Batman Volume 7 Endgame Review

Batman Volume 7: Endgame is Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s latest addition of their Batman series. Engame is the sinister return of the Joker after his disappearance at the end Batman Vol. 3 Death of the Family. He’s back for their final showdown. For years, the Joker has regarded Batman with a sick, twisted love, thinking that one could never exist without the other. Last time the Joker set to kill members of Batman’s team, removing a weakness of the hero but now, he’s just out to kill Batman. The Joker has returned to Gotham City with a deadlier plan than ever before and is finally going to kill the Dark Knight. Collects Batman #35 - 40.

This is it, one of the biggest Batman Joker epics ever told, for decades the Clown Prince of Crime and the Dark Knight have battled it out for years with the Joker stooping to new lows and different forms of evil. The Joker’s latest agenda is to end all that and end the Batman once and for all. He’s deadly serious this time. The Joker’s first appearance in this New 52 Batman series was The Death of the Family story arc where he had returned to Gotham City after a year long disappearance after his face was cut off and reattached with belts, wires and hooks. Batman had thought he was gone for good at the end of the story. In this sequel, Joker has re-emerged with his face somehow repaired and he’s back with a vengeance this time. This story takes place after the events of Batman Eternal, Batman has a new base in Gotham and Alfred’s daughter Julia, who now works with Batman in his new base. Things kick off when Bruce Wayne is attack by members of the Justice League and battles the heroes on the streets of Gotham. Batman is horrified to learn that the Joker is behind the attack. What follows is a creepy, and sometimes bone chilling story. As the curtain is lifted on where the Joker has been hiding all this time is the first big chilling revelation of the sinister story. New light is shed on who the Joker is, it’s a thrilling read. Writer Scott Snyder first began his comic’s career writing horror comics, his unique style of horror had carried over to his Batman work and it’s been more evident in this Endgame story arc. His entire run has been horror driven, both the story arcs featuring the Joker have had a claustrophobic setting and a callous disregard for human life.

It’s a bit of a mind flip at times, twists turns and revelations, it messes with the readers head as well as Batman’s. What you thought to be true isn’t. its incredibly satisfying that readers are right there with a perplexed batman, so often is the Dark Knight depicted as a figure one step ahead of everyone else. One of the greatest stories of Batman run by Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, his artwork on the series reaches new heights of creative and gruesome imagery in Snyder’s masterful storytelling. The art complements to the horror elements of the tale. The ending duel is one the most brutal and bloodiest comic book battles I’ve ever read, this two icons slugging it out in a bloody frenzy to the end. It will considered as one of the greatest Batman Joker stories ever told.

Death of the Family was the first Joker story of the New 52 Batman series, Endgame is a brilliant sequel to one of the most significant stories of Snyder and Capullo’s Batman series. Endgame offers up a new mysterious origin for the Joker adding new mystery to who the Clown Prince of Crime was before what happened him in Zero Year, whilst still preserving the mystique that makes the Joker who he is. Endgame is an appropriate title for the story act, not only was the story originally intended to be both the creators final arc on their four year Batman run, that celebrated both the 75th anniversary of Batman and the debut of The Joker but it’s conclusion drastically changes the status quo of the Batman universe, opening the door to many new possibilities of storytelling. Endgame reads and feels like the finale, with its call-backs to the Court of the Owls and Zero Year events and serving as a sequel to The Death of the Family made it easy to imagine this as the series finale by Snyder and Capullo, thankfully it’s not. The creators aren’t jumping ship at a time they’ve made the title more interesting. It’s their second Joker epic is a brilliant story adding new mystery to an already mysterious character.

Batman Volume 7 Endgame brings a brutal and bloody conclusion between the Batman and Joker long running conflict to a close for who knows how long. Its display of action, tension and dark moments. Even though it may feel like another Batman Joker story this is the one to end all Batman Joker stories with raised stakes than ever before. Taking what has been done before and injecting it with more excitement. Batman Endgame is the biggest, boldest story told to date and will be for a long time, a modern classic. It’s the biggest story line during the creative duo’s excellent four year run on the series. A thrilling story of the most famous rivalries in comic’s history in honour of its 75th anniversary.  

Green Lantern: Revenge of The Green Lanterns Graphic Novel review.

Green Lantern Revenge of the Green Lanterns is the second collection of Geoff Johns relaunched 2005 Green Lantern series putting Hal Jordan once again back on the forefront of the Green Lantern title. In the this volume Hal teams up with old pal Oliver Queen/Green Arrowand later Batman before the main story of the book, the One Year Later event where Hal discovers the fellow Corps members he left for dead are alive. Collects Green Lantern #7 - 13 with art by Carlos Pacheco, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis. 

Following Hal from the events of his resurrection and in the Green Lantern mini series Rebirth and the first volume of the series No Fear where Hal re-establishes his life in Coast City and as pilot while facing off with enhanced versions of the Manhunter Androids, Shark and Hector Hammond.

While Volume One: No Fear takes time to establishes Hal Jordan as Green Lantern once again on earth, this follow up dives straight into the action with three different stories. Classic team up of Green Lantern and Green Arrow open the collection for the two part story "A Perfect Life". Crossing over with the events of Infinite Crisis, Hal and Oliver take on the son of world conquer Mongul, here to finish his father's quest of conquering earth and subjects the duo the effects of the Black Mercy, a parasitic vine attaching itself to its victim giving them their vision of a perfect life while slowly killing them. It was a joy to see this concept that was first created for Alan Moore's Superman story, For The Man Who Has Everything in Superman Annual #1 in 1985.

"Branded", the second story is another team up with none other than the Dark Knight himself as the pair track down the hit man with the ability to make his tattoos come to life. Batman calls Hal for assistance while using the opportunity to test him and reconcile their differences. It was a good short story one that was crafted well to bring these two very different heroes together for a villain that they were well matched for while the two mend their relationship.

After those two fun team up stories we get to the real draw of the book, Revenge of the Green Lanterns. With issue #10 as part of DC Comics One Year Later event all titles jumped ahead one year after the events of Infinite Crisis. The story is interesting as Hal must face the consequences of leaving his fellow Lantern's for dead during the events of Emerald Twilight, the mid nineties story arc that led up to Hal's death. In that story Coast City had been destroyed by Cyborg Superman and Mongul. Hal tries to use his powers to rebuild his hometown but the Guardians of the Universe, the leaders and founders of the Green Lantern Corps who reside on the planet Oa forbid the act. Enraged Hal travels to Oa to and is confronted with several fellow Green Lanterns whom he stole the rings from and left for dead in space. Hal later went on to kill other members of the Corps and becoming a villain.

On the discovery that one of the Lanterns he left for dead is survived Hal and Green Lantern Guy Gardner led an a rescue mission to find these Lost Lanterns. Hal deals with the outcome from fellow corps members who hate him for all that he has done, once destroying the Green Lanterns Corps. Hal has a lot to overcome since being reinstated as a member and to make up for past actions he seeks to led the rescue mission to help redeem himself and save those he thought he had killed. Hal has to come face to face with those he's left for dead in the past and no wants to rescue. There's tension in this final story arc of the collection is action packed and exciting with great art by Ivan Reis. At this early stage in the series writer Geoff Johns is building towards the second of what's known as his Green Lantern Trilogy; The Sinestro Corps War. I've read several trades of his run on the series and this volume makes me want to get into more of Green Lantern run.

