecessors, Together was Joker-less. Instead, we get a well done Two-Face story. I just want to say that I love it when Batman is perched in the shadows, hanging outside some window of a crime scene, talking to Commissioner Gordon. It always gives me the impression that the Dark Knight is poised to do some trademark detective work or interrogating. In this case, I was right. Batman tries to tack down a surgeon who has become a suspect after some kids went missing, both underwent the same procedure. Later, through said detective work, we learn that the surgeon is also a victim... of Two-Face. When I was done reading this, just like A Game to Die For, I went back and reread.
I have really been enjoying this title. It's very different than any other Batman book, not only because it usually contains separate stories done by separate writers and artists, but it also steers clear of the current story lines in the other Batman titles.
2. Detective Comics #16
Art By: Jason Fabok
Backup Art By: Andy Clarke
Backup Art By: Andy Clarke
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| Detective Comics 16 (DC) |
You've heard of the League of Assassins, but what about the League of Smiles?
With the Joker running wild in Gotham City, the group is one of many inspired by the Clown Prince of Crime, and in Detective Comics #16, they are keeping Batman busy.
I was a little let down by last month's issue. To me, it didn't really feel like a tie-in to the "Death of the Family" story. This month, however, writer John Layman pulled a switch-a-roo, delivering a great Joker story without having to show him at all.
In the midst of all the Joker mayhem, we are also seeing the rise of Ignatius Ogilvy A.K.A. Emperor Penguin.
This character, who was once Penguin's right hand man, doesn't excite me too much; maybe because the Penguin doesn't really do anything for me. But, like anything, I'll give the story a fair chance to play out until I give my final two cents.
Artist Jason Fabook continues to pump out great panels. I love the way he draws Batman. He makes him look very intimidating--as he should be.
If you've enjoyed Layman and Fabok's work on Detective Comics, then this will not disappoint.
1. Superior Spider-Man #1
Written By: Dan Slott
Art By: Ryan Stegman
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| Superior Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) |
The answer: not long at all, in fact.
In the final pages of the controversial Superior Spider-Man #1, we see the ghost of Peter Parker stop Otto Octavius (who is now in Peter Parker's body... read Amazing Spider-Man #700) from killing Boomerang, a member of the new Sinister Six.
Otto can't see or hear Peter. So, it appears that former web-slinger will be following his former self around to make sure that Spider-Man's image isn't tarnished.
I'm okay with Dan Slott's vision for Spider-Man. However, a lot of fans have voiced their displeasure; some have even sent Slott death threats via Twitter. This isn't cool. By no means should anything fiction-related be taken that far. It's one thing to be angry, but it's another to turn that anger into something criminal.
But, could the skeptics be changing their tune? From what I've been reading, Superior Spider-Man #1 has received a lot of positive reaction. Not only to the Slott, but to artist Ryan Stegman. His art was clean, crisp, and really popped on every page.
If you invested your time and money into Amazing Spider-Man #698, 699, and 700, then you should definitely pick up Superior Spider-Man #1 to see if there is a payoff for you.
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