Revenge of Green Lanterns is an exciting and thrilling follow up to the previous collection No Fear. This includes a better series of stories, but then Green Lantern Volume 1 followed Rebirth which had a lot to live up to. This second volume consists of a central theme of more personal stories as Hal dreams of his perfect life that can never happen and reaching out to Batman on an emotional level. But Hal's biggest challenge is to confront the consequences of his actions of the past, rescuing those he left for dead who can never forgive him, it's hard hitting. I've been really getting more into Green Lantern recently and this book was a great read. I feel that's a great Green Lantern book in-between the massive epics of the John's Green Lantern series. This was great and well worth checking out. It was a book I was very interested and intrigued by about a year ago and it was definitely worth it.

Justice League Vol. 6 Injustice League Review

Injustice League is the next volume in the Justice League series by Geoff Johns. This latest volume's collection of issues is comprised of two story arcs from the series that follows up on the outcome of the Forever Evil mini series also by Johns. Now that Lex Luthor is a celebrated hero after defeating the Crime Syndicate and saving the world he seeks to join the Justice League. Joining the fight the approaching threat prophesied throughout the Forever Evil story arc. Doug Mahnke is artist for the first half of the book while Jason Fabok takes over on the second story of the book and is the newest artist on the series. Collects issues #30 - 39.

Lex Luthor - Hero, the former villain has saved the world from the Crime Syndicate after they easily took down those who had banded together to protect it; the Justice League. In their place an alliance of villains led by Luthor, he saved the world from their rule and now he demands his place as part of the Worlds Greatest Heroes as they prepare for an even greater threat that awaits them. It all makes from some stellar story telling and makes up to be one of the greatest collection of issues in the series since Throne of Atlantis. The last two collections the narrative was dispersed, the Volume 4 The Grid was part of the Trinity War crossover event and Volume 5 Forever Heroes was much better received as tie-ins to the brilliant Forever Evil event this latest collection gets back to its self contained single stories. 

The development with Lex Luthor gives a very intriguing new concept to the Justice League and the team wrestle with the decision of what to do. Superman is completely opposed to the idea while Batman feels it's the lesser of two evils, keeping one of greatest enemies under close watch. To learn more of the approaching threat that destroyed the Syndicate's home world, the League set out to find the latest host of the cursed ring that once belonged to Power Ring, the Crime Syndicate's version of Green Lantern. With this discovery leads to a new member of the expanding Justice League roster. With the conclusion of the Injustice League arc leads to setting the stage for the a thrilling story; The Amazo Virus. 

After the first arc establishes Luthor as part of the team the second story arc puts him on the front line with Superman Batman and Wonder Woman trying to stop the pandemic. This new take on classic Justice League villain Amazo, instead of the power mimicking android it's a infectious virus derived from the android that's already taken down the several members of the league while it gives humans a superhuman ability before it horribly kills them. It's Luthor's story, he remains at the forefront at the story arc where the league and the world need him most. Challenging him in his new superhero persona. Is the change genuine or all an act? In the aftermath of his grand victory in Forever Evil. The story continues to explore the growing emotional turmoil of whats driving him and playing up the mystery behind his motivations for joining the League. With a zombie movie vibe, it delivers a strong Justice League story anchored by a clever new take on Amazo and the unknown quantity that is Lex Luthor. he's presented in a complex and changing light. Captain Cold/Lenoard Snart is another new player in the book, after his part in the saving the world in Forever Evil, his past crimes have been pardoned and becomes Luthor's Head of Security at Lex Corp as well as his right hand man in the events of the Amazo Virus. He's part of some good moments in the story especially at the end of collection sealing his place in future Justice League stories. The book is filled with some great character moments, particulary the interesting dynamic between Luthor and Bruce Wayne/Batman. Throughout the book the team never fully trusts him, the reader and the league are always guessing is what is he up to, if anything? This makes the story so much more enjoyable.

New Artist Jason Fabok joins the series with this arc and provides some brilliant work for second half of the book, its a darker style, noir with a super heroic edge. The usual included extras are the character sketch book and variant cover gallery including both Batman and Flash 75 covers and Selfie and Monster variants too.

It's a great book, one of the greatest in the series since Throne of Atlantis putting the series back on fine form. With the Forever Evil miniseries gives way to a new status quo and for the Justice League. This ten issue collection of two stories with the first one being very good and the second being great with Luthor as part of the Justice League being the underlying premise makes for stories. The Flagship DC comics series is staying the strongest. It's a change in direction making it a good jumping on point for what is a relatively self contained story. The series feels renewed with a new sense of excitement, surprise and intrigue in anticipation for the next big story The Darkseid War.

Green Arrow Quiver Review.

Green Arrow Quiver was the phenomenal first story arc by acclaimed filmmaker Kevin Smith that re-launched the series after its cancellation. Oliver Queen was brought back from the dead and made Green Arrow once again. This collection features the first ten issues of best selling series by Smith with art by Phil Hester and Inker Ande Parks. This new edition was released after the Deluxe Edition of Smith's 15 issue run which was due for release last year was cancelled. Both story arcs have been re-released in trade paperback format with Sounds of Violence next on my reading list. Quiver is regarded as one of the best Green Arrow stories, a classic and thankfully now back in print since April.

Way back in Green Arrow #101 of October 1995,

Oliver Queen had died saving Metropolis from a terrorist attack and his son and Connor Hawke had taken over the mantle and remained so until the series was cancelled in 1998. Then in 2001, Oliver Queen was revived and was Green Arrow once more, but it wasn't all as it appeared. Oliver was back, taking down bad guys and protecting Star City but the mystery surrounding his return and apparent demise is what garners most attention from his Justice League colleagues and intrigue for the story.

The opening issue is a prelude of events to come and predominantly features the loved ones of Green Arrow, remembering what Oliver meant to his ex-sidekick and adopted son Roy Harper/Arsenal, ex-girlfriend Dinah Lance/Black Canary and his son Connor Hawke. All reminisce about him and what they meant to them, this exposition fills the reader in on some of history and interactions with each of them, recounting moments from their past that informs the reader about the character without him being present on the page. Green Arrow Oliver Queen makes his triumphant return as Star City's protector taking down corrupt city officials and drug dealers and his on the hunt for the Star City Slayer, a child killer and later he goes further down to path to discovery of what happened to him. It's a interesting and great read, Oliver has no recollection of the past decade, his last memory is the infamous road trip he and Hal Jordan/Green Lantern had undertaken. The interesting premise of his memory lapse adds more depth and weight as Oliver has no recollection of what good and harm he's caused in his past to his loved ones and who is gonna break it to him that his best friend Hal is dead. It even restores his personality to that of the old fashioned view of the character had decades ago. His Justice League colleagues are in shock and amazement of his return, Batman is less sentimental, taking a direct role into the mystery of Oliver's return. The serial killer subplot runs in the background without Oliver's influence as he goes further down to road to discovering what's going on with him, but ultimately both elements tie together near the end story. Both the main story and subplot do feature elements of the supernatural, its a both nice addition and surprise to story, due to the theme of resurrection of a character in a series starring non super powered and realistic hero. Mia Dearden is a new character to the series and DC Universe, this marks here first appearance and is introduced as a teenage prostitute who Green Arrow saves on his earliest ventures actions into resuming his role as protector of Star City. She's a character that's notable in the Green Arrow mythos of this age. 

The story does acknowledge several events in the DC Universe but the important ones are explained in this book, as they are part of the story. The opening of the book features two key moments that start off the story a discussion between Superman and Batman on the rooftop of the Daily Planet during the events of Final Night, where earth's sun was extinguished by the Sun Eater, an extraterrestrial being and the event of Zero Hour in which Hal Jordan /Green Lantern had gone insane and possessed vowing to destroying the Universe in which the Emerald Archer played a key role. The art that I enjoyed so much when I first read Green Arrow Vol. 3 The Archer's Quest is still great here. Hester and Parks work is a light cartoon style that balances the dark story. Its a humorous and enjoyable story, Smith does a good job to get a few laughs. There is some great action panels in between the dialogue heavy story that's both complex and interesting, a character piece just as much as its a comic book action adventure story about second chances.

The ten issue story arc sold over a million copies back in 2001 - 2002 and became a number one selling tittle, a testament to how great the story is, Smith's tale paid homage to other Green Arrow creators of the past. It revived the old fashioned approach to Green Arrow, his amnesia reverted his personality back to a more classic iteration along with his classic trick arrows. Smiths writing is humorous and in the right moments somewhat self aware of the absurdity of some scenes.The book that I wanted since I got into the character but had been out of print and almost released last year only to be cancelled. Green Arrow Quiver lives up to the hype and reputation, a fresh spin on the character on that's been revived in a great story for a new series. Batman has a supporting role in the story and almost steals the show at some points, Smith writes the Dark Knight so well and went on to do later in career writing two limited series. I knew I'd enjoy the story to some degree been such a huge fan of Smith's previous comic book tenure Daredevil: Guardian Devil, but Quiver is a great comic book story that does what all great resurrection stories do reviving the character while touching on their long history.

Quiver rightfully held in high regard in a great story with some fantastic characterization and great dialogue makes it all a highly enjoyable read. Its arguably one of the best written stories in DC Comics history and managed to propel Green Arrow to the number one selling title for the company at the time. It goes beyond the standard revival story of and old hero, it tells a well thought out and plotted story without a retcon to continuity returning Oliver Queen back to the DC Universe.

Batman Earth One Volume 2 Graphic Novel Review

The second volume of Batman Earth One returns to the grounded and more realistic world for a Batman story. It isn’t the Dark Knight we know…. and it’s all the better for it. The Earth One graphic novels takes familiar elements of the characters and makes a story feel fresh and exciting by putting a clever twist to familiar elements. The long-awaited follow up of Batman: Earth One by Writer Geoff Johns and Artist Gary Frank follows Bruce Wayne as he slowly becomes the intelligent, fearsome Dark Knight we all know and love, now tasked with bringing down the remaining players of the corrupt Mayor’s criminal organisation as well as a new enemy with a secret agenda behind his seemingly random attacks.

Earth One is a series of graphic novels that re-imagine the origins of various DC characters. The stories take place in a new continuity allowing writers and artists to build brand new beginnings for DC’s most beloved heroes. Since the launch in 2010 we’ve seen three parts of Superman’s story, the first volume of Teen Titans and Batman Earth One Vol. 1 in 2012. Batman’s new origin featured a rough around the edges Bruce Wayne, Oswald Cobblepot as the corrupt the Mayor of Gotham City, Alfred as former head of security at Wayne Manor and a fresh faced plucky Harvey Bullock. Everything that transpired in the first story has lead Gotham to become increasingly dangerous,, at the end of the first volume all Bruce wanted to do was to catch his parents killer and now realizes he has to go beyond that and his mission can not just be about him. Batman Earth One preserves many aspects of the mythology, Batman is still billionaire Bruce Wayne and he’s still assisted by Alfred Pennyworth and Jim Gordon against familiar villains, the changes that Johns and Frank bring the stories are subtle but still manage to be profound and innovative. 

The second volume picks up six months later with Gotham still coming to terms with the events and revelations of the corrupt Mayor and the emergence of the Batman. This sequel is very closely linked to the events of Volume 1, twins Jessica and Harvey Dent that were introduced in the last story are now main characters in this sequel, Mayor Dent and her D.A. brother Harvey are clearing out corruption and as the city grows with a new found feeling of optimism, but reports of a half-man, half-crocodile killer in the sewers and a new criminal responsible for attacking the city, killing Gotham’s citizen’s threaten to disrupt the city's progress from darker times. Batman has been operating in Gotham for past six months and improving at being a vigilante as he chases down petty thugs and criminals. When we first see Batman it’s in a scene that echoes of the opening of the first book, instead of failing to catch his suspect this time he is more successful but still needs some fine tuning, he’s not yet the Dark Knight legend, he makes mistakes, loses fights and loses control. Bruce hasn’t spent years travelling the world learning martial arts and other disciplines, he has only been the Batman for less than a year and only became a costumed vigilante to chase down a lead on the murder of his parents. Batman is on his way to becoming a legend, forging his partnership with Gordon whilst still remaining an urban legend to the public and media.

The original established the tone of these books and this follow up shows the role of Batman expanding, putting him through his paces with Bruce becoming a detective rather than just a vigilante. The arrival of the Riddler challenges Batman in a way he hasn’t been before, he is more of a modern day terrorist than a brilliant and obsessed criminal that isn’t playing any games, he’s serious with no gimmicks. It motivates Batman to become a hero not just to serve justice but to stop him from killing people. It’s a more threatening and dangerous interpretation of the character without the sense of honour we’ve seen in the classic Riddler, that’s suited to the grounded and more realistic world of Earth One.

One thing that stands out in these books are the clever twists of what we expect certain characters to be, the standout in the first book was Alfred, no longer the English butler but a hard edged former solider who’s a lot tougher on Bruce. The stand out this time is Killer Croc, the interpretation is a new twist on the character that’s fresh while still retaining some of his own traits. Former T.V. Detective Harvey Bullock is continuing his descent due to the horrors he witnessed in the last story and Jim Gordon is now on a better path and continues his partnership with a rookie Batman, it subverts the usual Gordon/Batman tropes that builds an unlikely bond between the two.There is more of a human element to these stories, Bruce Wayne is more central, there is more about the man than his vigilante persona. His humanity is more on display than before, the design of Batman’s cowl allows you to see his eyes, it’s a window to his emotions that can add new weight to moments in the story. It’s more of a character driven story, Batman has more humanity than we’re used to and new motivation to stop the terrorist acts of The Riddler, you can really see how it affects him.

The theme of the story is identity; Who is Batman? That question that means different things to different characters, for Bruce it’s a matter of deciding what he wants to accomplish and what he wants Batman to symbolize. He's still new to being a vigilante and inexperienced, it makes the action scenes a lot more suspenseful and gripping due to the lack of confidence that he’ll succeed, but when he does its thrilling. The story is exciting and suspenseful as we don't know what to expect from this new Batman and his villains. It's one of those books you wanna tell your friends about and its a great series for the more casual readers to get into that still has plenty of excitement and ideas to keep long time fans intrigued. It's plot and events make it another massive hit for its creators, Batman and the Earth One series. 

This new book continues all the things that made the first one so great. It’s a completely fresh start and continuity for Batman stories. If you enjoyed the first one as much as I did you won’t be disappointed to the return of Batman Earth One. Johns and Frank continue to make a brilliant story, it has a large cinematic feel to it with great action spreads and thrilling and exciting scenes. The book and this new universe is great, for long-time fans it takes the expected usual tropes and put its own clever twists on it, with a turn of a page readers are introduced to some new and inventive twists. Of the three series to debut in DC's slowly growing Earth One line so far, Batman: Earth One is easily the most successful. It presented a more grounded take on the Caped Crusader and Gotham City, as well as one with a number of clever twists to the usual formula. Volume 1 set up the tone and world in this new re-imaging of Batman, Volume 2 allows both writer and hero to explore inventive and creative adventures for the new Batman. Geoff Johns has always been one of the best writers and his Batman Earth One series are truly something special. 

The second chapter of his and Frank's alternate take on Batman revisits their more grounded realistic take on Batman, able to explore and create a different path for the Dark Knight free from a predetermined continuity making a solid and exciting Batman story full of surprises for one of comics most enduring characters. Volume 2 sets up some enticing plot threads that will get develop into future adventures that Johns has confirmed that Volume 3 will be available as soon as next year.

Batman Vol. 6 Graveyard Shift Review

Batman Volume 6 Graveyard Shift is the next collection from the foremost and greatest series of New 52 Batman by Writer Scott Snyder and Artist Greg Capullo. Following the last big event Zero Year, the next volume was due to be the subsequent big saga titled End Game, but instead this collection consists of stories that came in between Snyder and Capullo’s big sagas. The duo have been producing big epic long saga since the New 52 began, starting with The Court of Owls, Death of the Family and the epic Zero Year. The single issues collected are the short self-contained stories and are from different eras in Batman’s career; past present and near future. Written or plotted by Snyder with art by Capullo with a few guest artists, Alex Maleev, Andy Kubert, Dustin Nguyen and more. Collects Batman #0, #18-20, #28, #34, and Batman Annual #2.

The collection begins with Bright New Yesterday from Batman #0, it acts like a primer to the first part of the Zero Year that see’s possibly Bruce Wayne’s first interaction with the Red Hood Gang and his earliest attempts at fighting crime. When we first read the opening pages of Batman Zero Year Secret City Vol 4 Bruce is taking on the gang and their leader Red Hood One has previously met the vigilante, this could be that first meeting. Plus it further confirms in The New 52 universe that Red Hood One is the man that becomes the Joker. It has snippets of some great character moments for Bruce, Alfred and Jim Gordon. The backup story was an interesting feature showing how Batman indirectly inspired members of the Bat-family; the first three Robins and Batgirl in a superb framing device. The main story takes place just after Bruce has returned from Gotham for the first time in his crime fighting quest, it’s a first look at his pre Batman days continued from Batman #24 as collected in the fourth and fifth volumes of this graphic novel series of graphic novels.

The death of Robin/Damien Wayne occurred in the series Batman Incorporated #8 by Grant Morrison. The effects are felt in the Requiem crossover event that follows his demise, his father Batman and team mourn him, despite their continued commitment to fighting crime. Issue #18 is part of that event, Resolve is told from the perspective of Harper Row, a character created earlier in the series and makes her appearance in first of two of the stories in this book. In her first she is seeking to help Batman with whatever emotional problem he’s dealing with as he is becoming increasingly violent and careless. She’s the main character for the story and fulfils a familiar role as that of the third Robin Tim Drake after the death of the second Robin/Jason Todd in 1989’s A Death in the Family.

The best and biggest part of these stories is Nowhere Man from issues #19 and 20, an entertaining mystery action story with a classic Batman foe. When I first got Vol.4 of the series I was kind of disappointed it left out issue #19 from being collected. Its cover featured Bruce Wayne holding a gun to Jim Gordon was intriguing and is finally collected here. It’s a pretty straight-forward story, as it appears Bruce is taking hostages at gunpoint at Gotham National Bank. It’s a story more concerned with building a fun mystery for the readers to enjoy without having to play to a larger narrative. It also juggles to notion aspect of Batman’s secret identity being exposed, something not seen in Batman comics of recent and gives it an almost silver age feel to it. The story is the stand out of the collection and the two part back up story; Ghost Lights is a supernatural demon story with Superman checking up on how Batman is coping. It plays to Superman’s weaknesses to the supernatural and is a good read. Ages is an Arkham Asylum centric story as Batman gets himself incarnated in to test its security first hand. The story is told from the perspective of a new orderly who meets the first patient of the facility who’s angered by how Batman has changed the Asylum for the worst. It’s a good story and the opening splash page of Batman in handcuffs is great opening to an intriguing story. The Meek old fashioned dark detective story of Batman tracking a serial killer that’s targeting the patients of Dr. Leslie Tompkins. The timeline of this standalone tale takes place concurrently with Snyder’s other series Batman Eternal. Set six months after current continuity Batman Eternal breaks away from usual timeline as Snyder offers a sneak peek into a future Gotham and its criminal underworld. Issue #28 acts a preview of things to come in Batman Eternal.

Batman Vol. 6 is a really enjoyable book that enriches both the series and the character. Bright New Yesterday and Nowhere Man is the kind of story we’ve come to expect from the creative duo while other stories venture into new and different territory with guest artists. While the stories at the start and end are set six years in the past and a Gotham future yet to come, the core of the book’s stories take place in the present with the overarching theme of Batman dealing with the death of his son and crime fighting partner.

Since their debut on Batman, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have been almost consistently focused on telling sweeping epics; Court of Owls was almost a year long, Death of the Family was a multi-faceted Bat-family event and Zero Year is another year-long tale. Graveyard Shift takes a step back from the big stories to present smaller scale ones, these are the stories in between those big sagas that were previously missed during the earlier graphic novel releases. It’s a welcome change of pace and offers a breather before Snyder and Capullo’s next big epic; Endgame that see’s the return of the Joker for a story that’s expected to be another amazing story with some big ramifications in the upcoming next release Batman Vol. 7 Endgame.

Batman Volume 5: Zero Year - Dark City Review

Batman Volume 5: Zero Year Dark City is the next part of the Zero Year story line that ended on a cliff-hanger in the last collection; Batman Volume 4 Zero Year Secret City, in which Bruce Wayne became Batman and successfully stopped the Red Hood gang. After that confrontation Edward Nygma made his presence known as The Riddler and in his first appearance announcing his control over Gotham, shutting off its power and challenging its residents of to rise up to the challenge to turn it back on. Also, the Gotham City Police Department's gruesome discovery sets up the main conflicts for the concluding chapters in this large scale story arc.

Having witnessed Bruce Wayne become the Batman in the last collection, Dark City is the first big challenge in the Batman’s career. He has to save the whole city while being public enemy number one in the eyes of the GCPD. The Riddler’s blackout is not Batman’s primary concern, a series of suspicious and gruesome murders are, wherein the victim’s bones grew out of their own bodies. Doctor Death was one of Batman’s original enemies; being the very first super villain Batman faced, first appearing in Detective Comics #29 in 1939, two issues after Batman’s original appearance. Zero Year Secret City featured the Red Hood, an early Batman villain, the same trend continues here in this re imagining of The Dark Knight's early crime fighting career. Both Doctor Death and the Red Hood are important players in the whole Zero Year saga, they both go way back to the earliest Batman adventures in the Golden Age of comics. Writer Scott Snyder takes one of the first villains he ever faced and puts him into the New 52 continuity as one of Batman’s first super villains. Dr. Karl Helfern, a scientist working on a bone growing serum whose experiments have turned him into a grotesque monster. The results of which have been teased in the final pages of the preceding volume. It’s a throwback to the mad scientist style of villain, Dr. Death provides the physical challenge to Batman in the first part of the story in which The Riddler can’t give. He’s also strikingly designed by Artist Greg Capullo, this modern revamp of the character is the most monstrous, disgusting and grotesque villain created and is extremely well suited to Capullo’s artistry, a most vile creation.

Edward Nygma’s New 52 origin was revealed in the first installment of Zero Year , it reveals that Nygma was once a high level employee of Wayne Enterprises and later becomes The Riddler, causing the blackout. The groundwork had been set and initially The Riddler hovers in the background as an unpredictable threat causing chaos in Gotham. He is not a physical challenge to Batman instead possess a sharp intelligence and cunning mind used to devastating effect. It’s more that just a battle of wits in the biggest scheme in the history of The Riddler. An entirely new version of the character, it’s startling and exciting to reveal as to what this new Riddler is capable of. Snyder has taken the classic Batman villain and has made him work so well in a contemporary Batman story. Some elements of Batman’s early days are somewhat predetermined. The Riddler’s schemes are not, which effectively makes the threat of Zero Year all the more terrifying. Giving Batman challenges unlike ones he’s ever faced before: A broken city, self doubt, and challenges to the essential functions of Batman himself.

In my experience of previous Batman origin tales, Bruce Wayne had always trusted Jim Gordon to some degree. He was the one good cop in Gotham. Their trust and mutual respect was always the foundation of that partnership. In this case, Bruce loathed and hated Jim Gordon along with the rest of the GCPD. It is a terrific addition to the story, Bruce saw Gordon as corrupt, distinctive of Gotham’s law enforcement and part of what turned him into a vigilante. Dark City examines Gordon’s tenure within the GCPD and puts a face to corruption that drove Bruce into taking matters into his own hands. It is a terrific addition to the story; He saw Gordon as corrupt, distinctive of Gotham’s law enforcement and part of drove Bruce into taking matters into his own hands. Dark City examines Gordon’s tenure within the GCPD and puts a face to corruption. This offers a change in the approach of how Gordon and Batman get to work together. The other part of that legend remains unchanged; a young beat cop named Jim Gordon was first on the scene to comfort the boy after the murder of his parents. His role remains the same and the event remains fully intact, it’s what comes after their faithful meeting that is altered so much that young Bruce Wayne grows up hating him. This turn of events adds a new mystery to their story giving readers and fans a twist on their iconic relationship. In the past, Jim had to prove that he would be worthy ally of Batman, Zero Year takes things one step further, personalizing the story to Bruce. Gordon had to earn back Bruce’s trust in order to earn Batman’s. After ripping down the foundation of trust between them, readers and long time fans now get to see this iconic partnership grow once more.

While the partnership of Batman and Gordon is unquestionably vital to the mythos, no other relationship is as commensurate as the one between Bruce and the ever supportive Alfred Pennyworth. While he has often shown to worry about Bruce and his protégés in the past, we now are given a depiction of Alfred constantly against Bruce’s mission. They've always had a conflict and difference of opinions and beliefs. Eventually though, Alfred proves that he basically simply wants the best for Master Bruce, and that he’ll always be there for him. He may not always fully understand or support his Master’s mission but will be ever dependable. Infusing a great deal of meaning and significance to a already meaningful relationship by adding dramatic elements that helped unite the pair in a way never seen before /innovative manner of story telling.

Bruce Wayne of Zero Year Dark City is still a refreshing change of pace from the dark and brooding persona that we've come to know. He’s less honed and regal, taking joy in what he does, a victorious smirk creeps across his face on occasion. He takes joy in what he is doing, his remark about a newly acquired scar he received as “First real kiss of Gotham” is telling of his attitude to his chosen undertaking. Zero Year Batman is a less experienced crime fighter capable of failure, he is still learning, he is vulnerable and the task at hand is too large to do on his own, it’s nice to see emphasis on the heroes without masks that carry Bruce when he falls. This is truly an origin story that enriches Batman’s character significantly, facing his deadliest challenge in his early career. This is a Batman driven by his guilt rather than vengeance. Bruce Wayne is The Batman and not the other way around as has been established over the decades.

Earlier story arcs in this best selling and critically acclaimed Batman series by Snyder and Capullo have been ambitiously large adventures but pale contrast to the Zero Year saga in terms of its sheer scale. A rookie Batman against mad machinations of monstrous Dr. Death and the ingenious of The Riddler, with only newly founded allies of both Jim Gordon and Lucius Fox to aid him in ultimately stopping Nygma’s control over Gotham City. That moment that the story has always been building to, Gotham City in ruins and Batman about to face his foe, teased way back in Batman #21 at the beginning of this story arc.

Snyder and Capullo add plenty of Batman references/easter eggs throughout, paying homage to what has gone before his re-interpretation of the Batman. The final act has a slight reminiscence of The Dark Knight Rises film.

Whereas Batman Year One was slightly more focused on Jim Gordon, Zero Year is a Bruce Wayne story. Presenting Batman’s formative years in the face of Gotham’s biggest threat, while giving insight of both characters pasts. Origin stories can typically be a short mini series or short story arc outlining the highlights of that hero’s journey. Zero Year is a large scale story, told within the pages of this Batman series, It is the origin of one of comics best heroes. Not just how Bruce Wayne came to be The Batman, but how Batman became the protector of his beloved city in the time when it was most in need. The conclusion is a deep and meaningful ending that gives new meaning to a symbolic connection of Batman and his city.

Batman is a character that is infinitely renewable, Zero Year was never intended to override what came before it instead Snyder simply/merely wanted to give his own interpretation of Batman’s origin in a modern contemporary setting of the New 52, Refining and giving us a new Batman going forward for the 75 year old character. Before Robin, the Batmobile and The Joker there was ZERO YEAR, a new take on Batman’s origin unlike any before. A 12 issue story arc offering an expanded and broader scope of an origin story. It doesn't have the appeal of a single short trade paperback graphic novel but instead Zero Year is a large scale and grand adventure, both action-packed and clever to the end. An epic story not to be overlooked and is in my opinion essential Batman story and must read.

Forever Evil Graphic Novel Review

Forever Evil is the first big event of The New 52. Earth is under the rule of the Crime Syndicate, evil counter parts of the Justice League. Earth's heroes have disappeared while villains join the syndicates Secret Society, and for those that don't, join earth's unlikely savior; Lex Luthor. The seven issue mini series is written by Geoff Johns with art by David Finch. For a story about villains Finch was a good choice of artist with his dark visuals of both characters and scenes.

Earth is under rule of the Crime Syndicate, they've taken the world's greatest heroes by surprise. They weren't prepared and the Justice League is gone. In place of the worlds protectors stands a tyrannical cabal of killers whose powers and personalities are an evil reflection of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more. Their simple goal of ruling the world was instantaneous with their army of Earth's worst villains joining there cause. Lex Luthor is the one man who can stand against their rule, forming an allegiance with a crew of criminals as well as one legendary crime fighter making way for a confrontation where no matter the outcome, evil wins.

This is DC Comics and Geoff Johns' first big event of The New 52. It is pretty much a self-contained story spinning out of The Trinity War crossover. The event had building to ever since the series began, pitting the three leagues against one another and setting the stage for Forever Evil.

At the conclusion of the "Trinity War" a gateway was opened to Earth-3 allowing the Crime Syndicate to travel to our earth. Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Johnny Quick and Deathstrom. The leader of Secret Society of Super Villains was revealed to be the Alfred Pennyworth of Earth-3 who arrived prior to the Syndicate to prepare for their arrival along with their mysterious hooded prisoner. It was also revealed that The Atom was actually Atomica from Earth-3, who was an agent for the syndicate who had been infiltrating both A.R.G.U.S and the Justice League. Meanwhile Cyborg's body rejected his human half as a sentiment computer virus had taken over robotic parts coalescing into a robot named Grid. Our heroes were easily defeated and the Crime Syndicate claim that the earth is now theirs. Having read and enjoyed Justice League Vol. 5 Forever Heroes, a tie in to the Forever Evil event, depicting events that run parallel to this huge story. The issue cover images in the companion book mirror some of the events that happen within Forever Evil. The fight between Ultraman and Black Adam that began in the pages Justice League # 24 concludes here. Unlike the last two Justice League books, this isn't a story of crossovers or building to something else. This is a spin off from the Justice League series, it is the main event and was a thrilling event that exhibits that evil is relative.

Neither Forever Evil or Justice League Vol. 5 directly follow up on the events that transpired on the Syndicate's arrival, instead this mini series takes places a short time after when they have began to conquer our world. It leaves it accessible to new readers and merely alludes to the fate of the Justice League's, helping the series to start off on its own distinct note keeping it a straightforward in regard to events that preceded it.

The first act is to catch readers up with the apparent "hero" of this event, Lex Luthor. When the threat is realized that the world is in danger and there is no Superman here to save it. Luthor views this as the realization of how he always felt about the over reliance on superheroes. With no one left to save them, he makes steps necessary to take them out. This conflict may be enough to force even the world's most self-absorbed man to act for the greater good. He has always proclaimed he would have done such good if Superman had not been here, he has a vague notion of heroism. Luthor leads a pack of villains that disagree with the syndicates rule. It is an engaging read as it showcases characters usually viewed as antagonists in a light not seen before, while playing to John's strengths making villains more interesting and complex. As the story progresses you find yourself rooting for Luthor's Injustice League.

It’s an interesting and unique premise, most superhero graphic novels pit the good guys against the bad. Forever Evil’s unique approach puts the bad guys against a villainous group of world conquering tyrants. It is a great story and one of the best since The New 52 began that that dives straight into DC's super villain community depicting a war between the world's villains and the invading Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. Geoff Johns continues the trend of villains growing more complex and interesting. Forever Evil is an exceptional big Justice League style of story but without the worlds greatest heroes being featured making Lex Luthor the “Hero” as earth's saviour. Johns continues to do what he does best and brings the standard of large scale stories back to its former glory that hasn't been seen since Justice League Throne of Atlantis feature.

Issue #1 launches the Forever Evil event and even though it and the book cover features a large assembly of villains its story is not overloaded with them throughout. I was concerned that the story would filled with villains that I wasn't familiar with, but luckily we get a well known handful featured in Luthor's squad while others appear in there own roles in the many tie ins of the Forever Evil event. Bizarro makes his New 52 debut in this fresh approach that far exceeds his usual role as a brainless, comedic villain. Batman plays a secondary role and does his best to control Luthor’s squad. His main objective is a rescue mission for an close alley that the syndicate has already made an example out of.

The story ends as it began with Lex Luthor, he develops and possibly finds a new role in for himself going forward in the DC Universe, but do we buy that Luthor has turned a new leaf? No matter what it changes the dynamic for future stories. It is an epic read and has such a grand finale feel to it, as if it was the end of the series or writer Geoff Johns run on the Justice League comics, fortunately it is not. The mini series is a spin off from the Justice League series but is told in a way that is not heavily necessary or dependent on having read the previous releases as it stands well on its own.The New 52 debut of the Crime Syndicate is a fresh and novel approach, rather than facing off against their heroic counterparts the Syndicate clash a with a band of earth's villains. It's one of the biggest threats the world has seen since the formation of the League in Justice League Vol.1 Origin. Heroes fall, but villains rise taking on the role of earth's heroes. Johns tells an epic story and continues to do what he does best. It feels pivotal if you read the John's current Justice League comics as the upcoming graphic novel release in the series looks to have shaken things up with the outcome of Forever Evil, but again it works well as a stand alone epic tale.

Batman: Birth of the Demon Graphic Novel Review

Hello,

Here is my latest review.

Batman Birth of the Demon

The trilogy of one shot graphic novel stories featuring Batman and Ra’s al Ghul, The Demon and the Detective. 

When I first got into reading Batman books, IGN’s original Top 25 best graphic novel list was a great help. The list has changed and been updated a few times since but back then I was seeking out the books that I was interested in. Two of those books were Birth of the Demon and Son of the Demon. Both were unavailable and I put them out of my mind for a time. Recently I saw an Amazon List of the Top Ten Batman Graphic Novels and this collection was listed. It contained the two aforementioned tales as well as Batman: Bride of the Demon, all referred to as The Demon Head trilogy. This new collection featured classic stories from the 1987, 1991 & 1993 respectively. 

BATMAN: BIRTH OF THE DEMON collects: 
Batman: Son of the Demon Written by Mike W. Barr and rt by Jerry Bingham
Batman: Bride of the Demon Written by Mike W. Barr and art by Tom Grindberg
Batman: Birth of the Demon Written by Dennis O'Neil and art by Norm Breyfogle

Ra’s al Ghul is character that doesn't appear in too many Batman stories, its quality over quantity. The only stories I have read where he featured as the main antagonist are Mark Waid’s Justice League Tower of Babel and Matt Wagner’s Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman Trinity. In my opinion he has always been one the scariest and creepiest of the Batman villain’s and yet a fascinating and interesting character. Ra’s al Ghul is great villain that is well matched for Batman and presents a very different kind of story.


The trilogy begins with a strong start with Son of The Demon features The Dark Knight and Head of the Demon form a partnership while they both track down a mutual adversary along with Talia, who has always been one of the more interesting of Batman’s love interests. Batman begins his allegiance with Ra’s and ultimately becoming Ra’s son after he and Talia marry and she reveales that she's pregnant with Batman’s child. It is a welcome change offering brighter light to a character that is so steeped in the darkness. One of the happier Batman tales of the 80’s. I really liked the story Batman, Ra’s and Talia all work together to bring down their enemy, another refreshing take for a solo character. Ra’s has no ulterior motive to double cross the Dark Knight, he trusts him and even allows Batman to train the his troops in non lethal forms of combat. This was a great story one of the great Batman tales you will ever read. Son of the Demon offers a fantastic mix of action and drama. Talia's loyalties become split between father and husband.

The beginning of the Ra's trilogy, Son of the Demon is a refreshing read. We get to see how Batman was portrayed in the late 80’s. Batman’s humanity is on full display in this tale. If you've ever had a fascination with the Demon's Head, Son of the Demon is one book you absolutely must read.

The second story Bride of the Demon, finds Ra’s al Ghul having moved on from his desire for the “Detective” to be his heir and instead seeks to create his own. The main plot of the story is Ra’s working with a environmental scientist to repair the damage done to the O-zone layer and have his own son to carry on Ra’s al Ghul improved world. He offers the chance to an aged Hollywood starlet to regain her youth in return to be his bride and to aid his determination of having a son. It feels like the kind of story that you would expect from Ra’s al Ghul story, the environmental terrorist. While the previous story consists of personal vendetta this is much more of the typical Ra’s al Ghul story, Batman attempts to thwart his plans for the betterment of mankind but with many human casualties in the process. The story does feature some great action scenes, detective work and one of the favorite moments of the story, Ra’s Al Ghul’s men leading an assault on the Batcave. The story also continues the conflict of Talia, torn between her Father and her Beloved. Ra's is shown as both tyrant and tortured soul, it's hard not to feel some sympathy for his cause.

It is an expected and great story featuring Batman and his biggest adversary Ra’s al Ghul. It’s good reading, offering a new element as Ra’s requires a bride and to be a father again. The story is the kind of story what you’d be expecting that feels right in this collection sandwiched in between two other great Batman and Ra’s al Ghul classic stories. 

Birth of the Demon, It is easy to see why this is title for this graphic novel and also why it was saved to the last. This was a brilliant story and gave me the biggest thrill of the three. The book ends in final Ra’s al Ghul tale detailing his origin in the time of the crusades.

Batman is determined to put an end to Ra's al Ghul's reign of terror. Not by killing him but by making it impossible for Ra's to revive himself within Lazarus Pit. Having discovered the secret to the location of each pit, Batman has been repeatedly foiling any attempts to create new pits. In response to this, Tailia sets out to prepare the final pit personally where she confronts Batman and the former lovers begin to discuss Ra’s Al Ghul and how he came to be hundreds of years ago. A key component in of most of the Ra’s Al Ghul stories is the Lazuras Pits, this tale does answer the questions to how and why they work and even why his name translates as Head of the Demon. The last story is the best, I thought the first story was very good, the second was good but the final story completely took me by surprise by how brilliant it was. It's more of a character driven story in the hands of the writer who created him Dennis O Neil. I was hoping when I bought this collection it would feature the famous first story arc featuring Ra’s al Ghul and Batman issue #232, but this final story pays homage to that infamous final duel that we've first scene in the aforementioned issue.This story is brilliant and was real surprise to actually how good it was. I loved the first story and thought it couldn't be topped but Birth of the Demon blows both those stories out of the water. Almost as if there was no plot, just a story of a man and how it came to be. A character driven tale unlike anything I have read before. The art is stunning too, it really fits the story. 

This spectacular story ends in a climatic showdown between the Demon and the Dark Knight. This final face is nothing more that a duel between these two long time adversaries, Ra’s no plans in place and Batman is not trying to prevent the latest evil scheme, just good old fashioned fight which lasts for several pages and is the thrilling to witness. 

Overall it is a great book featuring one of the most fascinating villains of the DC Universe. This collection offers fans a chance to get into these stories that are no longer available individually. Here the Demon trilogy in one great collection of classic stories. The book cover art is by Andy Kubert who also was the artist for the Batman and Son story. Each tale provides roughly an hour and half of reading, all the stories are different and the first two show us Ra’s al Ghul in the modern setting against Batman and the final story we learn of how he came to be before a epic face off with Batman. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and getting to get into stories of one of Batman’s infamous and mysterious villains. Ra's al Ghul will be the main antagonist in the upcoming third season of Arrow. I loved this book, the highlight for me was the final story, Birth of the Demon. Ra’s al Ghul’s origin and best story written by one of his creators Dennis O Neil. I've just stared reading Dennis O Neil and Neal Adam’s acclaimed stories that first brought relevance to comics in the 1970’s. That review will be up sometime soon after I get through the 18 issues.

Bye for now

K

First Superman Image from Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

Our first official look at Superman in the Batman V Superman movie, Dawn of Justice. The dark and moody grey filled sky helps establishes the tone for the new movie. the background in this picture look rather Gotham-like? It strongly suggests that Superman in the Dark Knight's home town. We got our fist look at Clark Kent in a behind the scenes photo earlier in the week but this gives us a much better inclination to what the movie's direction will take.

About two months back we got the first look at the highly anticipated look at Ben Affleck's Batman costume for the Man of Steel sequel. The costume and the movie takes influence from Frank Miller's epic tale The Dark Knight Returns. 

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice 

will hit our screens on April 29 2016 UK and US on 6 May 2016.

Mattel DC Universe Super Powers unveiled at Toy Fair 2014, End of DC Universe Classics

Mattel DC Universe Classics News

So, after few blog entries on my DC Universe Classics Collection I went online to Matty Collector to see what was next for Mattel's DC Universe figures in light of the New York Toy Fair 2014 . These new figures from Mattel are a throwback to toy manufactures Kenner's Super Powers action figures that were released in the mid 1980's. The Super Powers line of figures inspired Mattel's DC Universe Classics in ways of general design and of character choices. 

                               

The Super Powers line celebrates it's 30th Anniversary this year. It is also sad news as it the end of DC Universe collectors figures from Mattel. Mattel's DC Universe Classics have been going since 2008 and now this year come to an end. Mattel's DC Universe Adult Collectors Action  Figures have been my preferred line of DC Collector figures and in my opinion the best.

Now in 2014 they get there send off in the appearance of the Super Powers figures from the 1980's that  Mattel had taken inspiration from. Below is the is the article from Matty Collectors News. 

2014 Toy Fair Reveals
Straight From the Action in New York

DC Universe Super Powers 

A milestone in modern toy collecting comes to a close as the DC Universe Classics and DC Signature series makes a heroic finale. But we wouldn’t ride into the sunset without one final hurrah for our fans! Now, as we celebrate both the end of DC Universe Classics and the 30th anniversary of Super Powers, we’re proud to present a final six figure series in Four Horsemen style, with packaging harkening back to the classic 80′s toy line. As one era ends, we celebrate the entire modern history of collecting DC Comics action figures with the DC Super Powers 6″ collection!*

• Superman™: coming September
• Batman™: coming September
• Wonder Woman: coming September
• Gold Superman™: coming October
• Green Lantern as The Riddler: coming October
• Mr. Mxyzptlk: coming October
• Kalibak: collect and connect figure

  

*While we are extremely excited for this Super Powers finale, please know this is a onetime 2014 sendoff. It does not represent a rebranding or potential relaunch of the 6” line. Once these are gone, they are gone!

The 30th Anniversary of Super Powers Collection from Mattel are the original and classic appearances of the big three, Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman which all look great.

Green Lantern as the Riddler is a bit of an odd appearance but its a homage to how the Riddler Super Powers action figure appeared back in the 80's. Back then The Riddler figure was just a repaint of the Green Lantern figure and still retaining his power ring  on this hand. The Riddler is decorated in the same way his original figure was down to the discolored limbs. The Gold Superman was never released in the Super Powers Collection, although during the 80's Superman was celebrating his 50th anniversary and Kenner planned to produce a Gold Superman figure. The figure never got released only a prototype figure was made. 

Kenner's Super Powers Action Figures

The other figures that will be released is Superman foe Mr. Mxyzptlk who wasn't part of the Super Powers line. The final figure is Collect and Connect Kalibak in his 80's Super Powers paint deco. Each of the other figures will include a piece to build Kalibak in fashion of the Waves 1-20 of the DC Universe Classics. 

These figures are really cool painted in their 80's colour scheme and vintage style packaging. Each Collect and Connect piece will be attached outside of the packaging so it gives collectors the option to display the figure in package.

So as Mattel ends its DC Universe Adult Collector Action Figures it all comes full circle as the line of figures ends with the toy line it was inspired by. These retro style figures that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Kenner's Super Powers line. 

It had to end sometime, but its great that the end of Mattel's figures coincided with the 30th anniversary of Kenner's Super Powers 80's toy line and it goes out with a celbration paying homage to brining the best of both in it's final relase of Adult Collectors Action Figures.

Thanks for reading

Have fun

K

My Collection: DC Universe Batman Legacy Edition Batman First Appearance

The one that started it all…it's the first ever Batman appearance when he made his debut in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. 

As of this month, Batman has entertained fans for the past 75 years. He is now the only comic book superhero who has remained continuously in print since the Golden Age of comics, outlasting even his most famous colleague, Superman disappeared in 1992 but was then resurrected.

I purchased this figure from Amazon in October 2013 and with Batman’s 75th anniversary I felt there was no better time to open this great action figure based on his first appearance from 1939.

Today Batman still retains his original origin and motivations for his crusade for justice. Most artist interpretations primarily consist of this colour scheme,the black cape and cowl, gray suit and yellow utility belt. 

Over his 75 years Batman has updated his costume many times, I like how this costume gets a reference in various forms of Batman related media, animated shows, video games etc.

Ominous. Driven. Relentless.

Unleashed in Detective Comics #27, and inspired by the graphic stories of the pulp fiction era. The Batman arrived nearly fully formed. From the start, the Caped Crusader was a master detective and a man of science, driven to avenge the murder of his parents. This first iteration of the batman wore gloves to conceal his fingers prints and his signature dark ominous cape and cowl to strike fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere. A super hero without super powers, Batman is the ultimate expression of a man pushed to his physical and mental limits in the pursuit of justice!

This is an outstanding action figure being influenced from Batman’s first appearance in Detective Comics #27 - An Exclusive mini poster is included depicting that iconic cover. All figures in the Batman Legacy line include a poster representative of the character from their era that they are inspired from.It's hard to believe Batman is 75 years old, but something about him is compelling- his mysterious, dark nature is identifiable to us all somehow. Many great artists have rendered him over the years, likely none of which haven't looked to his roots as inspiration. Most people have never known a world without Batman, it's hard to imagine how bizarre he appeared to people back in 1939.

This is very likely to be the last Batman figure I will purchase for my collection. I started with New 52 Batman then inadvertently worked my way back to the Golden Age First Appearance figure. I have a Batman from each period that meant the most to me and I end with how it began with this Batman collectors figure. The figure is part of Mattel's Batman Legacy series, a line of adult collector action figures that celebrates the legacy of one the greatest superheroes of all time, paying homage to the caped crusader! The Batman Legacy series contains a wide array of looks and characters from the Batman universe from comics, video games and the modern live action movies. The figure comes in a really nice box containing some original artwork specific to the figure, I really like the Batman logo too. All figures in this series included a personalized display stand and an Exclusive mini poster of the character. The poster depicts the cover of Detective Comics #27 and is about the same size as a comic book. Other figures in this wave contained Nightwing and Harley Quinn figures form the Batman Arkham City video game.

Batman Legacy Wave 3 was released in 2012 after DC Universe Classics Wave 20 but before the All Stars line that featured the New 52 Batman. Previous Batman Legacy figures featured Batman figures of the Modern and Golden Age. In my opinion, this one defiantly the best. Even though this is my fourth Batman figure from Mattel, it is not a repaint of of another previous Batman sculpt. This figure’s torso is slimmer than the first DC Universe Classics Batman.

Batman Legacy action figures include a nice Batman figure display stand in either gold, silver or black representing the era the figure's appearance is influenced from. This figure stand is gold and has the a bat symbol on it. Some lines of the DC Universe Classics figures came with a figure display stands, but now with Batman having his own line of action figures it means that fans also get a great display stand. For me, this benefits the significance of this figure from his first appearance in 1939 in the period know as the Golden Age of comic books.

It is such a cool figure, I liked having my other three Batman comic book figures of my favorite looks, the classic 70’s, New 52 and the movie version. I did want to add the first look figure to my collection as it just looks great. It's made by Mattel and similar to other DC Universe Classics figures I own. I love the overall look of the figure and the basic and stripped down aspect of the figure. It would have been really cool if the this Batman included a gun accessory. We all know Batman is against guns but back in his early days he did use a gun for a short time and it would have been a little tribute to his before it was later refined. First appearance figures are awesome and and have a real throw back vibe to the first version of the much loved comic book characters. This look pays tribute to Bob Kane’s initial conception for the character that first appeared on Detective Comics #27 in May 1939 without it there would be no Batman that we all love and adore today.

Classic 70's, Golden Age & New 52 figures

The First Appearance Batman action figure acts as a center-piece of my Mattel DC Universe Collector figures. I have it displayed in the middle of my two comic book Batman figures paired with their figure of that era. 70's Classic style Batman and The Joker New 52 Batman and Superman.

I'm really happy and couldn't pass up such a great offer of a great action figure. I'm a big fan of all things Batman. It is extremely likely that this could be my last Batman figure for my collection, so it's extremely fitting it this is that last one where it began for the Caped Crusader during the celebration of Batman's 75th anniversary. This Batman has a unique feel to it, Batman has inspired most of the characters around him. Without the creation of Batman, there would have been no other Batman action figures, no Joker and DC Comics wouldn't be the powerhouse it is today without the arrival of it's best known and most popular character. 

This Batman collectors figure has a real novelty and uniqueness to it. Innovation and originality makes this figure so remarkable, resembling the early creation of the character. 75 years ago the creation of The Batman was momentous, it has inspired most of the figures around him. Without the creation of Batman there would have been no other Batman figures,no Joker and DC Comics would not be the powerhouse it is today without the arrival of it's best known and most popular creation. The Batman. I feel this a very significant collectors figure in a fan's Batman figure collection. I got them all in reverse order of staring with my 2011 New 52 look Batman working back to 2008, 1970's then the 1939 First Appearance of the Batman.

Hope you enjoyed this Batman figure story / mini history lesson. Batman like so many people is a big thing to me, my favorite comic book super-hero/crime fighter.

Bye for now Bat-fans


Chat soon

Bye
K